If you’re wondering, can you bleach hair twice in one day?
The answer is technically yes you can, but most hair professionals wouldn’t recommend it. Why? Because bleaching is a harsh process that damages your hair even with one treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know first to make sure you don’t damage your locks forever.
Keep reading for all the answers to the hair burning – or not burning! – questions.
Table of Contents
- Can you safely bleach hair twice in a day?
- What the experts say:
- What are the risks of bleaching hair twice in a day?
- What is hair bleach?
- Does bleach damage your hair?
- What is double bleaching?
- Is it okay to bleach already bleached hair?
- How many times can you bleach already bleached hair?
- Top tips for safe hair bleaching.
- Should I bleach my hair again if it turned orange?
- Should I tone my hair after bleaching?
- How to care for bleached hair.
- Parting words
Can you safely bleach hair twice in a day?
The answer is yes – you can bleach your hair more than once in a day. But you really shouldn’t!
When bleach is applied to the hair, it causes the cuticles to open and the bonds within the hair to break.
This process can lead to dry, brittle, and highly porous hair.
Double processing in one day increases the risk of over-processing, which can result in breakage, split ends, and an overall frazzled hair condition.
It’s best to wait at least 14 days before applying the second round of bleach to give your hair time to recover.
What the experts say:
“Unless you have virgin hair which is extremely healthy, even one application of bleach alters the natural composition and structure of the entire hair cuticle.”
Karen Marie Shelton, CEO & Founder of HairBoutique.com
“You can, but it isn’t recommended. If you feel you HAVE to bleach your hair twice in one day, try a soap cap. Mix your bleach and developer with a few pumps of shampoo.”
Mel McCully, Hairstylist, Manager
“So long as the hair is relatively healthy which it should be if done properly the first time.. yes. Make sure hair is dry as h20 dilutes the bleaching power.”
Versions Vividamnesia, Master Hair colorist
What are the risks of bleaching hair twice in a day?
It’s no bad thing to want a quick and dramatic hair color transformation. But to bleach your hair safely, it’s best to be aware of the potential pitfalls of bleaching it more than once in a day. Let’s take look at what the scientists say:
- Hair Damage and Breakage: The American Academy of Dermatology Association advises that bleaching hair twice in one day can cause serious damage to your hair, potentially leading to breakage. Even with the use of a gentle, low-hazard bleach product, the risk is pretty big.
- Universal Rule Against Double Bleaching: It’s a widely accepted among experts including hair scientists at the Trichology Society that hair should never be bleached twice in the same day. The damage inflicted by double bleaching is not worth the risk, regardless of how to you feel about the initial dye job!
- Hair Fragility: Medicinenet points out that bleaching already makes hair fragile by stripping away color and weakening its structure. Doing this process twice in one day makes the damage worse, making your hair even more fragile.
- Waiting Period Between Bleachings: Experts at Healthline recommend waiting as long as 6-8 weeks before attempting to bleach hair again after an initial treatment, especially when using a 20-volume developer.
- Scalp Burns: Bleaching hair twice in a day can do more than just damage the hair; Skinveteran says it can also cause serious burns to the scalp, no matter how much you try to hydrate and protect the area.
- Hair Loss: A study by PubMed even shows there’s a risk of hair breakage and even hair fall if you bleach your hair more than once in one day. The aggressive chemical process could lead to losing hair in clumps! Yikes!
What is hair bleach?
Hair bleach, also referred to as a lightening product, is a powder or cream that contains hydrogen peroxide combined with ammonia and other additives.
When bleach is mixed with developer and applied to you hair, the alkaline mixture breaks apart melanin (pigment molecules) from within the cortex of your hair shaft.
The change in chemical structure causes the color of the dye molecules to change and be removed, and voila — new lighter strands!
Does bleach damage your hair?
Yes, the bleaching process damages your hair by stripping away natural oils and moisture.
Over time, repeated bleaching can lead to breakage, brittleness and split ends. It also fades color quickly, which means you must re-dye your strands more often.
A bleach bath is a gentler technique used to lighten hair in one application.
It simply involves mixing your favourite shampoo with bleach powder, applying the mixture throughout damp strands and allowing it to process without heat for longer periods of time.
