Hair bleaching has always been the norm come the summer season as it can help make your tanned skin stand out even more. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks associated with lightening one’s hair which you should take into consideration if you’re thinking of going down this route.
For starters, the bleaching agent used on the hair targets the outer cuticle of the hair which means that your hair will no longer be smooth and flat. This causes your hair to become frayed and brittle so you might want to rethink this option. What other disadvantages should you know about regarding bleaching your hair?
Elements can damage your hair further. Humidity, exposure to sunlight, wind, and other elements can strip your hair of its moisture which increases its risk of getting damaged over time. When you bleach your hair, it actually becomes like a sponge where it absorbs everything which can leave your hair at constant risk of drying out and becoming brittle.
Your hair will be prone to breakage. Hair breakage is inevitable when you bleach your hair as the chemicals will raise the hair cuticles leaving your hair exposed to the elements. The more you bleach your hair, the higher the chances of your hair absorbing the harsh chemicals which can cause hair breakage easily. If you’ve dyed your hair previously or have undergone treatment then you had your hair bleached, you are causing more damage to your than you realize.
Scalp discoloration. Another drawback to bleaching is that it can leave discoloration on your scalp. This is due to the fact that our scalp is made up of the same proteins as our hair which means that any contact with the bleaching agent may affect the scalp’s color as well. Giving your hair and scalp time to recover from the treatment will help bring back the natural color of your scalp.
Gets rid of moisture. The bleaching process can actually strip your hair of its moisture. What happens is that when the bleaching solution comes in contact with your hair, your hair strands become enlarged causing their cuticles to separate from your hair. Although this is the natural process in bleaching so that they solution can go deeper into the target area, the moisture in your hair can disappear, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
It leaves a burning sensation. What other downside to bleaching you should know about? How about experiencing a tingling or burning sensation during the bleaching process? It’s not really surprising that our scalp becomes all tingly when it comes in contact with the bleaching solution but there are those whose sensitive skin can suffer from chemical burns. You can even suffer from itching, redness, and even sores on the scalp. When this happens, it is important that the bleaching solution should be removed as soon as possible.
Smart Tips to Follow when Bleaching
Professional hair stylists have shared some important tips when it comes to bleaching hair and among these are:
- Hire a pro. As much as you would like to save money by bleaching your hair on your own, chances are you might damage your hair severely. Having a professional do it for you can minimize the risk while ensuring quality results.
- Do it in sessions. If your hair is on the darker side, schedule your bleaching session instead of doing it in one sitting.
- Don’t forget to condition. Since your hair has been stripped of its protection, it is important that you nourish your hair by using conditioner afterwards. This will help give moisture back to your hair strands to minimize the damage.
