How to bleach black hair: step by step and 5 questions answered

Anyone who has black hair and wants to lighten their hair needs to know the importance of following some steps to keep them healthy. With that in mind, we talked to hairdresser and hair therapist Arivalda Oliveira, who explained how to safely bleach black hair. In addition, she answered the main questions on the subject. Follow the article!

How does bleaching black hair work?

The hairdresser explains that “to bleach black hair, it will depend a lot on whether the hair is color-free or how long the person used or uses dye. This can make the bleaching process difficult or impossible. The main objective of discoloration is to eliminate pigments and obtain a whitening background that happens from the oxidation process of the pigments present in the hair fiber”.

“It is important to point out that only a professional hairdresser is qualified to perform the process. Because it is the holder of technical and chemical information, both on the product to be used and on the elaboration techniques. Including the divisions and proportions to be discolored, and the entire post-chemical treatment process, which contributed to the success of the procedure,” she warns.

How to bleach black hair step by step

The bleaching procedure on black hair requires care and important steps to be followed in order to obtain good results. Find out what these steps are:

strand test

According to the hairdresser, the strand test will be the indicator for us to know: “how long the hair will withstand the process and how long it will take to reach the desired depth; if the discoloration will be uniform, without stains and if products will be needed to reinforce its resistance. Depending on the result, we need to indicate the type and time of treatment needed. Another indicator of the test is to confirm which shade of tinting and which pigment will need to be neutralized.”

strand test result

“This information needs to be taken into account, because depending on the result, we know how far we can proceed with the discoloration and, thus, guide the client on the result that was possible to achieve and that it may not be possible to reach the result she wants”, explains.

After bleaching care

Arivalda guides that “we must not forget that the discoloration is an aggression to the threads and that after the process it is possible that the hair absorbs, but does not retain assets. Therefore, we must increase care, using home care products to maintain color, strength and combability.”

The professional emphasizes the importance of using good quality products in the pre and post-chemistry, in addition to performing hair reconstruction according to professional guidance.

Questions about how to bleach black hair

Every hair change process generates many doubts and, with discoloration, it’s no different. So, check out the main doubts that were solved by the hairdresser Arivalda. Follow:

• What’s the best product? “Usually opt for a great quality bleaching powder, which offers the opening of up to 9 shades. Always dilute the product in 30 volumes of hydrogen peroxide, if the thread is thick, as it can open up to 3 tones. Now, if the strands are fine, you can use 20 volumes of hydrogen peroxide”, explains the hairdresser.
• How long does it take? Arivalda informs that the time may vary. “We cannot determine an exact time due to the thickness of the wire and the cuticular layers. In addition to the type of pigment in the hair, because black hair has a lot of blue and red pigment, which takes longer to eliminate.”
• How to bleach dyed black hair? “Do not skip the strand test and perform the discoloration gradually, respecting the limit of the hair itself”, guides the hairdresser.
• How to lighten black hair? The professional explains that “it is important to carry out the process gradually, use quality products and pay attention to the resistance limit of the thread, always thinking about ways of associated hair treatment.”
• How often can we bleach black hair? “Hair type and strand quality, as well as strength, will determine the intervals. This process is considered the most aggressive, because in addition to eliminating natural pigments, it also eliminates cuticular layers and natural proteins. The entire process takes place in the cortex, which we call the heart of the hair shaft”, he explains.

Now that we’ve answered your main questions about the procedure, check out the videos below to see how the bleaching process works!

Pro tips on how to bleach black hair

We selected videos from professionals who talk more about the subject and show how the strand test procedure is done. It’s worth watching!

How to lighten black hair

We know that bleaching or lightening black hair is not an easy task and requires specific care. In this video, professional Cris Kulkkamp talks more about the subject and, especially, the importance of using the appropriate bleach to reduce the risk of damage to the hair fiber. Watch!

Is it possible to bleach black hair?

In this video, professional Ana Paula Malinski answers this question and emphasizes the importance of performing the strand test. Another key factor is to be honest with the client about the possibilities of carrying out the process without harming the integrity of the wires. Check out this super interesting chat!

How is the strand test on black hair done?

As we have seen in the course of the article, the strand test is essential to be sure about the possibilities of discoloring the wires safely. Watch the video and learn more details about it and see in practice how this procedure is done!

Now that you know everything about bleach, check out hair color ideas for brunettes, choose your favorite shade and transform your look in style!