How To Make Bleached Hair Soft And Silky [Expert Advice]

You’ve bleached your hair and now you need to know how to make bleached hair soft and silky again? You’ve come to the right place, oh frizzy friend.

Bleaching hair can be a bit of a gamble. On one hand, you could end up with gorgeously sun-kissed locks. On the other, you could be left with dry, straw-like hair that’s difficult to manage.

If you’re in the latter camp, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to make bleached hair soft and silky again. Read on for the best tips on how to repair over-processed and tired tresses.

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How to make bleached hair soft and silky.

There are a few ways you can restore frazzled locks backs to their best. Some solutions will take time and improve the condition of your hair the more regularly you use them. But there are some quick fixes too. Here are our top tips:

Deep condition regularly.

One of the best ways to make bleached hair soft and silky is to deep condition it on a regular basis. Look for a deep conditioner that’s specifically designed for bleached hair. Apply it once or twice a week, depending on how damaged your hair is.

We also love love love Olaplex Hair Perfect No.3 for repairing the hair bonds and cuticles that can be damaged during the bleaching process.

Use a repairing shampoo and conditioner.

Another way to make bleached hair soft and silky is to use a shampoo and conditioner that’s specially formulated for bleached hair. These products are made with ingredients that help to repair and protect the hair shaft.

Use a leave-in conditioner.

A leave-in conditioner can help to add hydration and nourishment to bleached hair. Look for one that contains protein, which will help to repair damage and strengthen the hair shaft. Apply it after you’ve washed your hair and before you style it.

Avoid heat styling.

Heat styling can further damage bleached hair, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. If you do need to use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant spray first.

Let your hair air dry whenever possible.

Air drying is much gentler on bleached hair than using a blow dryer. If you must use a blow dryer, be sure to use a hair dryer that’s recommended for damaged hair and set it to the lowest heat setting.

Use a sulphate-free shampoo.

Shampoos that contain sulphates can be harsh on bleached hair, stripping away moisture and leaving it feeling dry and brittle. Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo to help add hydration back into your hair.

Be gentle when brushing.

Bleached hair can be more fragile than unbleached hair, so it’s important to be gentle when brushing it. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush, and take care not to tug or pull at the hair.

Protect your hair from the sun.

The sun can be damaging to bleached hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Be sure to wear a hat or scarf when you’re going to be spending time outdoors and use a UV protecting spray or mist.

By following these tips, you can help to make bleached hair soft and silky again. With a little bit of care and effort, you can have healthy-looking hair that you’re proud of.

Watch and learn: How to care for bleach blonde hair

Here’s a great video with some top tips and tricks on how to care for bleached blonde hair so you can get a soft, shiny mane you can’t wait to show off!

Does bleaching hair damage it?

Bleaching hair can damage it, but there are ways to minimize the damage.

If you’ve ever bleached your hair, you know it’s a commitment. Not only do you have to keep up with the roots, but you also have to deal with the damage bleaching can cause.

Does bleaching hair damage it? In a word: yes.

When you bleach your hair, you’re essentially subjecting it to a chemical process that strips away its natural color. This can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and damaged and more susceptible to sun damage.

So, if you’re thinking about bleaching your hair, be sure to use a high-quality bleach and follow all of the instructions carefully. And, of course, always consult with your stylist first to get their professional opinion.

While it’s true that bleaching can be tough on your strands, that doesn’t mean you have to swear off it forever. There are a few things you can do to help minimize the damage.

First, make sure you’re using a good quality bleach. Try a bleach bath that involves applying bleach to wet hair, making it less damaging and more gentle. (Although it might not lift dark hair).

Second, don’t leave the bleach in your hair for longer than necessary.

And third, use a deep conditioner or mask regularly to help keep your hair hydrated.

Bleaching your hair can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world for your strands. With a little bit of care, you can keep your bleached hair healthy and happy.

Tried and Tested | Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

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Olaplex is like a miracle in a bottle for damaged hair. This bond maintenance shampoo and conditioner helps to repair and strengthen hair, making it less prone to breakage and split ends. We love that you can use it regularly and see a difference in the health of your hair within a month. Our hair stopped thinning at the ends, breaking off, and felt thicker overall. We highly recommend teaming it with the No.3 Hair Perfector for even better results. You’ll have healthy, soft, and silky hair in no time!

Why does my hair feel like straw after bleaching it?

If you’ve ever bleached your hair, you know the feeling. You step out of the salon with what you hope will be sleek and shiny strands, only to find that your hair feels dry, brittle, and–yes–like straw.

But why does bleaching cause this straw-like texture? It all has to do with the chemistry of bleaching agents.

When you bleach your hair, you are essentially lifting the color from your strands by breaking down the pigment molecules.

In order to do this, bleaching agents rely on harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. You’ll find this ingredient in bleach powder that’s mixed with developer in a hair bleach kit.

