Get Your Hair Bleach to Last with These At-Home Tips

Blondes might have more fun, but if you’ve had your hair bleached blonde, then you know you have your work cut out for you. Since hair bleach breaks into your hair shaft to get rid of all the dark pigment, it’s not exactly the healthiest thing for your mane, leaving it dry and brittle. That means you’ll need to put in extra time and effort to make your color last and to keep your locks looking and feeling healthy.

Don’t be intimidated by the extra care needed for your bleached hair. Here are some easy things you can do at home to keep it looking salon-fresh:

Your hair’s just been through a whole lot of stress during the bleaching process, so you’ll want to use a moisture-rich shampoo that nourishes and repairs. You can try Dove Ceramide Intense Repair Shampoo, a hydrating shampoo that repairs damage and strengthens hair from within.

If your stylist added dye and toner to get to your desired shade of blonde, you’ll want to introduce a purple shampoo into your hair care routine, which can reduce brassiness (that red-orange-y tint on bottle-blonde hair). Try TRESemmé Pro Color Series Blonde Brilliance Shampoo, which uses violet pigments to neutralize brassy hues and preserve your hair color for longer.

Your hair is especially fragile after bleaching so go easy on it: Ditch your regular towel, which can cause a lot of friction when rubbed against hair, and switch to a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt for your drying needs. You can also try sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase instead of a cotton one—the smooth material prevents all manner of stretching and pulling on strands as you toss and turn in your sleep.

It’s not just your face that needs a mask—your hair needs one, too, especially if you’ve had it bleached. A hair mask can deeply moisturize and nourish your hair, leaving it both softer and stronger. Slather it on once a week then wrap it with cling film or a shower cap for 15 to 20 minutes for better absorption before rinsing it off. Try TRESemmê Keratin Smooth Treatment Mask, a thick and creamy formula that will leave your hair looking smooth and shiny.

We know you’re excited to get the blonde hair of your dreams, but if your desired hair color requires another round of bleaching, make sure you give your hair and scalp at least a week to recover from all the chemicals. Over-bleaching your hair can cause serious hair fall!

If you’re heading out for a swim, keep your hair protected from both the sun and chlorine by wearing a swim cap or a hat. This prevents your hair from becoming dry and damaged. Post-swim, you can give it some nourishment with Love Beauty and Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo, which is infused with virgin coconut oil to hydrate and strengthen your hair.

Make your hair bleach last by using the right products, handling it gently, and giving it plenty of TLC!