How to Bleach Dreads? 4 Things You Need to Know
You feel bored with your dreads and want to give them a makeover? Besides decorating with beads, scarves, or headbands, bleaching is a big step that you are considering to move for your locs.
There are a lot of myths around the harm of using bleach to your hair. Are they all real? Are there any tips to live together with bleached hair in peace? The answer is Yes, check them out here.
Can I Bleach My Dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks are just another style of normal hair, so Yes, you can bleach them.
The important thing is to lighten them with care and have certain knowledge on how to dye them. Considering these points before proceed with dying your locs:
Are your locks ready for the bleach?
Are you locs still too young for the bleach? Can they resist the dying process?
Since there is a lot of washing and rinsing involved in the bleaching, if your locs are still just some months old, you should wait until they are firmer and stronger.
Are you preparing enough budget for getting the bleach and ready for long-term care?
Keep in mind that hair bleaching is surely not a one-time service. When your locs grow longer, you need to go to the salon several times for the reapplying.
Bleached locs need even more care and haircare items in order to keep them hydrated and moisture. If you are on a budget, you might need to seriously consider whether you should go with bleached hair or not.
Related:
Don’t “do it yourself” because it seems easy.
When not being done properly, your locs colors will look funky.
If you are not done it by purpose, you will definitely don’t feel good with that unpleasant look of your locs. Ask for help from the hairdresser to make sure your locs will have proper colors.
How Long Do You Leave Bleach in Dreads?
Most of the hair dye boxes recommend that you should leave bleach on your hair from 30 to 45 minutes and then wash out of hair. For dreads, you might need to let them sit a bit longer for about fifteen minutes more.
The longer you have bleach in, the more likely it will come out with the exact color you want.
However, remember that too much and too long is not good. The longer the bleach in, the more damages it might cause to your hair.
How Do You Moisturize Bleached Dreads?
After bleaching your locs, it’s important to recharge your locs with the nutrients that are stripped out during the dying process.
To make your dreads hydrated and moisture again you should:
- Prepare a rosewater spray for your locs’ daily care.
- Give your bleached dreads hot oil treatment or conditioner. Be wary about the amount of conditioner to use on them in order not to create buildup to your scalp and locs.
- Don’t detox your locs right after bleaching it. Dry products like baking soda might make your locs dry and cause itchy scalp.
- Sleep with your locs covered and wear a scarf or stocking cap when you are in a dusty environment.
How Do You Bleach Dreads with Hydrogen Peroxide?
Beside purchasing the hair dye products for dreads, some people tend to look for some homemade items that are affordable, and they can make use of at home. One of the most common items is hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid used on wounds for anti-infection products that can be found in drug stores. They can also help with lightening your hair.
The steps below will show you how to lighten your hair with hydrogen peroxide:
- Step 1: Cover the skin around your hair to make sure the hydrogen peroxide stains won’t get on and create itchy or irritation.
- Step 2: Fill up the spray bottle with the peroxide liquid and water, then spray it thoroughly on the locs area you want to lighten. You can also prepare a brush to apply the liquid on the hair area near the root for the proper hair color.
- Step 3: Cover your locs with a plastic cap and sit for 15 to 45 minutes for the peroxide to take effect. You can also consider sitting under the sun for the fast effect.
- Step 4: Rinse your hair well and moisturize them.
See also:
- 5 Steps To Bleach Hair With Just Developer At Home
- How to Bleach Hair Blonde Without Damage?
- How to Dye Blonde Hair Without It Going Green?
In Short
Although hydrogen peroxide is safe for use, they might cause skin, lung or eye irritation when being in. Also, for a long term, it might cause hair cuticle damages and even lead to hair loss.
To make sure your locs will have the right color and minimize the damages, let’s look for a reliable hair salon. Be unique and be cool with your new colored locs!
See also: How long to wait to dye hair after bleaching?
Aida
