Bleach Back Hair At Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Kenji Nakamura 47 views

Are you looking to lighten the back of your hair? Doing it yourself can seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve salon-worthy results at home. Many people opt for DIY hair bleaching to save money, experiment with their look, or simply because they enjoy the process. However, the back of the head presents a unique challenge due to its difficult accessibility. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from preparation to aftercare, ensuring a successful and safe hair bleaching experience. So, if you're ready to take the plunge and transform your hair, let's dive in!

Preparing to Bleach the Back of Your Hair

Before you even think about mixing bleach, proper preparation is key. This stage is not just about gathering supplies; it's about protecting your hair and skin, setting up your workspace, and understanding the process. Skipping this step is like trying to bake a cake without preheating the oven—you're setting yourself up for a potential mess.

Gathering Your Supplies

First things first, you'll need to assemble your bleaching arsenal. This includes:

  • Bleach Powder and Developer: Choose a bleach powder and developer volume appropriate for your hair type and desired level of lift. A lower volume developer (10 or 20) is gentler and ideal for slight lightening or previously bleached hair, while a higher volume (30 or 40) is suitable for darker hair or more significant lightening. However, be cautious with higher volumes as they can cause more damage.
  • Mixing Bowl and Applicator Brush: Opt for a non-metallic bowl and a good-quality applicator brush for even distribution of the bleach.
  • Gloves: Essential for protecting your hands from the harsh chemicals.
  • Old Towel or Cape: Bleach stains are permanent, so protect your clothing and surroundings.
  • Hair Clips: To section your hair and keep it out of the way.
  • Mirror: A handheld mirror is crucial for seeing the back of your head.
  • Petroleum Jelly or Barrier Cream: To protect your hairline and ears from irritation.
  • Toner (Optional): To neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones after bleaching.
  • Purple Shampoo (Optional): To maintain your blonde and prevent brassiness.
  • Deep Conditioner: To replenish moisture after bleaching.

Protecting Your Skin and Workspace

Bleach can be harsh on your skin and damaging to your surfaces. Before you start, apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and the nape of your neck. This will act as a protective barrier, preventing the bleach from irritating your skin. Cover your work area with old towels or a plastic sheet to catch any spills. Trust me, you don't want to learn the hard way that bleach stains are nearly impossible to remove.

Strand Test: A Must-Do

Never skip the strand test! This crucial step allows you to see how your hair will react to the bleach and helps you determine the processing time needed to achieve your desired shade. To perform a strand test, mix a small amount of bleach and developer and apply it to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair (like underneath a layer). Leave it on for the amount of time you anticipate needing, then rinse and assess the results. If your hair feels excessively damaged or the color isn't what you expected, you may need to adjust your developer volume or processing time.

Preparing Your Hair

In the days leading up to your bleaching session, give your hair some extra TLC. Avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours before bleaching, as the natural oils can help protect your scalp from irritation. Apply a deep conditioning treatment a few days before to ensure your hair is as moisturized as possible. Healthy hair takes bleach better, so don't skimp on the hydration.

The Bleaching Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you've prepped like a pro, it's time for the main event: bleaching the back of your hair. This part requires patience, precision, and a steady hand. Don't rush the process; taking your time will result in a more even and professional-looking outcome.

Mixing the Bleach

Follow the instructions on your bleach powder and developer packaging to mix the solution. Typically, this involves combining the powder and developer in a non-metallic bowl until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Be careful not to inhale the bleach powder, and work in a well-ventilated area. The mixture should not be too runny or too thick—it needs to be spreadable but not drip excessively.

Sectioning Your Hair

Sectioning your hair is essential for even bleach application. Divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Use hair clips to keep each section separate and out of the way. When working on the back sections, you may find it helpful to further divide them into smaller subsections for more precise application. Think of it like painting a wall—smaller sections ensure better coverage.

Applying the Bleach

This is where the handheld mirror comes in handy! Start applying the bleach to the back sections, focusing on the roots first, as they take longer to lighten. Use your applicator brush to apply the bleach evenly, working your way down the hair shaft. Be sure to saturate each strand thoroughly, but avoid applying bleach directly to your scalp, especially if you're using a high-volume developer. Leave about a half-inch of space at the roots during the initial application, then go back and apply to the roots during the last 15-20 minutes of processing. This helps prevent