You either take care of it… Or go for the chop!

Bleaching your hair is one of the most aggressive treatments we can subject it to. Damage to the hair is inevitable during the process, and it should be noted that the hair fibre does not have the ability to regenerate, which means that the hair does not return to its natural state after bleaching. This is why it is so important to constantly care for and protect the hair in order to keep it in a healthy condition even after bleaching.

During the bleaching process, the cuticle of the hair is damaged, including the cortex in many cases, which is the layer that strengthens and supports the hair fibre. The result of a damaged cortex is hair that breaks more easily. This is why after bleaching your ends can feel weaker and even thinner, since they break more easily, resulting in an aesthetically unpleasing look.

The innermost layer of the hair is called the cortex, and is responsible for giving strength, elasticity and shape to the hair. This layer is protected by overlapping cells, which we call the cuticle, which is the outermost layer. The cuticle is easily damaged, both by daily brushing or styling habits and environmental factors. And when this damage occurs we tend to notice a rough, dry texture to the hair.

After bleaching, these cracks that have been created in our hair can increase due to all the factors mentioned above, but a proper hair care routine can make all the difference. We must understand that it is not possible to have a chemical treatment and still have healthy hair unless it is continuously cared for.

How can we protect our hair and keep it in tip-top shape?

1. Conditioners please!

Conditioners stick to the outer layer of the hair, softening an smoothing the surface. Generally, their effects can wear off if we do not use them regularly, so we need to be consistent and not overlook them.

2. Make the mask your new best friend

Masks can offer a more intense treatment for the hair, but they must remain in contact with the hair fibre for a certain period of time if you want to reap the full benefits. Try to apply the mask that best suits your hair’s needs twice a week and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.

For bleached hair, we recommend alternating our L’Essentiel Mask with our Tasmania Mask to provide the hair with deep nourishment and hydration.

3.  Don’t forget about professional treatments

Professional treatments have the capacity to build new bridges or repair the damage that has occurred in the cortex. Only hydrolysed proteins and amino acids have the ability to diffuse inside the hair and interact with damaged areas. That’s why we recommend paying a visit to your salon from time to time to give your hair that extra boost that you just can’t give it at home.

Sublime 10.31 interacts in this way with the hair fibre, as the molecules used in step 1 diffuse inside the hair, allowing them to better penetrate the cortex and interact with the damaged area. Keep in mind that this is a cumulative treatment, which means that the more sessions you do, the better your hair will feel.