For many, achieving the perfect hair colour is about more than just applying colour - it's about creating a stunning transformation. One of the most popular ways to achieve a bright, translucent or pastel colour is through hair bleaching, a technique recommended by many hair professionals as the ideal base for colour treatments.
While it offers a path to bolder, more intense colour results, it is a process that carries a certain amount of risk and requires careful consideration and dedicated aftercare.
Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the bleaching process, the pros and cons, essential aftercare and the best colour choices for bleached hair.
What is Hair Bleaching?
Bleaching is a chemical process that lightens the hair's natural pigment, creating a blank canvas for vibrant colour application.This involves
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Opening the hair cuticle with an alkaline agent, which prepares the hair for the next step.
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Introducing hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the hair shaft to break down the melanin pigment responsible for your hair's natural colour.
However, it's important to note that bleaching is not a one-size-fits-all process. The degree of bleaching depends on factors such as your natural hair colour, hair condition and the type of results you're looking for. Depending on these factors, more than one bleaching session may be required to achieve.
As with most of life's difficult questions, the ultimate answer is: it depends. However, when it comes to hair colouring, Asian hair is naturally darker and more resistant, so colour choices are more limited unless the hair is bleached. Caucasian hair, on the other hand, is easier to lighten, often achieving a lighter shade without bleaching, due to its lower melanin content and naturally lighter shades.
Differences between Asian and Caucasian hair
Asian and Caucasian hair have distinct structural and behavioural differences that affect how they respond to treatments such as bleaching and colouring.-
Hair structure
Asian hair tends to be thicker and stronger, with a rounder cross-section and a higher density of melanin, making it naturally darker and more resistant to bleaching. The cuticle layer is also thicker, which can make it harder for chemicals to penetrate.
Caucasian hair has a more oval cross-section and a wider range of natural colours, from blonde to brunette. It also tends to contain less melanin, making it easier and quicker to bleach. -
Colour fading
When Asian hair is bleached, the underlying tones often shift towards reds or oranges due to the higher concentration of melanin. Additional bleaching/toning may be required to achieve the desired shade.
Caucasian hair tends to fade to lighter yellow or brassy tones and typically requires fewer bleaches to achieve a pale blonde.
Recommended hair colours for bleached hair
Bleaching opens the door to a wide range of colour options.Here are some popular choices to consider based on tone and style:
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Pastel colours
Light shades such as pastel pink, baby blue, mint green and lavender are perfect for those who want a subtle, whimsical look. Achieving these shades often requires a very light blonde base, so multiple bleaching sessions may be required. -
Bold and bright colours
If you want to make a statement, opt for vibrant shades such as electric blue, fiery red, neon green or deep purple. These colours have a dynamic, eye-catching effect and can be customised to suit your personal style. -
Natural light shades
For a more natural yet glamorous look, try platinum blonde, ash blonde, honey blonde, milktea and beige tones. These shades require careful toning to achieve the desired shade and can range from cool to warm undertones depending on your preference. -
Platinum, silver and grey tones
Platinum, silver, grey and metallic tones are sophisticated and edgy. They require an almost white base to avoid unwanted yellow or brassy undertones, and continuous toning is essential to maintain their cool hue. -
Warm tones
For a richer look, rose gold, warm copper, caramel and golden tones can add warmth and depth to bleached hair. These colours are easier to achieve when hair is not bleached to an ultra-light level, making them a good choice for those who want to avoid multiple bleaches.
Benefits of Bleaching
Although bleaching is often associated with risks, the benefits can be significant, especially if you're aiming for a major colour change. Here are the main benefits:-
Significant colour transformation
Bleaching allows for a complete colour transformation, allowing you to achieve shades that would not be possible on untreated hair. It unlocks the potential for a full spectrum of hair colour, from the boldest neons to the softest pastels. -
Essential for achieving light colours
For those who want to achieve colours such as platinum blonde, silver, ash grey or pastel shades, bleaching is almost always necessary. Without bleaching, these delicate tones may not appear as intended or at all. -
Customisable results
Bleaching can be adjusted to achieve different levels of lightness, allowing stylists to customise the process to achieve the desired look. For example, partial bleaching or balayage techniques can be used to create multi-dimensional highlights or ombre effects.
