Bleaching Hair After a Relaxer: When to Wait and How to Protect Your Hair
The hair care journey can be a delicate process, especially when considering various chemical treatments. One common question that arises is whether to bleach your hair immediately after applying a relaxer. While it is generally recommended to wait two weeks, it's important to understand the reasons behind this recommendation and the potential consequences of proceeding too soon.
General Recommendation: Wait at Least Two Weeks
It is generally advised to wait at least two weeks after getting a relaxer before considering a bleach. This waiting period is crucial for several reasons:
Allowing time for your hair and scalp to recover from the chemical processes involved in relaxing. The relaxer breaks down the curl pattern of your hair, a process that can be harsh on the hair and scalp.
Preventing further weakening of your hair. If your hair was already chemically treated by the relaxer, introducing bleach too soon can exacerbate the damage, rendering your hair weaker and more prone to breakage.
Minimizing the risk of uneven results and potential complications like scalp irritation or hair loss.
Additional Tips to Consider
Assess Your Hair Health
Before you decide to bleach after a relaxer, it's essential to assess the condition of your hair. If your hair feels weak or damaged, it might be best to wait a bit longer or consider alternatives to bleaching. Ask yourself:
Does your hair look dull or lack shine?
Is it brittle or prone to breaking?
Have you experienced any scalp discomfort or irritation?
Strand Test
Performing a strand test can provide valuable insights into how your hair will react to the bleach. This simple test involves:
Splitting a strand of hair into small sections.
Rinsing the hair with cool water.
Applying a small amount of bleach to the strand.
Observing the reaction to see if the hair splits, becomes damaged, or turns a lighter color.
The strand test can help you gauge the potential outcome and any damage that might occur from bleaching.
Professional Help
If you are unsure or have concerns about the health of your hair, consulting a professional stylist can provide peace of mind. A hairstylist can assess your hair and offer personalized advice based on its condition and the recommended treatments.
Precautions and Protective Measures
Moisturize and Strengthen
To minimize damage and maintain the health of your hair, it's crucial to use deep conditioning treatments before and after bleaching. These treatments can:
Provide additional moisture and nutrients to your hair.
Help repair any damage caused by the treatments.
Prepare your hair for the effects of bleaching.
Incorporate products like:
Leave-in conditioners
Deep conditioning masks
Hair oils and serums
Real-Life Experience
It's important to hear from individuals who have had similar experiences to make an informed decision. One such account is shared below:
Never ever do that. I did blonde highlights about 4 weeks after a relaxer once. It was gorgeous but in time my hair became so damaged. Bleaching and relaxed hair just dont mix, it’s too much for the hair to handle. My hair was broken off only where the highlighted parts were it was fried. I had to cut it all off and start over. Please do not do it!
This first-hand account underscores the potential risks of acting too quickly or disregarding the recommended waiting period. It highlights the importance of patience and thorough preparation before embarking on hair treatments that might impact the integrity of your strands.