Should I clarify before bleaching?

Author: Aliya Ratke DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

It is recommended to use a clarifying shampoo for a bleach bath, as it helps to remove any buildup on the hair and allow the bleach to penetrate more evenly.

Should you clarify hair before bleaching?

By removing product buildup, hardened sebum on the scalp, and excess oil, clarifying shampoos actually help the color or bleach penetrate the strands better, as these impurities leave a film that functions as a barrier.

How do I prepare my hair for bleaching?

The general advice before bleaching hair is to let your hair oils build up for a bit before slapping the chemical on there. To do this you can refrain from washing your hair for a few days before the process (if you can swing it). In addition to that I use my super secret Coconut Oil method.

Is it better to bleach your hair when it's dirty or clean?

  • Bleachinging should only be done on dry unwashed hair.
  • Reason is wet hair will cause the bleach to seep onto the roots.
  • Shampooing removes natural oils that protect your scalp.
  • Water dilute the developer strength and affect the bleaching process by buffering the oxidation.

What not to do when bleaching hair?

Don't Overprocess

Using too high percent of developer will cause the hair color to lift too fast causing damage to the hair cuticle,” says Faye. Rez adds that leaving the bleach on too long—even with a lower volume processor—can also contribute to damage.

How I saved my EXTREMELY damaged bleached hair - STAYING BLONDE ✨ fried + dead to thick + healthy

Can I dye my hair if I haven't washed it in a week?

If your hair tends to be oily, you'll want to make sure your wash window is within 24 hours of your upcoming permanent or semi-permanent dye job. For normal-to-dry hair, that window can stretch up to three days between washing your hair and applying at-home dye.

How to get the best results bleaching hair?

You should always apply your bleach mixture to your mid lengths and ends first, and then go back to your roots. Working through each section, saturate the mid-lengths and ends of your hair with your bleach mixture. Once you've worked through each section, it's time for the roots!

How long to not wash hair before bleaching?

It might seem a little counterintuitive to apply bleach to hair that isn't squeaky clean. But the reality is, your hair needs to be at least one day old – preferably two. This is because over time the hair produces natural oils which will protect it from the chemicals in the bleach.

How to get platinum blonde hair at home?

How To Get Platinum Blonde Hair
  1. Pick up an at-home bleaching kit. ...
  2. Choose your platinum hair dye. ...
  3. Protect your eyes, skin, and clothes. ...
  4. Section your hair. ...
  5. Bleach your strands. ...
  6. Rinse and dry your hair. ...
  7. Wait. ...
  8. Apply color.

What not to apply after bleaching?

It is advised to avoid using products like toners for a while after face bleaching as they may cause skin irritation and itching. Frequent bleach application on the face should be avoided because it may harm the skin.

Which is best, D-tan or bleach?

Bleach lightens the skin by reducing the concentration of melanin, while d-tan removes dead skin cells and sun tan. Bleach services are more suitable for reducing the appearance of dark spots, while d-tan services are ideal for improving skin texture.

Should I moisturize before bleaching?

1) Moisturise before and after bleaching. If your skin is dry then first apply moisturiser, rinse it off with warm water, then you can apply bleach.

Can I clarify my hair before coloring?

Whether you're applying at-home color or are heading to the salon, washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo the day before you add color can remove buildup, allowing for the dye to distribute more evenly.

What happens if you over clarify hair?

Might cause hair dye to fade: Because the idea of a clarifying shampoo is to strip away any deposit on the hair, using one too frequently will make your color wash out faster.

Should I put coconut oil in my hair before bleaching?

Coconut oil, with its rich fatty acids, might coat the hair and potentially minimize some of the damage caused by the bleaching process. Here's a caveat: the science on this is not entirely conclusive. Some hairdressers swear by it, while others recommend other treatments.

How do I prep my hair for bleaching?

Don't Shampoo Right Before Bleaching

While there is some debate around whether dirty hair is better than clean, most experts agree that you should not wash your hair for at least a day or two before your treatment. “Avoid washing your hair the day of chemical treatments,” said Canale.

Is unwashed hair better for bleaching?

Greasy hair is the recommended hair condition for bleaching, as your hair's natural oils are well-equipped to resist the bleaching process, and protect the scalp from chemical damage. We recommend bleaching hair at least 72 hours post-hair wash for ultimate protection.

What to do before bleaching your face?

Never apply the bleach in the first step always prep your skin by washing off your face with mild face wash. No exposure to the sun after you have bleached your face as it may irritate your skin and bring redness. Take a break between the next steps as too many of the chemicals can burn your skin.

Should I use 20 or 30 developer with bleach?

Developer choice going lighter with bleach

For up to 3 levels lift, use bleach with 20 Vol developer. For greater than 3 levels lift, use bleach with 30 Vol developer. For second time bleach applications, use only 20 Vol developer. Otherwise you will damage the hair excessively.

Should I bleach my roots or ends first?

It's important not to start at the scalp, as it processes quicker from body heat. Once the rest of the hair is done, go back and apply bleach to the roots. Let bleach process between 20-45 minutes, depending on your hair color, desired results, and package directions.

How to bleach dark hair without it turning orange?

Purple shampoos work by balancing out yellow tones, since purple and yellow are opposite on the color wheel. Blue shampoos balance orange tones because blue and orange are opposite on the color wheel.

Is it better to have dirty or clean hair before coloring?

In conclusion, it is recommended to come to your hair appointment with clean hair but not freshly washed or wet hair. Communication is key, so don't hesitate to ask your stylist for their preference to ensure you get the best possible results.

Can hair be too greasy to bleach?

Stylists advise that bleach does not need to go on clean hair, and that it's actually healthier for your hair to be a little oily when you bleach.

How to make your hair darker overnight?

The onion rinse can make the hair darker up to several tones. You will need two handfuls of onion shells and three cups of water – cook all ingredients on low heat for half an hour, leave overnight, drain and use to rinse your hair.

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