How to Deal with Damaged Bleached Hair

Woman taking care of her damaged long bleached hair — Photo: Oksanashufrych via Canva

Bleaching your hair can create a beautiful result, but that lighter color can come at a price – hair damage. If you’ve found your strands are suffering after a bleaching session, you’ll want to read the following tips on how to repair damaged bleached hair.

Restore your natural oils

The chemical process of lightening your hair can leave it brittle, dry, and damaged. Therefore, the first thing you should do is provide your hair (and scalp) with plenty of nourishment and hydration. Your scalp releases oils naturally to help keep your skin and strands luscious, but sometimes it needs a helping hand, especially after bleaching.

By choosing gentle products, you can ensure that your hair does not have to deal with any further harsh ingredients. Look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, as well as deeply hydrating hair masks and leave-in treatments. Don't forget to look for products that are specifically formulated for your scalp. Look for nourishing ingredients like vitamin B3 to take care of the skin under your strands, too.

Just remember to leave your hair alone for a full 48 hours after it has been bleached. Do not apply any shampoo for the first two days. After that, you can begin to treat your scalp and strands to a deeply moisturizing and hydrating experience.

Woman with bleached hair wearing a swimming cap — Photo: Jupiterimages via Canva

Protect your hair

As well as being mindful of what you put on your hair, you'll also want to be aware of what not to expose your hair to. Because bleach contains chemicals, it is best to avoid adding any more chemicals to your hair, such as those found in swimming pools. You can still go for a swim; just keep your hair out of the water. This is a useful tip to follow at all times, but especially for the first 10 weeks after bleaching your hair.

If you use heated styling tools, you'll want to add a layer of protection to your hair first to limit any further damage. This means spritzing on a heat protection spray before using your hairdryer, curling iron, or straighteners. Better yet, skip the hot tools entirely if you can. Speaking of heat, the sun’s UV rays can cause further damage to your hair, so it’s a good idea to wear a headscarf or hat when you go out in the sun.

It is not only excessive heat that you should avoid; it is also excess friction. This can further weaken damaged, bleached hair and even break your strands. Try to avoid hairstyles that involve pulling your hair back tightly, or using bobby pins and metal barrettes that can snag your strands. Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet, and opt for a wide-tooth comb (or even your fingers) to detangle it. Switching your regular pillowcase for a silky smooth silk or satin one can also help protect your hair when you move your head around in your sleep.

Blonde woman with a silk or satin pillow — Photo: Tatiana via Canva

These tips on how to repair damaged, bleached hair should help set you on your way to healthier hair. There are many questions concerning hair damage in general, and you can learn more about caring for your strands with these damaged hair FAQs.