Bleaching your hair can have a very dramatic effect, making it appear much lighter and brighter than its natural color. However, it can also be a difficult process, where even the most experienced hairdresser can make a mistake. When hair is bleached too much, it can often turn white or a very pale yellow color, which can be unflattering and difficult to style.
If you’ve been in this situation before, you may be wondering how you can fix bleached hair that is too white. The good news is that there are a few tricks and treatments you can use to tone down the platinum look and restore your hair to its original, more natural shade. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the methods you can use to get your hair looking its best after a bleaching mishap.
Understanding the cause of overbleached hair
When bleaching hair, timing is everything. Leaving the bleach on for too long or using too strong of a developer can result in overbleaching, leaving the hair too white or even platinum. This is because the bleach strips the hair of its natural pigment, leaving it a pale yellow or white shade that reflects more light than darker colors.
Overbleaching can also cause damage to the hair, as the bleach strips away the protein and moisture from the hair shaft. This can lead to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. To avoid overbleaching, it is important to follow the instructions on the bleach package and use a lower strength developer if you have fine or fragile hair. It’s also a good idea to strand test before bleaching your whole head, to see how your hair will react to the bleach.
Tips to prevent overbleaching hair
Bleaching your hair can give you a unique and drastic look, but overdoing it can leave your hair too white and damage it permanently. To avoid such hair mishaps, it’s crucial to take preventive measures. Firstly, you should choose a hair bleaching kit carefully and stick to the recommended application time to prevent over-processing. If you have thin, fine hair, it is recommended to avoid using 40-volume peroxide that can weaken the hair strands and cause breakage.
It is also advisable to deep condition your hair after bleaching and avoid frequent heat styling as this can dry out your hair and damage it even more. Make sure your hair stylist understands your hair type and texture when performing bleaching services and uses the right toner to give you a perfect blonde shade. By following these tips, you can prevent over-bleaching your hair and achieve a beautiful, healthy-looking blonde mane.
Step-by-step guide on how to tone down overly white hair
Once you have identified that your bleached hair is too white, you can take necessary steps to fix it. The best way to tone down overly white hair is by adding a toner to the hair. To begin, you will need to select the right toner for your hair. A purple toner is a great option to consider as it removes yellow and brassy tones, leaving behind a cool, icy shade. On the other hand, a blue toner can be used to neutralize orange tones.
Before applying the toner, make sure to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. Then, mix the toner with a developer and apply it to your hair according to the instructions on the package. Leave the toner on for a specific amount of time, and then rinse it off thoroughly. After toning your hair, you should notice a significant difference in the shade, with a more muted white tone that looks less artificial.
The different methods to fix overly bleached hair
If you have bleached hair that is too white, don’t fret! There are several methods available to fix this issue. The first and most obvious solution is to add some color to the hair. Consider toning the hair with a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color to add some depth and tone to the overly bleached strands. Using a toner with a slight golden or yellow undertone can help neutralize the starkness of excessively bleached hair.
Another option is to apply a hair mask or treatment designed to nourish and condition the hair. Overbleaching can strip the hair of its natural oils and leave it looking parched and lifeless. Deep conditioning treatments can penetrate the hair shaft and restore moisture, helping to soften and smooth hair that is damaged by bleaching. In addition to treatments, consider using a heat protectant spray when styling to further protect the hair from damage. By following these methods, you can transform your overly-bleached locks into lustrous and healthy-looking hair.
Common mistakes to avoid when fixing bleached hair
Bleaching hair can be a risky process, and attempting to fix over-bleached hair can sometimes lead to further damage. To avoid making the situation worse, there are a few common mistakes that should be avoided during the process of fixing bleached hair.
One mistake to avoid is over-processing the hair. This means leaving the color correction product on for too long, resulting in further damage to the hair. Another mistake is attempting to fix the hair by using permanent hair color instead of semi-permanent or demi-permanent color. This can lead to further damage and can even turn the hair a shade of green. Lastly, be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or hair products, such as sulfur-based or metallic dyes, as this can further damage the hair and lead to breakage.
Maintaining healthy hair after fixing bleached hair
Once you have fixed your overly bleached hair, the next step is to maintain its health. It is essential to take care of your hair to avoid damaging it again. After all, as beautiful as it may look, overexposure to chemicals can result in weak, fragile, and dull hair. To keep your newly corrected hair looking and feeling its best, nourish it with the right products.
Start by using a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for bleached hair. These products should be gentle enough to prevent further damage while hydrating your strands. Avoid using hot tools such as hairdryers, curlers, and straighteners as this may cause further damage to your hair cuticles. Finally, don’t forget to trim your hair every few months to get rid of split ends and keep your hair looking neat and healthy. With proper care and attention, your bleached hair can stay healthy and gorgeous for a long time.
Professional help or DIY? The pros and cons of fixing bleached hair at home.
Professional help or DIY?
Fixing bleached hair that is too white can be a daunting task, and it’s important to consider whether you should opt for professional help or try fixing your hair at home. While DIY methods can seem cost-effective, they may not be the best option for achieving optimal results.
One pro of fixing bleached hair at home is that it can save you money. However, the cons outweigh the pros in several ways. If you’re not experienced with color correction, you risk further damaging already compromised hair. Additionally, there’s the risk of ending up with hair that’s even worse than before. Choosing to get professional help from an experienced colorist can ensure the best possible outcome for your hair and minimize the risk of further damage. Ultimately, the decision between DIY or professional help depends on your level of experience and comfort with color correction.
Final Words
Bleaching can be a tricky business, as it requires a lot of precision and careful application. If you’ve found yourself with hair that is too white after a bleaching session, don’t worry – there are a few things that you can do to fix the problem. First, try toning your hair with a semi-permanent hair dye in a shade that is slightly darker than the white you’re dealing with. If that doesn’t work, you can also try conditioning your hair with a mixture of coconut oil and olive oil to add some moisture back into the strands. In extreme cases, you may need to seek professional help from a salon.
Overall, it’s important to remember that bleaching hair can be damaging, and it’s important to take proper care of your hair after the process. This includes using hair masks, avoiding heat styling tools, and using gentle shampoos and conditioners. By taking the necessary precautions and following the right steps, you can avoid ending up with hair that is too white and get the stunning blonde hair that you’ve always dreamt of.