Bleached Hair SOS: How To Fix Bleach-Damaged Hair At-Home

Bleaching is a one-way ticket to lighter-colored locks. And though it gets great results, it can damage hair if not done carefully. If you’re experiencing a bleach overload, follow our top tips for how to fix bleach-damaged hair. Get your tresses back on track with our simple tricks to calm, nourish, and restore your hair to its blonde beauty.

What is bleach-damaged hair and what does it look like?

Bleaching is the chemical process that gives you that beautifully bright blonde look. Whether you get beachy highlights or go all-over ice-blonde, when you color your hair it loses the proteins that give strength and volume. Over time, your hair could become dry, dull, and brittle. Luckily, we’ve got some solutions for you.

Video of Dove partner, Stephanie Rose, sharing her new haircare routine including damaged hair dos and don’ts

Choose gentle products

With brand-new bleach damage, your priority is preserving your hair’s natural oils to speed up recovery. For the first 48 hours, avoid shampoo completely. From then on, start to restore your bleach-damaged hair by using gentle, moisturizing products like our Anti-Frizz Oil Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner.

Handle with care

Knowing how to fix bleached hair breakage will save you from losing your length. It’s all about avoiding anything that could cause friction and snap your strands. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for wet-only detangling. Avoid harsh hairstyles and accessories with metal parts that might snag. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect your tresses while you get your Zzzs.

Don't forget scalp care

It’s not just hair that needs love after a bleach treatment. Your scalp will benefit from some TLC, too. Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Shampoo and Leave-In are the perfect remedies for a sensitive scalp, adding moisture and a healthy dose of vitamin B3.

Protect what you love

Avoid any further chemicals for at least 10 weeks, that includes keeping your hair out of the pool when swimming. If you’re heading out in the sun, pop a hat on to shield your hair from the UV rays. To protect your hair from heat damage when using hot styling tools, use our Heat Protection Spray or have fun experimenting with air drying and no-heat hairstyles.

How long does it take bleach-damaged hair to heal?dde

We know the wait for hair recovery can feel neverending, but go easy on your locks. Depending on your hair, it could take up to two weeks before your strands feel ready to play again. If your bleach damage is more severe, you might need a month of care before your hair starts to feel smooth and shiny again. Be patient; you’ll get there.

Is it possible to bleach your hair without damaging it?

There’s no doubt about it; bleached hair looks fantastic. But it also needs a bit of extra work to keep it looking and feeling amazing. If you’re thinking of going blonde, get ready to amp up your routine to keep your hair health tip-top. Here’s how:

See a Professional

Bleaching is an intensive process and it’s easy to get wrong. If you can afford to, leave it to the professionals. You’ll get a better result and advice on managing the damage thrown in.

Prepare your hair care

Get ahead by scheduling a consultation with your colorist to plan how to treat your newly bleached hair. Ramp up the moisturizing treatments in the days before your appointment. Get a dusting (where stray and split ends are trimmed) before and always get a cut afterward. Follow up with plenty more moisturizing masks.

Space out your appointements

Tempting as it is to dye your roots as soon as they appear, aim to hit the bleach just once every two months. And rather than re-bleach your whole head, apply dye to new growth only to keep your hair healthy.