How hydrogen peroxide affects hair and how to lighten strands at home?

Although hydrogen peroxide is frequently used to lighten hair, what precise effects does it have on your strands? If you’re interested in using this chemical to brighten your locks at home, it’s critical to comprehend both the advantages and possible risks.

Many people use hydrogen peroxide as a convenient and reasonably priced alternative to salon hair lightening. Although it can aid in achieving the appropriate shade, improper use can result in damage or dryness.

This post will explain the effects of hydrogen peroxide on hair and offer detailed instructions for safely lightening your hair at home. You can achieve a lighter look without damaging your hair if you take the proper approach.

Key points

What is it?

Two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms combine to form the chemical compound hydrogen peroxide. Because concentrated peroxide can be extremely harmful to humans, pharmacies only sell diluted solutions of the substance, which mostly consist of water and a small amount of the peroxide itself. What are the subtleties of such coloring and can peroxide be used to lighten curls? We’ll explain below.

How it works?

A person’s hair turns lighter as a result of peroxide bleaching the pigment in the hair.

Take note! The initial state of the curls should be considered when performing the procedure. You run the risk of getting "straw" on your head if you don’t.

Bleaching mechanism

Human hair contains a particular pigment known as melanin. It becomes discolored due to a chemical reaction between it and the oxygen in peroxide. Occasionally, incorrect bleaching can lead to the destruction of melanin, which causes the hair’s condition to drastically worsen.

Pros and cons of the procedure

There are benefits and drawbacks to this bleaching method.

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• affordable;
• you can do the procedure at home and on your own;
• effective in getting rid of yellowness.

Cons:

• there is a risk of damaging your hair;
• you cannot use this method often.

How to bleach curls on your head?

When bleaching at home, there are a few things to consider.

How to correctly calculate the exposure time and concentration of the solution for short, medium and long strands?

The type and condition of your hair must be considered when creating a bleaching composition. A solution with no more than three percent concentration is advised for extremely thin and weak curls. In case their color is very dark or they have a denser structure, you can raise the solution’s concentration to nine to twelve percent.

Hydrogen peroxide, ammonia as an activator, and glycerin soap to lessen the negative effects make up the lightening composition. Take 5 drops of ammonia for every 50 grams of peroxide.

You can prepare the volume you need for both medium-length and long curls according to this ratio.

Peroxide exposure lasts for roughly 30 minutes on average. If needed, you can remove the lightening mixture before the allotted time has passed, for instance, if you are happy with the color of your hair after it has turned out. Increase the lightening time if the hair is thick, dense, or extremely dark, but don’t leave the mixture on the curls for longer than an hour.

How to choose the right percentage of the substance in the solution and what it will depend on?

The following variables determine the content percentage:

• hair condition: the thinner and weaker it is, the lower the percentage of peroxide content;
• original color: the darker the hair, the higher the percentage of peroxide;
• desired lightening: the more you need to lighten the curls, the higher the percentage.

Your hair’s length has no bearing on the content percentage!

A popular and reasonably priced at-home method of lightening hair is hydrogen peroxide, but if applied carelessly, it can also weaken and damage hair strands. Your hair’s natural pigment is broken down, resulting in a lighter color. Although it works well, excessive use of it can dry out hair and cause breakage. It’s crucial to use the proper concentration, apply it evenly, and maintain the health of your hair by giving it nourishing treatments after lightening it safely.

Safety precautions

Safety measures need to be followed when handling this hazardous material. Since concentrated peroxide is a hazardous chemical, it is only available for purchase as solutions.

Such a solution ought to be kept out of children’s reach at all times, in a dark, dry, and cool location.

You should wear eye protection when handling this hazardous liquid. Should the solution come into contact with the mucous membrane, it is imperative to thoroughly rinse the affected area with plenty of water and contact a physician right away.

What you need to lighten your hair with peroxide?

If you want to lighten your hair with this method, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:

• a plastic container;
• a comb;
• gloves;
• a sponge or brush for applying the mixture;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• ammonia;
• glycerin soap to soften the effect of the lightening mixture.

Vital. The mixture must be made using 50 grams of peroxide and 5 drops of ammonia! Depending on how long and thick your hair is, you can increase these proportions.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions: how to bleach strands?

There are multiple steps in the bleaching process for hair:

1. Preparing the hair: two weeks before the planned lightening, you should stop using styling products and thermal devices. It is advisable to give your hair a rest during this period, pamper it with various useful masks.
2. Trial test: at this stage, you can determine the required exposure time of the lightening mixture. To do this, apply the prepared emulsion to one of the strands and note the time required for bleaching to the desired tone.
3. Preparation of materials: after the test, you should prepare the volume of the mixture required for your hair length, and also prepare all the necessary materials.
4. Bleaching:
5. before applying the mixture, you must protect your clothes and exposed areas of skin;
6. comb all strands thoroughly;
7. apply the emulsion, starting from the back of the head;
8. after application, leave for the time you need;
9. after the time has elapsed, rinse your hair with plenty of water and shampoo, it is advisable to use conditioner after.

Photos before and after

The images taken before and after the procedure are shown below:

Possible negative consequences

The use of peroxide in hair lightening procedures can have very detrimental effects, including:

• hair loss;
• dryness, brittleness, thinning;
• burn of the scalp;
• allergic reaction.

Additionally, you shouldn’t apply this technique if you:

1. very thin and weak hair;
2. there is a risk of an allergic reaction;
3. there are wounds and other skin lesions on the head.

Hydrogen peroxide bleaching is a widely used and well-reviewed method of removing previous hair coloring. Nonetheless, you ought to consider the guidelines for properly preparing and utilizing the lightening mixture.

While using hydrogen peroxide to lighten hair can be beneficial, caution must be exercised when using it. If the chemical process is not done correctly, your hair may become dry, damaged, or break. It also removes its natural pigment.

When lightening your hair at home, be sure to test a small area of hair to see how it responds. In order to replenish moisture and maintain the health of your hair, always finish with a thorough moisturizing regimen.

If you want something a little bit more subdued, think about using gradual lightening techniques. You can protect your hair during the process by using lower concentrations of peroxide and mixing it with other ingredients, such as conditioners.

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