Texture and Tones bleach is a popular hair lightening product designed specifically for use on textured and naturally dark hair. As an effective yet gentle alternative to traditional bleach, it allows those with coily, curly, or kinky hair to achieve lighter colors without excessive damage to the hair shaft. But how well does it actually work, and is it right for you? Let’s take a closer look at how Texture and Tones functions on textured hair.
How does Texture and Tones work on textured hair?
Like traditional bleach, Texture and Tones uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to open up and alter the underlying pigment within the hair strand. However, it contains specially formulated conditioning agents to help counteract the drying effect of the lightener. The lower levels of peroxide also make it less harsh than salon-quality bleach. While results won’t be as dramatic, this more gradual lightening approach helps prevent breakage and over-processing.
On straight or wavy hair, bleach tends to lift rather evenly from root to ends. But because of the curly texture, coily hair tends to have varying porosity levels throughout the length. This can lead to uneven bleaching with traditional lighteners. Texture and Tones seeks to overcome this issue through the use of emollient ingredients that allow the product to better penetrate and spread consistently throughout all hair types. The end result is a more uniform lightening across all curl patterns.
Is it effective on dark hair?
According to customer reviews, Texture and Tones does appear to successfully lighten naturally dark curly and coily hair types, including jet black hair. However, results seem to depend largely on the original shade and condition of your hair:
- For black hair, expect a subtle brightening to dark brown rather than dramatic highlights.
- Dark brown hair usually lifts to a medium reddish brown.
- Light brown hair may lighten a shade or two to a golden blonde tone.
While it likely won’t take your hair from black to platinum in one session, repeated use can progressively lighten over time. Starting on the lower end of the volume developer (10 or 20 vol) and gradually working up to higher volumes is the recommended approach for minimizing damage.
How long does it last?
Results from Texture and Tones generally last 4-6 weeks before new growth becomes visible. However, the lifted color will remain on previously lightened strands as it grows out. Frequent touch-up applications can help prolong your highlighted look.
Using a toner or purple shampoo can also help neutralize brassy tones as the lightener fades. And deep conditioning treatments are a must for maintaining the health of color-treated curly hair.
Is Texture and Tones damaging for curly hair?
No bleach-based lightener is going to be completely damage-free. However, when used correctly, Texture and Tones does minimize the risks to your curls better than generic store bleach. Some tips for keeping your hair healthy include:
- Strand test – apply to a small section first to assess results and your hair’s tolerance.
- Protein treatments – do a restorative pre-treatment and follow up with regular conditioning.
- Low volumes – start with 10 or 20 volume cream developer and increase gradually if needed.
- No overlapping – apply precisely to avoid over-processing and never reapply to previously lightened sections.
It’s also best to enlist the help of a trained stylist who specializes in coloring textured hair. Avoid box dyes which can be overly aggressive.
What are the advantages of Texture and Tones?
For those wishing to go lighter on their dark curly or coily hair, here are some of the advantages of Texture and Tones bleach:
- Gentler lifting action than salon bleach.
- Lower peroxide levels minimize damage.
- Creamy conditioning formulas increase spreadability.
- More consistent results across curl patterns.
- Allows for gradual lightening over multiple uses.
- Won’t overly compromise curl integrity.
What are the disadvantages?
Texture and Tones does have some drawbacks to be aware of:
- Won’t produce dramatic single-session transformation.
- Requires careful application and strand testing.
- Frequent touch-ups needed to maintain results.
- Can still cause some dryness and damage when overused.
- More expensive than generic lighteners.
- Works best for dark shades – won’t lift much on light hair.
Is Texture and Tones bleach right for you?
Texture and Tones can be a good option for gradually and gently lightening dark curly or coily hair. The conditioning formulas help counteract the drying effect of bleach. However, dramatic color transformations likely won’t happen in one session. It works best on darker shades and requires careful application and maintenance. For minimally damaged lightening of black hair, Texture and Tones offers a bleach specially designed for curlies who want to go lighter while preserving their texture.
Conclusion
Texture and Tones is a bleach product specifically formulated for use on naturally dark curly and coily hair types. While gentler than salon bleach, it can still lift hair multiple shades lighter when used correctly over time. The results last 4-6 weeks before fading and requiring touch-ups. It may cause some dryness, but proper conditioning and care can counteract damage. For those with jet black hair seeking a subtle brightening effect, Texture and Tones offers a bleach that is tailored to lift darker shades evenly across all curl patterns.
| Hair Color | Lift to Expect |
|---|---|
| Black | Dark brown |
| Dark brown | Medium reddish brown |
| Light brown | Golden blond |
