Gray hair serves as a subtle indication that our hair follicles are losing melanin due to aging^(1). However, other factors like vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata can also accelerate the graying process^(2). Dealing with gray hair and establishing an effective hair care routine can be challenging. Many people resort to bleaching or using dark hair dye to cover their gray strands. While gray hair can be dyed, it becomes more difficult to cover the roots as the hair grows out. This is where bleaching comes in.
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Can You Bleach Gray Hair?
Absolutely. Bleaching gray hair can help remove any existing dye from your hair. This treatment is particularly recommended if the shade of your dye is darker than your natural hair color. Alternatively, you can gradually transition from using a dark-colored dye to a lighter shade that blends well with your gray hair. For instance, you can color your gray hair platinum blonde or brown, depending on your hair’s natural color. Curious about how bleaching actually works on gray hair? Read on to find out.
What Happens When You Put Bleach On Gray Hair?
Applying bleach to gray areas of your hair won’t produce any visible difference. However, the bleach helps lighten the darker areas of your hair, resulting in a uniform blonde or white appearance. The extent of lightening depends on the duration the bleach is left on the hair. If you have dyed your gray hair, it’s recommended to shift to a lighter shade before bleaching.
Now that you understand the effects of bleaching gray hair, let’s proceed with the process.
Bleaching Gray Hair The Right Way
You Will Need
- Bleach powder (1 part)
- Developer (2 parts)
- Gloves
- Old t-shirt
- Applicator brush
- Shower cap
Make sure to gather these items before you begin the hair bleaching process at home.
The Process
Step 1: Prepare the bleach mix by combining the bleach powder and developer. Choose the appropriate volume of the developer based on your needs. Follow the instructions provided by the product carefully. If desired, you can add coconut oil to the mixture to counteract the drying effect of the bleach.
Step 2: Put on the gloves and divide your hair into four sections.
Step 3: Apply the bleach mix to your hair using the applicator brush. Ensure that each section of your hair is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cover your head with the shower cap. This helps retain heat, allowing the bleach to effectively lighten your hair color.
Step 5: Leave the bleach mix on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6: Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Note: Before starting the bleaching process, it’s essential to perform a patch test on a small section of hair from the back of your head. Wait for at least 24 hours to observe any potential allergic reactions before proceeding.
Can You Bleach Gray Hair To White?
Yes, prolonged exposure to bleach may turn your gray hair white. However, there is no guarantee, and results may vary. It’s important to note that leaving bleach on your hair for too long can cause dryness and brittleness. Instead, you can use a purple toning shampoo to make your gray hair appear whiter.
Note: For those with curly or coily hair, using bleach can damage your curls. Additionally, heat styling your textured hair after bleaching can result in a yellowish hue. It is advisable to seek professional help for bleaching textured hair and always tone your hair after the bleaching process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I lighten my gray hair to white?
A: You can use bleach, natural ingredients, or silver toner to lighten your gray hair.
Q: Can I bleach my silver hair?
A: Certainly, bleaching is an option for silver hair. It eliminates any yellowish tones, ensuring your uniformly glossy silver hair stays fashionable.
Q: Does gray hair require bleaching?
A: Gray hair is more difficult to color at the roots. Bleaching can make your gray hair lighter and easier to dye if you desire a uniform hair shade.
Wondering what happens when you bleach gray hair? Check out this video for surprising insights into dyeing outcomes when silver strands meet bleach. Check it out!
