A hair coloring method that lightens hair is called balayage.
It entails “painting” bleach on specific hair strands. Usually, bleach is applied more liberally near the ends, resulting in a smooth color transition.
A naturally emphasized effect results from this.
On dry hair, a typical balayage is performed. But wet balayage has grown incredibly popular in recent years. Instead, bleach is applied to damp hair using this method.
This produces a subtler highlight, which is perfect for some styles.
If you’re considering wet balayage, you might be curious about how the process impacts hair.
Let’s examine what occurs when you bleach damp hair and some precautions you should take.
Read on to learn more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ When bleaching wet hair, a slight lightening effect can be achieved.
✅ It’s preferable to let a hair colorist handle this, though. When applying bleach, more care must be exercised because wet hair is more delicate.
✅ Your hair will be properly dampened and bleached by a qualified colorist.
✅ It’s crucial to treat bleached hair with particular care.
✅ Preventing dryness and breakage involves limiting exposure to heat-styling tools, the sun, and chlorine pools.
✅ Additionally, you ought to utilize bleached hair products and restrict the number of times you bleach your hair.
✅ For particular pointers and suggestions, consult your colorist.
What is the purpose of bleaching damp hair?
Bleach is often used on damp hair by colorists for a variety of reasons. It could be done to:
Make a lightning effect that is cool.
If you’re looking to gradually lighten your hair, your colorist might employ this method. The bleach is diluted by the water, which results in a little color shift. The bleach is also distributed evenly by the water. Avoiding abrupt hue changes produces a smoother lighting effect.
Shine the ends.
Between coloring visits, previously lightened ends are “boosted” with wet balayage.
After a customary highlight session, it is also utilized to further brighten the ends. A colorist can add more bleach to your hair after it has been bleached, treated, and rinsed to enhance the result.
Obtain a quicker application
If you’re looking for a speedy coloring procedure, your colorist might employ wet balayage.
In addition to bleaching hair faster when it’s wet, the intention is to subtly alter the color. Your hair doesn’t need to be bleached for an extended period of time.
Is it more damaging to your hair to bleach wet hair?
While whitening damp hair is practical, there are certain disadvantages.
Wet hair is the most fragile.
The method can be damaging to your hair. This is due to the fact that wet hair is the most fragile. The cuticle, which is the thick exterior covering each strand, is made more permeable by water. It is constructed from layers of overlapping scales.
The cortex, the area in the center of the hair, is often shielded by the cuticle. Your hair’s color is created by a pigment called melanin found in the cortex. However, the cuticle is unable to effectively shield the cortex while it is open. This indicates that the hair is more susceptible to harm.
Never attempt this at home
You should probably refrain from using this method at home. If done poorly, it can seriously damage your hair. Additionally, at-home coloring kits come with instructions that you should always abide by. They most likely won’t require coloring wet hair with bleach or dye.
Use a qualified colorist whenever possible.
It’s better to work with a colorist while bleaching wet hair. They’ll be aware of how to employ the procedure correctly while safeguarding your hair. For instance, they can use the appropriate amount of water before bleaching. In order to reduce damage, they could also apply a specific conditioner after bleaching.
A colorist will also be able to tell you whether bleaching wet hair will give you the desired result.
What occurs when bleach is applied to damp hair?
Wet vs. dry hair reacts to bleaching differently on a cellular level.
Bleach penetrates the hair cuticle when applied to dry hair. The melanin is then broken down once it reaches the cortex. Your hair will be lighter in color as a result of less pigment being present. Under the cuticle, there are also cross-linked proteins. Your hair has structure thanks to these proteins. The proteins are oxidized and destroyed by bleach, weakening the hair.
The cuticle scales are already raised when your hair is damp. The bleach can easily penetrate the cortex and get inside, where it breaks down the melanin. Although the bleach is diluted with water, there isn’t much of a color shift. The hair is swiftly but subtly lightened with this.
Before coloring your hair, should you wash and dry it first?
Avoid washing your hair right before bleaching it, as advised. That’s because sebum, the natural oil found in your hair, shields your scalp during the procedure. The oil will lessen hair protein loss and itchiness on the scalp.
In addition, your colorist will only dampen the hair that is being lightened if they are performing a wet balayage. Instead of washing every strand of your hair, they’ll probably spray some of it with water.
For a few days prior to your visit, you’ll probably need to refrain from washing your hair. You can ask your colorist how many days you can go without washing.
Other best practices for bleaching hair?
There are several things you can do to protect your hair if bleaching it appeals to you. The following advice will keep your hair from drying out and getting brittle.
- Deeply moisturize your hair. Deep conditioning your hair in the weeks leading up to your visit is advised. Before bleaching, this will moisturize your hair and lower the chance of breaking.
- Collaborate with a skilled colorist. A skilled hairstylist will understand how to appropriately bleach hair while minimizing harm.
- Limit the number of times you bleach. Space out your appointments as much as you can. One of the best strategies to prevent overtreating your hair is to do this.
- Skip the heat therapies. Bleached hair might become even more damaged when heated. It is better to avoid using heat and bleaching together as it can result in scalp burns.
- Avoid being in the sun. Keep the sun away from your hair to prevent additional deterioration and breakage. Wear a hat or use hair sunscreen.
- Steer clear of chlorine pools. Similarly to this, swimming pool chlorine can worsen hair damage. If you wish to swim in a pool, think about donning a swim cap.
- Request product recommendations from your colorist. Bleached hair needs unique products and care. Use products designed especially for hair that has been colored or bleached.