How to Bleach Dark Brown Hair

Bleaching Your Hair

• 1

  Buy a bleach kit that comes with detailed instructions and a number to call for support in case you have difficulty with the process. Many bleach kits come with a toner to use after you've bleached your hair, and this can be very helpful in preventing long term damage and achieving a more natural color.

• 2

  Follow the instructions provided in the bleach kit to perform a patch test. This will allow you to see ahead of time how your hair will react to the bleach. If you do not get the desired effect in your patch test, you may wish to purchase a different product or abandon the project altogether.

• 3

  Read all of the instructions provided in the bleach kit and follow them exactly. Apply the bleach to your hair in sections to spread it evenly throughout your hair. Let it sit only as long as indicated in the instructions. Allowing bleach to remain in your hair too long may result in severe damage to the hair's cuticle.

• 4

  Shampoo the bleach out of your hair. If your bleach kit comes with a toner, rinse or sealer, apply these as well to mitigate possible damage. You may wish to use a deep conditioner as well.

Care After Bleaching

• 1

  If your hair suffers damage during the bleaching process, do not shampoo it every day. Taking time between shampoos allows the hair to heal by letting it rest and develop natural oils. Be sure that you thoroughly rinse your hair with cold or cool water when you do shampoo it.

• 2

  Use moisturizing shampoo when washing your hair. Dilute the shampoo with water, the proportion being one part shampoo to three parts water. If your hair responds positively to the diluted shampoo, slowly change the proportions until you no longer need to dilute it.

• 3

  Use a conditioner meant to treat chemically-treated hair. You may wish to do this at least once a week. Leave the conditioner in your hair for no less than 30 minutes. You may wish to also use a leave-in conditioner.

• 4

  Avoid using blow dryers and curling or straightening irons, as these can exacerbate damage caused by bleaching. Allow your hair to air dry and use rollers or pins to curl your hair. Brush hair sparingly with a wide-toothed comb or boar's head brush.

• 5

  Take vitamins meant to enhance hair's health and fatty acids and oils. This will add moisture to damaged hair from within your body.