Bleaching the back of your hair can seem like a daunting task, a DIY project fraught with the potential for uneven color, missed spots, and even damage. However, with the right preparation, knowledge, and a healthy dose of patience, you can achieve stunning results from the comfort of your own home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a successful and relatively stress-free experience.
Understanding the Process and Potential Risks
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand what bleaching entails. Bleach works by opening the hair cuticle and oxidizing the melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. This process weakens the hair shaft, making it more susceptible to damage. Bleaching the back of your hair presents unique challenges due to its inaccessibility. Seeing and reaching that area requires extra tools and careful planning.
The risks associated with bleaching include:
- Dryness and brittleness: Bleach strips the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased breakage.
- Damage and breakage: Over-processing can severely weaken the hair, causing it to snap and break.
- Irritation and burns: The chemicals in bleach can irritate the scalp and, in severe cases, cause chemical burns.
- Uneven color: Inconsistent application can result in patchy or streaky results.
- Orange or yellow tones: Darker hair colors often require multiple bleaching sessions to achieve a light blonde, and these unwanted tones can appear if the process is rushed.
It’s essential to weigh these risks against the desired outcome and determine if you’re comfortable proceeding. If you have any doubts or concerns, consulting a professional stylist is always the best option.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having all your supplies readily available before you begin is essential for a smooth and efficient bleaching session. You’ll need:
- Bleach powder: Choose a bleach powder specifically designed for hair. The strength of the developer will depend on your hair’s starting color and desired level of lightness.
- Developer: Developer comes in different volumes (10, 20, 30, and 40). A lower volume developer is less damaging but lifts less color. A higher volume developer lifts more color but is more damaging. For bleaching the back of your hair, starting with a 20 volume developer is generally recommended unless your hair is very dark or resistant.
- Mixing bowl: Use a non-metallic bowl to mix the bleach and developer.
- Applicator brush: A tint brush will help you apply the bleach evenly.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from the chemicals with gloves.
- Old towel or cape: Cover your shoulders and clothing to prevent staining.
- Hair clips: Use clips to section your hair and keep it out of the way.
- Mirror: A handheld mirror is crucial for seeing the back of your head. A three-way mirror can be extremely helpful.
- Petroleum jelly or barrier cream: Apply this to your hairline to protect your skin from irritation.
- Timer: Keep track of the processing time to avoid over-processing.
- Shampoo and conditioner: Use a color-safe shampoo and a deep conditioner after bleaching.
- Toner (optional): If you want to neutralize any yellow or orange tones, you’ll need a toner.
- Protein treatment (optional): A protein treatment can help strengthen your hair after bleaching.
Preparing Your Hair and Workspace
Proper preparation is key to minimizing damage and achieving the best possible results.
- Don’t wash your hair for 1-2 days before bleaching. Natural oils protect your scalp from irritation.
- Detangle your hair thoroughly. Knots and tangles can make application difficult and uneven.
- Perform a strand test. This is crucial for determining how your hair will react to the bleach and helps you avoid unexpected results. Apply the bleach mixture to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair and check it every few minutes to see how quickly it lifts.
- Protect your workspace. Cover surfaces with old towels or newspaper to prevent staining.
- Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
- Ensure adequate ventilation. Bleach fumes can be strong, so work in a well-ventilated area.
The Bleaching Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now comes the main event: bleaching the back of your hair. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Section your hair. Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. Start by sectioning the back of your hair into horizontal rows.
- Mix the bleach. Follow the instructions on the bleach powder and developer to mix them in the correct ratio. The consistency should be similar to a thick yogurt.
- Apply the bleach. Start applying the bleach to the roots of the back sections first. Use the applicator brush to saturate the hair evenly, working your way down the hair shaft. Use your handheld mirror to ensure you are not missing any spots. Apply quickly but carefully, especially near the roots, as they process faster due to the heat from your scalp.
- Move to the mid-lengths and ends. Once the roots are saturated, apply the bleach to the mid-lengths and ends of each section. Ensure that all strands are coated evenly.
- Check your work in the mirror. After applying the bleach to each section, use the mirror to double-check that you haven’t missed any spots.
- Process the bleach. Leave the bleach on for the recommended processing time, as determined by your strand test and the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the hair every 10-15 minutes to monitor the lifting process. Do not exceed the maximum processing time specified on the bleach packaging.
- Rinse the bleach. Once the hair has reached the desired level of lightness, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Make sure to remove all traces of the bleach.
- Shampoo and condition. Wash your hair with a color-safe shampoo and follow with a deep conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for several minutes to help restore moisture.
- Toning (optional). If you’re using a toner, apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions after shampooing and conditioning.
- Dry and style your hair. Gently towel-dry your hair and allow it to air dry or use a low-heat setting on your hairdryer. Avoid using heat styling tools for a few days after bleaching.
Tips for Achieving Even Coverage on the Back of Your Hair
Bleaching the back of your hair requires extra attention to detail to ensure even coverage. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use a three-way mirror. This will give you a much better view of the back of your head.
- Work in small sections. Small sections make it easier to saturate the hair evenly.
- Use a friend. If possible, ask a friend to help you apply the bleach. They can reach areas that you can’t see or reach easily.
- Take breaks. Bleaching your hair can be tiring, so take breaks as needed to avoid rushing and making mistakes.
