How to bleach hair with hydrogen peroxide?
Most modern hair dyes contain hydrogen peroxide. This substance helps to lighten and brighten them quickly and cheaply. But at the same time, there is a high probability of ruining the hair or getting a completely different effect. If you want to change the shade of the strands using hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended to contact a professional.
Peculiarities
Hydrogen peroxide - a colorless substance with the chemical formula H2O2, with a specific smell and taste... Often used in the home, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Since hydrogen peroxide has whitening properties, it is also used in cosmetology as part of paints and toothpastes.
The substance is sold in plastic or glass jars with various concentrations of peroxide. At any pharmacy, hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at a fairly low price.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent. When treated with the substance, the hair cuticles on the head open, as a result of which the structure of the hair is destroyed and its pigmentation changes. Thanks to this, the hair color becomes lighter in a couple of tones. When discoloration of curls with hydrogen peroxide both positive and negative effects can be obtained.
When it gets on the hair, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into the following elements: water and oxygen. The paint contains separately an oxidizing agent and an activator.The oxidizing agent contains perhydrol, which is capable of reacting with clarifying substances, and the activator contains a lower concentration of peroxide and is used with toning compositions.
Since it is non-toxic, but still a chemical, it is necessary to work with it in compliance with some safety rules.
The solution can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin.
In the event of a burn, the following actions are necessary:
- rinse the burned area of the body under running water;
- do not use cotton wool to remove the chemical;
- it is necessary to neutralize the area with the help of improvised means: lemon juice or citric acid and wrap it with a sterile bandage.
Advantages and disadvantages
The benefits of hydrogen peroxide lightening hair are as follows.
- Affordable pricing and prevalence. Sold in any pharmacy chain.
- Sufficient safety, since it does not affect the scalp as much as compared to ammonia compounds.
- Allergic reactions are rare.
- After the procedure, the hair becomes more obedient and begins to shine.
- As a result, you can get the original shade.
The main cons:
- if the peroxide content is incorrectly selected, the curls acquire an unnatural color;
- too frequent procedures dry out the hair;
- loss of strands is possible in case of prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide on thin and fragile strands;
- high risk of uneven coloration.
Step-by-step instruction
Preparing for staining at home
Hair bleaching with hydrogen peroxide is performed exclusively on healthy hair. Half a month before discoloration, the hair should not be dyed or permed, which is necessary to avoid unpleasant situations. Additionally, you should take care of your hair, for example, wash them only with shampoos and balms with natural ingredients.
Formulations with sulfates dry out the scalp very much. It is also not recommended to frequently use varnishes, mousses and other chemical compositions. In addition, you need to refrain from frequent use of a hair dryer, straightening irons.
Necessary materials. You will need:
- hydrogen peroxide up to 3%, with a higher concentration, there is a high probability of losing your hair;
- spray gun for spraying hair;
- hairpins;
- cotton wool;
- towel;
- disposable gloves;
- when lightening the entire head at once, a hat will come in handy.
Washing and preparing curls
First, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid over-drying the strands. The use of a hairdryer is not recommended. You need to blot the strands with a dry clean towel, gently comb your hair and leave for half an hour.
Using hydrogen peroxide
It is imperative that you do a little test. To do this, apply hydrogen peroxide to the curl and leave for a while (note the exposure time). Then the hair should be rinsed and see how long it takes to fade. This test is extremely important as the solution can ruin the hair or dye it completely differently.
When highlighting, you need to divide the hair into small strands and secure with hairpins. This will allow you to process each curl separately with the composition.
- If you want even highlighting, it is imperative to divide your hair with hairpins. It will take a little more time, but the result will be amazing.
- It is better to dissolve the curl that needs to be painted over with a solution. In the process, each strand should be freed from the pins.
The process of applying the solution is carried out with a cotton ball. It is necessary to moisten the cotton wool in the composition and run it over the curls, which should be lightened. You need to apply correctly: from roots to ends. In this case, each colored strand is wrapped in foil to avoid staining other curls. Then continue the procedure with the remaining curls.
To obtain the ombre effect, the solution is applied exclusively on the lower part of the head of hair. In this case, the composition is applied starting from the ends along the entire perimeter of the hairstyle. You can dye your hair to the height you want. The discoloration will help express the highlight more strongly.
For complete hair coloring, you need to spray the curls with a spray bottle, then comb. After the procedure, it is necessary put a hat on your head, so that the solution does not stain clothes. Treated hair must be left for half an hour. You can experiment over time if you want a darker or lighter shade.
Now rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and apply conditioner to replenish the moisture in your hair. Apply the conditioner a second time for a deeper effect and massage the scalp thoroughly, then rinse hair with cold water.
Giving the required look to colored hair
For more severe discoloration, it is recommended repeat the staining a little every day for 7 days. This will help create a lighter tone. In many ways, the result depends on the original shade of the hair, for example, if the hair is very dark, then the first time it is dyed with peroxide, the curls may become reddish. With two, three times processing, you can get the desired shade.
For a more effective lightening, it is recommended to use a hair dryer with a low temperature setting.
It is necessary to work with a hairdryer in this mode starting from the roots.
You should not wash your hair daily. It is enough for them to get used to washing 2 times a week. To keep the strands looking clean and well-groomed, experts recommend using dry shampoo.
To eliminate yellow hair, periodically use a purple conditioner. It is sold in any specialty store and is intended for bleached hair.
It is strictly forbidden to frequently use hair dryers and irons. They can only worsen the condition of the hair. It is necessary to learn how to style your hair without using such devices.
In the future, try not to use paints that contain ammonia, since it is much more harmful than peroxide.
Advice
When carrying out the clarification procedure at home you must adhere to the following recommendations.
- It is best not to wash your hair for 2 days before dyeing. The sebum that covers each hair will protect against possible chemical burns. Disposable gloves should be on the hands, and cream should be smeared on the skin around the strands.
- When staining, the head is divided into three zones: first, the crown is painted, then they move to the side of the forehead and ears, and only then to the back of the head.
- To rinse the strands after dyeing, you can slightly acidify the water. This will protect them from the harmful effects of the composition and restore curls.
- If hydrogen peroxide accidentally gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with plenty of water.
- Do not use the solution in the presence of children. If it gets on the skin or inside, the drug will cause a noticeable burning sensation.
- When washing off the composition, do not rub the skin strongly.
Many women don't believe that a product like hydrogen peroxide can bleach hair. You can watch the lighting experiment in the next video.