DIY Bleach Back Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Stunning Results

Bleaching the back of your hair at home can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can achieve salon-worthy results without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions, safety tips, and troubleshooting advice to help you successfully bleach the back of your hair. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle lightening or a bold, platinum look, this article will walk you through every step of the process.

Why Bleach the Back of Your Hair Yourself?

There are several reasons why you might choose to bleach the back of your hair at home:

* **Cost Savings:** Salon appointments can be expensive, especially for bleaching and toning. DIY bleaching can save you a significant amount of money.
* **Convenience:** Bleaching at home allows you to work on your own schedule, without the need to book appointments or travel to a salon.
* **Control:** You have complete control over the process, from choosing the products to adjusting the timing based on your hair’s reaction.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks involved. Bleaching can damage your hair if not done correctly, leading to dryness, breakage, and even hair loss. Therefore, it’s essential to proceed with caution, follow instructions carefully, and prioritize the health of your hair.

Before You Start: Preparation is Key

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful and safe bleaching experience. Here’s what you need to do before you even touch the bleach:

1. Assess Your Hair’s Condition

* **Healthy Hair is Essential:** Bleaching is a harsh chemical process, so your hair needs to be in good condition to withstand it. If your hair is already dry, damaged, or brittle, focus on repairing it before attempting to bleach.
* **Avoid Recent Chemical Treatments:** Refrain from perming, relaxing, or using other harsh chemical treatments for at least 2-4 weeks before bleaching. These treatments can weaken your hair and increase the risk of damage when combined with bleach.
* **Strand Test:** This is the most important step! Before applying bleach to your entire head, perform a strand test to assess how your hair reacts. This will help you determine the appropriate developer volume and processing time. To do a strand test:
* Cut a small, inconspicuous section of hair (e.g., from the nape of your neck).
* Apply the bleach mixture to the strand, following the same instructions you would for your entire head.
* Check the strand every 5-10 minutes to see how quickly it lightens.
* Rinse and dry the strand to evaluate the final result. This will tell you how much lift you can achieve and whether your hair can handle the process.

2. Gather Your Supplies

Having all your supplies ready before you start will make the bleaching process smoother and less stressful. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

* **Bleach Powder:** Choose a high-quality bleach powder from a reputable brand. Different brands have different strengths and formulations, so read reviews and select one that’s suitable for your hair type and desired level of lift. Typically, bleach powder is measured in ounces or grams, and the amount needed will depend on the length and thickness of your hair.
* **Developer:** Developer is a hydrogen peroxide solution that activates the bleach powder. It comes in different volumes (10, 20, 30, and 40), each offering a different level of lift. Here’s a general guideline:
* **10 Volume:** Provides minimal lift and is best for toning or subtle lightening.
* **20 Volume:** Offers gentle lift and is suitable for fine or damaged hair.
* **30 Volume:** Provides moderate lift and is suitable for most hair types.
* **40 Volume:** Offers the strongest lift and is generally not recommended for at-home use, as it can cause significant damage. **Avoid using 40 volume developer unless you are experienced with bleaching and your hair is in very good condition.**
* **Choosing the Right Volume:** For the back of your hair, which can be harder to reach and may require more processing time, a 20 or 30 volume developer is generally recommended. Start with a lower volume if you’re unsure, and you can always increase it for subsequent bleaching sessions if needed.
* **Mixing Bowl and Applicator Brush:** Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush to mix and apply the bleach. Metal can react with the chemicals in the bleach and affect its effectiveness.
* **Gloves:** Protect your hands from the harsh chemicals by wearing gloves throughout the entire process. Latex or nitrile gloves are ideal.
* **Old Towel or Cape:** Protect your clothing from bleach stains by wearing an old towel or cape. Bleach stains are permanent, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
* **Hair Clips:** Use hair clips to section your hair and keep it out of the way while you’re applying the bleach.
* **Petroleum Jelly or Barrier Cream:** Apply petroleum jelly or a barrier cream to your hairline and ears to protect your skin from irritation and staining.
* **Toner (Optional):** If you want to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones, you’ll need a toner. Choose a toner that’s appropriate for your desired hair color. Purple or blue toners are commonly used to neutralize yellow tones.
* **Shampoo and Conditioner:** Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioner to wash and condition your hair after bleaching. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler and won’t strip your hair of moisture.
* **Hair Mask:** A hair mask can help to replenish moisture and repair damage after bleaching. Look for a hair mask that’s specifically designed for bleached or damaged hair.
* **Timer:** Keep track of the processing time with a timer. It’s crucial to avoid over-processing your hair, which can lead to damage.
* **Mirror:** Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your hair while you’re applying the bleach and during the processing time.
* **Scale (Optional):** If you want to be precise with your measurements, use a kitchen scale to weigh the bleach powder and developer.

