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How to Bleach Black Hair to White Safely: 2 Best Ways

by  Mila M.Cosmetologist

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Thinking about going from black to striking white hair?

It’s no secret that this dramatic transformation involves a complex bleaching process. Bleaching black hair to white isn’t a quick process.

In this blog post, we’ll demystify the steps and share two different ways to help you achieve your dream hue safely at home. This is also useful info for understanding how bleaching the knots on a lace wig works.

Ready for a radical makeover? Keep reading!

Key Takeaways

  • Bleaching black hair to white requires multiple sessions of bleach application, typically two to four rounds spread out over a period of two to three weeks.
  • It is important to protect the scalp, earlobes, and neck from bleach burns by applying petroleum jelly before starting the bleaching process.
  • There are alternative methods to bleach black hair without using traditional bleach. These include lemon juice or chamomile tea for natural lightening effects. However, these methods may not achieve the same dramatic results as using bleach.

How Long Does It Take to Bleach Black Hair to White?

It can take anywhere from one day to a month. It depends on the lightness you want to achieve and your hair’s natural composition.

Usually, each session of bleach application takes roughly 15-30 minutes. However, this duration is also determined by your initial dark hair color type and its responsiveness to the bleaching process.

Experts usually recommend multiple sessions over several weeks for darker hair colors like black or dark brown.

This approach reduces potential damage caused by consecutive bleaching rounds that lighten your virgin hair or dyed locks without break times in between.

The number of times you would have to apply bleach powder varies significantly too. Typically two to four rounds are necessary for most people with dark-toned tresses.

It’s also worth noting that the volume of developer used during the bleach mixture preparation can influence how long it takes to reach your desired white-blonde outcome.

Higher volumes may accelerate results but bear more risk, while lower ones ensure greater safety but require additional patience and time!

Helping make careful and safe hair bleaching solutions
Which one to use?

How Many Times Do You Have to Bleach Black Hair to Get It White?

Two to four rounds of bleaching are usual to transform black hair to a pristine white hue, typically.

That’s right, the journey from dark to light is not as easy as applying hair bleach once and waiting for magic to happen.

Your locks must undergo several sessions before they can attain that striking white shade.

But bleaching twice or thrice in one day? Do NOT do it!

Bleaching sessions should be spread out over a period of two to three weeks.

This gives your hair ample time to recover from each session and minimizes the risk of serious damage.

Bleach left on longer than 60 minutes may cause scalp burns, another reason why rushing through this process is harmful.

Be aware that individual factors such as current color depth and hair type affect how many times you’ll need to apply bleach.

Some people might reach desired hues faster than others while some might require more processes.

It’s always prudent to seek professional assistance when contemplating going from black hair all the way up to white.

It helps keep your lovely tresses safe during this intense transformation!

Bleaching Black Hair Stages

Turning black hair into a shiny, white mane happens through distinct stages. Here is what you can expect:

1. Test Your Strand

Snip off a small section of your hair and conduct a patch test with the bleach mixture first to ensure no adverse reactions.

2. Prepare Protection

Smear petroleum jelly on your scalp, earlobes, and neck to protect them from bleach burns.

3. Divide and Conquer

Divide your hair into several sections for easier access during the bleaching process.

4. First Bleach Application

Dark hair may require at least two sessions with the bleach mixture for the desired color outcome; virgin hair usually turns light brown or dark blonde at this stage because of melanin pigments removal.

5. Rinse and Rest

After 15-20 minutes or as per guideline, fully wash out bleach using lukewarm water, then let your hair rest for at least one day to regain its natural oils.

6. Second Bleach Session

Reapply the bleach powder mixture if necessary. This time dark brown or black hair typically lightens further to medium blonde.

7. Dyeing Phase

If you wish to add some shade or tone down yellow pigments, use purple shampoo or dye your hair with your preferred color here after rinsifying the second bleach session.

Remember not to leave the dye more than instructed time else it may result in further damage.

8. Incorporate Deep Conditioning Treatment

Add moisture back into your fragile hair strands using a deep conditioner which helps maintain healthy hair despite frequent harsh chemical exposure.

How to Bleach Black Hair to White WITH Bleach

Bleaching black hair to white with bleach can be done at home by following these steps:

1. Begin with hair that is clean and free from moisture. 

2. Section your hair into small, manageable sections using clips or hair ties.

3. Wear gloves to keep your hands safe from chemical burns. 

4. Mix the bleach powder and developer according to the instructions on the package.

5. Apply the bleach mixture to one section of your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up towards the roots.

