How to bleach your hair: step by step (and essential care)

To bleach hair correctly, it is essential to choose the right and good quality products, respecting the skin type and the area of ​​the body to be treated. Volume 10 or 20 hydrogen peroxide and bleaching powder are the main products for bleaching hair, but other ingredients can be added to the preparation, such as calming and moisturizing products that will soften the skin, leaving it softer.

Despite being an aesthetic procedure that does not pose any health risks, some people may experience skin irritation and allergic reactions, and therefore, it is recommended that, before applying the product to the entire body, a patch test is carried out, which It consists of applying a small amount of the product to the forearm and waiting for 15 minutes and, if there are no reactions, the treatment can be carried out.

Hydrogen peroxide and bleaching powder can be found at the pharmacy and the ideal proportion is 2 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part bleaching powder. The procedure lasts, on average, 30 minutes and can be applied to any part of the body, with the exception of the face, with the arms, legs, back and belly being the places where it is most used.

Step by step to bleach hair at home

To bleach your hair correctly at home, you must follow the following steps:

1. Apply a moisturizing oil to the skin to be bleached for 2 days before the procedure, to protect the skin and reduce the risk of irritation. One option is sweet almond or coconut oil, for example;
2. Apply a thick layer of the bleaching mixture to the skinwith a soft bristle brush, and leave it to act for 15 to 20 minutes;
3. Remove all product in a warm water bathwith neutral soap and without bath sponges.

To complete the process and maintain skin health, it is recommended to deeply moisturize the area of ​​discoloration, with coconut or almond oil, for example. Check out 5 natural hydration recipes for the body.

This procedure can also be done in aesthetic clinics, and is called moon bathing, where the beautician performs the process on the entire body. See how moon bathing is done.

How to prepare the bleaching cream

To prepare the bleaching cream recipe, you need a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide;
• 1 tablespoon of bleaching powder;
• 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil.

Preparation mode:

Mix in a clean and dry plastic container, the hydrogen peroxide volume 10 or 20, the bleaching powder and coconut oil, until obtaining a homogeneous cream. It is possible to replace coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of chamomile tea or 1 tablespoon of moisturizer, for example.

Before starting the treatment, it is recommended to apply a small amount of the mixture to the forearm and wait 15 minutes. If there are no skin reactions, such as redness, itching or blisters, the procedure is safe to perform on the body, with the exception of the face and private parts.

Natural option with chamomile tea

A natural option for bleaching body hair is chamomile tea which, in addition to gradually lightening the hair and providing a calming effect, does not harm the skin and the structure of the hair.

Using chamomile to bleach hair is especially effective on hair that is naturally lighter in tone. Discover more benefits of chamomile.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried chamomile flowers or 3/4 tea bags;
• 500 mL of boiling water.

Preparation mode:

Add the dried chamomile flowers to the boiling water, cover and let it rest until it cools, for approximately 1 hour. Apply the tea, at room temperature, throughout the area you want to whiten, using clean gauze or cotton and leave to act for 20 to 25 minutes. Then wash your body with warm water and dry with a soft towel, without rubbing your body. This technique can be done once a week to enhance and maintain the lightening of body hair.

Care during and after the procedure

In order to achieve the expected results, it is necessary to take some care during and after the treatment. These precautions include:

• Mix the ingredients in a plastic container, as this maintains the quality of the products;
• Avoid exposure to the sun during the procedure, in addition to not using anything that could accelerate the discoloration process, such as hair dryers or aluminum foil;
• Maintain your daily skin hydration routine, in addition to not taking very hot baths or using very firm bath loofahs, as after the procedure the skin becomes more sensitive and can dry out and break easily;
• Respect the 30-day interval to carry out the treatment again;
• Observe whether, after the procedure, the skin remains irritated or peeling. If this occurs, it is recommended that you seek a professional to have your skin evaluated.

Furthermore, the use of pure hydrogen peroxide followed by sun exposure is not recommended, as it can cause irritation and damage to the skin.

Can pregnant and breastfeeding women bleach their hair?

Even though it is a simple procedure, hair discoloration is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it is necessary to ask your obstetrician or gynecologist for any questions regarding which products can be used.