3. Prepare Your Hair

* **Don’t Wash Your Hair:** Avoid washing your hair for 1-2 days before bleaching. The natural oils in your hair will help to protect your scalp from irritation.
* **Detangle Your Hair:** Brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles or knots. This will make it easier to apply the bleach evenly.

4. Protect Your Workspace

* **Cover Surfaces:** Cover your work surface with old towels or newspaper to protect it from bleach stains.
* **Ventilation:** Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Open a window or turn on a fan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bleaching the Back of Your Hair

Now that you’ve prepared everything, it’s time to start bleaching. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results:

1. Mix the Bleach

* **Follow the Instructions:** Always follow the instructions on the bleach powder and developer packaging. Different products have different mixing ratios.
* **General Ratio:** A common ratio is 1 part bleach powder to 2 parts developer. However, this can vary depending on the product, so always double-check the instructions.
* **Mix Thoroughly:** In a non-metallic bowl, combine the bleach powder and developer. Use the applicator brush to mix the ingredients until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. Make sure there are no lumps or clumps.

2. Section Your Hair

* **Divide into Sections:** Use hair clips to divide your hair into manageable sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle and then divide each side into smaller sections.
* **Focus on the Back:** When bleaching the back of your hair, it’s helpful to divide it into horizontal sections. This will ensure that you reach all the strands and apply the bleach evenly.

3. Apply the Bleach

* **Start at the Roots (If virgin hair):** If you’re bleaching virgin hair (hair that hasn’t been previously colored or bleached), start by applying the bleach to the roots. The roots process faster because they’re closer to your scalp, which generates heat. For subsequent bleaching sessions, avoid applying bleach directly to the scalp to prevent irritation.
* **Apply to Mid-shafts and Ends:** After applying the bleach to the roots, apply it to the mid-shafts and ends. Make sure to saturate each strand of hair with the bleach mixture.
* **Work Quickly and Efficiently:** Bleach starts processing as soon as it’s mixed, so it’s important to work quickly and efficiently. Try to apply the bleach evenly and thoroughly to all sections of your hair.
* **Use a Mirror:** Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your head and make sure you’re not missing any spots. It can be helpful to have a friend or family member assist you with this process.

4. Process the Bleach

* **Monitor the Color:** Check the color of your hair every 5-10 minutes. You want to achieve a pale yellow or banana peel color, depending on your desired final result. If your hair is naturally dark, it may take multiple bleaching sessions to achieve the desired level of lightness.
* **Don’t Exceed the Recommended Time:** Do not leave the bleach on your hair for longer than the recommended time. Over-processing can cause significant damage.
* **Average Processing Time:** The average processing time is 20-45 minutes, but this can vary depending on your hair type, the volume of developer you’re using, and the desired level of lift. The strand test you performed earlier will give you a better idea of how long to process your hair.
* **Heat (Optional):** Applying heat can speed up the bleaching process, but it can also increase the risk of damage. If you choose to use heat, use a low setting and monitor your hair closely.

5. Rinse the Bleach

* **Rinse Thoroughly:** Once your hair has reached the desired color, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Make sure to remove all traces of bleach.
* **Shampoo (Optional):** You can use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair after rinsing. However, some people prefer to skip this step to avoid further drying out their hair.

6. Tone Your Hair (Optional)

* **Apply Toner:** If you want to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones, apply toner to your hair according to the instructions on the toner packaging.
* **Processing Time:** The processing time for toner is usually shorter than for bleach, so monitor your hair closely.
* **Rinse and Condition:** After the toner has processed, rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a deep conditioner.