Disadvantages and Risks of Bleaching
Despite the stunning results, bleaching can have significant drawbacks and it's important to understand the risks before committing.-
Hair damage and weakness
The bleaching process strips the hair of its natural moisture and protein, leading to dryness and weakened hair structure. This can make your hair brittle, frizzy or prone to breakage. The more often you bleach your hair, the greater the risk of damage, as the structural integrity of the hair fibres can be compromised over time. -
Changes in hair texture
In some cases, hair may feel rubbery or elastic after bleaching, indicating that the hair has lost its natural strength and elasticity. Over-processed hair may also experience changes in porosity, which can make it difficult for the hair to hold colour or moisture effectively. -
Scalp sensitivity and discomfort
The chemicals used in the bleaching process can cause scalp irritation, including itching, burning or redness. Those with sensitive skin or pre-existing scalp conditions should approach bleaching with caution and may need to consult a dermatologist before undergoing the process. -
Colour fading and maintenance
Because bleached hair is more porous, colour may fade more quickly, requiring frequent touch-ups to maintain the desired shade. Maintenance will also be more intensive as bleached hair requires specific products and treatments to restore moisture and protect against environmental damage.
Choosing the right specialist is important, but proper aftercare is not just a recommendation - it is a necessity to maintain the health and appearance of bleached hair. Follow these expert tips to protect and revitalise your hair after bleaching.
Essential aftercare tips / How to take care of bleached hair
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Use professional shampoo, mask and leave-in treatment
Choose shampoos that are gentle and free from harsh sulphates, as these can strip the hair of moisture and accelerate colour fading. Opt for colour-safe shampoos to help preserve the vibrancy of your chosen shade. Many purple shampoos are specifically formulated for bleached hair and are sulphate-free, making them ideal for neutralising brassy tones and maintaining a cool hue. To keep your hair hydrated and prevent heat damage, always use a rich hair mask and heat protection spray/ leave-in treatment. -
Wash and dry your hair gently
Bleached hair is more fragile, requiring extra care during daily routines. The amount of friction applied to your hair when shampooing, towel drying, or tying it up can directly affect the degree of breakage. To minimise damage, reduce friction by being gentle with your hair. Pat your hair dry with a towel rather than rubbing it vigorously, and use soft, snag-free hair ties to avoid stress on the strands. -
Use a hair dryer after washing
Wet hair is particularly delicate and prone to damage, especially bleached and colour-treated hair. When hair is wet, it becomes more susceptible to friction-related damage, which can harm the cuticle layer. This risk is heightened if you go to bed with wet hair, as friction can cause the cuticle to open, resulting in the loss of nutrients and colour. To prevent damage and colour fading, make sure to thoroughly dry your hair after washing before you sleep. -
Avoid heat styling whenever possible
Bleached hair is highly susceptible to heat damage, and excessive heat can cause the colour to fade within seconds. Limit the use of heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling tongs, and heated rollers. If heat styling is necessary, always apply a heat-protective spray and keep the temperature below 150 degrees Celsius to minimise damage. -
Schedule regular touch-ups
To keep your hair healthy and vibrant, it's important to schedule regular touch-ups every 6-10 weeks. Waiting too long between appointments can necessitate overlapping bleach applications, which increases the risk of damage. This happens because hair grows at different rates, resulting in a mix of new growth and previously bleached sections. Regular touch-ups will help maintain even colour and minimise the need for additional bleaching.
Hayato London specialise in bleaching to deliver stunning, vibrant colours while prioritising hair health. Using advanced techniques and professional-grade products, our skilled stylists achieve long-lasting, vivid results with minimal damage. With a strong foundation in Japanese hair care methods, we ensure precision and personalised treatments, making us a trusted choice for transformative colour services.
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Detailed consultation
We offer a detailed consultation to carefully assess the condition of your hair and understand your desired outcome before starting any treatment. This ensures that we can achieve the results you want while maintaining the health of your hair. -
Scalp-Free Bleaching
Our bleaching technique avoids direct contact with the scalp, significantly reducing the potential for discomfort. While sensitivity may still occur depending on your individual condition, this method helps to minimise any potential irritation during the process. -
Treatments to minimise damage
Bleaching is not just a one-off procedure; we want you to enjoy a beautiful colour for a long time. To achieve this, we use bleach formulas and treatments specifically designed to reduce damage and keep your hair in the best possible condition. -
Extensive colour knowledge
Our stylists have a deep understanding of hair colour and use this expertise to offer a wide range of tailored colour options. We provide thoughtful recommendations to help you achieve the look that complements your style and preferences.
We require a consultation before booking to check availability.