- Pros: Helps lighten hair, great if you’re thinking of going blonde
- Cons: Can damage hair, big commitment, expensive
If you're looking to go blonde or try a lighter shade (like platinum), bleaching your locks can be the right move. Bleach is a chemical treatment that uses an alkaline agent (like hydrogen peroxide) to open the hair cuticle and strip away your hair's melanin (aka your natural hair color). The longer you leave the dye on your hair, the lighter your strands will become.
Hair bleaching can be tough on locks, particularly if not done properly. To prevent fragile, brittle strands, it’s highly recommended to have a professional perform this treatment. It’s also helpful to maintain a dedicated hair care routine post-treatment that will keep your hair moisturized and protected. In a previous PureWow story, DaRico Jackson, a celebrity hairstylist advises those with bleached hair to use a nourishing purple shampoo and a hair mask to help neutralize brassiness and reduce breakage.
Bleaching can also be time-consuming and a big commitment, especially if you have naturally dark hair, which might take multiple trips to the salon to get the perfect shade. Additionally, this option doesn’t fade gradually, so monthly touch-ups are a must just like with permanent hair dye.