7. Condition Your Hair

* **Deep Conditioning:** Apply a deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes. This will help to replenish moisture and repair damage.
* **Hair Mask (Optional):** For extra hydration, you can use a hair mask instead of or in addition to a deep conditioner.
* **Rinse Thoroughly:** Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.

8. Dry and Style Your Hair

* **Air Dry (Recommended):** Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible. Heat styling can further damage bleached hair.
* **Heat Protectant:** If you must use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to your hair beforehand.
* **Style as Desired:** Style your hair as desired. Be gentle and avoid using harsh styling products.

Aftercare: Maintaining Your Bleached Hair

Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your bleached hair. Here are some tips:

* **Hydrate Your Hair:** Bleaching can dry out your hair, so it’s important to hydrate it regularly with deep conditioners and hair masks.
* **Use Sulfate-Free Products:** Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentler on bleached hair and won’t strip it of moisture.
* **Avoid Heat Styling:** Minimize your use of heat styling tools to prevent further damage. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray.
* **Protect Your Hair from the Sun:** UV rays can damage bleached hair, so protect it with a hat or scarf when you’re spending time outdoors.
* **Regular Trims:** Get regular trims to remove split ends and prevent breakage.
* **Protein Treatments:** Incorporate protein treatments into your hair care routine to strengthen your hair and prevent damage. Use these sparingly, as too much protein can make the hair brittle. Look for hydrolyzed protein or amino acid based formulas.
* **Limit Washing:** Reduce the frequency of washing your hair to prevent excessive dryness. Aim for 2-3 times per week.
* **Use Dry Shampoo:** In between washes, use dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh.

Troubleshooting

Even with careful preparation, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

* **Uneven Bleaching:** If you notice that some areas of your hair are lighter than others, you can try applying bleach to the darker areas only. Monitor the color closely and rinse when the desired shade is achieved.
* **Brassy or Yellow Tones:** If your hair has unwanted brassy or yellow tones, you can use a toner to neutralize them. Choose a toner that’s appropriate for your desired hair color.
* **Dry or Damaged Hair:** If your hair feels dry or damaged after bleaching, focus on hydrating it with deep conditioners and hair masks. You may also need to trim off any damaged ends.
* **Hair Breakage:** If you experience hair breakage, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Stop bleaching your hair and focus on strengthening it with protein treatments and deep conditioners. You may also need to consult with a hair stylist to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
* **Scalp Irritation:** Some scalp irritation is normal, but severe burning, itching, or swelling requires medical attention. Rinse the bleach immediately if any of those symptoms appear.

Safety Precautions

* **Always wear gloves** to protect your hands from the chemicals in the bleach.
* **Avoid getting bleach in your eyes.** If bleach gets in your eyes, rinse them immediately with cool water for at least 15 minutes.
* **Do not use bleach on your eyebrows or eyelashes.** Bleach can cause serious damage to your eyes.
* **Perform a patch test** before applying bleach to your entire head. This will help you determine if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
* **Do not bleach your hair if your scalp is irritated or injured.**
* **Do not mix different brands of bleach powder or developer.** This can cause unexpected reactions.
* **Do not use bleach on hair that has been recently permed, relaxed, or chemically treated.**
* **Work in a well-ventilated area** to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

Alternatives to Bleaching

If you’re concerned about the potential damage from bleaching, there are some alternatives you can consider:

* **High-Lift Hair Color:** High-lift hair color can lighten your hair without using bleach. However, it’s not as effective as bleach and may not be suitable for very dark hair.
* **Highlights:** Highlights can add brightness and dimension to your hair without bleaching your entire head.
* **Balayage:** Balayage is a technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto your hair. This can create a natural, sun-kissed look without the harshness of all-over bleaching.
* **Color Remover:** If you’re trying to remove existing hair color, a color remover may be a gentler option than bleach.

Conclusion

Bleaching the back of your hair at home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to approach the process with caution and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve stunning results while minimizing the risk of damage. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and always perform a strand test before bleaching your entire head. With the right products, techniques, and aftercare, you can enjoy beautiful, bleached hair that looks and feels healthy.