How to Take Care of Bleached-Blonde Hair

Bleach is notoriously rough on the hair, but being blonde is worth it. Here's how to keep your locks soft and shiny despite the damage.

Things You'll Need

• purple shampoo
• hair masque
• heat protector
• salon-style clips
• comb
• hairbrush

Instructions

1. Wash sparingly.

   Go as long as you can without washing your hair, especially for the first 72 hours after you bleach it. Don't wash your hair unless you absolutely must.

2. Wash with purple shampoo and conditioner.

   When you do wash your hair, be sure to use purple shampoo and conditioner. I recommend using it every time you wash your hair, at the very least once a week. Several different companies sell purple hair care products.

3. 

   Let your hair air dry.

   Whenever possible, do not blow dry your hair. Towel it off, let it dry naturally and then style it later. Hair is more likely to break when it is wet, especially when heat is applied.

4. Put on a hair mask once a week.

   Let it soak in as long as you can--overnight, if possible. You can buy a mask at a beauty supply store such as Sally's.

5. Use heat protector.

   Whenever you apply heat, especially a straightening iron, use heat protector. You can buy a bottle at any beauty supply store.

Tips & Warnings

• When straightening your hair, keep the heat low

• Avoid putting your hair in a pony tail when wet

• Avoid breakage by using salon-style clips when drying or straightening

• Do not straighten without heat protector

• Do not brush roughly--your hair will break off