What is double bleaching?
Double bleaching refers to lifting out stubborn stains on blonde or pre-lightened hair by adding a second round of bleach to achieve lighter results.
Sometimes hair professionals choose to do this over two applications with a day in between (known as split processing), or back-to-back with minimal time in between (referred to as “stacked” processing).
Although you can go through it twice in one day, a study on WebMD says it’s a good idea to wait at least 14 days before applying the second round of bleach.
This allows your hair time to recover from the first round and prepare for another chemical process, which further compromises the integrity of your strands.
As always, it’s best to consult with a hair professional who can give you personalized advice based on the health and condition of your hair.
Is it okay to bleach already bleached hair?
Yes, it is okay to bleach already bleached hair.
If your hair is bleached beyond the desired level or you are unhappy with the color, it’s time to touch up!
Hair that has been over-processed can be toned or re-dyed slightly darker to tone down brassiness.
If you’re trying to go ultra white-blonde like icy blonde platinum or ash blonde with highlights, it’s likely something you’ll just have to do!
How many times can you bleach already bleached hair?
You many times you can process your hair by bleaching depends on how much damage you are willing to put into your hair! You don’t want to bleach your hair too often.
Top tips for safe hair bleaching.
- Wash your hair 2 days before applying the first application. This will give your hair some time to protect itself from the harsh bleaching process with its own natural oils.
- When applying the bleach, ensure that it is mixed thoroughly and evenly.
- You can apply bleach to wet hair or dry hair. It will process faster on wet hair.
- Use a really good quality conditioning mask to strengthen and repair hair before and after bleaching.
- Don’t leave bleach in your hair for longer than required.
- Ensure you add toner after the bleaching process to prevent your hair from looking orange/yellow.
Should I bleach my hair again if it turned orange?
If your hair turned orange, you may have used too much developer.
When bleaching your hair, the hydrogen peroxide within the developer is what activates the bleach.
Developers come in different strengths, known as ‘volumes’—10, 20, 30, and 40. The higher the number, the more powerful it is at opening those cuticles for more significant lightening.
Now, if your hair starts to turn a shade of orange, it’s often a clue that the developer’s volume might have been too intense for your hair’s particular texture or initial color.
Darker hair naturally has warm pigments that can peek through when lightened.
If the developer is too much, it can accelerate the color lifting process and reveal an orange tone, rather than progressing to the cooler, lighter shade you were aiming for.
So make sure you choose the right volume of developer for a smooth and even color.
Should I tone my hair after bleaching?
We always recommend using a toner after bleaching – this will neutralize any yellow or brassy tones left behind and give your locks an extra cool boost of brightness!
“Using a violet purple shampoo & allowing it to sit in the hair a few minutes will help remove those yellow tones.”
TheeWJBowles, Founder Crown of Glory Beauty Salon
How to care for bleached hair.
Bleached hair tends to come in with a unique set of needs, but luckily there are some easy-to-follow tips and tricks for bleached hair that can help keep your soft, silky tresses looking fabulous.
The first and most important step is to purchase special shampoo and conditioner meant specifically for bleached hair.
Other helpful techniques include using a product like leave-in conditioner or oils to add extra softness and shine.
Scheduled in deep conditioning treatments once a week, cover up when out in the sun, and avoiding styling tools with too much heat.
Lastly, use a good toning, purple shampoo to neutralize any unwanted brassiness and keep warm yellow and orange tones at bay.
Before you know it, your bleached hair will be looking luxurious!
Parting words
While the allure of transforming your hair color in a single day is tempting, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks associated with double bleaching.
Scientific studies and expert advice caution against overprocessing your hair, which can lead to damage, breakage, and scalp irritation.
Remember, healthy hair is beautiful hair, and it’s important to prioritize the well-being of your locks.
Before embarking on a double bleaching adventure, consult with a professional stylist who can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the safest approach.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a licensed hairstylist or dermatologist for personalized guidance on hair care and coloring.
Ever bleached your hair twice in a day? Share your own hair care tips and experiences on Facebook or Instagram tagging @colouredhaircare. Together, we can create a community dedicated to nurturing our tresses while embracing our unique styles.
