Bleaching and toning your short hair at home can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can achieve salon-quality results without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of bleaching and toning your short hair at home, covering everything from preparation to aftercare.
Preparation is Key
Before you start bleaching and toning your hair, it’s essential to prepare your locks for the process. This includes:
Checking Your Hair’s Condition
If your hair is damaged, brittle, or over-processed, it’s best to avoid bleaching and toning altogether. Bleach can further damage your hair, leading to breakage and frizz. If you’re unsure about your hair’s condition, consider consulting a professional stylist for advice.
Gathering the Necessary Supplies
To bleach and tone your hair at home, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Hair bleach (choose a high-lift bleach for optimal results)
- Toner (select a toner that matches your desired shade)
- Developer (20 volume or higher)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair mask or deep conditioning treatment
- Plastic gloves
- Old towel or shirt to protect clothing
Choosing the Right Bleach and Toner
With so many bleaches and toners on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- High-lift bleach: If you want to achieve a light blonde shade, look for a high-lift bleach that contains ingredients like ammonia or monoethanolamine.
- Toner: Choose a toner that matches your desired shade. If you want a cool, ashy blonde, look for a toner with blue or purple undertones. If you want a warm, honey-blonde, look for a toner with golden or yellow undertones.
The Bleaching Process
Now that you’ve prepared your hair and gathered the necessary supplies, it’s time to start the bleaching process.
Sectioning Your Hair
To ensure even coverage, section your hair into four quadrants: two in the front and two in the back. Clip up the top sections using a hair clip, and start applying the bleach mixture to the bottom sections.
Mixing the Bleach
In a well-ventilated area, mix the bleach powder with the developer in a plastic bowl. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct ratio of bleach to developer. For a high-lift bleach, you’ll typically need to mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts developer.
Applying the Bleach
Using gloved hands, apply the bleach mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Be sure to saturate your hair evenly, but avoid overlapping or applying too much bleach to one area.
Processing Time
The processing time will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the desired shade. As a general rule, process the bleach for:
- 20-25 minutes for a light blonde shade
- 30-35 minutes for a medium blonde shade
- 40-45 minutes for a dark blonde shade
Keep an eye on the processing time, and check your hair regularly to avoid over-processing.
Toning Your Hair
Once you’ve achieved the desired shade with the bleach, it’s time to tone your hair.
Choosing the Right Toner
As mentioned earlier, choose a toner that matches your desired shade. If you want a cool, ashy blonde, look for a toner with blue or purple undertones. If you want a warm, honey-blonde, look for a toner with golden or yellow undertones.
Mixing the Toner
In a separate bowl, mix the toner with the developer. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct ratio of toner to developer.
Applying the Toner
Using gloved hands, apply the toner mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Be sure to saturate your hair evenly, but avoid overlapping or applying too much toner to one area.
Processing Time
The processing time for toner is typically shorter than bleach. Process the toner for:
- 5-10 minutes for a subtle, natural-looking tone
- 10-15 minutes for a more vibrant, noticeable tone
Aftercare
After bleaching and toning your hair, it’s essential to follow a proper aftercare routine to maintain the health and integrity of your locks.
Shampooing and Conditioning
Shampoo your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for at least 5 minutes before rinsing.
Deep Conditioning Treatment
To repair and restore your hair’s moisture balance, apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
Avoiding Heat Styling
For the first few weeks after bleaching and toning, avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. Heat styling can further damage your hair, leading to breakage and frizz.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When bleaching and toning your hair at home, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to undesirable results. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Over-processing: Be careful not to over-process your hair, as this can lead to damage, breakage, and frizz.
- Incorrect ratio: Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct ratio of bleach to developer, and toner to developer.
- Insufficient sectioning: Section your hair carefully to ensure even coverage and avoid overlapping or applying too much bleach or toner to one area.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can achieve salon-quality results at home and enjoy a beautiful, healthy-looking head of hair. Remember to always prioritize your hair’s health and integrity, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional stylist if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
What is the importance of doing a strand test before bleaching my hair?
