Do you want to lighten your hair, but you’re not sure where to begin? Getting the desired look without causing damage to your hair requires careful product selection. When it comes to powder and oxide, there are so many options available that it can be a little overwhelming. But once you know the fundamentals, it’s not as hard as it seems.
This post will explain how to choose the best lightening powder and oxide to get the desired effects. We’ll also offer some advice on how to steer clear of typical blunders that can cause dry, damaged hair.
Are you prepared to explore the world of hair lightening? Let’s go step by step so you can decide with knowledge and maintain the health of your hair throughout.
Selecting the appropriate powder and oxide when lightening hair is essential to achieving the best results without causing damage. We’ll explain in this guide how to choose the best products for your hair type and offer advice on shielding your hair from the damaging effects of bleaching. Knowing how these products function will help you lighten your hair in a safe and healthy way.
- Choosing a bleaching product
- Basic bleaching products
- Oxygen
- How to choose an oxide
- Preparing a mixture for lightening
- Lightening procedure
- Video on the topic
- Is it better to lighten hair with cream or powder?
- Which oxide and powder is better to choose?
- ⚡THIS IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR HAIR IF YOU LIGHTEN IT WITH POWDER by 6%. Hair coloring blond by 12%
Choosing a bleaching product
I had to make due with minimal because the decision was impromptu and I only know one place in our city that sells professional hair products. I started by reading a number of reviews on hair bleaching products, noting intriguing and suited brands for me. I want to highlight some of the questions that came up during the selection process in the hopes that it will aid someone in making a decision.
Basic bleaching products
- The cream is mixed with oxide, but does not dry on the hair like powder, has a more convenient application.
- The powder has a feature to dry on the hair, and if it dries, the reaction will not go, so you need to apply more abundant.
☫ The next query concerned the volume to be purchased; the powder is offered in small bags containing 30 grams (or more, depending on the brand) and large jars containing approximately 500–800g. However, I was unable to locate precise information about the amount of powder I would require for my hair, which is approximately 67 centimeters long.
I was forced to take a full jar of powder in addition to a liter of oxide. Based on my personal experience, I required 4 spoons (30 grams) of powder, or 120 grams, to bleach. The Estel PRINCESS ESSEX bleaching powder was selected.
750 grams in volume and 750 rubles in cost
Synopsis The powder comes in a sizable jar, and the packaging includes all the usage instructions, a manufacturer’s description, and other information. There was an additional plastic cap, but no protective membrane. There was also a 30-gram measuring spoon included.
The composition’s inclusion of almond oil makes the procedure feel more comfortable, has a nurturing effect, and nourishes the hair all the way through. protects the hair and scalp and guarantees that the hair will recover well from the procedure. A comforting aroma of almonds permeates the room as the procedure proceeds.
The powder still smells chemical, but if you bury your face in the jar and do not breathe in too much, it naturally does not reach your nose. It dusts very little when it pours, meaning that no dust cloud forms. Additionally, there are no overpowering smells when using the product, and the bleaching process is not inconvenient.
Oxygen
You will also need an oxidizer (or alternative oxide) for the bleaching process. If possible, it is best to use an oxidizer from the same manufacturer as the powder; otherwise, the outcome could be different, the bleaching might not be consistent, or more damage could be done.
How much oxidant is required? Consumption of each powder is different; typically, it is mixed 1:2 or 1:1.5, which is what I did. I did not know what consumption I would receive, so I decided not to waste time and took a liter of oxide right away.
How to choose an oxide
As far as I’m aware, oxide is available in the following percentages: 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%. (for example, 1.5)
● 1.5% – this oxide is used for toning, many brands do not have it, and if you need to lighten your hair, then it will not help you here
● 3-6% – if you want to get the lightest base possible, without a chicken yellow color, if you do not want to get a washcloth instead of hair, then these two oxides will become your faithful assistants
m9-12% – these percentages are used only on undamaged, hard (for example, Asian type) hair. The reaction at these percentages will go quickly, you do not need to sit for a long time, but the color may end up being fiery yellow, which of course is not for everyone need.
I own an Estel ESSEX 3% oxygenator, then.
● 1000 ml in volume ● 300 rubles in cost
As for me, I went with a three percent oxide because, after washing, my hair was fairly light and the roots were my natural color (UGT roughly 5–6).
