Bleaching Hair

So I finally got around to bleaching my icky faded blue hair. Because so many people are wondering how it's done, I just decided to write a quick tutorial-esque post. So first things first: you need the bleach powder AND developer. The developer is what activates the bleach. You need a brush. Let me clarify again. YOU NEED A BRUSH. It’s crucial for even application of the bleach. You also need to be wearing a fugly t-shirt that you do not care about, and strips of aluminum foil.

Step One

In a bowl, mix your powder bleach and your developer. I purchased by bleach and developer from Shoppers Drug Mart. I’ve also used some brands from the States, and the piercing booth in front of Bang On in Metrotown actually sells you the kit. If you have lighter, finer hair get the lower volume (30-40) and if your hair is relatively dark then get higher volumes (40-50). If you’re a beginner consult the vendor. Also, if it’s your first time, then you might want to start off with Volume 30.

Moving on…I pour in my developer first and then the bleach after – this will insure that all of the bleach has contact with the developer. Mix it very carefully either with the end of the comb/brush or any wooden or plastic stick you have. It should be thoroughly mixed and make sure that the bleach hasn’t just settled or conglomerated at the bottom. Don’t skimp out on the developer: usually it’s one packet of bleach to one bottle of developer.

Step Two

Okay! Now it has been thoroughly mixed. Next I divide my hair into two sections, and then into strips. If you’re doing your entire hair, the thickness of each strip is not that crucial, all you need to do is make sure that your hair is evenly coated. If you’re doing just the bottom like me, the strips are more important because you can control how much you want to dye. Don’t be lazy. Make sure your strips are nicely varied but relatively uniform at the same time (talk about contradictory). The strips will keep your hair from getting a visible, straight line and will allow your bleached hair to blend better.

you can already see the green stripped from my hair

So with your brush you take a strip of hair and apply the bleach to one side, then comb. Then flip it and apply + comb the other side as well. Then wrap it up in the aluminum foil and then clip it up! Repeat with the rest of your hair. Once you’re done, leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. Keep checking regularly though!

Step Three

Check to see if you have achieved your desired colour, and go back to apply more if you missed a spot. Once you’re done go wash your hair and voila!

NOTE:

Do not exceed an hour. If you need to, bleach your hair more than once. You most likely will have to if you have black hair. I bleached my hair 4 times before it was light enough so that I could dye it blue.

Help is great. Help is actually highly recommended at first.

If your hair is already lighter at the bottom, bleach the darker parts first and then go back and do the lighter parts later.

Bleach can make your hair just fall off or break off, but it won’t unless you royally screw up and keep it in for like two or three hours.

Make sure your hair is dry. Just like you don't want to straighten/curl your hair when it's wet, you don't want to bleach/dye it when it is either.

Have fun!

- Ginger