Doing a strand test before bleaching your hair is crucial to ensure the desired results and to check for any allergic reactions. It allows you to test the bleach on a small section of your hair, which will give you an idea of how your hair will react to the bleach. This step is often overlooked, but it’s essential to avoid any damage or unexpected results.
By doing a strand test, you can also determine the right amount of time to leave the bleach on your hair. This will help you achieve the desired shade and avoid over-processing your hair. Additionally, a strand test will give you an idea of how your hair will feel after bleaching, which will help you prepare for any necessary after-care treatments.
How do I choose the right bleach for my hair type?
Choosing the right bleach for your hair type is essential to achieve the desired results. There are different types of bleach available, including powder bleach, cream bleach, and oil-based bleach. Powder bleach is the most common type and is suitable for most hair types. However, if you have damaged or fragile hair, you may want to consider using a cream bleach or an oil-based bleach, which are gentler and less damaging.
When choosing a bleach, you should also consider your hair’s porosity and natural color. If you have porous hair, you may want to use a bleach that is specifically formulated for porous hair. Similarly, if you have dark hair, you may want to use a bleach that is specifically formulated for dark hair. It’s also essential to follow the instructions carefully and to do a strand test before applying the bleach to your entire head.
What is the difference between toner and gloss, and how do I choose the right one for my hair?
Toner and gloss are two popular hair treatments that are often used to achieve a specific color or shine. A toner is a chemical treatment that is used to adjust the tone of your hair, while a gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that adds shine and color to your hair. Toners are usually used after bleaching or coloring your hair, while glosses can be used at any time to add a pop of color or shine.
When choosing between a toner and a gloss, you should consider your hair goals. If you want to adjust the tone of your hair, a toner is the better option. However, if you want to add shine and color to your hair, a gloss is the better option. You should also consider your hair type and porosity, as some toners and glosses may be more suitable for certain hair types.
How do I apply bleach to my hair to achieve a salon-quality result?
Applying bleach to your hair requires some skill and patience, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a salon-quality result. First, you should section your hair and apply the bleach mixture to each section, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to saturate your hair evenly, but avoid overlapping or applying too much bleach to one area.
It’s also essential to use a tint brush or applicator bottle to apply the bleach, as this will help you to apply the bleach evenly and avoid any mess. You should also use a plastic cape or towel to protect your clothing and skin from any stains. Finally, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and to process the bleach for the recommended amount of time.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when bleaching and toning my hair?
There are several common mistakes to avoid when bleaching and toning your hair. One of the most common mistakes is over-processing your hair, which can cause damage and breakage. Another mistake is not doing a strand test before applying the bleach to your entire head, which can result in unexpected results.
Other common mistakes include using the wrong type of bleach or toner for your hair type, not following the instructions carefully, and not using a conditioner or after-care treatment after bleaching or toning your hair. Additionally, using bleach or toner too frequently can cause damage and dryness, so it’s essential to space out your treatments and use a good conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
How do I care for my hair after bleaching and toning?
Caring for your hair after bleaching and toning is essential to maintain the health and integrity of your hair. First, you should use a good conditioner or after-care treatment to moisturize and nourish your hair. You should also avoid using hot water or heat styling tools for a few days after bleaching or toning your hair, as this can cause damage and dryness.
Additionally, you should use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using any harsh chemicals or treatments for a few weeks after bleaching or toning your hair. You should also consider using a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair moisturized and nourished. Finally, make sure to get regular trims to prevent split ends and breakage.
Can I achieve salon-quality results at home, or do I need to go to a professional stylist?
While it’s possible to achieve salon-quality results at home, it’s not always easy. Bleaching and toning your hair requires some skill and knowledge, and if you’re not careful, you can end up with damaged or unevenly colored hair. However, with the right techniques and products, you can achieve professional-looking results at home.
To achieve salon-quality results at home, you should follow the instructions carefully, use high-quality products, and do a strand test before applying the bleach or toner to your entire head. You should also be patient and take your time, as bleaching and toning your hair can be a process. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable bleaching or toning your hair at home, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist.