The quest for the perfect blonde often leads us to the salon chair, placing our trust in the hands of skilled hairdressers. But have you ever wondered what magic potion they use to transform dull locks into radiant, sun-kissed shades? The answer, more often than not, lies in the bleach they choose. While the skill of the stylist is paramount, the quality of the bleach plays a critical role in achieving the desired results while minimizing damage. This article delves deep into the world of professional hair bleach, exploring the brands hairdressers trust and the factors that influence their choices.
Understanding the Hairdresser’s Perspective on Bleach
Choosing the right bleach isn’t just about lightening hair; it’s about understanding hair structure, minimizing damage, and achieving consistent results. Hairdressers consider various factors, from the client’s hair type and existing color to the desired level of lift and the overall health of the hair. They need bleach that provides predictable results, doesn’t compromise the hair’s integrity, and allows for creative color techniques.
Factors Influencing Bleach Selection
Several factors dictate which bleach a professional hairdresser might reach for. The level of lift required is a crucial consideration. Some bleaches are formulated for gentle lightening, ideal for subtle highlights, while others are designed for significant transformations, like achieving platinum blonde from dark hair. The condition of the client’s hair is also paramount. Damaged or fragile hair requires a gentler bleach and a lower volume developer.
Another important factor is the consistency and texture of the bleach mixture. Hairdressers often prefer bleaches that are easy to mix, apply, and control, allowing for precise placement and even lightening. The speed of processing is also a consideration, as some clients may have limited time. However, rushing the lightening process can often lead to damage, so finding a balance between speed and safety is essential.
Finally, brand reputation and past experiences play a significant role. Hairdressers often stick with brands they know and trust, based on their own experiences and recommendations from other professionals.
The Importance of Developer Volume
It’s crucial to understand that the bleach powder itself is only one component. The developer, usually hydrogen peroxide, activates the bleach and determines the speed and intensity of the lightening process. Hairdressers use different developer volumes (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume) depending on the hair type, desired lift, and the bleach being used. A lower volume developer is gentler and slower, while a higher volume developer provides faster and more significant lightening but carries a higher risk of damage. Using the appropriate developer volume is essential for achieving the desired results without compromising hair health.
Top Bleach Brands Favored by Hairdressers
While individual preferences vary, certain bleach brands consistently earn high praise from hairdressers for their performance, reliability, and gentle formulation. Here’s a look at some of the most popular choices.
Wella Blondor
Wella Blondor is a name synonymous with professional hair lightening. It’s widely regarded for its consistent results and ability to lift hair effectively while minimizing damage. The Blondor range includes various formulations, catering to different needs and hair types.
- Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder: This is a classic, versatile bleach suitable for a wide range of lightening techniques. It’s known for its controlled lift and anti-yellow molecules, which help to neutralize unwanted brassy tones.
- Wella Blondor Freelights: Specifically designed for freehand techniques like balayage, Freelights offers a clay-like consistency that stays put without bleeding, allowing for precise application and seamless blending.
Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe
Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe is another highly regarded brand in the professional hair color industry. It’s particularly popular for its integrated bonding technology, which helps to protect and strengthen the hair during the lightening process.
- Schwarzkopf BlondMe Bond Enforcing Premium Lightener 9+: This powerful lightener is capable of lifting hair up to nine levels, making it ideal for dramatic transformations. The integrated bonding technology helps to minimize breakage and maintain hair integrity.
- Schwarzkopf BlondMe Clay Lightener: This clay-based lightener is perfect for freehand techniques, offering precise application and controlled lift. The clay consistency helps to prevent bleeding and ensures even lightening.
Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside
Redken Flash Lift Bonder Inside offers a unique approach to hair lightening, incorporating a bonder directly into the bleach formula. This helps to protect and strengthen the hair bonds during the lightening process, reducing damage and breakage.
- The Flash Lift Bonder Inside provides a powerful lift while simultaneously reinforcing the hair’s internal structure. This makes it a great option for clients with compromised or fragile hair.
L’Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio
L’Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio offers a comprehensive range of lightening products designed to meet the diverse needs of hairdressers. The range includes powders, creams, and oils, catering to various lightening techniques and hair types.
- L’Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio 8 Bonder Inside: This lightener offers up to 8 levels of lift while helping to protect the hair’s bonds.
- L’Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio Oil Developer: This developer is designed to be used with the Blond Studio range and provides a gentle and controlled lift.
Olaplex
While not technically a bleach brand, Olaplex deserves mention due to its revolutionary impact on the hair lightening process. Olaplex is a bond multiplier that helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair bonds, reducing breakage and improving overall hair health.
- Many hairdressers incorporate Olaplex into their lightening services, adding it directly to the bleach mixture to minimize damage. This allows for more aggressive lightening without compromising the integrity of the hair. Olaplex has become an indispensable tool for many professional colorists.
Beyond the Brand: Achieving Optimal Results
Choosing the right bleach brand is only one piece of the puzzle. Achieving optimal results requires a thorough understanding of hair science, proper application techniques, and careful monitoring of the lightening process.
The Importance of Consultation and Strand Testing
Before embarking on any lightening service, a thorough consultation is essential. This allows the hairdresser to assess the client’s hair type, condition, and desired outcome. A strand test is also highly recommended, especially for clients with previously colored or damaged hair. A strand test involves applying the bleach to a small, inconspicuous section of hair to assess how it responds to the lightener and determine the appropriate processing time.
Application Techniques and Monitoring
Proper application techniques are crucial for achieving even and consistent lightening. Hairdressers use various techniques, such as foil highlights, balayage, and global lightening, depending on the desired effect. It’s important to apply the bleach evenly and avoid overlapping, which can lead to uneven results and damage.
