Bleaching Hair At Home

 First off, if you want  ice blond hair, do it at the salon because it is too easy for things to go wrong.  If you use the wrong developer or bleach it too many times, you can damage your hair to the point that it falls out by the handful.  Watch Hair Buddah on Youtube.  He analysis hair fails, tells you what's done correctly and what's done incorrectly so you have a better idea of what to do.  If you decide you really want to go blonde at home, I'll talk about the steps.

Before you even buy any product, make sure you hair is in good shape.  Your results can end up badly if you've dyed your hair before and you want to go lighter.  In addition, there are three areas where you could have problems during the process.  The first is choosing the wrong product because different hair needs different strengths or a different variation of the product.  The second problem is unevenly applying the product if you are trying to do it yourself.  It helps if you have a friend who can help you, especially in regard to doing the back. Finally, it is important to get the timing exactly right.

As far as supplies go, you will need a liquid or powder lightener (bleach) and a 20 volume developer.  Although, developers come in a variety of volumes but 20 volume is the best. Although it takes longer, it is less likely to hurt your hair.  A 20 volume developer requires it be done twice but don't use anything higher if you want to keep your hair in better shape.   It is better to invest in the individual products rather than using a box bleaching kit because you don't always know what the strength of the developer. 

You will also need a toner but be careful because the toner might be darker than you want. Wella has some nice toners.  You will also need a shirt you can get messy, a brush, bowl, gloves, plastic cap, a large comb and a tail comb.  You have shampoo and conditioner around the house already so you are set on that.

First mix the lightener and developer so its on the thicker side, sort of like a nice yoghurt.  Divide your hair into four sections and clip each section. Take one section and divide it into smaller sections.  Apply the bleach so each section is saturated before moving on to the next large section and repeat until all the hair is completely saturated with the bleach mixture. cover with the shower cap and let sit for exactly how long the directions state.  

If you begin with dark brown hair, you will probably lift the color to an orange.  You will have to repeat the process a second time to bring it up to a nice blond.  Rinse your hair, then wash and condition it.  Apply the toner, rinse, and let dry.  Use purple shampoo and conditioner the next time you wash your hair to help the tone.  

Things to keep in mind when doing it.  When you check your hair, check it under natural sunlight rather than the florescent lights in the bathroom.  This will give you a better idea of the actual color.  If you get a pale yellow, that is a great color. 

If you are set to bleach your hair at home, take time to look at videos created by hair professionals on YouTube so you get a better result.  Hair Buddah or Brad Mondo are two I've watched but personally I prefer Hair Buddah since he takes time to explain in detail why you do or do not do something.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.