Are you ready for our next talk on chemical hair treatments? Well, this time we’re talking about bleaching. Now we’ve all heard that blondes have more fun, but let’s talk more about what bleaching is and more importantly, what it does to our hair and scalp and then you decide. So let’s get started.
Types of Bleach
We commonly think of the word “bleach” when we’re doing our laundry right? We know that it removes color and if you have the unfortunate mistake of putting too much bleach in your whites, you know that it can melt away clothing fibers.
The liquid chemical you use for bleaching clothes is sodium hypochlorite which is totally different from hair bleach and should never, NEVER EVER, ever be used to bleach hair! Now let’s look at hair bleach.
Do Blondes Have More Fun?
If you ever wanted your hair a lighter shade, frosted, or highlighted, your darker hair color needed to be removed first. This is done by bleaching your hair, THEN coloring it to the color you wanted.
Yes that’s a two-step chemical process that doubles your chances of scalp irritation, allergic reactions, burns and hair loss. Kind of makes you wonder if blondes really have more fun when they’re going through all these processes.
In any event, you should be sure to take precautions to protect your scalp and give it time to heal between the bleaching and coloring process.
So What’s In Hair Bleach?
Remember, it’s a two-step process of mixing chemicals to lighten the hair color using hydrogen peroxide (a stronger form than the one on your medicine shelf) AND ammonia!
You may be wondering about the “peroxide free” brands, but just remember in order for the bleach to work, that one ingredient is just being exchanged out for another. These chemicals work to open your hair cuticle to allow the bleach to get into the hair and leaves them open resulting in hair that dry and prone to breakage because of loss of moisture.
Not only will it leave your hair changed forever, but the ingredients in hair bleach also causes irritation to your eyes and will have you holding your breath for fear of inhaling! Still think blondes have more fun? You’ll remember that ammonia is the same ingredient that’s used in cleaners to strip away built up dirt and grime.
Looking Good But Totally Unsafe
Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy looking my best and I understand wanting to change things up a bit. But I also know how important it is to stay healthy. We need to make smart choices and take precautions to protect ourselves.
If our body is telling us that something looks bad, smells bad, and feels bad, it IS bad! I care and I want to help you to protect yourself. Write to me here and I’ll send you more information on being the healthiest you. These products will protect and heal your scalp.
You may also enjoy reading: Are You In Touch With Your Body?
