Bleaching one's hair has become a major hair color trend in the last couple of years. While we love a good Marilyn Monroe bombshell blonde or a cool and grungy Kurt Cobain blonde, we have to face the facts: Bleach is never good for your hair. We're here to tell you what bleach does, and how you can maintain healthy hair after the fact.
What is hair bleaching?
Hair bleaching is a chemical hair dye technique that strips the color of your hair strands. Bleaching begins with an alkaline agent that opens up the hair cuticle. Next comes the oxidative agent that penetrates the hair cortex and dissolves the hairs natural melanin (your hair's natural color). The longer you leave this agent in your hair, the lighter in color your hair becomes. You hair can either lighten to a yellow or reddish tone depending on the your natural hair tone and then eventually lighten to platinum blonde.
The Damage
Hair bleaching can make your hair feel like its texture is less soft, and this due to the fact that bleaching the hair changes the porosity and elasticity of the hair. When your hair is more porous, this means that the hair cuticle is more open, and will continue to open, become a split end and eventually break off if left untreated.
Another cause of damage results from when the bleaching chemicals penetrate the hair shaft, they also break down natural fatty acids, which results in a weaker hair strand.
The Solution
Did you know that we have an entire collection that’s dedicated to repairing damaged and overly worked hair that can result from bleaching? Ladies and gentlemen, we give to you, the Don’t Despair, Repair! Collection. This clinically-proven bundle of products is fortified with rosehip oil, argan oil, almond oil, algae extract and b-vitamins to restore dry, damaged hair to look shiny and healthy.
What’s in the Collection + How to Use
Don’t Despair, Repair! super moisture shampoo:
If a shampoo and a hair mask had a baby, this would be it. This innovative formula merges the intense cleansing action of a shampoo with the moisturizing of a deep conditioning mask without weighing the hair down or stripping the color. This hair-saver uses a unique combination of algae extract, panthenol and biotin to nourish, strengthen and enhance your hair's elasticity + moisture retention (all of which are weakened when the hair is bleached).
How to use: Apply to wet hair and vigorously massage from root to tip, then rinse.
Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask:
If you have bleached hair, this product is an absolute must for your haircare routine. This deep conditioning mask works in minutes to restore essential hydration and natural vibrancy to dry, brittle, over-processed, and otherwise lackluster hair that can result from bleaching. Formulated with our unique NOVA complex, this mask delivers an optimal blend of transformative nutrients from B-vitamins, rosehip and argan oils, algae and biotin to replenish damaged hair to a shiny, healthy-looking and lustrous state.
How to use: After shampooing, massage into the hair, ensuring the conditioner is evenly applied. Leave in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. We recommend using this mask as a weekly treatment for bleached hair.
Don’t Despair, Repair! strength + moisture leave-in mask:
Our reparative leave-in deep conditioner utilizes a unique micro-encapsulated argan oil that adheres to the surface of the hair and closes structural gaps on the hair shaft that can result from the bleaching chemicals that open up the hair cuticle. This leave-in conditioner works to restore the hair cuticle, leaving hair stronger, healthier and hydrated.
How to use: Spray throughout freshly washed and damp hair, with focus on the mid-length and ends. Comb through and do not rinse out. Air or blow dry and style as usual.
Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning hair cap system kit:
If your hair really needs some extra TLC, you’re going to want to invest in this cap system ASAP. This innovative system combines the proven repair power of our deep conditioning mask with a turbo-charged repair essence to provide the most extensive deep conditioning experience. The cap system locks in moisture to open the hair cuticle so that the repairing nutrients of the mask and essence can provide a deeper level of moisture and repair. The cap contains an inner fabric lined with natural reparative micro-oil beads that mend damage and enhance the resiliency of the hair.
How to use:
Step 1: Apply the Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep conditioning mask to freshly washed, wet hair.
Step 2: Cover the hair with the Ultra Repair Essence-Infused Hair Cap and leave on for 15-60 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the cap and rinse hair with warm water. Dry and style hair as usual.
