how to care for bleached hair

revamping your hair colour can be exciting, yet sustaining your vibrant new look and helping to support the health of your locks demands dedication.  

with so much advice, understanding how to care for bleached hair can be tricky. but that’s not to say it’s time to ditch the salon - check out our top tips for keeping your hair game strong.   

why bleached hair needs extra care

fancy a change? switching your hair colour can be fun, but whenever bleach is involved, you’ll need to ensure you reinforce your strands with a little tlc.  

this is because it works to strip the hair’s natural pigment and opens the cuticle – potentially making your locks more susceptible to breakage and dehydration. 

to keep your strands looking their best, you’ll want to give them a little extra love and attention. so, understanding their unique needs is key to unlocking fabulous results. 

our 9 top tips on

how to look after bleached hair

from hydration to protection, here are our 9essential tips to help you care for your chemically treated hair.

1. use sulphate-free formulas

sulphates are strong detergents commonly found in shampoos, but they have the potential to strip away the much-needed moisture from the hair and scalp – red flag alert! 

this could be particularly problematic for bleached locks, since those strands are often already thirsty for hydration after peroxide exposure, so they could cause further dryness.  

but don’t worry, we’ve got you. opting for sulphate-free formulas like our hydration collection could help to gently cleanse your locks and help give your locks a burst of moisture.  

to keep your hair in check, you could also try going 3 or 4 days between wash days as this could help to support maintaining your colour.  

don’t worry, if your locks need a little pick-me-up in between washes, simply refresh with a quick spritz of dry shampoo. 

2. deep condition your hair

deep conditioning may be particularly beneficial for bleached tresses. this is because it could help to repair strength and smooth the cuticle by penetrating the shaft and restoring any of the moisture lost due to peroxide exposure.  

to really pamper your locks, adding a nourishing hair mask to your weekly routine may help provide extra care and hydration — think of it as a spa day for your strands.  

for colour treated tresses, our hydro rush intense mask is your haircare hero. giving your strands a good dose of hydration, it could leave your locks feeling more luscious than lacklustre. 

applying our water sign hydrating oil between washes, could also work to enhance your mane’s natural shine.  

3. don’t forget heat protectant

bleached hair is particularly vulnerable, as the chemical process may make it more fragile and prone to breakage. therefore, limiting heat styling on your tresses may help minimise the risk of further damage, helping to preserve its strength and moisture. 

instead try alternate styling methods. heatless curls, embracing your natural texture or braiding are all ways to limit exposure.  

for wet locks, air dry whenever possible. if you're short on time, use the cool setting or a lower temperature (120-180 degrees) on your hairdryer instead, and always apply a protectant like our blockade heat defence serum to try and help shield your bleached hair from unnecessary stress.

4. introduce purple shampoo

if you’re a blondie, consider adding a purple shampoo like our bust your brass cool blonde repair shampoo to your routine to help counteract and neutralise any brassy pigments.  

regular use may help to enhance the clarity and brightness, giving you a more polished and salon-worthy appearance. 

if you often get a toner, incorporating purple shampoo could extend the life of your colour, potentially saving you coin on frequent freshen ups at the hair salons.  

5. get regular haircuts

as bleaching may contribute to split ends and breakage, regular cuts are essential for helping to maintain the health and appearance of your hair.  

although it can be hard to part ways with your mane, we recommend a maintenance cut every 6-12 weeks to help promote healthier growth and overall integrity, supporting smoother, more refined locks.

6. reduce bleaching frequency 

we get it, when a slight bit of root shows, it can be tempting to book the next trip to the salon. 

however, having a break and spacing out bleaching sessions may be beneficial. aim to wait at least 6 weeks between treatments to allow your hair to recover and regain strength.

7. be conscious of chlorine 

if you're an avid swimmer or enjoy a holiday by the pool, safeguarding your locks against the chemicals in the water is crucial.  

chlorine may interact with the proteins in bleached hair, resulting in undesired colour shifts like green tints or fading.  

to help shield your tresses, consider preventive measures such as rinsing your hair with filtered water from the shower post-swim, wearing a swimming cap, or styling in a bun to minimise exposure.  

for further swim protection advice, you can explore our blog on how to protect your hair from chlorine.

8. wear a hat

grabbing a hat before you head out of the door not only adds flair to your outfit but could also help protect your locks from UV rays that could affect your hair colour. 

9. upgrade your bedding with a silk pillowcase 

there’s no better feeling than when your head hits the pillow, but what if we told you that this very thing may put your strands at risk of damage? 

sleeping on a cotton pillowcase may result in a lot of friction, which could cause tangles and breakage.  

instead, opting for silk may allow you to toss and turn in your sleep without sacrificing the health of your locks.  

now you know our top tips on how to care for bleached hair, check out our range of products for colour treated hair.