How I Kept My Hair Strong After 3 Rounds of Bleach
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I have always had very dark black hair that took until I was in my early 20s to fully embrace. However, going lighter had been on my bucket list since I was eight years old. I learned to appreciate how my dark hair complimented my complexion, but I still longed to just play with a lighter shade — even just for a bit.
My curiosity was so strong that it once even led to a DIY experiment of putting hydrogen peroxide in my hair, which colored it bright orange. (Something I do not recommend!) That's why I decided that if I was going to do it again, I had to do professionally. These locks are too precious to risk.
Finally, at 24, after a year of contemplating and weeks of searching for the right colorist, I decided to ditch my dark hair and go full platinum a big change, I know! If I was going to do it, I wanted to go all in. It took a total of three rounds of bleach and toning (six and a half hours) to get it that perfect shade of icy blonde.
I can assure you, it was no easy process: my first session was three and a half hours, my second was two days later and took an additional one and a half hours, and my third session was another one and a half hours.
Luckily, with a lot of research, I was able to apply to following tricks to keep my hair and scalp strong and hydrated!
I Took Hair Supplements
In the weeks leading up to my first appointment at Hive Salon in Pasadena with color specialist Juliana Gonzales, I began reading up on the benefits of collagen. I found mixed reviews online, but decided I had to give it a try for myself to really see if the benefits were worth it.
I began mixing Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides ($49) in my morning shakes and snacking on Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars ($35) for midday pick-me-ups. That's at least 32 grams of collagen-specific protein per day. Sometimes, I'd also mix up some Vital Proteins Beauty Water ($49) to have with my lunch.
In addition, I began taking multivitamins with extra vitamin B7 (biotin) in them to really strengthen my hair, since biotin deficiency has been linked to hair loss. I took Hims gummy vitamins ($16) because of their high biotin-content (2500 mcg). The fact that the product, nicknamed "The Handsome Vitamin," were in gummy bear form didn't hurt either!
I believe this combo really helped strengthen my hair and continues to keep it healthy and durable. I have very little breakage!
I Changed My Shower Habits
I've read that some people recommend buying a shower filter, which I will admit, I have not yet tried. However, I did lessen the frequency of when I wash my hair. I wash it two to three times a week, at most. I use Hydrate My Hair Shampoo ($24) and Conditioner ($25) and Keep My Colour Treatment ($27), all by Eleven Australia (per my colorist's recommendation). They're paraben-free and SLS-free, which is a bonus and won't dry out your hair.
For drying, I stopped using a towel, since my hair was definitely a lot more delicate when wet after going platinum. Instead, I use a cotton shirt and lightly pat it. In the mornings, when in a rush, I'll do a light, cool blow dry and gently use a comb.
Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil, and More Coconut Oil
My colorist recommended that I don't wash my hair before each bleach session because the natural oils and hair product will protect my scalp. We do use Olaplex when bleaching, but I found consistent coconut oil use to be a real game changer for me. I use a lot of it to keep my hair and scalp nourished. I already loved the health benefits of coconut oil, but I quickly learned that it also works wonders on hair!
I'll apply organic, unrefined coconut oil all over and leave it in overnight on the nights before washing my hair. I also massage some in before bleaching. Over time, this has really helped with split ends, and keep my hair smooth from root to tip.
I also learned that classic coconut oil works just fine. The hair-specific variations in the beauty aisle were almost exactly the same, just at a higher price point.
I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprise at how healthy I've been able to keep my hair, especially since the change in color was so drastic!