Would you like to bleach your hair, but don’t know where to start? While bleaching for men has become a major trend in recent years, it nevertheless requires special precautions to preserve the health of your hair. In this practical guide, you’ll discover all the essential steps for successful bleaching: from professional techniques, to choosing the right products, to care and maintenance.
Bleaching techniques
Hair bleaching is not a one-size-fits-all process. There are different techniques, each adapted to a specific hair type and desired result.
The two most commonly used bleach formats are cream and powder. Powder is particularly effective: it can lighten hair by up to 9 shades. Some are even enriched with keratin or Plex to better protect your hair during the process.
The choice of developer (also called oxidizer) is just as important as that of bleach:
- 20 volumes: for light or fine hair
- 30 volumes: for darker or thicker hair
- 40 volumes: reserved for professionals, too aggressive for home use
To apply your bleach, start with the lengths and ends, stopping about 5 cm from the roots. The roots will be treated later, as they lighten faster thanks to the scalp’s natural heat.
An important tip: always do a test on a small strand before you start. This will enable you to check the setting time required and the final appearance. Monitor progress every 10-15 minutes to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Mastering the technique isn’t enough: the quality of the products used plays a decisive role in the appearance and health of your hair. So let’s take a look at the products you need for successful bleaching.
Complete discoloration
Complete bleaching is the most radical technique, but also the most delicate. For best results, it’s best to leave the work to a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, choose the right oxidizer according to the recommendations given above.
Application is in two stages: first the lengths, then the roots, which bleach faster. Divide your hair into sections for even application. Check the process every 10-15 minutes, and do not exceed 60 minutes of exposure.
When finished, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Your hair will be weakened: use a sulfate-free shampoo and dry gently. A moisturizing mask and a reconstructing treatment will help keep your hair healthy.
Partial bleaching or highlights
Highlights are an excellent option for those who want to try out bleaching without bleaching everything. This technique involves lightening only certain areas of the hair. For optimum precision, the hairdresser applies the bleaching product in a thick layer to very thin sections of hair.
The strength of the product varies according to your hair and the desired effect. The higher the volume of hydrogen peroxide (from 10 to 30), the more intense the lightening effect. Caution: more than two successive lightenings may weaken your hair.
For maintenance, opt for specific care products. A sulfate-free shampoo and a protein-rich mask once a week are generally sufficient. If your strands turn yellow, use a dejaunizing shampoo. Don’t forget to protect your hair from the sun and chlorine with a hat or suitable products. To maintain the health and shine of your strands over the long term, it’s essential to choose the right hair care products – let’s discover the most suitable treatments for bleached hair.
Recommended products for successful bleaching
For successful bleaching, you need the right products. Here’s a reliable, in-store selection.
Let’s start with bleaching powder. L’Oréal offers its Blond Studio range, perfect for men with its protein-enriched formula. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, Garnier Nutrisse bleaching powder also gives good results. For sensitive hair, opt for Schwarzkopf’s blue powder – it limits yellow highlights.
The oxidant is just as important. For a natural result, use 20-volume L’Oréal or Garnier. If you’re aiming for a very light blond, 30 volumes will be necessary – but never exceed this concentration.
For maintenance, invest in a good dejaunizing shampoo. Redken’s Purple Shampoo is effective and specially designed for men. As a more economical alternative, L’Oréal’s Silver Shampoo also does the trick.
Don’t forget repairing care. The Kérastase Blond Absolu mask is a must for healthy hair. For a tighter budget, Schwarzkopf’s Color Therapy mask offers decent protection. Complement with a lightweight hair oil like L’Oréal’s Mythic Oil – it protects without weighing down short hair.
But even with the best products, bleaching inevitably weakens the hair fiber. That’s why it’s essential to adopt the right routine to preserve the health and shine of your newly bleached hair.
After-color care: maintaining your hair
Bleaching completely changes the structure of your hair. It becomes more fragile and requires special care. Here’s how to care for your hair effectively.
Start by adapting your washing routine. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos – they’re gentler and better at preserving color. If you’ve opted for platinum blond, a purple shampoo will be your best ally in avoiding unsightly yellow highlights.
Hydration becomes your priority. Here are the essentials:
- Apply a nourishing mask once or twice a week
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes for in-depth action
- Use natural oils such as argan or coconut on the lengths.
Heat is the enemy of bleached hair. A few simple precautions:
- Dry your hair at a moderate temperature
- Always apply a protective spray before using a straightener or curling iron.
- Air-dry whenever possible
To keep your hair healthy, adopt these good habits:
- Gentle detangling with a wide-tooth comb
- Trim the tips every 6-8 weeks
- Protect your hair from the sun with a hat
- Avoid chlorine in the pool or wear a bathing cap
These treatments may seem restrictive at first, but they soon become a natural routine. And the results are well worth the effort: hair that’s been bleached, but remains shiny and healthy.
However, even with an impeccable care routine, certain mistakes when bleaching can compromise the final result. To avoid missteps and preserve the beauty of your hair, it’s essential to be aware of the most common pitfalls.
Aloe vera is also an excellent choice for nourishing your hair. You can use it pure or look for products containing it. And for an extra moisture boost, some masks contain hyaluronic acid. They help smooth frizz while adding shine.
Specific products for bleached hair
Botox capillaire, enriched with hyaluronic acid and keratin, can also work wonders to bring your bleached hair back to life.
Common mistakes to avoid when discoloring
Bleaching requires precision. Mistakes can quickly happen and compromise the final result. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
The first classic mistake: taking the plunge without doing a test. Before bleaching your hair completely, do a test on a small, hidden strand. This will allow you to see how your hair reacts and adjust the exposure time if necessary.
The application of bleach also requires attention. Uneven application will result in… uneven! Take your time to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair. Don’t hesitate to use a mirror to check the back of your head.
Another important point: your hair must be dry and in good condition before bleaching. Wet or damaged hair is more susceptible to damage. If your hair is weakened, it’s best to wait until it regains its strength before bleaching.
A tip that can save your ass: don’t force lightening. It’s better to do several gentle bleaches than just one aggressive one. That way, you’ll preserve the health of your hair. And if the result isn’t light enough? Don’t panic: you can always bleach again later.
