Non-permanent Bleach

Woman with bleached hair
Photo: Shutterstock
Q: How can I remove bleach from my hair?
 
I have naturally dark hair and I'm thinking about bleaching it to try a lighter look. However, I'm worried that I might not like the results. If I bleach my hair and decide I want my original color back, is there a way to remove the bleach, or will I have to wait for it to grow out? What are my options for getting back to a shade that looks like my natural hair?
 
A: You cannot "remove" bleach. During the bleaching process, bleach breaks down and disperses the natural color pigments (melanin) inside the hair shaft, causing the hair to become lighter. Because of the way bleach works, it is very different from regular hair dye. Bleach only takes color away - it does not add color - so once the natural pigment has been lightened, there is no way to reverse the process or wash the bleach out of the hair.
 
If you decide that you don't like the results of bleaching, the only way to return to a darker shade is to color your hair again. This usually involves selecting a hair color formula that closely matches your natural shade while also taking into account how light the hair became during the bleaching process. Depending on how much the hair was lightened, your stylist may need to replace some of the warm underlying pigments before applying your target color. This helps the finished result look more natural and prevents the hair from developing an unwanted green or dull tone.
 
Keep in mind that recreating your natural hair color can sometimes take more than one appointment, especially if your hair was bleached several levels lighter. Hair color tends to fade differently on previously bleached hair because the hair is more porous, so you may notice that the color fades faster than it would on virgin hair. Regular color maintenance or color-refreshing treatments may be needed to keep the shade looking even and rich.
 
It's also important to remember that bleaching permanently changes the structure of the hair. Coloring over bleached hair restores the appearance of your original color, but it does not restore the hair itself to its pre-bleached condition. The hair may still feel drier, more fragile, or more prone to breakage than it was before.
 
The hair bleaching process
 
Because both bleaching and recoloring are chemical services, your hair experiences stress twice. For that reason, it's especially important to follow up with a good hair care routine. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair, apply a deep conditioning treatment regularly, and consider using a bond-building treatment if your hair feels weak or damaged. Limiting heat styling and protecting your hair from excessive sun exposure can also help preserve both the health of your hair and the longevity of your color.
 
If you're unsure whether you'll like a lighter shade, consider starting with subtle highlights or a balayage instead of bleaching all of your hair. These techniques allow you to experiment with a lighter color while making it easier to return to a darker color if you change your mind.
 
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See also:
 
Hair coloring
 
Hair bleaching problems
 
How does bleaching hair work?
 
Where does the color go when you bleach dark hair?