Fixing Gummy and Damaged Bleached Hair: Practical Solutions for Long-Term Improvement

If you've bleached your hair to the point where it feels gummy or sticky, you're not alone. This is a common issue, especially after repeated bleaching sessions. While you can't completely repair the damage caused by bleach, you can take steps to improve your hair's condition over time.

Understanding the Damage

When you bleach your hair, you alter the protein structure of your strands, leading to a loss of moisture and natural elasticity. This can result in hair that feels gummy, sticky, or dry when wet. Once hair is damaged, it cannot be fully repaired, but you can take actions to minimize further damage and improve its texture and manageability.

Steps to Improve Your Hair

To address the gummy feeling and improve the overall health of your bleached hair, follow these steps:

Moisturizing Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks are essential for restoring moisture to your hair. Look for products with hydrating ingredients such as oils (coconut, argan, or jojoba), shea butter, or protein treatments. Products specifically designed for damaged or chemically treated hair are highly recommended.

Avoid Heat Styling

Minimize the use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. These can exacerbate damage, further weakening your hair and making it feel even more gummy.

Gentle Cleansing

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of natural moisture. Washing your hair less frequently can also help retain natural oils. Consider using a leave-in conditioner or serum that provides moisture and protection throughout the day.

Regular Trims

Regular trims are crucial to prevent split ends and further damage from traveling up the hair shaft. This will help maintain the overall health and manageability of your hair.

Avoid Further Chemical Treatments

Give your hair a break from additional bleaching or chemical treatments until it feels healthier. This will allow your hair to recover and improve its condition.

Hydration

Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet can also impact your hair's overall health. Ensure you stay well-hydrated and maintain a nutrient-rich diet to support healthy hair.

For more severe cases, consulting a professional stylist or trichologist can provide tailored recommendations and further assistance.

My Personal Experience

My journey to fixing gummy bleached hair began a few years ago, but the issue is still relevant today. I bleached my hair with Ion creme lightener, a process I repeated every week or two for an extended period. This was to achieve the desired lightness for a specific color. However, this intensive bleaching left my hair feeling gummy, especially at the top, and extremely difficult to brush when wet. It also took longer to dry with a blow dryer.

During this time, I followed some of the advice provided in older posts, including:

Taking a break from touching my hair and not washing it for a week after the final bleaching session. Using Pantene Miracle Rescue 10 in 1 Leave-in Conditioner Spray to provide immediate moisture and repair since it helps with damage.

For my first wash night, I used a combination of Olaplex No. 3 and a deep conditioning treatment. I left the Olaplex on for 15 minutes, then washed it out. I used a mixture of two deep conditioning treatments: the Hi-Pro-Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Intense Protein Treatment and the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Treatment Masque. After rinsing, my hair felt smoother and was easier to brush through.

While the gummy texture persists, the improvement after just one wash is significant, with a 90% reduction in the gummy feeling. I thank the community for their recommendations and suggestions!

Note: I am not a hair professional and wash my hair only once or twice a week, so avoid over-moisturizing, as excessive moisture can lead to other issues. This routine may not be suitable for everyone.