The oxide is packaged with all the instructions needed to use it, and it comes in a sizable blue bottle. The product is easily extracted because the lid opens easily and there is a dispenser.
Preparing a mixture for lightening
- powder
- oxide
- a mixing plate
- a measuring spoon (or scales)
- a brush
- gloves
- deep cleansing shampoo
- a protective ampoule for the scalp, for example, HEC from Estel
I combined eight spoons of oxide with four spoons of powder. Initially, there were lumps when mixing, but as you stirred more slowly, the consistency became uniform. The mixture has a soft blue color and a chemical smell that is neither overbearing nor overpowering.
In theory, it was even better this way because the hair was well coated and the mixture did not dry out throughout the process. There was a lot of mixture; it may have been possible to use less.
Lightening procedure
Applying the mixture straight from the roots caused the hair to be parted and thoroughly coated. Although there were a few similar incidents (which I believe were caused by my clumsiness), there were no problems encountered during the application process, the mixture was easily applied to the hair, and the hair essentially did not fall out during the process.For this reason, it is best to wear unnecessary clothing during the lightening process.
The hair should not be covered with anything or wrapped in films or caps after application; instead, it should be allowed to breathe because this is how the reaction will occur (yes, there are instances in which people practice using foil; this will speed up the reaction, but once more, you risk having extremely yellow hair; overall, I think you shouldn’t rush this procedure). I periodically went through my hair, allowing oxygen to reach every strand, to see if the powder had dried anywhere. To be clear, it had not dried at all.
After applying the mixture to my hair for forty minutes, you can generally calmly gauge the level of lightening that occurs. You are already able to customize the holding time because the hair lightens before your eyes.
- apply the first time, hold on the hair for 2-3 minutes, rinse
- apply the second time, lather and hold for 7-10 minutes, rinse
- apply the third time, lather, rinse.
Regarding my outcome. Naturally, the color did not turn out perfectly white, but it did turn out rather well; there is very little yellow in it, and the natural color’s roots completely turned white. I think the outcome of lightning is good because it leaves a clean enough base for further toning.
Picture of hair taken before lightening; in this instance, the wash has already been completed, the hair is lighter near the roots, and the roots themselves are darker because the wash had less of an impact there and the roots had not been touched at all before.
Here’s another picture of the roots taken with a flash; after washing off, the red is still visible.
And this is how the hair appeared under various lighting conditions after being lightened; yes, it is a little yellow, but I think the outcome is acceptable because the hair was lightened evenly and there were no strands that were lighter or darker than the others. I believe that the mixture was generously applied to the entire head of hair.
Since a white base looks more realistic on natural hair, the roots were lightened almost to white.
Hair condition… I believe it is evident that the hair is still harmed by this process, and that the damage increases after washing off. This is hair lightening, so even a small amount of oxide, even the priciest powders, will still damage the hair, so we make sure to tone and purchase the strongest care.
In my case, my hair became more rigid. I’ve been fighting with it for a long time, and now that I’ve taken good care of it, the situation can be fixed. Yes, in many ways, the hair is only looking nicer now; even a month won’t bring it back to its previous condition, and my hair wasn’t in the best shape before lightening.
Topic | Details |
Choosing Hair Lightening Powder | Select a powder that is gentle, non-aggressive, and ideally has conditioning properties to protect the hair during the process. |
Choosing the Right Oxide | For light hair, use a low-volume developer (around 10-20 vol). For darker hair, you may need a stronger developer (30-40 vol), but higher volumes increase the risk of damage. |
Protecting Hair from Damage | Use a bond-repair treatment or a deep conditioner to minimize damage. Always test a small section of hair first. |
Regular Maintenance | Keep hair hydrated and avoid repeated bleaching too soon. Use moisturizing shampoos and masks to restore hair health. |
To lighten your hair to the shade you want without causing damage, it’s crucial to select the correct powder and oxide. You can choose the best products for your hair type and condition by being aware of the variations in strengths and how they function.
Maintaining the health of your hair both during and after the lightening process is also crucial. To stop breakage and dryness, use deep conditioning treatments, refrain from over-processing, and give your hair rest periods in between treatments.
Ultimately, if you take the time to select the best products and give your hair the care it needs, lightening your hair can be done safely. Your hair will thank you for taking your time and producing gorgeous, radiant results.