Hair bleaching is a highly sought-after service in hairdressing, but at the same time it is one of the most complex procedures, requiring thorough professional knowledge, experience, appropriate professional materials, and technical equipment.
This procedure not only makes spectacular transformations
enables, but also carries with it many challenges that professionals must face
they have to cope with. In this article, we will present in detail the process of bleaching
the most common problems that arise, as well as the recommended professional solutions for them
solutions.
1. Assessing and protecting the initial condition of the hair
Challenge:
One of the most important steps is to
assessment and diagnosis of the initial condition of hair before any chemical treatment
we would start treatment. Is it natural or chemically treated hair? For example:
Hair that is severely damaged or has a weak structure may not be able to withstand the
bleaching, especially bleaching with bleaching powder - and improper
Bleaching removes the natural (and/or artificial) pigments from the hair, which can also lead to a weakening of the hair structure.
Solution:
Condition assessment: Testing the thickness, condition, and porosity of the hair is mandatory.
This also includes checking the elasticity and hydration of the hair.
Application of treatment products:
During the bleaching process, use a bond repairer or products based on similar technology. These help to restore the disulfide bonds in the hair. Many modern hair color products already contain active ingredients that protect and rebuild the hair structure during the chemical process.
Tip:
e.g.: ETB ColorVerse hair dyes contain many valuable active ingredients – such as: vegetable keratin, shea butter, goji berry extract, betaine, coconut oil, several types of proteins (arginine, serine,
threonine) nourishes and protects hair during hair coloring.
Preparatory treatments: If the hair is too damaged, preliminary regenerating and structural rebuilding treatments are necessary. This can be a moisturizing, protein replacement or keratin treatment.
2. Determine your desired hair color goal
We clarify with the guest what their chosen hair color goal is, and explain
for him, how many steps this can be achieved in, what treatment procedure is justified for this, and what the expected cost is.
3. Achieving uniform color
We need to determine how many color depths need to be lightened: the starting
We need to compare the hair color with the desired hair color, taking into account the hair
its quality status as well. For example, if the starting color depth is 6 and the target hair color is
11, then you need to know how to perform 5 color depth lightening
we have to think it through.
If you only need to dye your hair 2-3 shades lighter, then using a "normal" hair dye is sufficient.
If the desired hair color goal is 3-4 shades lighter , then we need to use super-lightening hair dyes, the use of which is different from the use of "normal" hair dyes!
Did you know? The ETB ColorVerse super bleach (BB0, BB1, BB2, BB91, BB19) is mixed in a ratio of 1:2 and we work with a 12% developer. The special feature of super bleaches is that these substances work on the hair until we rinse them off, so we have to keep an eye on them.
Where is the bleaching process on our guest's hair?
If our task is to lighten more than 4 shades , then it is inevitable to
use of bleaching products (bleaching powder, bleaching cream).
Before using bleaching powder, we must also consider the thickness of the client's hair.
and quality of the hair: on thick, normal and/or natural hair, we work according to the mixing ratios generally given in the instructions for use (usually 1:2 with 6% developer), however, in the case of thin and/or porous hair, a more gentle procedure is required: in this case, it is advisable to use a lower concentration of bleaching powder: 3% - or even 1.5% (!) -, but in this case, we leave the mixture on the hair for a much longer time. In order to achieve the desired color, we repeat the procedure in several passes, either immediately after each other or with a time delay, calling the guest back several times.
Challenge:
Both natural and dyed hair can contain multiple color tones, which can cause uneven results when bleaching. Up to about 1.5 cm from the root, the hair shaft will lighten faster.
it lightens like the ends of the hair because it is closer to the warmth of the scalp. In addition
dyed hair color (artificial pigments) is more difficult to remove
completely, which may result in mottled color.
The first bleaching on natural/undyed hair is done by first applying the dye-developer mixture to the lengths and ends of the hair, and then to the roots after allowing time to act. Due to the heat of the scalp, leave the roots until the very end.
Bleaching dyed hair : in this case, we start with the roots, then work on the hair length and ends. We choose the technique, material and exposure time depending on the difference in color depth between the starting and desired hair color.
Solution:
Application in sections: The bleaching product should be applied in sections, first to the ends and mid-lengths of the hair, then to the roots.
Bleaches of different strengths:
It is advisable to use a bleaching mixture of different strengths for the roots and ends.
to achieve a perfect and uniform color result.
Different hair thicknesses:
We use a mixture of bleaching agents of different strengths for thick, normal and thin hair.
We can achieve the same bleaching color result in several ways, depending on the quality of the hair, e.g. by using a weaker developer and a longer exposure time. In the case of thin, porous hair, we can achieve the desired bleaching base with up to 1.5% developer and an extended exposure time.
Treatment of pigment residues:
If you see unwanted pigments (orange or yellow) in your hair after bleaching, you can compensate for them with toning: by choosing the right complementary color containing blue or purple pigment, you can neutralize them for the right color result!
Remember: in the 6-7-8 color depth, the orange undertone can be neutralized with blue pigments, and in the 7-8-9-10 color depth, the yellowish undertone can be neutralized with purple pigments. (We recommend e.g.: blue and purple boosters), the metallic shade unfolds most beautifully in the 10-11-12 color depth, we use the graphite booster to tone it.
