How To Care For Bleach-Damaged Hair

Hair color comes in handy when it’s time to jazz up your locks, but one misstep during the application process can wreak havoc on your strands, especially when using bleach. And when it comes to caring for bleach-damaged hair or bleached, blonde hair, you may experience signs of brittleness, hair breakage, and more — which can be frustrating to tackle. 

That’s why it’s essential to use the proper hair care routine to get your strands back in shape. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. Ahead, we’re sharing tips on how to care for bleach-damaged hair, including the best purple shampoo and other products to help revive your mane.

How Damaging Is Bleaching Your Hair?

The purpose of bleach on hair is to reach deep down into the hair shaft and lift the color. But according to the Cleveland Clinic this process can strip all the protective fibers and oils within your strands. The end result is hair that’s more susceptible and prone to becoming dry and damaged. Fortunately, bleach damage to your hair won’t last forever. It just requires some extra care, and patience to let the damage grow out over time.  

How To Care For Bleached Hair With Damage 

With a few tweaks to your routine and the right products, you can totally work to improve your bleach, damaged hair. Consider our five tips below to help you care for bleach-damaged hair.

1. Use Color-Safe Products 

Using color-safe products is key to maintain your new hue for the long haul and to keep your bleached strands from becoming damaged. Look for sulfate-free formulas as they are more gentle on colored hair and won’t strip or dull the color. 

Reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Bond Strengthening Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner. This system for all hair types is especially made for bleached and damaged hair and works to strengthen hair inside and out by reinforcing weak hair bonds. 

Once or twice a week, use a hydrating hair mask like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask in place of conditioner. It’s formulated with repair concentrates and proteins to help strengthen weak, brittle, and damaged hair. You can use it as a rinse-out mask in the shower or as a leave-in to repair current issues and protect against future damage.  

Editor’s tip: Hot showers may feel like the ultimate delight, but using too much hot water can strip your hair (and skin) of natural oils, which can lead to fading color and dryness. Play it safe and turn down the water temperature while showering. 

2. Use A Leave-In Treatment

Bleach-damaged hair needs all the hydration it can get. Once your wash session is complete, follow up with a leave-in product as it’s one of the best hair treatments to help seal in moisture and keep your strands hydrated. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment, which works to hydrate and nourish dry hair. Apply a generous amount of product onto damp hair, massaging it into the lengths and making sure to concentrate it on the ends. 

Another great option is the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm Rinse-Out Mask. This indulgent, deep repairing hair mask can nourish and visibly repair months of damage in a single use. Apply a generous amount to wet hair after shampooing, massage it through the ends and leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing. You can use it everyday for consistent, visible repair.

3. Fight Brassiness With A Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

Bleached strands have a tendency to become brassy with warm yellow or orange hues. For blonde hair, reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Conditioner. This color protecting duo is formulated with purple pigments to neutralize unwanted orange and yellow tones while keeping your bleached strands extra vibrant. 

If your hair is extra dry, try a purple hair mask like, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment to banish warm tones while adding an extra bit of hydration to your bleached strands.

4. Use A Heat Protectant Before Styling

This goes for hair of all types because using hot tools without a heat protectant is a recipe for damage and even breakage. Not to mention, it can cause your hair color to fade prematurely. Always make sure to spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In before reaching for your flat iron, or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant before you blow dry your hair. Besides providing 450-degree heat protection, they work to reduce frizz, seal in shine and hydrate your hair. 

5. Shield Your Strands From The Sun

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the sun can make hair weak, brittle and dry, especially hair that is bleached. If you’re planning to spend an extended amount of time outdoors, remember to cover your hair properly and seek shade as often as possible.

Next: How to Dye Dark Hair Without Using Bleach

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi; Photo: Chaunte Vaughn