It is a common question among those who are new to bleaching their hair at home: why isn’t my hair lifting with bleach? There are a few possible reasons why your hair may not be lightening as expected when using bleach. First, let’s start with a review of how bleach works on hair. Bleach is a powerful chemical that works by disrupting the pigment cells in the hair shaft. This process is called oxidation and it works to break down the natural color of the hair. In order for bleach to work properly, it must be mixed with an activator (usually peroxide) and applied to the hair. The combination of these two chemicals allows bleach to enter the hair shaft and break down the pigment cells.
One reason why your hair may not be lifting with bleach is because the bleach is not strong enough. Bleach is typically sold in two strengths: 30 volume and 40 volume. The volume refers to the amount of peroxide in the bleach, which is what activates the bleaching process. If you are using 30 volume bleach and your hair is not lifting, you may need to try 40 volume bleach. It is important to note that 40 volume bleach is much stronger than 30 volume and can cause more damage to the hair, so it is important to use it correctly. If your hair is still not lifting with 40 volume bleach, it is possible that your hair is too dark and/or too thick for bleaching at home. In this case, it is best to consult with a professional hair stylist to see if they can safely lift your hair color.
Another reason why your hair may not be lifting with bleach is because the bleach is not fresh. Bleach has a shelf life and after a certain amount of time, it will no longer be effective. If you are using an old bottle of bleach, it is possible that the bleach has lost its potency and is no longer able to lift the hair color. In this case, you will need to purchase a new bottle of bleach and mix it with an activator.
If you have followed all of the instructions for mixing and applying bleach to your hair and your hair is still not lifting, it is possible that you have a medical condition that is preventing the bleach from working. One such condition is called alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. If you have this condition, the bleach will not be able to penetrate the hair shaft and lift
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Lift your hair color without bleach?
Yes, it is possible to lift hair color without bleach. If you have virgin hair, a blonde hair color, or high-lift dye can lighten your hair. If you want to lighten your hair more, then a color stripper can be used.
Is bleaching your hair temporary?
Bleaching is temporary in the sense that the hair can always be recolored with color pigment, but bleaching does some damage to the hair which cannot be completely reversed.
Why can't I re-bleach my hair?
There could be a few reasons why you cannot re-bleach your hair. Maybe the developer was not strong enough, or the bleaching powder may have been of poor quality, or the mixing ratio might have been off, or the hair may have been damp when bleached. So long as hair is in good health, bleaching can be done again using a different product.
Why won't my hair hold water after bleaching?
If the hair has been bleached for an extended period of time it’s most likely damaged and dry. Damaged, dry hair is almost always porous which means it holds onto water more than healthy hair does. Healthy hair isn't porous and doesn't absorb or hold onto much water as damaged hair does.
Can I dye my hair without bleach?
Yes, if your hair is level 6 (dark blonde or medium blonde) and above and you use Ugly Duckling's high lift colors.
