How to Lighten Hair With Hair Bleach

It used to be that brunettes had to use a double process to bleach their hair blond. Now there are kits that will lighten your hair to blond in one step--no more stripping the color out and then depositing a new blond color. Instead, you just apply the bleach as you would any other hair color. Blonds and redheads can also make their hair lighter this way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• One-step hair blonding kit
• Old clothes and towels
• Rubber gloves
• Haircolor mixing bowl (optional)
• Haircolor application brush (optional)

1. Stop washing your hair about 3 days before you bleach it. This will allow your hair to build up enough oil to protect itself during the drying bleaching process. Try not to use styling products, as they can interfere with the bleach and leave unbleached spots in your hair.
2. Wear old clothes that you don't mind ruining and also use old towels. Bleach will stain your clothing permanently. You might want to wear gloves to avoid getting the bleach on your skin.
3. Open the product and mix it according to the instructions. Most products come with a bottle that you can use to apply the bleach, but it is also helpful to have a bowl and a brush to paint the bleach onto your hair. You can get these at your local beauty supply store.
4. Make extra if you have long hair. Anything below the shoulders will likely require at least twice the amount of bleach that shorter hair does.
5. Divide your hair into four sections and apply the bleach. Be quick and cover all of your hair from roots to ends. It is helpful to use a rattail comb or the tip of the brush to separate your hair into quarter-inch sections as you go along, in order to coat the hair thoroughly.
6. Time your process. Leave the bleach to lighten your hair according to the instructions. Check it frequently to make sure you are getting the shade you want. Leaving it on too long can do damage, yet if you don't leave it on long enough, it might not lighten it to the degree you wish.
7. Rinse your hair in the shower until all of the bleach is out and the water runs clear. Do not wash your hair. Instead, condition it immediately with a deep conditioner.

Tips & Warnings

• Only use hair bleach on your hair. Do not use clothing bleach, such as Clorox. It was not made for hair and serious chemical burns could result.