6. Use a brush or applicator to ensure even distribution of the bleach.

7. Repeat this process for each section of your hair, making sure to cover all strands thoroughly.

8. Leave the bleach in your hair for the recommended amount of time, usually about 30 – 45 minutes.

9. Check your hair every few minutes to monitor the lightening process.

10. Once you have achieved your desired level of lightness, rinse out the bleach with lukewarm water until it runs clear.

11. Shampoo and condition your hair to restore moisture and nourishment.

12. Style as desired.

How to Bleach Black Hair to White Naturally WITHOUT Bleach

Bleaching black hair to white can be achieved naturally without the use of harsh chemicals.

Here are some natural methods to lighten your hair:

Lemon juice

Apply fresh lemon juice to your hair and sit in the sun for a natural lightening effect.

Apple cider vinegar

Rinse your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to gradually lighten your hair.

Honey and cinnamon

Create a paste using honey and cinnamon, apply it to your hair, and leave it overnight for lighter strands.

Chamomile tea

Brew chamomile tea and rinse your hair with it after shampooing to add natural highlights.

Baking soda

Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to your hair, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Henna powder

Use henna powder mixed with lemon juice or brewed black tea as a natural dye for lighter tones.

Conclusion

Achieving white hair from black can be a challenging process, but with the top 2 ways outlined here (with bleach, and without bleach), it is definitely possible.

Whether you choose to bleach your hair with bleach or go the natural route, it’s important to take proper care and follow the step-by-step guides provided.

So go ahead and transform your black hair into stunning white locks with confidence!

FAQs

Q: What is the first step to bleach black hair to white?

A: The first step to bleach black hair involves using a bleach kit at home or visiting a professional colorist at a hair salon for proper care.

Q: Can I damage my hair if I try bleaching dark hair at home?

A: Yes, improper use of bleach on your hair can cause serious damage; therefore, it’s crucial to follow all instructions and protect your natural hair color during the process.

Q: How do I make my black or dark brown hair blonde before making it white?

A: You can make your dark brown or black hair blonde by applying hydrogen peroxide mixed with powder bleach which opens up the cuticle layer of your mane enabling you to change its base color.

Q: Can anyone get platinum blonde from their natural black or dark brown tone in one go?

A: It’s unrealistic to expect to go from dark tones like black or deep chestnut straight into platinum blonde in one procedure because everyone’s texture and structure differ and there are different stages involved in lightening strands gradually while keeping them healthy.

Q: What should I do after bleaching my locks?

A: Aftercare is important for the health of your newly dyed tresses so consider investing in products like nourishing masks, dry shampoos, and coconut oil treatments, and keep away from blow dryers as much as possible; also rinse only with cold water where possible.

Q: How can I bleach my black hair to white?

A: Bleaching black hair to white requires a careful and step-by-step process. There are three methods that are considered the best ways to achieve this: using a hair bleach kit, going to a professional hair stylist, or using natural remedies.

Q: Does bleaching dark hair at home damage my hair?

A: Bleaching dark hair at home can potentially damage your hair if not done properly. It is essential to take necessary precautions and perform regular hair care routine to minimize damage.

Q: How can I bleach my hair without causing too much damage?

A: To bleach your hair without causing excessive damage, it is recommended to use a lower volume developer and to apply a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment before and after the bleaching session.

Q: Can I bleach and dye my hair at the same time?

A: It is possible to bleach and dye your hair at the same time, but it is generally advised to bleach your hair first and then apply the hair dye to achieve the best results.

Q: What hair color should I use to achieve white hair?

A: To achieve white hair, you will need to bleach your hair first to a very pale yellow or platinum blonde shade. After that, you can use a toner or dye in a very light or white-blonde shade to achieve the desired white hair color.

Q: Is it easier to bleach short hair compared to long hair?

A: Bleaching short hair is generally easier and quicker compared to long hair, as the process involves less hair and is more manageable.

Q: How long should I leave the bleach on my hair?

A: The timing for leaving the bleach on your hair depends on the brand and type of bleach you are using. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and perform regular checks to avoid over-processing.

Q: How can I care for my hair after bleaching?

A: After bleaching, it is crucial to take extra care of your hair. This includes using hydrating hair masks, avoiding excessive heat styling, using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and regularly trimming split ends.

Q: Can I bleach my black hair to white using natural remedies?

A: While it is possible to lighten your hair using natural remedies such as lemon juice or honey, achieving white hair may be difficult without using hair bleach or professional hair products.

How to Bleach Black Hair to White Safely: 2 Best Ways
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Mila, the veteran beauty cosmetics professional and author of this thisisbeautymart.com article, while cutting and styling the hair of her client

Hi! I’m Mila M. I share my 44 year-experience as a Cosmetologist & Beauty Professional in this blog. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult your trusted Beauty Professional for your personal beauty needs.

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