Tips for Taking Care of Bleached Natural Hair

Bleached natural hair usually ends up dry and damaged unless you take the necessary precautions to keep it healthy after bleaching it. To help your hair recover from the damage, try these tips for taking care of bleached natural hair!

Invest in Quality Shampoo and Conditioner

Treating your hair right is super important. Invest in quality shampoo and conditioner. Don't spend money on expensive treatments, but rather invest in a good quality product that will give you healthy hair while being budget-friendly. You can even make your own by adding things like lemon juice to the shampoo or apple cider vinegar to the conditioner! Whatever you do, don't use anything with sulfates in it. These chemicals are known to be very harsh on your hair, which then leads to breakage and dryness--the last thing you want when caring for bleached natural hair!

Reduce Shampoo Frequency

The first step to take when reducing shampoo frequency is rinsing your hair more often. When you use shampoo, it strips natural oils from your scalp and leaves it dry. By rinsing more often, you're giving your scalp a chance to produce those oils without being stripped. It also helps remove buildup from conditioners and styling products by removing any product residue that has accumulated on the hair shaft. Rinse with lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can cause drying in the future. You should be rinsing at least three times per week - once a day, you don't shampoo, once right after shampooing (while the hair is wet), and once before bed (also while the hair is wet).

Rinse Properly

When you rinse your hair, start by gently squeezing the water out. This will prevent over-wetting your hair. Rinse with cool water to help close the cuticle, which will make your color last longer. Don't use hot water as it can cause damage to the natural hair. Avoid using any shampoos or conditioners that are not specifically formulated for bleached hair as they can strip away the color and leave residue on your strands. Lastly, use a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep your color fresh!

Use the Right Products

Use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. Use sulfate-free products that are gentle on your hair. Use a deep-conditioning mask once a week to keep your hair healthy. Protect your locks with a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools like curling or flat irons.

Avoid Damage from Heat

It is important to avoid heat on bleached hair. After you've dyed your hair, it's best not to use heat for at least a week. This is because the colorant can cause damage and lead to breakage. Even if you don't plan on using heat, it's good to start protecting your hair from the moment you dye it.

Moisturize Properly

Hydrating your hair is very important, especially if it's bleached. This will help to keep it from drying out and will prevent breakage. Hydration is key when it comes to taking care of natural hair no matter what the condition, especially if you have bleached or damaged hair. Here are some tips on how to properly moisturize and care for your blonde locks

Eat Healthily

Eating a healthy diet will help your hair stay strong, shiny, and beautiful. There are many nutrients and vitamins needed to keep your hair in tip-top shape. Vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and Iron are all important nutrients that you need to incorporate into your diet. Eating at least two servings of vegetables each day will also help keep your body's natural pH balance level. You can also get these essential vitamins from fruits or supplements if you are unable to eat the recommended amount of vegetables each day.

*Don't forget about protein! Protein is important because it helps with healthy cell growth and repair which will make your hair stronger and healthier.* The best sources of protein include eggs, chicken breast, and fish like salmon or tuna.

Know What NOT to Do

1. Don't use a clarifying shampoo too often. 

2. Don't use products that are too heavy, or have ingredients your hair is allergic to. 

3. Don't sleep with wet hair on a cotton pillowcase, this will only exacerbate your problem! 

4. If you want to grow out your natural hair color and get rid of the bleached locks, invest in some good leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning treatment that won't dry out your hair and make it even more damaged than it already is! 

5. Avoid heat styling as much as possible to prevent over-drying and breakage.