-
If your hair is dark to begin with, particularly if it is dark brown or black, it will take several steps for you to achieve a desirable end result. The best way to go white blond from dark hair is to step down gradually in shades. Instead of bleaching, first color your hair a lighter brown, then a dark blond, then a light blond before attempting to bleach. Bleaching is very harsh on your hair and always causes irreversible damage. Instead of repeatedly bleaching, give your hair a chance to survive the process by using gentler hair colors to get it to a lighter starting point. Never repeatedly color your hair without giving it a break; you should wait until your hair feels strong and healthy before taking the next step.
Be sure to use colors with blue, purple or neutral tones, especially if your hair already has red or golden undertones. Lightening brings out red, and it is next to impossible to get rid of it entirely. -
Get a good-quality bleaching kit from a beauty supply store. There are several kinds available, but since you are not coloring, it doesn't matter much which brand you pick. Ask the staff to help you pick one if you're not sure. Choose a 10-, 20- or 30-volume developer if your bleaching kit doesn't already come with one. The lower the number, the gentler the process will be on your hair. Use 10-volume if your hair is already a light shade; choose 20- or 30-volume if your hair is darker. If your hair is damaged or suffering from all the processing, use 10-volume. You may not get all the way to white, but that is preferable to destroying your hair. Never use 40-volume as it is much too harsh for home use.
If you are using a neutral-toned bleach or color, you may choose to add some toner. Blue and purple toner should be available at your beauty supply store in tiny tubes for about one dollar. Just add a few drops; too much will turn your hair the color of the toner. The idea is to counteract yellow or red tones, not to dye your hair purple. -
Always do a strand test first. Cut a tiny lock of hair from somewhere that isn't noticeable and either tie or tape one end together. Mix a small sample of the bleaching product, mark down the time and process the strand exactly as the instructions say. Every five or 10 minutes check the color of the strand. Once it reaches a white you are satisfied with, write down the amount of time the processing took. Rinse out the sample hair, dry it and take it outside to look at it in the sun. Look for tones that shouldn't be there, such as red, gold, purple or blue. If you see them, adjust your toner accordingly and do another strand test. Check the condition of the processed lock of hair; if it feels very dry or straw-like, or breaks easily, do not proceed. Try another strand test, process with less time and see if the result is less damaging. If not, it's best to either let a professional bleach your hair or wait until your hair is healthier.
When it comes time to bleach all of your hair, proceed as you did with the strand test, with the same dilutions, timing and environmental conditions. If your hair still doesn't come out white, wait until your hair is strong again and give it another try. It often takes several processes for hair to get to white. In the meantime, take care of your hair. Use deep conditioning treatments and shampoos that don't strip your hair of its natural oils.
Comments
himetama said
on 12/13/2009 Great article! I have a few tips to add, though.
Start from the tips of the hair towards the root; your head's heat will make the scalp bleach a little faster and this ensures a more even bleach.
Also, when bleaching roots don't bleach all the hair; only the bit that needs it. Redyeing the whole thing will cause hair to become frazzled and brittle.