Applying a Rinse to Bleached Hair

Bleached African hair
Photo: Kinga/Shutterstock
Q: I am an African-American woman who recently (two days ago, to be exact) had my hair bleached by my stylist. I’m unhappy with the results and would like to apply a rinse to adjust the color. I understand that bleaching is a harsh process. How soon can I safely rinse my hair without causing further damage?
 
A: A rinse is a temporary color that typically washes out with each shampoo, so in that sense, it is safe to apply to your hair and won’t cause additional harm. However, there are some important factors to consider before proceeding.
 
If the bleaching process has left your hair damaged or overly porous, the temporary rinse may absorb more deeply than intended. As a result, the color might not wash out completely after just one shampoo, and you could experience some color bleeding onto fabrics like pillowcases or clothing.
 
For any type of color application - even a temporary rinse - it’s always best to ensure your hair is in good condition first. If you’re not looking for a purely temporary solution but rather a way to soften or tone down the bleached appearance, you might actually be thinking of a toner. Unlike a rinse, a toner is a permanent color treatment, though it’s usually very subtle. Toners are often used to neutralize unwanted brassiness, even out tone, and refine bleached hair for a more polished result.
 
That said, a toner is a deposit-only color process that still involves a mild chemical reaction. Because of this, it’s even more crucial to make sure your hair is strong enough to handle another chemical service. If your hair is already compromised from bleaching, applying toner too soon could lead to further dryness or breakage.
 
If you decide to go with a temporary rinse, I recommend waiting at least a week before applying it. In the meantime, focus on deep-conditioning treatments every few days to restore moisture and strength. Here’s how to do it effectively:
 
1. Apply a rich, moisturizing conditioner to your hair, ensuring even coverage from roots to ends.
 
2. Cover your hair with a plastic cap to trap heat and enhance absorption.
 
3. Leave the conditioner on for at least 20 minutes. For deeper penetration, you can sit under a warm dryer or wrap your head in heated towels during this time.
 
4. Rinse out the conditioner with lukewarm water, then finish with a cool water rinse to help seal the hair cuticles and boost shine.
 
Once your hair feels healthier and more resilient, you can proceed with the rinse. If you’re considering a toner instead, I strongly recommend consulting your stylist first. They can assess your hair’s condition and determine the safest approach to achieve your desired result without risking further damage.
 
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See also:
 
Hair coloring
 
What is a rinse?
 
Temporary hair color