Can bleach permanently damage hair follicles?

Author: Mrs. Pasquale Kling V  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

These chemicals will cause protein loss, which may make hair weaker and appear thinner. In most cases, these harsh chemicals should not cause permanent hair loss falling from the scalp, yet they will damage hair and scalp and leave it dry.

Can bleach permanently damage hair roots?

Unfortunately, yes, hair loss due to bleaching can be permanent. Bleaching can cause damage to the hair follicles, leading to hair breakage, thinning, and even baldness in some cases.

Will hair grow back after bleach damage?

Bleaching the hair can cause chemical burns that may result in the loss of hair but the hair loss should not be permanent and usually will grow back. However, it may take a while for the hair to grow back. PRP would be a good option in the mean time to stimulate hair growth.

What does bleach do to a hair follicle?

Bleach can be damaging to the hair follicle, especially when used frequently or incorrectly. It can weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage and thinning. Applying bleach directly to the scalp can irritate and damage the skin, potentially affecting hair growth.

Can you permanently damage your hair follicles?

Permanents, hair dyes, relaxants and other chemical treatments can damage hair follicles and the hair itself and can lead to hair thinning and hair loss. Repeated treatments can destroy a follicle, leaving it unable to regrow hair in the future. This means that bald spots that develop may be permanent.

Effects Of Bleach On Your Hair and Scalp

How to tell if hair follicles are permanently damaged?

What are the symptoms of hair follicle conditions?
  • Hair loss, thinning hair or limited hair growth.
  • Pimples, fluid-filled bumps or blemishes on your skin.
  • Swelling (inflammation).
  • An itchy rash.
  • A would that isn't healing, has a yellow crust or leaks a white to yellow fluid (infection).

Can bleach cause permanent hair loss?

In conclusion, hair loss after bleaching can occur due to the weakening of hair strands caused by harsh chemicals. However, in most cases, hair loss after bleaching is temporary and not permanent. It is essential to take proper after bleach hair care to minimize damage and promote healthy hair growth.

Can bleach burn hair follicles?

You may notice a tingling, itching or burning sensation when you dye or bleach your hair. These are mild symptoms of a chemical irritation that, if prolonged, may progress into a chemical burn that has the potential to damage the hair, hair follicles and the skin.

How do you know if bleach will ruin your hair?

The tell-tale signs of bleach damage are: Dry, brittle, and straw-like textures due to a loss of oils and lipids during chemical processing. If that radiant shine your hair once boasted is now subdued, blame the bleach! It affects the hair's cuticle layer, making it less reflective, leading to a loss of natural luster.

Is my hair permanently damaged after bleaching?

The good news is that there are solutions for damaged hair. There are no 'long-term' effects from bleaching hair, however, immediately after first bleaching the hair, it becomes prone to damage.

Does dying hair damage follicles?

Dying your hair is a great way to combat greys or even change your appearance. However, sometimes dying your hair can do more damage to your strands and follicles than good.

Can you reverse bleach damage hair?

While you can't undo all the damage bleach does, the fix here is to supply your hair with some added strength to prevent any additional breakage and achieve smoother strands.

Will my hair fall out if I bleach my roots?

The only way that bleaching can directly cause hair loss is if there's a chemical mishap. For example, if your bleaching product is left on your head for too long, or the mixture isn't balanced, it could harm your scalp and cause more serious hair issues.

How to fix bleached hair breakage?

8 Ways to Fix Bleach-Damaged Hair
  1. Leave-in Conditioner. Using leave-in conditioner is a great way to bring moisture back into your bleached hair follicles and strengthen the hair shafts. ...
  2. Trimming. ...
  3. Avoid Heat Styling. ...
  4. Protein Treatments. ...
  5. Gentle Hair Care. ...
  6. Regular Hair Masks. ...
  7. Overnight Oil Treatment. ...
  8. Silk or Satin Pillowcases.

Will my hair get thicker if I stop bleaching it?

If you have any hair loss caused by bleach, it will only be temporary and will last only as long as you continue treatment. Most people find that once they stop bleaching their hair, their natural hair grows back as thick and healthy as it was prior to bleaching.

Can bleaching damage hair roots?

Clark says,“If you bleach your hair roots to ends every time, you risk it breaking and becoming damaged. The overall color can also become uneven because the ends will lighten faster."

What can burn hair follicles?

Laser hair removal. The laser emits a beam of light, which the pigment (color) in your hair absorbs. Over time, this can destroy the hair follicle, so the hair cannot grow back. While it takes about 6 treatments from a dermatologist to destroy a follicle, the hair will grow back thinner and finer after each treatment.

How to repair scalp after bleaching?

To soothe and heal a bleach-damaged scalp, follow these steps: stop the damage, cleanse gently, soothe with cooling treatments, rehydrate and nourish, use soothing scalp products, avoid aggravating factors, stay hydrated and nourished, monitor for signs of infection, and prevent future damage.

What happens if you bleach your hair for years?

Bleaching raises your hair's outer cuticle to allow the bleaching agent to fully penetrate. Repeated bleaching can permanently raise your cuticle, which allows rapid and continuous loss of moisture from your strands. Damage from bleaching includes: Dry Hair.

Will my hair grow if I stop using bleach?

Most people find that once they stop using bleach on the scalp, their natural hair grows back like before bleaching. If you experience hair loss after bleaching, stop and let your scalp recover. If hair loss is temporary, you will know it is bleach or hair color.

What is the best hair regrowth product?

Dermatologists recommend using Viviscal Pro, Nutrafol, and Rogaine for their clinical effectiveness. Prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements can also help. Ask a dermatologist before considering alternative treatments that may cause harm to your health.

How do you fix permanently damaged hair follicles?

Can I fix damaged hair follicles. Unfortunately, once your hair follicles have been deeply damaged, it is permanent. Your best bet is to spend your time, energy, and resources focusing on protecting and caring for the healthy follicles. You can also take steps to support new hair growth.

How do I know my hair follicles are alive?

Hair follicles are below the skin, so you cannot see them when looking at your scalp. When they are healthy, you can see the hair they produce. However, when they are no longer able to produce hair, there is nothing left to see above the scalp.

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