3. Choosing the right bleaching agent and technique
Challenge:
Not all bleaching techniques are suitable for all hair types or for achieving the desired results. For example, compared to full bleaching, highlighting (e.g. babylights, balayage technique, etc.) requires a different approach. Using the wrong material or technique will most likely not produce the expected result and customer satisfaction!
Solution:
Material selection: Choose a bleaching powder and oxidant according to the condition of the hair and the desired color. The weaker (for example 3%, but even 1.5% !!!) oxidant is the more delicate
for lightening, while the stronger (6% or 9%) for more intense results
suitable.
Trial bleaching:
For all guests and hair types that are unknown to us, it is worth checking before starting work.
Test on a small section of hair to see what you can expect.
result, based on the reaction of the given hair. In the case of a new guest, the allergy
Don't forget to do a skin test to rule it out.
Modern technologies:
Modern bleaches contain ingredients that minimize hair damage. It is worth choosing such professional products.
Did you know?
The ETB Bright Blonde
Plex 9 gray micropigment bleaching powder is enriched with a plex, i.e. bond-strengthening formula, and the following valuable ingredients protect the health of the hair:
-Wheat protein strengthens hair strands, improves hair texture and helps
to maintain its moisture.
- Silk protein hydrates and smoothes hair, contributing to its shine
for appearance.
Guar gum stabilizes the formula, increasing the penetration of the bleaching agent into the hair.
adhesion, thus ensuring easy and even application. All kinds of –
especially recommended for manual techniques.
ETB Bright Blonde 7 bleaching powder contains the following valuable ingredients: Wheat protein,
which strengthens hair strands, improves hair texture and helps preserve
moisture, thus reducing breakage and its possible brittle state.
Silk protein hydrates and smoothes hair, contributing to a shiny appearance.
Guar gum: Stabilizes
formula and increases the adhesion of the material to the hair, thus ensuring
easy application and even application, especially recommended for manual application
techniques!
Tip:
If you want to lighten your hair by four or more shades, do not use strong cream bleach to avoid damaging your hair.
but let's follow the steps below:
Principle:
We can change three shades in one step!
It is advisable to inform the guest in advance about the increased time and material consumption, and
about the resulting cost increase - to avoid later inconvenience.
Important!
When using strong cream hydrogen, the lightening effect occurs quickly, the bleaching base stops at about 8-9 color depth, because the hair "gets a shock" due to the heat generated, so the yellow color "burns into" the hair, which cannot be corrected with any bleaching technique! This must be avoided at all costs!
4. Time management and process monitoring
Challenge:
Bleaching is a time-consuming process and the result depends significantly on the exact observance of chemical reactions, exposure times, and even the temperature of the room where the chemical process is performed. At room temperature, the substance works according to the normal exposure time, while in a cooler place it works more slowly, and by using air conditioning (heat effect), the exposure time can be significantly shortened. If you leave the bleach on the hair for too long or use too strong a bleach, it can cause damage, while if you rinse it off too soon, you will not achieve the desired lightening.
Solution:
Timing: For all bleaching processes, the time specified in the material's instructions for use must be strictly adhered to.
Continuous monitoring:
During the process, you should regularly check the degree of lightening of the hair. This is especially important if you are bleaching in several stages.
Multi-stage bleaching:
If the desired result requires drastic lightening, it should be divided into several sessions. This reduces the risk of hair damage.
5. Aftercare and maintenance
Challenge:
Bleached hair is particularly sensitive to external influences such as heat, humidity or environmental pollutants. Guests often fail to properly maintain their hair.
bleached hair, which can lead to rapid fading and damage.
Solution:
Home care tips: We recommend products specifically designed for bleached hair, such as purple/silver/no-yellow toning shampoos and deep moisturizing masks.
Regular salon treatments:
It is worth offering regular salon services to guests, such as:
for example, hair strengthening treatments or color refreshes.
UV protection:
Bleached hair is particularly sensitive to UV radiation, so we would like to draw the attention of our guests to this.
the importance of sun protection.
Closing thoughts
The key to success when bleaching hair is proper preparation, well-chosen technology and
material use, and aftercare. Despite the challenges, a well-trained
A hairdresser can create beautiful, healthy-looking bleached hair.
Communication with guests is very important, let's draw their attention to the person who,
If you want blonde hair, you will have to commit to a more regular routine than before.
and more frequent salon visits, more thorough and professional-recommended home care
compliance with hair care procedures.
Bleaching is not just a technical task, but also an art that requires precision and passion. The hairdressing profession is constantly evolving, and bleaching is no exception. The new
Understanding and mastering technologies and trends is key to
to ensure that salon guests get the best.
The art of bleaching hair:
Tips from master hairdressers for successful lightening
Hair bleaching is one of the biggest challenges in the hairdressing profession, as it is where technical knowledge, creativity and precise execution meet. If you are a master hairdresser, you can give advice
I would emphasize the following principles to my colleagues. The goal is not only
is to achieve an impressive result, but also to make the guest's hair
keep them healthy and make them satisfied and confident in the long run.
If you want to be a hairdresser
to acquire more professional knowledge and practical skills, then we are waiting for you
with love at our hairdressing workshops, the training dates are provided by the hairdresser
You can find it in the courses menu, or click here.