Bleaching your hair can be a thrilling journey into the world of vibrant colors and lighter shades. However, the process can sometimes lead to unexpected results, leaving you with a color that’s far from your desired outcome. In such situations, the question arises: can you reach for a hair color remover after you’ve already bleached your hair? The answer is a bit complex and depends on various factors. Let’s dive deep into understanding this.
Understanding Bleach and Hair Color Remover
Before exploring the possibility of using hair color remover after bleaching, it’s crucial to understand what these products do and how they interact with your hair.
The Science Behind Bleach
Bleach, at its core, is a powerful oxidizing agent. It works by penetrating the hair shaft and breaking down the natural melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. This process lightens the hair, preparing it for the application of a new color or allowing it to remain in its lightened state. Bleach permanently alters your hair structure, making it more porous and vulnerable to damage. The strength of the bleach, indicated by the volume of the developer, determines the level of lift achieved. Higher volume developers provide more significant lightening but also pose a greater risk of damage.
How Hair Color Removers Work
Hair color removers, on the other hand, are designed to shrink the artificial color molecules deposited in the hair shaft from previous coloring sessions. They work by reversing the oxidation process that occurs during hair coloring. Unlike bleach, color removers don’t lift the natural pigment of your hair. They simply aim to remove artificial dyes, leaving your hair closer to its pre-colored state. There are different types of color removers, some more potent than others, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the type and amount of dye present in the hair.
The Risks of Using Hair Color Remover After Bleach
Combining bleach and hair color remover can be tricky. While it might seem like a solution to correct unwanted tones or colors, it can potentially lead to significant damage.
Overlapping Chemical Processes
The primary concern with using a color remover after bleaching is the overlapping chemical processes. Bleach weakens the hair structure by opening the cuticle, making it more susceptible to damage. Applying a color remover immediately afterward can further stress the hair, leading to breakage, dryness, and increased porosity. The combined effect can leave your hair feeling like straw and looking dull.
Unpredictable Color Results
Another risk is the potential for unpredictable color results. Bleaching can leave behind underlying tones, such as yellow or orange. When a color remover is applied, it may not completely eliminate these undertones, leading to a muddy or uneven color. Furthermore, depending on the type of dye previously used, the color remover might react differently, resulting in unexpected shades or hues.
Potential for Irritation and Sensitivity
Both bleach and hair color removers contain chemicals that can irritate the scalp and skin. Using them in quick succession can increase the risk of irritation, redness, itching, and even chemical burns, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.
When It Might Be Okay (and When It’s Not)
Despite the risks, there might be situations where using a hair color remover after bleaching is acceptable, although it’s always advisable to proceed with extreme caution and ideally consult a professional hairstylist.
When to Avoid It Completely
It’s generally best to avoid using hair color remover after bleaching if:
- Your hair is already damaged: If your hair feels dry, brittle, or shows signs of breakage after bleaching, applying a color remover will likely exacerbate the damage.
- You’ve used multiple bleaching sessions: Repeated bleaching weakens the hair structure significantly. Adding another chemical process, even a supposedly gentle one like color removing, can be detrimental.
- You’re unsure about the previous dye used: Some dyes react unpredictably with color removers. If you’re unsure what type of dye was used previously, it’s best to avoid using a color remover to prevent unwanted chemical reactions.
- Your scalp is irritated: If your scalp is red, itchy, or sensitive after bleaching, using a color remover can further irritate it and potentially cause a chemical burn.
Circumstances Where It Might Be Considered
If your hair is relatively healthy and you’ve only bleached it once, and the color is only slightly off, you might consider using a very gentle color remover. However, proceed with extreme caution and consider these points:
- Wait at least a week or two after bleaching: This allows your hair to recover somewhat from the bleaching process. Deep conditioning treatments during this period are crucial.
- Use a gentle, ammonia-free color remover: Opt for a product specifically formulated to be gentle on the hair. Ammonia-free formulas are less likely to cause further damage.
- Perform a strand test: Before applying the color remover to your entire head, test it on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to assess the results and potential damage.
- Closely monitor your hair during the process: Pay attention to how your hair feels and looks during the application. If you notice any signs of damage or irritation, rinse immediately.
- Be prepared for multiple applications: Depending on the depth and type of dye, you might need to use the color remover more than once to achieve the desired result. However, avoid doing so in quick succession. Allow your hair to recover between applications.
Alternatives to Using Hair Color Remover
Before resorting to a color remover, explore alternative methods to correct unwanted tones or colors after bleaching.
Toning
Toning is a common method used to neutralize unwanted tones after bleaching. Toners contain pigments that counteract brassiness, yellowness, or other unwanted hues. For example, purple toners can neutralize yellow tones, while blue toners can counteract orange tones. Toners are generally less damaging than hair color removers because they deposit color rather than stripping it away.
Color Correction
In some cases, you might be able to correct the unwanted color by applying a new dye. This is a delicate process that requires a good understanding of color theory. For example, if your hair is too yellow after bleaching, you might apply a dye with a violet base to neutralize the yellow. However, it’s crucial to choose the right dye and application technique to avoid further color issues.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Sometimes, simply focusing on restoring your hair’s health can improve its appearance. Deep conditioning treatments can help to repair damage, add moisture, and improve the overall texture of your hair. This can make the color appear more vibrant and less dull.
Steps to Take After Using Hair Color Remover (or Deciding Not To)
Whether you decide to use a hair color remover or opt for an alternative method, it’s essential to take steps to protect and nourish your hair afterward.
