If you’ve recently bleached your hair, you may have noticed that while the new color looks fabulous, your hair itself may feel dry, brittle, or lifeless. Bleaching removes your hair’s natural color by stripping away pigments through a harsh chemical process, often leaving it vulnerable to damage. But don’t worry! You don’t have to sacrifice softness and shine for the perfect shade of blonde (or any other color). You can restore your hair’s health, smoothness, and luster with a little TLC and some all-natural solutions.
Let’s dive into six effective, natural ways to transform your bleached hair back into the soft, silky locks you crave, plus some pro tips and insights to maximize the results.
DIY Hair Masks for Intense Hydration
One of the most effective ways to bring softness and hydration back to bleached hair is by applying nourishing DIY hair masks. These homemade treatments use simple, natural ingredients you already have in your kitchen, yet they pack a powerful punch for your hair’s health.
Yogurt Hair Mask: A Protein-Packed Moisturizer
- Ingredients: 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- How to Use: Mix the yogurt and olive oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends where the damage is usually the worst. Let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Pro Tip: Yogurt is loaded with protein and lactic acid, which helps moisturize your hair while repairing the damage. Olive oil’s fatty acids lock in moisture and add shine. Use this mask once a week to see your hair regain its softness.
Avocado Hair Mask: The Deep Conditioner
- Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 1 egg
- How to Use: Mash the avocado and mix it with an egg to form a paste. Apply it to damp hair and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Pro Tip: Avocados are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B6, along with fatty acids that replenish your hair’s moisture levels. Eggs provide the protein your hair needs to rebuild its structure. If your hair feels extra dry, add a teaspoon of honey to boost hydration even more.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask: Shine and Repair
- Ingredients: 3 egg whites, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- How to Use: Mix the ingredients and massage the mask into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Pro Tip: The acidity of apple cider vinegar seals your hair cuticle, giving it a smoother, shinier appearance. The proteins from the egg whites also strengthen your hair, while olive oil nourishes and hydrates.
Nourishing Hair Oils: The Moisture Lock-In Secret
Oiling your hair regularly is a game changer, especially for bleached or chemically treated hair. Oils provide intense nourishment and help seal in moisture, which is crucial for damaged hair.
Coconut Oil: The All-Around Hero
Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, preventing protein loss—something bleached hair desperately needs. Warm up some coconut oil in your hands and apply it to dry hair before washing. You can also apply a small amount after shampooing to lock in moisture.
Pro Tip: Apply coconut oil before going to bed and leave it on overnight for an intensive treatment. Cover your hair with a silk scarf or cap to protect your pillowcase.
Argan Oil: The Gloss and Shine Savior
Known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that repair and rejuvenate bleached hair. Use a few drops of argan oil on damp hair to add shine and smoothness without weighing it down.
Almond Oil: The Frizz Fighter
If frizz is your biggest enemy, almond oil can help. High in vitamin E, almond oil softens hair and smoothens out flyaways. Apply it before styling to keep your hair sleek all day.
Pro Tip: Use a combination of oils depending on your hair’s needs for maximum results. Coconut oil works well as a pre-shampoo treatment, while lighter oils like argan or almond are perfect post-wash to lock in hydration.
Rice Water Rinse: Strengthen and Restore
Rice water has been used for centuries in Asia as a beauty remedy, and it’s become a popular solution for strengthening damaged hair. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and inositol, a carbohydrate that helps repair hair and prevents further damage.
How to Make a Rice Water Rinse:
- Rinse 1 cup of rice to remove impurities.
- Boil the rice with 2–3 cups of water.
- Strain the rice and collect the water.
- After shampooing, pour the rice water over your hair. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse it with cool water.
Pro Tip: Use this rinse once or twice weekly to strengthen your hair and improve elasticity. Over time, rice water can help reduce breakage, especially if your hair is prone to split ends.
Protein-Infused Shampoo: Rebuild and Repair
Bleached hair is prone to becoming brittle and weak, so it’s important to replenish the protein that’s lost during the bleaching process. Protein helps rebuild the hair’s structure, reducing breakage and improving its elasticity.
DIY Protein Treatment:
Mixing an egg with your regular shampoo can create your own protein treatment. Eggs are rich in keratin, the protein that makes up hair.
- How to Use: Crack one egg, mix it with a small amount of shampoo, and use it as you normally wash your hair. Leave it on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with cool water to lock in moisture.
Pro Tip: If DIY isn’t your thing, look for protein-infused shampoos at your local beauty store. Ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, and silk protein are great for strengthening your strands.
Watch Your Diet: Nourish Your Hair from Within:
Just like your skin, your hair’s health reflects what you put into your body. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help your hair regain its softness and strength.
- Eggs: Full of biotin and protein, eggs help improve hair growth and prevent thinning.
- Oats: Oats contain silica, which promotes elasticity and reduces breakage. They also help produce melanin, maintaining your hair’s natural color and health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and borage oil, omega-3 fatty acids hydrate the hair, reducing dryness and promoting shine.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a flaxseed supplement to your daily routine to enhance your hair’s moisture retention.
Stay Hydrated: Water is the Key to Soft Hair
Hydration is key to maintaining soft, healthy hair. When your body is well-hydrated, your scalp and hair receive the moisture they need to stay smooth and shiny. Experts recommend drinking about 11.5 cups of water daily for women and 15.5 cups for men.
Pro Tip: If you find it hard to drink that much water, try adding fruits like cucumbers, lemons, or berries to your water for a refreshing twist!
Bonus Maintenance Tips for Bleached Hair
- Use Silk Pillowcases: Cotton pillowcases can tug and pull at your hair, leading to breakage. Switch to silk pillowcases, which are gentler and help prevent frizz.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Bleached hair is already fragile, so avoid using heat tools like blow dryers and straighteners. If you must style your hair with heat, use a heat protectant spray to reduce the damage.
- Be Gentle When Brushing: Avoid brushing wet hair, as it’s more prone to breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle damp hair gently.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment at least once weekly to lock in moisture and repair damage.
Conclusion: Reviving Your Bleached Hair is Possible
Following these natural remedies and making smart hair care choices can bring life back to your bleached hair. Whether you’re creating DIY hair masks, adding nourishing oils to your routine, or even changing your diet, small changes can greatly impact your hair’s softness and shine. With patience and care, your hair can look—and feel—just as silky and smooth as before bleaching!
