How long does it take for bleached hair to recover?

Author: Dr. Wilfrid Carroll  |  Last update: Saturday, April 19, 2025

As long as the hair follicle is preserved, the hair will regrow in most cases. Bleached hair will regrow at the same rate as other forms of damaged hair, which in a healthy growth cycle is typically between 6-12 months.

How long does it take bleached hair to go back to normal?

In summary, while some improvements can be seen in weeks, full recovery for severely bleached and damaged hair may take several months to a year, depending on individual circumstances and care practices.

How long does it take to heal damaged bleached hair?

In summary, while some improvements can be seen in weeks, full recovery for severely bleached and damaged hair may take several months to a year, depending on individual circumstances and care practices.

How do I recover my hair after bleaching it?

Conditioners – After going through such a drying process, bleached hair lacks the moisture it once had. As a result, you'll want to restore your hair's moisture by using a deeply hydrating conditioner. Hair masks – A hair mask can nourish your hair deeply and rebuild its internal structure.

How to go back to natural hair after bleaching?

Steps
  1. Let your bleached hair grow out for about 2 months. If you just got your hair re-bleached, let it grow out for a couple of months so you can see your natural hair color. ...
  2. Pick a red or gold demi-permanent color for your hair. ...
  3. Choose a hair dye that matches your natural roots.

How long does it take for bleached hair to go back to normal?

How do you get rid of golden hair after bleaching?

If your bleached hair looks more yellow than orange, you'll need a purple toning shampoo to neutralise the yellow. If your hair's turned orange, you'll need a blue toning shampoo to tone the brassiness and get rid of the orange.

Will my hair be healthier if I stop coloring it?

And your hair might feel healthier

While hair dyes and techniques have come a long way since their follicle-frying beginnings, they do still leave some damage. Taking a hiatus from color will help your hair return to its previous state--especially as dyed ends get chopped off.

What not to do after bleaching your hair?

Avoid hot styling tools.

Heat is the worst thing you can apply to colour or bleach damaged hair. Steer clear of hot styling tools that will worsen the damage. If you must use a hot tool, be sure to use a heat protection spray.

How long does damaged hair take to heal?

Moderately damaged hair may start to return to its “usual self” in two to three months after using heat with caution & twice-weekly treatments, especially if you use treatments & ingredients such as jojoba oil that are specifically targeted at rebuilding your hair's protein & restoring its lipids.

How long does it take for curls to come back after bleaching?

Everyone's hair is different, so while it may take your friend just a few weeks to see their curls return to their former glory, you may have to wait a couple of months. The quickest way to see results is to cut off your damaged strands.

Will my hair ever be thick again after bleaching?

Damage from bleaching is not only permanent; it also continues to build up over time. This is because weakened hair strands will not be able to combat new damage with each successive bleaching session.

What does fried hair look like?

Damaged hair becomes brittle and breaks easily. Your hair might look dull and dry, and the appearance of split ends is more noticeable. It can also be challenging to get your hair to lie flat.

How do you rehydrate damaged bleached hair?

Bleaching your strands leaves them very dry so it's important to switch out your shampoo with hydrating conditioners and deep conditioner. This helps to fill in the extra porosity of your hair with moisture, rebuilding strength, and shine. Stock up on hair moisturizer products to help quench thirsty locks.

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.

Is it better to bleach dirty hair?

Keep in mind that color-wise, the end result will usually be the same whether you're going to the salon with freshly washed or dirty hair. Allowing oil to accumulate before bleaching your strands is solely to nourish your scalp and should have no impact on your desired color.

How many levels can you lighten hair in one session?

“It all depends on how light you want to go and what was previously done to the hair,” says Pearl. “On virgin hair, you can most likely lift up to seven levels [in one session]. This can become harder on a darker level hair.”

What is the fastest way to repair damaged hair?

10 Ways to Repair, Treat & Fix Damaged Hair
  1. Lower the Temperature on Your Tools. ...
  2. Handle Wet Hair with Care. ...
  3. Indulge in Rich Hair Masks. ...
  4. Embrace Leave-Ins. ...
  5. Get Professional Treatments. ...
  6. Let's Bond. ...
  7. Trim Your Split Ends. ...
  8. Swim and Sun with Care.

Should I cut damaged hair or grow it out?

All experts agree on this: when hair is damaged, it must be cut off. “If the damage is so bad (you're bleaching too much or using too much heat), that's when it becomes a cut instead of a trim,” says Polko. “You're going to have to commit and then let your hair grow back out.”

How do you know if your hair is permanently damaged?

8 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Damaged
  1. 01 of 08. Hair Isn't Shiny or Bouncy. ...
  2. 02 of 08. You're Dealing with Breakage. ...
  3. 03 of 08. Ends are Thinned Out. ...
  4. 04 of 08. There's Lots of Tangling. ...
  5. 05 of 08. It's Not Growing. ...
  6. 06 of 08. Hair is Crunchy or Stiff When Wet. ...
  7. 07 of 08. Your Hair Feels Brittle. ...
  8. 08 of 08. It's Hard to Manage.

What cancels out bleached hair?

If your lousy bleach job has come out more yellow, you'll need a purple toner. Purple shampoo can help neutralize the yellow. If your hair is orange, you'll need a blue toner. Try a blue shampoo to tone the brassiness and get rid of the orange.

How to rehydrate hair?

How to Hydrate Hair
  1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. ...
  2. Try a conditioning hair moisturizer. ...
  3. Turn down the dial when you shower. ...
  4. Use a deep conditioning mask. ...
  5. Apply a nourishing hair serum. ...
  6. Take a break from hot tools when you can. ...
  7. Use a heat protectant. ...
  8. Lather up less frequently.

Will hair go back to normal after bleaching?

Especially for bleach hair, you'll have to grow new hair to get your bleached hair back to usual. The time it would take depends mostly on how rapidly your hair grows, but it might take anywhere from two to three years.

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.

Why do my roots show after 1 week?

It could be that your hair is resistant to tint, especially when the hair texture has changed as a result of going white. But also it could be that by going lighter, either all over, or by introducing (subtle) highlights you would not see the regrowth strip quite as quickly as if it were lighter.

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