by Bleaching your hair can be an exciting way to dramatically change your look. But before you reach for that second round of bleach in hopes of getting the perfect shade of blonde, it’s important to understand the risks involved with bleaching your hair twice on the same day.
While it may be tempting to fast-track your hair transformation, most hair professionals advise against double bleaching due to the potential damage it can cause.
Even one bleaching session can be harsh on your delicate strands, so doubling up in a short timeframe is not recommended.
Can You Bleach Hair Twice In One Day?
In this article, we’ll dive into all the details about double bleaching – from what the experts have to say, to the risks involved, and proper hair care tips for maintaining your newly bleached locks. Let’s get started!
Can you safely bleach hair twice a day?
The short answer is yes, you technically can bleach your hair twice in one day. But that doesn’t mean you should! Here’s why:
Bleach works by penetrating the hair cuticle and breaking apart the bonds that give your hair its color. This process is incredibly hard on your strands, even with just one application.
By doing two bleaching sessions back-to-back, you’re essentially compounding the damage and significantly increasing the risk of major problems like:
- Extreme dryness
- Brittleness/breakage
- Frayed, split ends
- Overall “fried” hair texture
For the health of your hair, it’s best to space out your bleaching appointments by at least two weeks. This allows time for your strands to recover between chemical treatments.
What are the risks of bleaching hair twice in a day?
While the desire for a speedy hair transformation is understandable, it’s critical to be aware of the potential pitfalls of double bleaching before taking the plunge.
Here’s what the science says:
- Hair Damage and Breakage According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, bleaching your hair twice in one day poses a serious risk of damage and breakage. Even if you use a gentle, low-hazard bleach product, doubling the process is still extremely risky for your delicate strands.
- Universal Rule Against Double Bleaching Hair scientists at the Trichology Society agree – that bleaching should never be done twice in one day, period. No matter how dissatisfied you may be with your initial dye job, the massive damage caused by double bleaching simply isn’t worth it.
- Hair Fragility As pointed out by MedicineNet, bleach makes your hair more fragile by stripping away color and weakening its structure. Performing this harsh process twice in 24 hours only amplifies that damage, leaving your strands incredibly brittle.
- Recommended Waiting Period Healthline experts advise waiting at least 6-8 weeks before re-bleaching your hair, especially if using a stronger 20-volume developer. Your strands need ample recovery time between chemical treatments.
- Scalp Burns Double bleaching doesn’t just wreck your hair – Skinveteran warns it can also seriously burn your scalp, no matter how much you try to protect and hydrate the area.
- Hair Loss A study by PubMed revealed that bleaching more than once a day puts you at risk for hair breakage and fallout. The aggressive chemicals could cause your strands to come out in clumps with repeat processing. Yikes!
What is hair bleach?
Hair bleach, AKA lightening products, come in powder or cream form and contain hydrogen peroxide mixed with ammonia and other additives.
When the bleach is combined with the developer and applied to your hair, the alkaline mixture works by breaking apart the melanin (color) molecules inside your hair shaft.
This chemical reaction causes the dye molecules to change and ultimately get washed away – revealing lighter strands.
Does bleach damage your hair?
Unfortunately, yes. The bleaching process is very harsh on your hair because it strips away the natural oils and moisture that keep your strands healthy.
Over time, repeated bleaching leads to issues like:
- Breakage
- Dryness/brittleness
- Split ends
- Faster color fading (requiring more frequent touch-ups)
A “bleach bath” is a gentler lightening technique that involves mixing bleach powder with your regular shampoo. This mixture gets applied to damp hair and processes without added heat. While it takes longer, it’s less damaging than straight-up bleach.
What is double bleaching?
Double bleaching refers to performing two rounds of bleach to remove stubborn pigment from blonde or pre-lightened hair to achieve a lighter result.
Some colorists choose to split this process over two days, while others do the applications back-to-back with minimal breaks between.
However, a WebMD study advises waiting at least two weeks between bleaching sessions to let your hair recuperate.
Repeated chemical processing compromises your hair’s strength and integrity, so it’s always best to consult with a professional stylist who can evaluate your hair’s health and provide personalized advice.
Is it okay to bleach already bleached hair?
Yes, you can safely bleach hair that’s already been bleached before. If your hair turns out too light or you’re unhappy with the tone, it’s fine to do a bleach touch-up to correct it.
Over-processed hair can be gently toned or dyed a smidge darker to counteract brassiness. And if you’re going for an ultra-light look like platinum blonde or icy highlights, some degree of double process is often unavoidable.
How many times can you bleach already bleached hair?
The maximum number of times you can safely bleach your hair comes down to how much damage you’re willing to risk. Ideally, you want to minimize bleaching frequency to keep your strands as healthy as possible.
Top tips for safe hair bleaching:
- Wash hair 48 hours before bleaching to allow the natural oils to protect your strands.
- Make sure the bleach mixture is blended thoroughly and applied evenly.
- Can bleach wet or dry hair (will process faster on wet).
- Use a high-quality conditioning mask before and after to strengthen hair.
- Don’t exceed the recommended processing time.
- Always use toner post-bleach to neutralize orange/yellow tones.
Should I bleach my hair again if it turns orange?
Orange-y results often indicate the developer used was too strong.
Bleach is activated by hydrogen peroxide in hair developers, which comes in different strengths (volumes 10, 20, 30, 40). Higher numbers have more lifting power to open the hair cuticle.
If your hair turns out carrot-colored, it’s likely the developer was too intense for your starting shade and texture. Dark hair naturally has warm pigment that can emerge when lightened.
Too-powerful developer speeds up the lifting process, exposing underlying orange tones rather than transitioning to the desired cool, light result.
To avoid this, make sure you select the appropriate developer volume for an even, predictable color payoff.
Should I tone my hair after bleaching?
100% yes! A quality toner is key for neutralizing the yellow and brassy tones left behind after bleaching. It gives your blonde that extra brightening boost for a cool, polished finish.
“Using a violet/purple shampoo & allowing it to sit in the hair a few minutes will help remove those yellow tones.” – TheeWJBowles, Founder Crown of Glory Beauty Salon
How to Care for Bleached Hair?
Bleached hair has its own unique set of needs, but with some easy care tips, you can keep your lightened locks soft, shiny, and healthy-looking.
- Use shampoo and conditioner specifically for bleached hair.
- Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil for added moisture and shine.
- Do a deep conditioning treatment once per week.
- Protect hair from the sun by wearing a hat or scarf.
- Avoid heat styling tools and use the lowest temp when you do.
- Use purple shampoo to tone out unwanted brassiness.
With the proper after-care routine, your bleached hair will look and feel fabulous!
Conclusion:
While drastically changing your hair color in a single day may sound like a dream, it’s important to consider the risks involved with bleaching your hair twice in 24 hours.
Scientific research and expert colorists strongly caution against over-processing, which can lead to severe damage like breakage, scalp burns, and even hair loss in extreme cases.
At the end of the day, the health of your hair should be a top priority over any color goal. Beautiful hair is, first and foremost, hair that is well cared for.
If you’re considering a double bleach job, please consult with a licensed stylist who can properly evaluate your hair’s condition and guide you on the safest course of action.
Remember, this article is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
Always seek out an experienced hair colorist for personalized hair care recommendations.
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