- Be patient. Don’t rush the process. Take your time and make sure you’re applying the bleach evenly.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to consult a professional stylist.
Post-Bleach Care: Maintaining Healthy Hair
Bleaching can be damaging to the hair, so it’s essential to take extra care of your hair after bleaching.
- Use a deep conditioner regularly. Deep conditioning treatments will help restore moisture and strengthen your hair.
- Avoid heat styling. Heat styling can further damage bleached hair, so try to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible.
- Use a leave-in conditioner. A leave-in conditioner will help keep your hair moisturized and protected throughout the day.
- Get regular trims. Trimming your hair regularly will help remove split ends and prevent breakage.
- Use a protein treatment. Protein treatments can help strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. However, use them sparingly, as too much protein can make your hair brittle.
- Protect your hair from the sun. The sun can damage bleached hair, so wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you’re spending time outdoors.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning, problems can sometimes arise during the bleaching process. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Uneven color: If you notice uneven color, you may need to do a second bleaching session. However, wait at least two weeks before bleaching again to avoid over-processing your hair. You can also try using a toner to even out the color.
- Orange or yellow tones: If your hair is still orange or yellow after bleaching, you’ll need to use a toner to neutralize these unwanted tones. Choose a toner that is specifically designed to counteract the unwanted colors.
- Dry or brittle hair: If your hair feels dry or brittle after bleaching, use a deep conditioner and a leave-in conditioner regularly. Avoid heat styling and get regular trims.
- Scalp irritation: If you experience scalp irritation during bleaching, rinse your hair immediately with cool water. Apply a soothing scalp treatment or consult a dermatologist if the irritation is severe.
Bleaching the back of your hair can be challenging, but with the right preparation, tools, and knowledge, you can achieve salon-worthy results at home. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if needed.
What safety precautions should I take before bleaching the back of my hair?
First and foremost, conduct a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to assess how it reacts to the bleach. This will help you determine the right developer volume, processing time, and overall outcome, preventing potential damage to your entire head of hair. Additionally, always wear gloves throughout the entire bleaching process to protect your skin from harsh chemicals.
Beyond the strand test and gloves, ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the bleach. Protect your clothing with an old towel or cape, and apply a barrier cream like Vaseline to your hairline, ears, and the back of your neck to prevent irritation and staining. Never bleach your hair if your scalp is irritated, cut, or has any open wounds.
What volume developer should I use when bleaching the back of my hair?
The ideal developer volume depends largely on your hair color and desired level of lift. For fine or damaged hair, or if you’re only aiming for a subtle lift, a 10 or 20 volume developer is recommended. These lower volumes are gentler and minimize the risk of breakage and damage.
If you have darker hair and need significant lightening, a 30 volume developer might be necessary. However, proceed with caution, as higher volumes can cause more damage, especially with repeated use. Avoid using 40 volume developer at home unless you are very experienced with bleaching, as it can lead to severe hair damage and scalp irritation. Remember to always prioritize the health of your hair.
How do I ensure even application when bleaching the back of my hair?
Using a mirror is crucial for achieving even application on the back of your hair. Position a hand mirror so you can see the back of your head in your bathroom mirror. Section your hair carefully using clips, working in small, manageable sections to ensure every strand is thoroughly saturated with bleach.
Consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member for the back sections, as they can have a better vantage point and reach areas you might miss. Apply the bleach quickly and evenly, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Monitor the color development closely, and adjust the application time as needed to achieve a consistent result.
How long should I leave the bleach on the back of my hair?
The processing time varies depending on several factors, including your starting hair color, desired lightness, and the volume of developer used. Regularly check the strand you used to test your hair to see the lifting progress. It’s crucial to monitor your hair every few minutes.
Never exceed the maximum processing time recommended on the bleach product’s instructions. Typically, this is around 50 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water once your hair has reached the desired lightness, or the processing time is up. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and rinse sooner rather than later to avoid over-processing and damage.
How do I tone my hair after bleaching the back of my hair?
After bleaching, your hair may have unwanted yellow or orange tones. Toning helps to neutralize these brassy hues and achieve a cooler, more even color. Choose a toner that complements your desired final shade, considering undertones like violet for yellow tones or blue for orange tones.
Apply the toner to damp hair according to the product instructions, ensuring even distribution. Leave it on for the recommended time, usually around 10-30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and restore the health of your hair. Consider using a purple shampoo regularly to maintain the toner’s effect and prevent brassiness from returning.
What are some post-bleach hair care tips for the back of my hair?
Bleaching can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. After bleaching, focus on replenishing moisture and strengthening your hair. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair.
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments and hair masks into your routine at least once a week to restore hydration and repair damage. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, and when you do use heat, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Consider using hair oils or serums to seal in moisture and add shine.
What are the signs of over-processed hair after bleaching, and what can I do?
Over-processed hair can exhibit several signs, including extreme dryness, brittleness, breakage, and a gummy or stretchy texture when wet. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent further damage.
Begin by reducing the frequency of washing your hair and focusing on moisturizing treatments. Use protein-rich conditioners and hair masks to help strengthen the hair shaft. Consider getting a trim to remove split ends and damaged sections. If the damage is severe, consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess the condition of your hair and recommend appropriate treatments, such as bond-building products, to help repair and restore its health.