bWe need to dispel a myth: the discoloration it’s not a treatment in itself harmful to the hair, provided – and only if – done by expert hands and accompanied by the right products. Furthermore, it is not definitive: you can always “go back” and restore your natural color, even in this case, with the right precautions. An expert explains it to us.
Hair bleaching, how it works
By discoloration we mean a chemical process that removes the natural pigment of the hair, making it lighter or depriving it of its natural pigment. “For this reason, this process is often used to obtain a light base color before applying it to the hair,” he explains Stefano Terzuolo, founder of Gum Salon in Milan.
Furthermore, the discoloration «it can also be used to create special effects or to lighten hair naturally, creating highlights».
The best result is obtained on natural hair, on which «the result will be more homogeneous» but it can also be modulated on lengths that have already been dyed and treated by adjusting the lightening power.
The risks of discoloration
The main negative aspect related to discoloration is the possibility of ruining, or even “burning”, the hair. But it’s true? “Yes and no. Bleaching has the great benefit of helping you achieve your desired color, but unfortunately it also has the potential to damage your hair. Indeed, it can cause the stems to crack, lose elasticity and increase dryness. Furthermore, if it is not done correctly, it can lead to an uneven color or color spots» explains Terzuolo.
So how to avoid any damage? «Do not leave anything to chance or improvise but rather rely on an expert. Furthermore, I always recommend carrying out an allergy test first, especially if it is the first time you have done it, so as not to have any nasty surprises ». Especially in the toning phase, the most important because it allows you to reach the desired level of blonde, from Scandi to honey.
Furthermore, if the base color is very dark, the hair may tend to reveal a warm reflection: in other words, it will tend to take on reddish reflections, «for this reason it is better to keep it on for longer or, in extreme cases, a second application is necessary».
Maintenance: three tips to keep in mind
Added to this is the great work to be done at home with color maintenance: «It is essential to take care of bleached hair to maintain its health and beauty. For this I usually recommend three steps. First, uuse specific products: after bleaching, the hair can become dry and brittle, so it is better to choose nourishing shampoos and masks. The latter must be applied at least once a week to keep them moisturizing, soft and shiny ».
Second, theimitate the use of hair dryers and straighteners using them only when needed. Third, andavoid chlorine and saltiness. «So it would be better not to bleach your hair before going on vacation so as not to have unsightly orange effects on your hair».
What if you don’t like the result?
It can happen. If the result is not what you imagined or if you simply want to go back to your natural color, darkening is always possible.
«The healthiest choice we recommend is to freshen up the cut to eliminate any damaged lengths and recovering the natural color from the roots; if, on the other hand, you also want to darken the lengths, it is It is possible to cover the discoloration or restore one’s nuance by proceeding gradually to replenish the pigment. Never do it yourself with domestic colors» concludes Stefano Terzuolo.
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