When it comes to achieving a blonde hair color, many people make the mistake of skipping the bleaching process altogether. However, in most cases, it’s essential to bleach your hair before applying toner to lighten it sufficiently. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of at-home hair bleaching and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your locks for a toner application.
While it is technically possible to dye darker hair blonde without prior bleaching, we highly recommend against it. Instead, we suggest exploring alternative methods, such as learning how to tone over light hair, which can be a more effective and long-lasting approach. If you’re interested in discovering the secrets to achieving a stunning blonde color at home, continue reading to learn the ins and outs of DIY bleaching. As always, please note that this post may contain affiliate links.
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How to Bleach Hair at Home – How to Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions
To achieve salon-fresh locks without the hefty price tag, follow these simple and straightforward steps to bleach your hair at home. With just a few basic supplies and some careful attention to detail, you can get the look you want in the comfort of your own home.
Word of Caution: Test with a Sample of Hair First
When contemplating at-home bleach treatments, it’s crucial to conduct a test run on a discreet section of hair first. This initial test ensures you’re aware of the potential outcome before committing to the full process. To avoid any unwanted surprises, my own experience with bleaching and toning began with my mom cutting off a small strand from the underside of my head – an area that’s easily hidden.
We then applied the bleach and tone to this sample section, allowing us to gauge its effects and make informed decisions moving forward.
Step 1: Buy the Supplies to Bleach Your Hair at Home
To bleach your hair at home, you’ll need the following supplies from Amazon or Sally’s Beauty:
A tint brush for applying the bleach, which can be found on Amazon or in-store at Sally’s. A mixing bowl is also essential, and a purple hair color mixing bowl from Sally’s is a great option.
To protect your skin and clothes, wear gloves during the bleaching process. SalonCare gloves or vinyl/latex gloves are good choices. You can even purchase a set online.
An applicator bottle is necessary for applying the bleach mixture to your hair. I recommend using the $3 applicator bottle from Sally’s or purchasing one on Amazon.
The actual bleach itself is PrismLites Blue Powder, available in 1 oz packages. For optimal results, use a 20 volume developer from Salon Care, which can be found on Amazon or at Sally’s.
Some other essential items to have include: a hairbrush, shower cap, hair ties or clips, shampoo, and conditioner.
To make the process less messy, wear an old t-shirt that you don’t mind getting stained. And don’t forget to apply a toner after bleaching your hair – otherwise, your locks may end up looking like a yellow banana!
Step 2: Apply Bleach to Hair
To achieve the desired color, combine one scoop of Prism lights Blue powder with two scoops of SalonCare 20 volume developer in a well-ventilated mixing area. Ensure you’re properly protected by wearing gloves before proceeding. Next, carefully apply the bleach mixture to the roots and back sections of your hair, dipping your gloved hands into the solution as needed.
Step 3: Put on Shower Cap and Wait 25-30 Minutes
As instructed, once you’ve applied the bleach solution, carefully place a plastic shower cap over your hair to ensure the treatment is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to sit for 25-30 minutes, permitting the bleach to penetrate the hair shaft and lift your locks to the desired shade.
Step 4: Rinse Out Bleach with Shampoo
As you near the end of the bleaching process, it’s time to remove the shower cap and let your hair’s true color shine through – literally! Don’t worry if your locks take on a vibrant hue, such as blue or green, after 25-30 minutes. This is a normal part of the process. If you’re curious about what to expect, check out our video showcasing what happens at the 25-minute mark.
Once the bleaching treatment is complete, it’s time to rinse out the bleach in the shower with your usual shampoo – not necessarily purple shampoo. I personally swear by L’Oreal’s sulfate-free formula for this step. And when you do, get ready for a bright yellow hue that signals the final stage of the process has been achieved!
Step 5: Add Toner to Hair
After bleaching your hair, it’s time to apply toner to achieve the desired shade. You can choose from a wide range of Wella toner colors, with T27 and T35 being personal favorites. For those who want to see the results in action, I’ve curated some Wella toner guides featuring before-and-after pictures on my website. Take a look at how T27 transformed blonde highlights, or explore the impact of T35 without initial bleaching.
Alternatively, check out the stunning results of T18 toner on both bleached and brown hair, including tutorials and visuals to help you recreate the looks.
How to Apply a Toner (After Bleaching Hair at Home)
For those looking to master the art of applying toner, I recommend checking out a helpful tutorial on the Very Easy Makeup YouTube channel. Specifically, skip ahead to the 13:30 minute mark for a step-by-step guide on how to effectively incorporate toner into your daily beauty routine.
Summary
Achieving salon-quality bleached locks at home is a surprisingly accessible feat. To get started, gather the essential supplies: developer, bleach powder, and toner. Once you have these in hand, it’s time to mix and match. Combine the volume developer with the bleach powder in equal parts to create your custom blend. Apply this mixture directly to your hair, allowing it to sit for approximately 20 minutes before rinsing out the solution with a gentle shampoo.
Finally, apply your toner to balance the pH levels of your newly bleached locks.
More Hair Color Guides
For those looking to achieve salon-quality hair tones from the comfort of their own homes, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that covers toning hair at home tips and frequently asked questions. Additionally, our in-depth review of Sun In Hair Lightener provides valuable insights for those seeking to lighten their locks. Furthermore, we’re excited to share our experience with T18 Toner, featuring before-and-after results that showcase the transformative power of this popular product.
And as a resource for all your hair care needs, be sure to explore our extensive collection of hair guides, packed with expert advice and tips to help you achieve the hairstyle of your dreams.
