window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-GEQWY429QJ');

 

ENTITY reports on bleached hair

Trying to go blonde? Hold up.

We wanted to know how we could keep our silver hair and pastel hair without going bald, so we did some digging to tell you how and why bleach damages your hair. So before you get your hair past the point of no return, here’s what we found out.

To understand the science behind bleached hair, we must first understand hair.

Hair contains keratin and melanin.

There are two types of melanin found in hair: phaeomelanin and eumelanin. Phaeomelanin creates the blonde and ginger hair shades while eumelanin creates the brown to black hair shades.

Keratin is actually naturally pale yellow.

Bleach then penetrates your hair to change the melanin molecules.

To remove the color in hair, bleach has to lighten the pigment in your hair shaft.

So, the bleach penetrates the hair to get to the melanin molecules by lifting the hairs’ outer cuticle and shaft. Then, it turns the black pigment in your hair red, the red pigment in your hair yellow and the yellow pigment in your hair disintegrates to nothing.

Because bleach breaks the molecular bonds in your hair, the yellow pigments aren’t strong enough to stay in your hair shaft. So, they basically fall out.

When bleach penetrates the hair cuticle, it makes the hair brittle.

Ultimately, the more you bleach your hair, the more you lose the melanin and keratin in your hair, thus making your hair shaft empty and jelly-like.

Also, since the bleach is lifting your hair cuticles, it’s making your hair more dry, brittle and frayed.

Bleached hair is also more susceptible to damage from humidity and UV rays.

ENTITY reports on bleached hair

According to hair specialist Robert Dorin of True & Dorin Medical Group, the environment essentially poses a threat to your hair when it’s bleached.

“UV rays, humidity, wind, etc. all damage hair in the sense that they suck moisture out of strands, leaving hair frayed, dry and brittle. These elements escalate dryness by continually stripping hair of its natural moisture and nourishment,” Dorin told the Huffington Post. “Your hair can very much be compared to a sponge — whatever chemicals you put into it will absorb to only dry out and become ruined.”

Bleach also breaks down the fatty acids and lipids in your hair.

ENTITY reports on bleached hair

When bleach breaks down the molecule components in your hair, it’s also breaking down the lipids and fatty acids, which break down your hair and make it weak and prone to breakage, according to the Washington Post.

But the damage on your hair depends on your natural color.

Since bleach has to work hard to break down the dark pigment in hair, you have to use strong bleach to strip the color from your hair. People with darker hair also have to bleach their hair more often to get rid of any yellow or red tints.

So, the more you bleach your hair, the more you risk damaging your hair. For people with red or blonde hair, there’s less damage done to the hair since it’s already relatively light. And for those with dark brown and black hair, well, say goodbye to your locks, honey.

So how do you prevent this damage?

ENTITY reports on bleached hair

If you’re willing to take the risk for trendy hair, here are some tips on how to prevent your hair from falling out of your scalp.

1 Don’t go from black hair straight to platinum blonde.

You want to give your hair time between each trip to the salon. Dorin told Huffington Post that gradually lightening your hair avoids complete damage.

2 Remember to always deep condition,

Dorin also told the Huffington Post that it’s important to constantly add moisture to your hair since bleach dries out hair. So, using hair masks and deep conditioning can help you protect your chemically lightened hair.

3 Stay away from styling your hair with heat.

Bleached hair is more vulnerable to damage. Hair straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers add more damage to your already weak hair.

“Styling tools can take a toll on hair, leaving it dry, dull and prone to breakage,” celebrity hairstylist Charles Baker told Today. “It’s important to hydrate and protect strands before using heat tools to ensure that your hair stays strong and looks and feels soft and nourished.”

We understand that unicorn hair is totally in right now, but if you’re going to damage your hair with bleach, do it safely.

Send this to a friend