For most naturals, doing as much as you can do for your hair to avoid damage is the ultimate goal. What happens when the damage is self-inflicted in search of style, self-expression, or even fashion? This is the dilemma that is bleaching.

Who wouldn’t want to rock a platinum blonde on a casual day just so they can feel like a superstar? This, however, begs the question, is it worth it? Can you bleach your natural hair without causing irreversible damage to the hair?

Stick around as we tell you all you need to know about bleaching without damaging your hair in the process.

What Is Bleaching?

Hair bleaching is a chemical process that involves stripping hair’s natural pigmentation for a lighter shade. It is quite different from dyeing, which is changing one’s natural hair to another by use of dyes and colorants.

Bleaching involves using an alkaline solution like dye to open up the cuticles and an oxidative agent like Hydrogen Peroxide to penetrate the cortex, dissolving hair’s melanin. How light your hair becomes is mostly dependent on how long the bleach is left in the hair and how strong your developer is.

What to Do Before Bleaching Your Hair?

It is safe to say that no matter how careful you are with your hair, chances of damage due to bleaching are almost inevitable because of how harsh the chemical process is. However, there are ways you can keep the damage as minimal as possible by following these steps:

1. Consistent Routine

Having a great routine is pivotal to the entire bleaching process. You want to make sure that you cleanse, moisturize, seal, protect and cover your hair as you sleep for months (if not longer) before you bleach.

Why? Because the healthier your hair is, the more it can withstand this process. Trim your ends, and do not forget protein treatments to solidify the bonds in your hair. This chemical alteration will test your hair’s health and if it’s not at its best, then the damage is inevitable.