These chemicals strip away the natural oils and amino acids that protect your hair, leading to dryness and frizz.

They also break down the proteins in your hair shaft, causing it to become weak and damaged. Your hair can become more porous, so it won’t take hair color as easily.

So next time you find yourself wondering why your hair feels like straw after a bleaching session, remember: it’s not your imagination, it’s science!

How can I repair my bleached damaged hair?

If your hair is in need of a little TLC, there are a few things you can do to help repair the damage.

One option is to get a keratin treatment. Keratin is a protein that helps to strengthen and repair hair. By getting a treatment, you can help to replenish some of the nutrients your hair has lost over time.

Another option is to use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week. Deep conditioning masks can help to hydrate and repair dry, damaged hair. By using one of these masks regularly, you can help to restore your hair’s natural moisture balance and make it look and feel healthier.

You can also use an overnight mask for extra hydration. Simply apply the mask to your hair before bed, pop on a shower cap to protect your pillows and wash it out in the morning.

Coconut oil is another magic ingredient if you find your strands are very dry. Simply apply a small amount of oil to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it in for a few hours before washing it out.

Be sure to use heat protectant products before heat styling your hair. Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the heat source, helping to prevent further damage.

And finally, don’t bleach your hair too often. Stripping your hair color is super damaging for your locks so leave a few days in between processes at least.

By following these bleached hair tips and tricks, you can help to repair your bleached damaged hair and keep it looking its best.

Bleached hair before and after

Is leave in conditioner good for bleached hair?

Yes, leave in conditioner is very good for bleached hair!

Leave in conditioner can help to hydrate and protect your strands, which is especially important if you have dry or damaged hair.

Look for a leave in conditioner that contains ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera, which can help to moisturize your hair. You can also try using a leave in conditioner with protein, which can help to repair damage and make your hair look and feel healthier.

Be sure to apply the leave in conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the ends. You can then style your hair as usual. If you find that your hair is feeling a bit too greasy, you can simply rinse it out.

How do you make bleached hair look shiny?

If you want that glossy, super-shiny mane that you see on Instagram, there are a few products that can help you achieve the look.

A keratin treatment is a type of hair straightening that uses a special formula to smooth down the hair shaft and eliminate frizz. The treatment can last for up to three months, and it’s a great option for people who want to keep their hair looking sleek and shiny.

The downside of a keratin treatment is that it can be expensive, and it’s not always necessary for everyone. If you have very curly or frizzy hair, however, it might be worth the investment. Keratin treatments can give you the confidence to rock your natural texture, and they can also help to protect your hair from heat damage.

Glossing sprays are another option for people who want shiny, bleached hair, fast. Glossing sprays can be used on any hair type, and they’re a great way to add shine and protect your hair from heat damage.

Hair serums are another option for people who want to add shine to their bleached hair. Hair serums can be used on any hair type, and they’re great for people who have frizzy or flyaway hair. If you use a lot of heat-styling tools, a hair serum can also help to protect your strands from damage.

Most glossing sprays contain silicone, which can help to smooth down the hair shaft and make your hair look super shiny. If your hair isn’t naturally glossy, this is a good way to fake it!

If you’re looking for a more natural option, you can try using coconut oil. Coconut oil is great for all types of hair, and it can help to add shine and tame frizz.

Simply apply a small amount of oil to your hair, focusing on the ends for smoothness and shine.

How to care for bleached hair.

Caring for bleached hair requires a certain level of finesse and TLC.

The first step is to stay away from heat styling tools like flat irons or curling wands – despite how tempting it might be, these can cause significant damage to already weakened tresses!

Use a good purple shampoo to counteract the warm, brassy tones that can surface over time; purple color-enhancing products are designed to cool down the brassiness naturally.

An intensive conditioning treatment or deep repair mask will also go a long way in keeping frazzled strands healthy and hydrated – just make sure you don’t let it sit too long or your hair will wind up limp instead of shiny!

With some patience and love, your bleached locks can be looking magnificent in no time.

Parting words

Thanks for reading! We hope this expert advice has helped you learn how to make bleached hair soft and silky. By following these tips, you can help to repair your damaged strands and keep them looking their best.

This article was written and reviewed by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
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    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!

  • Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
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    Hair Stylist & Color Consultant

    I’m Enza Piazza, your go-to hair stylist and color consultant with over 23 years of professional salon experience bringing vibrancy and life to hair of all hues. My Italian roots from sunny Sicily infuse passion into every snip and color, a passion that’s been recognized with top honor awards including bridal and party hair at the National Hairdressers Federation’s Championships. After training in Surrey, UK’s most prestigious salons including Head Master Academy, I embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and set up Enza Hair Styling, offering tailored hair care for 13 years, and treating each client like family. Away from the salon, I cherish moments as a proud Nonna to grandson Joseph and as a playful companion to my Jack Russell, Bo.