Bleaching dark hair can be intimidating. It is important to do it correctly to avoid any unwanted orange or brassy tones in your hair. This guide will walk you through the steps to get the results you are looking for.
Bleaching your hair can seem intimidating, especially if you have dark hair. If done incorrectly, your hair could end up with an unflattering orange tone. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure a successful bleaching. Follow these easy steps to safely lighten your hair without sacrificing your hair’s health.
Before applying the bleach, use a pre-lightening treatment to further protect your hair. To do so, mix a small amount of conditioner with either honey or a color-safe shampoo to create a gooey paste. Massage the mixture evenly into your hair before covering it with the plastic cap. Leave the treatment in for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, before rinsing it out.
Mix your lightening powder with the appropriate quantity of developer in the plastic bowl. Make sure that you’re using the correct ratio of powder to developer for best results. Use the tint brush to mix the bleach and developer until you’ve created an even consistency.
Once you’ve prepped the bleaching mixture, part your hair horizontally and gently comb it through. Starting at the bottom, use the tint brush to apply the bleach in sections. Make sure to work quickly and evenly to ensure that all areas of hair are covered. Once you’re finished, cover your hair with the plastic cap and let the bleach process for 30-40 minutes.
Rinse the bleach mixture out of your hair until the water runs clear and then dry it. Be careful when drying not to overwork the hair as it can be fragile in its newly-lightened state. Use the styling scissors to trim away any uneven ends.
The last step is to restore your hair to its former glory. Apply conditioner to your locks and leave it in for at least 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse your hair and shampoo it. If need be, apply a toner to counter any orange tones that might have come through. And voilà! You’ve successfully lightened your dark hair without turning it orange.