It’s no secret that many people choose to lighten their hair with bleach. Whether it’s for a change in style or to cover up gray hairs, bleaching can be a great way to achieve the look you’re going for. However, there are some risks associated with bleaching your hair, chief among them being the possibility of irreversible damage.
So is it possible to permanently straighten bleached hair? The answer is yes – but it requires a bit of work and patience. Here’s what you need to know.
Things to Consider Before You Start
Before you start straightening your bleached hair, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that your hair is in good condition before you begin. Bleaching can be very damaging to your hair, so if your strands are already dry or brittle, they may not be able to withstand the additional stress of straightening. If you’re not sure whether your hair is up for the task, consult with a professional stylist who can help you assess the condition of your strands.
Another thing to keep in mind is that straightening bleached hair can be a time-consuming process. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, it may take several hours to achieve the desired results. If you’re not prepared to commit that much time to straighten your hair, you may want to consider another option, such as a temporary straightening treatment or a wig or extensions.
Finally, it’s important to be realistic about the results you can achieve by straightening bleached hair. If your hair is severely damaged, it may be difficult to get it as straight as you want it. In some cases, it may be impossible to achieve the level of straightness you’re hoping for. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to straighten your bleached hair.
The Straightening Process
If you’ve decided to go ahead and straighten your bleached hair, the first thing you need to do is wash it with a clarifying shampoo. This will help remove any build-up from styling products or other residues that could prevent the straightening treatment from working properly. Once your hair is clean, apply a generous amount of conditioner and comb it through from roots to ends.
Next, you’ll need to dry your hair completely. If you have time, allow your hair to air dry; if not, blow-dry it on the low setting. Once your hair is dry, section it off into smaller sections so that you can work with one section at a time. Starting at the roots, apply a straightening cream or serum and comb it through to the ends.
Once you’ve applied the straightening product to your hair, use a flat iron to straighten it. Start at the roots and slowly glide the iron down the length of your hair. Be sure to use even strokes and don’t hold the iron in one spot for too long, as this can damage your hair. Repeat the process until you’ve straightened all of your hair.
Once you’re finished straightening your hair, apply a heat protectant spray and style it as desired. Remember to use gentle, low-heat styling tools to avoid damaging your hair further. With a little bit of effort, you can achieve beautiful, straight hair that will last.
How Long Should You Wait Between Straightening Treatments?
It’s generally best to wait at least a week in between straightening treatments, as this will give your hair time to recover from the heat damage. If you must straighten your hair more frequently, be sure to use a deep conditioning treatment or mask once a week to help repair and protect your strands.
Will My Hair Be Perfectly Straight After the First Treatment?
It’s unlikely that your hair will be perfectly straight after the first treatment. In most cases, you’ll need to repeat the process several times before your hair is as straight as you want it. Be patient and don’t try to rush the process, as this can damage your hair.
The Aftercare
Once you’ve straightened your bleached hair, it’s important to take care of it properly to prevent further damage. Avoid washing your hair too often, as this can strip away the natural oils that help keep it healthy. When you do wash your hair, use a mild shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioner.
It’s also important to avoid using heat styling tools too often, as this can dry out your hair and lead to breakage. If you must use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature on the low setting. In addition, avoid using products that contain alcohol, as this can dry out your hair and make it more susceptible to damage.
Final Thoughts
Although bleached hair requires more care, following these tips will ensure it looks healthy and shiny. With smooth and manageable hair as your end goal, put in a little extra effort to achieve straight, lasting locks.
Have you ever permanently straightened your bleached hair? What tips do you have for keeping it healthy and manageable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
