Whether for fashion or experiment, there are a thousand reasons you could decide to bleach your hair. However, hair bleaching isn’t a process you should take lightly. Therefore, we created a guide on how to fix uneven bleached hair.
Human hair comes in different shapes, so as long as you’re human, your hair belongs in one of these categories: straight, curly, or wavy, with each hair type having its peculiarities.
Hair consists of two structures. The first is the hair strand, which is multi-layered and is the part you color during the bleaching process. The second is the hair follicle.
Suppose you have already tried it and achieved the perfect result, great! But if you didn’t quite get it right, this article has you covered.
If you’re interested in how to fix uneven bleached hair, keep reading!
Causes Of Uneven Bleached Hair
If you tried to bleach your hair and failed, you possibly got a few rules of the bleaching process wrong.
It could be for several reasons, like whether or not you’ve bleached your hair before, the hair texture, shape, and porosity. Improper mixing of the product can also influence the outcome.
It’s essential to be clear on information concerning your hair when discussing it with your hairstylist to make no mistakes.
Other causes of uneven bleaching of your hair could be that you didn’t apply the dye to all parts of your hair evenly and consistently.
Taking too large a portion at certain times causes the dye not to reach some parts.
Another reason could be that you didn’t wait long enough for the hair to absorb the dye. Patience is vital in the bleaching process.
What Happens To Your Hair After Bleaching?
Hair dye contains strong chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. They break down the proteins and fatty acids in your hair strand, which can quickly dry out your hair roots.
Sounds unhealthy for your hair? Yup, It is!
Therefore, you shouldn’t bleach your hair so often or use products you’re unsure of. Instead, allow a professional to handle it for you if you must.
According to hair specialist Robert Dorin via the Huffington Post, bleach causes the hair strands to dry, resulting in uneven bleached hair.
This issue is because there is already a constant moisture removal from the hair by UV rays and humidity. Any additional removal of moisture could result in a dry and itchy scalp.
There will always be a risk of hair damage after changing your hair color, and it may also alter your hair texture. It could become rough and susceptible to breakage.
Sometimes these damages done are permanent. We react differently to these results, so your hair is your decision. Just be sure to take the proper steps to reduce the risk of hair damage.
Quick Guide on How to Fix Uneven Bleached Hair
So during the lockdown, I got so bored, and I tried to dye my hair light brown. I saw a talk show host rock the same look, and I thought I could pull it off.
Let’s say it was a disaster! I had to decide whether I wanted my natural color back, and if not, how could I fix my newly bleached hair?
Then here are the two methods to fix unevenly bleached hair:
Fast Method
The quickest way out is to use dark hair color to dye your hair a darker. So if, like me, you used a light brown hair dye earlier, you should use a darker hair dye this time to make your hair darker.
Divide your uneven bleached hair into smaller sections and patiently apply the dye to your hair strands. Be sure to wait for the first bleach to have dried to avoid breakage before trying to uneven the bleached hair.
READ: How to Darken Bleached Hair with Toner
Slow Method
This method is called the slow method for a reason. Say you’re on leave from work or on vacation, and you do not need to leave the comfort of your home for a while, then this step is for you.
While this solution may be better, you’ll need to wait about three to four weeks for your hair roots to be strong again, as it involves reapplying the bleach using the correct method.
You have to be careful because wrongly doing this can lead to severe damage.
Ensure to wash your hair using a moisturizing shampoo to help replenish lost moisture in the hair. You could use a toning shampoo to support the bleaching powder.
What Causes Blemishes On My Uneven Hair?
Every day you walk around, you get exposed to dust particles and dirt in the air. These settle on your hair, and in time, they can clog the pores or hair follicles on your scalp. Microbes can also get into these pores and cause a reaction.
Lastly, if your scalp produces excess oil, the risk of clogged pores may be higher. However, overwashing your hair is just as problematic.
It can result in a dry and scaly scalp, cause injuries that could get infected, or cause your hair strands to get thinner and weaker due to loss of nutrients.
How to Fix Uneven Bleached Hair
Exfoliate Your Scalp
Just as we need to remove dead skin cells once in a while from our face to prevent breakouts, you also need to exfoliate your scalp to remove any blemish on it.
Use exfoliating agents like benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or metronidazole. Gently wash your hair using any shampoo that contains these products, and scrub your scalp mildly to unclog your pores.
Depending on the severity, you can wash your hair once or twice a week until you get your desired results.
