Bleaching your hair can leave it feeling dry, brittle, and stretchy – a telltale sign of severe damage. If you’ve found yourself in this predicament, don’t worry, there are steps you can take to restore your hair’s health and vitality. Here’s how to fix stretched, bleached hair:
Trim the Damaged Ends
The first step is to get rid of the most severely damaged portions of your hair. Gently trim off any straggly, split ends or sections that feel overly stretchy and fragile. This will prevent further breakage and allow your healthy hair to grow out.
Replenish Protein
Bleaching strips the natural proteins from your hair, leaving it weak and vulnerable. Incorporate a deep protein treatment into your haircare routine to rebuild the structure of your strands. Look for products containing keratin, collagen, or other strengthening ingredients.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
In addition to protein, your hair desperately needs hydration after the bleaching process. Use nourishing hair masks, oils, and leave-in conditioners to replenish moisture and seal in softness. Ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter can work wonders.
Give Your Hair a Break
Avoid any further chemical treatments or heat styling until your hair has had a chance to recover. Let your hair air dry whenever possible and steer clear of hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Your hair needs a breather to regain its strength.
Consider Extensions
If your hair is in really rough shape, you may want to consider wearing clip-in extensions or a wig while your natural hair heals. This will protect your fragile strands and allow you to still enjoy a stylish look.
Adjust Your Washing Routine
Shampoo less frequently to prevent further drying out your hair. Aim to wash just 1-2 times per week and use a gentle, sulfate-free formula. Overwashing can strip away essential oils and exacerbate the damage.