How to Make Bleached Hair Soft and Silky Again?
Bleaching your hair can give you a fresh and unique look, but it comes at a price.
It can make your hair feel dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Over time, it can lose its shine and softness.
This is because the bleaching process can cause 15% to 20% of hair’s protein bands to break.
Fortunately, there are ways to restore your hair’s natural softness and silkiness.
So keep reading as we share some common and effective tips how to make bleached hair soft and silky again.
Does bleaching damage hair
Bleaching essentially strips your hair of its natural color by breaking down the pigment molecules.
Chemicals in bleaching agents also cut off the Amino acids that protect your hair.
As mentioned earlier, bleaching causes around 15% to 20% of the hair’s proteins (Keratin) to break down in your hair shafts.
Because of this, the structural integrity of hair strands changes, leading to brittle hair.
As a result of all these changes, your hair becomes dry and frizzy. Your hair texture also changes. It becomes thicker and rougher if you bleach them frequently.
Treatments for bleach-damaged hair
Bleaching can damage your hair, but there are ways to minimize the damage.
Hair cuticles can disrupt the bleaching process, leading to dry hair.
By maintaining moisture, you can bring back the softness and silkiness in your hair.
Keep on reading for some effective treatment options.
Protect your hair
After a bleach; your hair is more vulnerable to environmental factors like dust, heat, and pollution.
Use a hat or scarf to cover your hair while going out.
You can use SPF spray or sunblock for your hair to protect them from sun exposure.
Deep conditioning/Hair masks
Deep conditioning masks can help hydrate and repair dry, damaged hair.
You can use these masks regularly to balance your hair’s natural moisture and make them look and feel healthier.
For extra hydration, you can also use overnight hair masks. However, wear shower caps to protect your pillows.
Hair rinsing
Bleaching makes hair weak. Rinsing with rice water can help make the hair strands stronger.
Rice is rich in Vitamin B, Protein, Amino acids, and Minerals that help nourish hair follicles and improve hair growth.
For hair rinsing, soak washed rice in distilled water for about an hour. Strain the water and leave it overnight to ferment.
You can use fermented rice water as a natural alternative to shampoo and conditioner.
The smell of fermented rice water can be uncomfortable for some people. If so, you can directly use rice water without fermentation.
Avoid heat-styling
Your hair is dry and vulnerable to heat right after bleaching.
Avoid using heat-styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers for a few weeks after hair bleaching.
When you’re ready to resume heat styling, do it only once or twice a week at most and keep the heat at a minimum level.
Comb hair when wet
Bleached hair is more prone to tangles. If you use a comb when hair is dry, there’s more risk of breakage.
Thus, comb your hair gently when it is damp. Use a wide-toothed comb with flexible bristles or a wet comb to minimize the damage.
Avoid washing hair frequently
Bleaching lifts off the natural oils from your hair strands. Oils present on the scalp help nourish and keep your hair moisturized.
Washing hair frequently can further dry out your hair, keeping your hair from healing properly.
So skip washing the hair too frequently.
Meanwhile, you can use dry shampoo but keep the use to a minimum.
Use color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner
Your bleached hair can become brassy and dull and start to lose its shine over time.
The best and easy way to avoid this is to use color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner.
These products act as a toner and are designed to reduce dullness and brassiness.
Takeaway
In summary, making your bleached hair soft and silky takes extra care.
Make changes in your hair care routine, such as a leave-in conditioner, deep conditioning treatment, and a hair mask to provide the moisture and nourishment it needs.
Moreover, limit your use of heat-styling tools, use a wide-toothed comb with flexible bristles,and avoid over-washing hair.
Protect your hair from the sun, and eat a healthy diet to improve your hair health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my hair soft and silky after bleaching?
To make your hair soft and silky after bleaching, use hair masks, deep conditioning treatment, or a leave-in conditioner to provide your hair with the nourishment and moisture it needs. Avoid using heat-styling tools and overwashing your hair. Protect your hair from environmental factors and eat a healthy diet.
How long does it take for bleached hair to be soft again?
The time it takes for bleached hair to become soft and silky again depends on the degree of damage. However, with proper care and the right products, you can speed up the process, and your hair may regain its strength and softness in just a few weeks.
Does bleaching hair make it softer?
No, bleaching does not make hair softer. On the contrary, it can cause damage to your hair cuticles, resulting in dry and brittle hair. Proper care and the right products are necessary to restore moisture and softness to bleached hair.
What oil is best for bleached hair?
Several oils, including Argan, Coconut, and Jojoba, are good for bleached hair. These oils are rich in nutrients and can help moisturize hair damaged from bleaching and restore softness and shine. For best results, apply oil to your damp hair and leave it in for several hours.
What softens bleached hair?
Deep conditioning is an effective way to soften bleached hair. Additionally, a leave-in conditioner and a hair mask can provide the hair with the necessary moisture and nourishment. Limited use of heat styling tools and avoiding overwashing can help speed up the process.