Wash With Warm Water and Moisturizing Shampoo
Good hygiene can help you maintain your hair healthily. Washing your hair regularly with moisturizing shampoo would prevent dirt and other impurities from building up on your scalp—this crucial step helps prevent clogged pores.
Always dry your hair and scalp afterward because bacteria thrive in damp hair that remains covered. If you’re not careful, your hair will begin to smell if not properly dry.
Most importantly, you should wash your hair after a workout session to get rid of sweat on your scalp. Failure to do so means risking clogged pores.
Washing your hair with warm water helps with blood circulation around your scalp, so we recommend it.
Note that overwashing your hair also puts you at risk of dandruff and other blemishes. Oil your scalp after drying it. Then style as desired.
Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar
Regardless of your hair type, an occasional hair rinse with apple cider vinegar is a plus for your hair care. It improves the ph balance of your scalp and removes excess hair oil at the roots.
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best ways to prevent clogged pores. It is also an excellent way to prevent or treat bacterial or fungal infections on your scalp.
Since ACV is mild, you ordinarily shouldn’t react negatively to it. It is even a better and more natural detoxifying agent for your scalp than some hair care products that may produce harsh results.
Moreover, using apple cider vinegar could help your hair dye last longer. Hair dyes are usually alkaline, breaking down the hair structure and increasing porosity. On the other hand, ACV is acidic, reducing porosity, and making the hair dye last longer in your hair.
For best results, dilute one or two tablespoonfuls ACV in a water bowl. Massage it into your hair after washing with shampoo or after rinsing out your hair dye if you’re dying. Cover your hair for four to five minutes. Then rinse it out afterward.
Apple Cider Vinegar strengthens your hair strands, leaving you with overall healthier hair.
Use Essential Hair Oils
Using essential hair oil is a cheat code for hair growth. Hair oils can give you a much-needed boost rather than relying solely on your scalp to produce the natural nutrients needed for hair growth.
They are extracted from plants and contain several vitamins and minerals that strengthen your hair and help with hair growth.
Hair oils like lavender oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and almond oil are prime examples of essential hair oils.
Coconut oil, for instance, is a great way to fight infections on your scalp. It contains anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and improve the general health of your scalp.
As we stated earlier, people react differently to things. To ensure you are not allergic to any of these products, we advise you first to test it on a small part of your skin.
Also, get advice from an experienced hair care specialist or dermatologist.
Add Extra Vitamins and Minerals to Your Diet
Extra vitamins and minerals boost your immune system and fight infections. As a result, your hair will have fewer clogged pores and hair blemishes.
Besides, these vitamins and minerals also prevent hair breakage and help with hair growth. Eat more fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, almonds, avocado, berries, and nuts. Also, add more protein to your diet, like eggs, fish, meat, and turkey.
With vitamins and minerals, it is always a win-win.
Quit Smoking or Any Bad Habits That Impair Your Immune System
Smoking cigarettes does not just affect your lungs or your lips but also your general health. Studies have shown that it is one of those habits responsible for hair breakage and hair loss.
Your body is less prepared to fight against infections by affecting your immune system. As always, it is in your best interest to quit smoking.
Use Over the Counter Drugs
If you’re experiencing mild discomfort from the blemish, please speak to a pharmacist to purchase some helpful over-the-counter drugs.
It could be antibacterial or antifungal creams, steroids, or oral antibiotics. Either way, they should help relieve you of your discomfort or treat the mild symptoms you may be experiencing.
Examine Your Scalp
Try to examine your scalp as you oil it to ensure no visible blemishes on your hair. You could also ask your hairstylist to inform you if there is evidence of irregularity on your scalp.
After all, early detection could save you a lot of pain, stress, and even money.
Finally, consult a dermatologist or general medical practitioner for professional examination if the blemish on your hair is extreme.
FAQs
Can you tone uneven bleached hair?
Usually, we recommend either using a darker color on your hair or reapplying the initial dye after a few weeks. Too much pressure on your hair from different chemicals will cause it to break.
If you must tone your hair, you’re better off using a toning shampoo. You can wash your hair with a toning shampoo and watch your hair shine in this new preferred color.
How can I even out my bleached hair?
You can either try the fast method of using a darker color or the slow approach of reapplying the dye after some weeks. Check out our step-by-step guide to help you through this process.
Conclusion
Frequently applying hair dye to your hair will undoubtedly cause damage, so we recommend you try it once in a blue moon if you absolutely must.
We also recommend you get it done by a professional to avoid mishaps along the way. However, if you decide to adopt a DIY approach and encounter any challenges, we’re right here to help.
If you found this article helpful, check our other hair-related articles on HairsAffairs.com.