Did you bleach your hair and end up with dry, brittle, frizzy hair?
Yep.
My hair story
I had balayage done to my hair about 9 months ago and bleach was needed to lift my hair from dark brown to blonde. It looked great as I left the salon and I have had it done since. However, as the weeks passed, my hair was left feeling dry and brittle and unhealthy!
Initially, I felt regret. Naturally, my hair is long, thick, wavy and shiny. However, since having bleach on my hair, I’ve been left with an unwanted layer of frizz, dry snappy ends and a loss of curl & bounce. Tragic times. I realised I needed up my hair care game with some much needed TLC!
Chop off the straggly bits!
For chemically treated and hair prone to split ends, you should aim for a trim every six to eight weeks. Cut off as much as you can bear! Hair looks so much more healthy & thicker after a trim.
Restore Protein!
Hair is comprised of protein and chemical damage basically dissolves these proteins that make up the outer cuticle layer. The hair cuticle is made up of Keratin (protein) cells that fit together like scales and create a waterproof and airtight barrier around the cortex. So, when bleach is applied to the hair, the chemicals in it cause the cuticle scales to lift and shift, exposing the cortex.
To repair this outer layer, you need to restore the lost & damaged proteins. Look for products containing Keratin. They essentially replace the missing and damaged Keratin thus patching up the frayed cortex and smoothing out the scales.
I started off by using Redken Extreme Shampoo & Conditioner as they’re packed full of protein and a unique fortifying complex which helps reinforce weakened areas, protect internal strength and enhance surface protection and shine. The accompanying Redken Extreme Strength Builder Mask is great too!
I’ve now moved onto Redken Colour Extend Shampoo & Conditioner as my hair has recovered. This duo helps to maintain colour vibrancy, smells amazing and keeps hair feeling silky and soft!
Alternatively, try Bed Head’s Urban Antidotes Resurrection Shampoo & Conditioner Tween, which is a great value for money twin pack. It moisturises damaged, dry hair and smells delicious too.
No one likes a brassy look, so once a week, I would recommend using a violet/silver/no yellow shampoo. I’ve been using Fudge’s Clean Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo. This keeps the balayage blonde and bright. This product is so effective that people ask me whether I’ve had my hair done the next day after using it! The thick, purple consistency completely eliminates brassy tones for a salon-style finish.
I really want to try the L’Oreal Professional Serie Expert Silver Shampoo which has several 5-star reviews on our website. This particular shampoo reduces unwanted yellow tones in pre-lightened, tinted blonde hair or highlights.
Lock in that moisture
I would recommend using a hair mask once a week. I vary what I use, however, when my hair was at it driest, I used Olaplex No 3 (read my review here). Leave this miracle treatment on overnight & wash the next morning for hair that’s good as new! It’s a small bottle, but it packs a mighty punch! I can’t recommend this product enough. Again, check out the reviews on our website to see how other users faired.
Another mask I like to use is the Osmo Intensive Deep Repair Mask, which is perfect for dry, permed and coloured hair of any length. Jojoba provides a rich source of vitamins to hydrate even severely damaged hair. This mask leaves hair looking silky, healthy and shiny whilst also feeling nourished and manageable. This mask is also great value for money so I’d recommend it if you’re on a budget!
Always look for hair products that contain Argan Oil! Argan Oil is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ for its amazing qualities. Argan Oil contains beneficial nutrients including vitamin E and fatty acids, which are great for hair. They tame frizz whilst promoting shine and gloss. This luxury oil is known to reverse much of the damage done by artificial chemicals and treatments on hair. My hair seems to eat this stuff, it loves it.
Finally, I’d recommend giving Macadamia’s Deep Repair Masque a go. It combines Macadamia & Argan Oil to rejuvenate and rebuild hair, leaving it thoroughly nourished for improved elasticity, shine and long-lasting conditioning benefits.
Take your vitamins
Take fish oil tablets & omega-3 fats to nourish your hair and support thickening and growth!
All cells in the body need vitamin A to grow. It makes the skin glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum moistures the scalp and helps hair keeps hair healthy.
An Iron deficiency can cause anaemia (which is common in women) which can lead to hair loss. Make sure your diet includes a satisfactory amount of this mineral!
Don’t over wash your hair
Washing your hair can cause it to dry out even more! It strips the natural oils, which isn’t ideal. If possible, only wash hair twice a week.
Give your hair a break
Heat and damaged hair do not go well together. Ditch the straighteners and learn to embrace your natural hair. I carefully towel dry my hair most days then let it air-dry.
Once every blue moon, when I can be bothered to style my hair, I like to use the L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod. It uses steam to straighten hair rather than traditional iron plates. The steam feels much kinder and results in a healthy, glossy and frizz-free finish! You can read my review of this styling tool here.
Don’t give up on damaged tresses! With extra TLC and patience, you can restore vitality to hair but, unfortunately, there are no overnight cures.
This is a really interesting article close to my heart ! A few months ago I had bleach highlights and the top layer of my hair has been ruined. Dry frizzy ends, looks awful. I have a trim every six weeks and slowly getting it back but still a way to go so going to take this advice and help things along (can’t do any Harm that’s for sure!).