If you want to lighten your hair but worry about the harsh effects of traditional bleaching, consider trying a bleach bath.
This treatment has gained popularity in recent years as a gentler method to achieve lighter shades. It’s a great way to refresh your locks without the risk of damaging them.
A bleach bath is a hair-lightening method that includes mixing bleach with shampoo. It’s effective for those who have already tried other products or processes but need to go a step further.
It can lift permanent pigments in coloured hair and remove build-up, though you might need to repeat the process a few times to achieve your desired level. The advantages of this method are clear, but be aware of the disadvantages too.
What is a Bleach Bath Hair Treatment?
A bleach bath is a gentler hair-lightening technique where you mix bleach powder, cream, developer, and shampoo. This mixture is applied to wet hair and allowed to air dry. Afterward, you rinse it out. This process is more ideal than traditional bleaching, but be careful to avoid incorrect use, ensuring your hair is gently and effectively lightened with proper care afterward.
When to Do a Bleach Bath on Your Hair?
Refresh your blonde hair
A bleach bath is excellent to refresh blonde hair that appears dull or lifeless. It adds brightness and revives your look.
Over-toned hair
For over-toned hair, a bleach bath can remove excess toner and restore your natural color.
Mild lightening
Use a bleach bath for mild lightening if you want to lighten your hair by a few shades. It’s a gentler alternative to traditional bleaching.
Over-processed hair
If your hair is damaged from previous chemical treatments, a bleach bath can soften the lightening effect and protect against further harm.
Stubborn color
A bleach bath helps to remove stubborn color that regular washing can’t eliminate.
How to Do a Bleach Bath?
Before starting a bleach bath for lighter locks, do a strand test to ensure the final outcome and avoid any allergic reaction. Prepare by gathering bleach powder, developer, shampoo, gloves, and a bowl. Protect your hair from damage by giving it a break from heat styling tools and using a good conditioner. Be mindful of the levels of bleached hair for the best results.
What, you will need:
- Gloves
- Wide-tooth comb
- Old towel or cloth
- Clarifying shampoo
- Plastic bowl
- Tint brush
- Hair clips or claw clip
- Shower cap or cling wrap
- Developer of your choice
- Bleaching powder or cream
The bleach bath hair recipe:
- Use equal parts bleach and developer with a low volume for a softer lightening effect.
- Mix with clarifying shampoo until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- This method works well even if you’ve had Korean hair perming.
The Process:
- Start with an allergy test 24 hours before bleaching.
- Shampoo and dry your hair.
- Section and clip it.
- Apply the bleach mixture using a tint brush from ends to roots.
- Cover with a shower cap for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Check color every 5 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Condition to remove yellow tones.
Why Should You Do Bleach Bath Hair Treatment?
A bleach bath is a fantastic way to gradually lighten your hair and achieve a brighter look without causing damage.
It’s great for freshening blonde hair, removing stubborn colors, and fixing over-toned or over-processed strands.
this gentler alternative to traditional bleaching methods is an excellent way to go if you want to change your color without harming your strands. Wondering how long do balayages take? A bleach bath can be a quicker option depending on your desired result.
Bleach Bath vs. Traditional Bleaching
A bleach bath differs from the standard bleaching process in several ways. Let’s explore the key differences between these two methods.
| Differences | Regular Bleaching | Bleach Bath |
| Formula | Bleach powder mixed with a developer | Mix bleach powder or cream with clarifying shampoo and developer. |
| Lifting Power | High | Soft |
| Application | Applied to dry hair | Applied to wet hair |
| Process Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Level of Hydrogen Peroxide | Higher | Lower |
Benefits of Bleach Wash
A bleach bath is the superhero of lightening techniques, the ultimate weapon for removing stubborn color like that orange disaster from the salon. It’s a magic eraser for your hair sins, helping you ease into a new desired shade without committing to a full-blown Marilyn Monroe look. When considering balayage vs foilyage, this method can save the day.
How to Care for Hair After Bleach Bath
Deep condition like it’s your job:
After a bleach bath, your bleached hair needs TLC. Use a deep conditioner every week to keep your hair moisturized and happy. Think of it like a face mask for your locks.
Say no to heat:
Avoid using hot tools on your sensitive hair. If you must, apply a heat protectant spray and keep the setting low to prevent further damage.
Don’t wash your hair every day:
Give your hair time to recover by not washing it daily. Instead, let it stay fresh and healthy with less frequent washes.
Use a wide-tooth comb:
After a bleach bath, gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends to prevent breakage.
Protect your hair from the sun:
Shield your hair from the sun like you would your skin. Wear a hat or use products with SPF to avoid getting your hair fried.
Pros & Cons of Bleach Bath
✅ Pros:
- A bleach bath is a gentle way to lighten your hair.
- It helps remove stubborn dye.
- It’s an affordable option compared to traditional bleaching.
- It makes hair more manageable.
- It removes product buildup and clarifies your hair.
⛔️ Cons:
- A bleach bath may not lighten hair as much as traditional bleaching.
- It can be time-consuming to do at home.
- It may not be suitable for damaged hair.
Conclusion
A bleach bath is an effective method for lightening hair without the harshness of traditional bleaching. It’s ideal for refreshing your look, removing stubborn colors, and correcting over-toned hair. However, it requires careful application and is best suited for hair in good condition. If done correctly, it can help achieve your desired shade while maintaining the health of your hair. Always consider your hair type and the level of maintenance required when opting for this method.
FAQ’s
How long should a bleach bath sit on hair?
Cover your hair with a shower cap or cling wrap and leave the mixture on for 10 to 20 minutes. Check color every 5 minutes to avoid over-lightening. Rinse with warm water, then shampoo and condition to remove yellow tones.
What does a bleach bath do for hair?
A bleach bath is a concoction designed to lighten or lift color from hair, especially vibrant shades like pinks, greens, and blues. It combines bleach, developer, hot water, and shampoo.
What is the hair bleach bath formula?
Use a 1:2 ratio of bleach to developer for a gentler lightening effect. Add shampoo to the mixture, up to 3 times depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
Is bleach bath a good idea?
A mild bleach bath can help stop skin infections, prevent severe eczema flares, and heal the skin. It can reduce the need for antibiotic pills and creams, and it’s well tolerated by children.