Hydration is Key
Bleaching and color removing can both strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Focus on replenishing moisture by using hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and deep conditioning masks. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil.
Protein Treatments
While hydration is crucial, protein treatments are also essential for repairing damaged hair. Protein helps to rebuild the hair structure, making it stronger and less prone to breakage. However, avoid overusing protein treatments, as too much protein can make the hair feel stiff and brittle. Alternate between hydrating and protein treatments for the best results.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling can further damage already weakened hair. Avoid using heat tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners as much as possible. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand and use the lowest heat setting possible.
Regular Trims
Regular trims can help to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, causing further damage. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep it healthy and strong.
Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure about the best course of action for your hair, consult a professional hairstylist. A stylist can assess the condition of your hair, provide personalized advice, and perform any necessary treatments or color corrections safely and effectively. Trying to fix color issues yourself can sometimes lead to more problems, so it’s often best to seek expert guidance.
Ultimately, using hair color remover after bleaching is a decision that should be made with caution. Understanding the potential risks and considering alternative methods are essential steps in ensuring the health and vibrancy of your hair. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and seek professional advice when needed.
Is it safe to use hair color remover immediately after bleaching?
Using a hair color remover immediately after bleaching is generally not recommended due to the potential for significant damage. Bleaching weakens the hair structure by opening the cuticle to strip out natural pigment. Applying another chemical process, like a color remover, right after bleaching can further compromise the hair’s integrity, leading to dryness, breakage, and increased porosity. It’s best to allow the hair to recover and strengthen before introducing another chemical treatment.
Ideally, wait at least a week or two between bleaching and using a color remover. During this time, focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to rebuild the hair’s strength and moisture. Observe your hair closely for signs of damage, and if you’re unsure about proceeding, consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess the condition of your hair and advise on the best course of action.
What are the potential risks of using hair color remover on bleached hair?
The most significant risk is excessive damage to the hair shaft. Bleached hair is already porous and fragile. A color remover, even a relatively gentle one, can further strip away essential oils and proteins, making the hair brittle and prone to breakage. This can result in split ends, a rough texture, and difficulty managing your hair.
Another risk is unpredictable color results. Bleaching often leaves behind underlying tones, like yellow or orange. Applying a color remover on top of these tones might not neutralize them effectively or could even push the hair towards an unwanted shade. It’s crucial to be aware of your hair’s undertones after bleaching and choose a color remover that will counteract them appropriately, or consider a toner instead of a color remover to achieve the desired result.
How does hair color remover work differently on bleached hair compared to unbleached hair?
On unbleached hair, color remover works by shrinking the artificial color molecules, allowing them to be washed out. The process primarily targets the artificial dye without drastically altering the natural hair pigment. This is because unbleached hair has a relatively closed cuticle, offering a barrier against significant penetration of the color remover’s chemicals into the hair shaft.
On bleached hair, the cuticle is already open and porous due to the bleaching process. This means the color remover can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, potentially affecting both the artificial dye and any remaining natural pigment. Because bleached hair lacks the protective layer of natural pigment, it’s more susceptible to damage and unpredictable color results when treated with a color remover. This makes careful application and observation even more essential.
What should I do to prepare my bleached hair before using a color remover?
Prioritize deep conditioning treatments for several days leading up to using a color remover. Use a protein-rich mask to help rebuild the hair’s structure and strengthen it against potential damage. Hydrating masks are also crucial to restore moisture lost during the bleaching process, making the hair more resilient. Avoid heat styling tools as much as possible during this period.
Perform a strand test before applying the color remover to your entire head. This will allow you to assess how your hair reacts to the product and avoid any unwanted surprises. Choose a hidden section of your hair, apply the color remover according to the instructions, and monitor the results closely. This will give you valuable insights into the potential outcome and help you adjust the application process accordingly.
Are there different types of hair color removers, and which one is best for bleached hair?
Yes, there are different types of hair color removers, primarily sulfur-based and non-sulfur-based. Sulfur-based removers are generally stronger and work by shrinking the dye molecules, making them easier to wash out. Non-sulfur-based removers are typically gentler and work by oxidizing the dye, breaking it down into smaller, colorless compounds.
For bleached hair, non-sulfur-based color removers are usually the preferred option. Due to their gentler nature, they are less likely to cause further damage to already weakened hair. However, they may require multiple applications to achieve the desired results. Always read the product label carefully and choose a remover specifically designed for use on chemically treated or damaged hair.
How can I minimize damage to my hair while using a color remover after bleaching?
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Overprocessing is a major cause of damage, so don’t leave the color remover on for longer than recommended. Use a timer and monitor the process closely. If you notice any signs of excessive damage or irritation, rinse the product out immediately.
After rinsing out the color remover, use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to replenish moisture and protein. Avoid using heat styling tools for at least a few days to allow your hair to recover. Regularly apply leave-in conditioners and hair oils to keep your hair hydrated and protected. Consider using a bond-building treatment to help strengthen the hair’s structure.
What should I do if the color remover doesn’t achieve the desired results after one application on bleached hair?
Avoid immediately applying another round of color remover. Repeated chemical treatments can severely damage bleached hair. Assess the condition of your hair and determine if it can withstand another application. If your hair feels dry, brittle, or damaged, focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein masks for a few days or weeks before considering another attempt.
If your hair is in relatively good condition, you can consider a second application of the color remover, but do so with caution. Perform another strand test to assess how your hair reacts. Consider using a gentler color remover or shortening the processing time. Alternatively, consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, possibly suggesting alternative methods like toning or color correction.