Bleaching hair is a common technique used to lighten hair color. However, it can be damaging to hair and make it dry and brittle. Many people with bleached hair find that their hair texture changes and it becomes difficult to manage. Relaxing previously bleached hair can help restore smoothness and manageability. However, relaxing bleached hair requires some special care and precautions.
The Effects of Bleach on Hair
Bleach works by penetrating the hair cuticle and removing underlying pigment. This leaves the hair strands porous and rough. The bleach damages proteins in the hair fiber, leading to:
- Dry, brittle texture
- Increased tangling and breakage
- Loss of elasticity and strength
- Dull, lifeless look
These effects worsen with repeated bleaching. Over-processed hair often feels gummy or stretchy when wet. The degradation of the internal hair structure makes it prone to further damage from chemical processes.
Is It Safe to Relax Bleached Hair?
Relaxers work by breaking down the internal hair bonds. This allows straightening of naturally curly or wavy hair. Relaxing bleached hair is possible but carries some risks:
- More hair damage – Relaxers weaken already compromised hair.
- scalp burns – Bleached hair absorbs relaxers quicker increasing chance of scalp irritation.
- Hair loss – The combination of bleaching and relaxing can cause excessive breakage or shedding.
- Overprocessing – Bleached hair is highly vulnerable to the effects of relaxing.
To safely relax bleached hair, have a professional stylist assess your hair’s condition first. They can determine if your hair is too weak or damaged to withstand chemical relaxing. With the proper precautions, it may be possible to safely relax bleached hair.
Precautions When Relaxing Bleached Hair
If your hair is strong enough for relaxing, keep these precautions in mind:
- Do a strand test – Apply relaxer to a few strands first to check results.
- Use a mild formula – Choose a sensitive scalp or low-lye relaxer.
- Don’t overlap relaxer – Apply sparingly to avoid overprocessing.
- Rinse quickly – Bleached hair processes relaxers faster.
- Neutralize thoroughly – Make sure all relaxer is removed.
- Deep condition after – Use a moisturizing hair mask to combat dryness.
Relaxing Options for Bleached Hair
Traditional lye or no-lye relaxers may be too harsh for bleached hair. Some gentler options include:
- Texlaxing – Only partially relaxing hair for a looser curl pattern.
- Thio relaxers – Contain ammonium thioglycolate instead of lye.
- Non-chemical relaxers – Use heat rather than chemicals to straighten.
You can also try temporary straightening methods like blow drying or flat ironing bleached hair. Reduce heat damage by using a heat protectant product.
Caring for Relaxed Bleached Hair
It’s vital to practice proper care for hair that’s been both bleached and chemically relaxed. Recommended tips include:
- Use repairing hair masks and treatments.
- Avoid heat styling when possible.
- Gently detangle and minimize brushing.
- Get occasional trims to remove split ends.
- Use leave-in conditioners and oils for added moisture.
Also, avoid any other chemical treatments like dyeing, perming or further bleaching. This combination of processes can cause severe damage. Protect your hair as much as possible between salon visits.
Maintaining Healthy Hair After Relaxing
Once you relax bleached hair, maintaining your new straight style requires diligent upkeep. Suggested tips include:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping oils.
- Choose a rich, hydrating conditioner.
- Get a deep conditioning treatment monthly.
- Use leave-in conditioners and serums.
- Apply oil to ends to prevent dryness.
- Wear protective styles like braids or weaves.
- Get regular trims to prevent split ends.
Also, extend the time between relaxer touch-ups. Follow all label directions to avoid underprocessing or overprocessing each time.
Possible Alternatives to Relaxing
If your bleached hair is too damaged for relaxing, consider these possible alternative options:
- Keratin treatment – Smooths hair using a formaldehyde-free keratin solution.
- Brazilian Blowout – Seals cuticle with a keratin complex to relax curls.
- Hair extensions – Add length and allow styling options for damaged hair.
- Wigs or hairpieces – Provide a temporary straight hairstyle without relaxing.
Talk to your stylist about whether any of these options may be suitable for your hair situation and desired result. handle with care.
Conclusion
It is possible to relax previously bleached hair, but extra precautions are crucial. Bleached hair is highly fragile and at risk for severe damage from chemical relaxing. Have your hair assessed by a skilled professional before deciding to relax bleached hair. Proper techniques, quality products and intensive conditioning can help minimize risks. But take great care to avoid overprocessing and further hair breakage. With caution, relaxers can help restore manageability to unruly bleached hair.
| Effect of Bleach on Hair | Precautions When Relaxing Bleached Hair |
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Relaxing bleached hair carries risks but can be done with proper precautions. Assess hair’s condition, use a gentle relaxer formula, follow directions carefully, and condition hair thoroughly afterwards. Handle bleached hair with great care during the relaxing process.