Joana Teixeira was sweet enough to write another guest post for us today! For better or for worse, I actually highlight my hair at home (are you gasping? lol). I was inspired by hair legend Jessie James Decker and talked about it in my Jessie James Decker Ombre Blonde Highlights at Home. Highlights = bleach though, which = damage so I asked Joana to help us with the after care to mitigate that damage and here’s what she said (with my comments in italics):
Related Post: Jessie James Decker Ombre Blonde Highlights at Home
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It’s an exciting step to bleach your hair, but keeping it looking (and feeling) great afterwards takes a little work. Bleaching your hair is something that needs careful thought, expert application and a solid aftercare plan. From maintaining color, shine and moisture to lessening the risk of damage, these top 10 tips will help you look after your bleached locks.
Wash your hair less frequently
Bleaching strips your hair of its natural oils and has a drying effect, so the last thing your hair needs afterwards is a lot of shampooing. That’ll just add to the dryness. Wash every three to four days and use a dry shampoo in between if need be.
Hydrating Shampoos
I’ve been using the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo lately and it feels super hydrating and nourishing.
Dry Shampoo
My all time favorite dry shampoo is Batiste Dry Shampoo . It’s affordable and it works just as good if not better than the fancy ones.
Dry Shampoo Tip
I like to spray dry shampoo in my hair at night before I go to bed. This way it has time to soak in and prevent more oil. I spray my roots and then wrap my hair in a loose bun and secure it on top of my head with a scrunchie.
Hairstyles for Dirty Hair
Here’s some ideas for styles to rock when you’re hair is less than clean:
Messy Ponytail
You may think you know everything about a messy pony, but you HAVE to see my friend Marci’s tips in my blog post Low Voluminous Messy Ponytail Hair Tutorial.
Fun Bun/Top Knot
I’ve included a video tutorial in my Quick Heatless Hairstyle Ideas blog post.
Half Up Fun Bun
Increase the conditioning
Your hair will be more brittle, so leaving conditioner in after showering can help, especially when it comes to combing and maintaining shine. This is a top tip if you want to know how to get shiny hair and keep it that way after bleaching your locks.
Leave in Conditioner
My ride or die leave-in product is It’s a 10! Miracle Leave-In Product. It’s a leave in conditioner, a heat protectant, a detangler, it seals and protects hair color, it prevents split ends, it adds shine, it smooths the hair and helps control frizz. I spray it on before blowdrying or styling my hair.
Time for a change of towel
Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels are gentle on your hair and ideal after bleaching. They’re super absorbent and help dry the hair without making it frizzy.
I’ve been using the Aquis Hair Towel ever since I learned about this tip!
Related Post: Kyle Richards from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has a Salon in Her Home
Pat don’t rub
It’s not just the towel you’re using but the way you’re using it that counts. Pat your hair dry rather than rubbing. It’s a gentler way of doing things and will certainly lessen the risk of damage.
Avoid excessive heat
Straighteners, tongs and hair dryers can cause hair to dry out, and when it’s bleached that can lead to damage. Too much heat can dull the color and shine too. Speaking of shine, if you want to know how to get shiny hair step by step just follow that guide.
Related Post: Heatless Beachy Waves hair tutorial
Have regular trims
Bleached hair is more susceptible to split ends so regular trims will help keep it healthy.
My Hair Stylist and Hair Salon in West Hollywood
I get my hair cut by the lovely Emma Parkes at Goodform Salon in West Hollywood. She’s an absolute magician at color too.
Weekly Deep Condition
Using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once every week or two weeks will help your hair maintain moisture.
My Favorite Deep Conditioner
Honestly the best deep conditioner I’ve ever used in my whole life is the one that comes with the Revlon Frost and Glow Highlight Kit that I highlight my hair with. The whole kit is only like $11 so sometimes I think about buying it just for the deep conditioner.
Related Post: How I Get Jessie James Decker’s Blonde Ombre Highlights at Home
Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector
Most hairstylists recommend using Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 to treat colored hair. This product is not a deep conditioner, it’s an at home hair treatment. Olaplex #3 strengthens the bonds of the hair from within which then reduces breakage and damage. It also improves hairs look and feel.
Use hair oil
A quality hair oil is vital when it comes to looking after your new look. They can be pricey but you only need a few drops to keep your hair healthy so it’s well worth the investment.
My Favorite Hair Oil
My fave is Drybar 100 Proof Treatment Oil. I’ve been using this one for YEARS. It smells incredible and it’s light which is nice because my hair is fine and gets oily easily.
Protect from UV rays
Just like heat styling products, UV rays from the sun can cause damage. When you’re out and about make sure your hair is shaded and look for hair care products that contain sun-blocking properties.
Keep Hair Out of the Sun
Avoiding having your hair in the sun as much as possible is the best way to protect it from UV rays. I love a good baseball hat to protect my hair and skin from the sun!
Hair Sunscreen
You can also use hair sunscreen like the Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30. It provides sun protection, locks in hair color, and diminishes dullness. It also has plant based antioxidants which help to protect the hair.
Touch up roots
Your chosen color will start to change over time due to heat that’s emitted from the scalp, and the hair that’s closest to the scalp will dull quickest. Therefore it’s a good plan to touch up your roots regularly, but there’s no need to re-bleach everything as that could cause more damage.
So there you have it, 10 ways to look after your hair after bleaching. We’ve looked at how best to wash your hair, how to care for it and how to get shiny hair. Follow these tips and you’ll love your new color for longer.
Products Mentioned
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
- Batiste Dry Shampoo
- It’s a 10! Miracle Leave-In Product.
- Aquis Hair Towel
- Revlon Frost and Glow Highlight Kit
- Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3
- Drybar 100 Proof Treatment Oil
- Adidas baseball hat
- Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
Related Blog Posts
How I Do Blonde Ombre Highlights at Home Like Jessie James Decker
Hair Tutorials
Madison LeCroy’s Hair Swoop Hair Tutorial
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