During the lightening process, the hairdresser must carefully monitor the hair to ensure it’s lifting at the desired rate and that there are no signs of damage or distress. The bleach should be removed as soon as the desired level of lift is achieved to prevent over-processing.
Post-Lightening Care and Maintenance
After lightening, the hair requires special care to maintain its health and vibrancy. Hairdressers often recommend using a protein treatment to help strengthen and rebuild damaged hair bonds. It’s also important to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to replenish lost moisture. Regular trims can help to remove split ends and prevent further breakage.
The Future of Hair Lightening
The hair lightening industry is constantly evolving, with new products and techniques emerging all the time. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative bleaches and bonding agents that offer superior results with minimal damage. The focus is increasingly on creating gentler, more sustainable products that prioritize the health and integrity of the hair. Hairdressers will continue to play a vital role in guiding clients toward the perfect blonde, using their expertise and knowledge to achieve stunning transformations while protecting the health and beauty of their hair. The key is to stay informed, adapt to new technologies, and prioritize the well-being of the client’s hair above all else.
What are some popular bleach brands that professional hairdressers frequently rely on?
Professional hairdressers often gravitate towards brands that provide consistent results, minimal damage, and predictable lifting power. Some frequently used brands include Wella Blondor, L’Oréal Blond Studio, Redken Flash Lift, Schwarzkopf BlondMe, and Joico Blonde Life. These brands typically offer a range of bleach powders and cream developers designed to cater to various hair types and desired levels of lift, allowing stylists to tailor their approach based on the individual client’s needs and hair history.
The consistent performance and reliability of these brands are crucial for maintaining a stylist’s reputation and ensuring client satisfaction. They invest in research and development to formulate products that minimize breakage and dryness while achieving the desired blonde shades. Many also offer accompanying bond-building treatments or systems, further minimizing damage and promoting healthier-looking hair after bleaching.
Why do hairdressers have preferred bleach brands instead of using whatever is cheapest?
Hairdressers prioritize the health and integrity of their clients’ hair above all else. While cost is a factor, the potential damage caused by using a lower-quality, cheaper bleach can result in extensive repair work, dissatisfied clients, and ultimately, a negative impact on their business. Consistent results, predictable lifting, and minimal damage are far more important than saving a few dollars on the product itself.
Professional-grade bleach brands undergo rigorous testing and formulation to ensure consistent performance and minimize the risk of over-processing or severe damage. Cheaper alternatives may contain harsh chemicals or inconsistent formulations, leading to uneven lifting, breakage, and potentially compromised hair structure. This makes the investment in reputable brands a necessary expense for professionals.
How does the choice of developer influence the bleach’s performance?
The developer acts as the activating agent for the bleach powder, and its volume (percentage of hydrogen peroxide) significantly impacts the speed and intensity of the lifting process. A higher volume developer will lift faster and more dramatically, but also carries a higher risk of damage if not carefully monitored. Lower volume developers lift more gradually and gently, making them suitable for fine or fragile hair, or for achieving subtle highlights.
Different bleach brands often have recommended developer volumes for optimal performance and to minimize the risk of damage. Hairdressers carefully select the developer volume based on the client’s hair type, condition, and desired level of lift. Using the correct developer with the chosen bleach is crucial for achieving predictable and consistent results, ultimately protecting the health and integrity of the hair.
Are there specific bleach types better suited for dark hair compared to lighter hair?
Yes, darker hair often requires a stronger bleach and potentially multiple applications to achieve significant lightening. Hairdressers often utilize bleach powders with higher lifting capabilities, paired with developers that are appropriately chosen based on the hair’s condition, for dark hair. They might also employ techniques like balayage or foiling to minimize damage during the lightening process.
For lighter hair, stylists may opt for gentler bleach formulas or cream bleaches, which tend to be less aggressive. The risk of over-processing is higher with lighter hair, making a more controlled and gradual lightening process essential. Using a lower volume developer and monitoring the lifting progress closely are also crucial for preventing damage and achieving the desired shade.
How can I find out what specific bleach a salon uses before booking an appointment?
The easiest way is to simply call the salon and ask. Most salons are transparent about the products they use, as it builds trust and allows clients to make informed decisions. You can specifically inquire about the bleach brands they carry and the types of developers they use.
Alternatively, you can often find information on the salon’s website or social media pages. Many salons showcase the professional brands they use as a selling point, highlighting the quality of their services. Checking online reviews can also sometimes provide insights into the products used by particular stylists or salons.
Is it possible to achieve salon-quality bleach results at home using the same brands hairdressers use?
While you can purchase some of the same bleach brands that hairdressers use, achieving salon-quality results at home is challenging and often not recommended. Hairdressers possess extensive knowledge of hair structure, color theory, and proper application techniques, which are crucial for achieving even lifting and minimizing damage. They can assess your hair’s condition and tailor the process accordingly.
Attempting to bleach your hair at home without the necessary expertise carries a significant risk of uneven results, breakage, and chemical burns. Even with professional-grade products, improper application or incorrect developer selection can lead to severe damage that is difficult and costly to repair. Consulting with a professional is always the safest and most effective way to achieve your desired hair color.
What are some signs that a salon is using high-quality bleach products and techniques?
One sign is the salon’s willingness to discuss the products they use and explain their approach to lightening hair. They should be able to articulate why they choose specific brands and developers, and how they tailor the process to your individual hair needs and desired outcome. A focus on hair health and minimizing damage is also a positive indicator.
Additionally, look for salons that invest in bond-building treatments or systems designed to protect and strengthen the hair during the bleaching process. These treatments, often added to the bleach mixture or used as post-treatment, help to minimize breakage and dryness, resulting in healthier and more resilient hair. A salon that prioritizes these preventative measures is likely using high-quality products and techniques.