- Coconut oil doesn’t affect the results of the bleaching process. In fact, quite the contrary.
- Because during bleaching coconut oil prevents the hair cuticles from breaking. And it won’t interfere with the penetration of the bleach into your hair to remove the color.
- Using coconut oil before you bleach is an excellent idea to protect your hair during such an aggressive process as bleaching.
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Why doesn’t coconut oil affect bleach ?
Because it’s a light oil that’s easily absorbed.
This means that when you use it before you bleach your hair, part of the oil will adhere to your hair cuticles.
And another part will penetrate to the innermost layer of the hair, the hair fiber, to protect it from the aggressiveness of the bleaching agent.
And the best news is that it doesn’t affect the bleach.
That is, the bleach mixture will still remove the color from your hair even if you’ve put coconut oil in first. Of course, you have to use coconut oil correctly during bleaching to get the best results.
And I’ll give you all those details later.
I even know clients who have used coconut oil to make a bleach bath.
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Personally, I use coconut oil for several purposes. From cooking and seasoning salads to cosmetics, such as moisturizing the skin of the elbows, which are always dry.
And of course, I also apply a night mask of coconut oil on my hair every fifteen to twenty days.
Do you want me to tell you a professional secret?
You’ve probably heard of the miraculous OLAPLEX, a product that mixes with bleach and really rebuilds hair at the molecular level.
Of course, there’s a whole science behind Olaplex, and that’s why everyone’s talking about it. And it’s an expensive product.
When I have to bleach a client’s hair to apply highlights or balayage, and they can’t afford a product like Olaplex, I protect their hair with a few drops of coconut oil before applying the bleach.
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But, getting back to coconut oil, it’s also a great idea to use it after bleaching. That way your hair regains the moisture it lost during the process.
As you can see, it’s a case of ‘practice what you preach’. If I recommend you apply coconut oil before bleaching your hair, it’s because I put it into practice myself.
Want to know more? Read on.
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Why coconut oil doesn’t affect bleach
It’s because it’s a light and soluble oil. That is, it’s easy to dissolve and therefore doesn’t leave your hair super greasy.
When you apply it to your hair before bleaching , it lodges in your cuticles and a small part of it seeps into the hair fiber, providing nutrients and moisture. That’s a very important protection for your hair during bleaching.
Bleaching causes a very aggressive chemical reaction, which opens the cuticles of your hair, so that your hair starts to lighten right from the core.
Might you assume coconut oil will prevent your hair from lightening during bleaching?
No, it won’t. But what coconut oil will do during bleaching is prevent the cuticles from breaking.
To put it in layman’s terms, coconut oil will “lubricate” your cuticles, preventing breakage. Your hair cuticles are a critical part of your hair because when they break or dry out, you’ll get frizz.
That’s why it’s a great idea to apply coconut oil before bleaching. And don’t rinse it out . Because it won’t affect the bleach in the slightest.
How to apply coconut oil before you bleach
Now you know coconut oil won’t affect the bleach, it’s time for me to explain how to use it right.
Where will you apply the bleach? At home or at the hairdresser’s? Because the way you bleach your hair will change how you should use coconut oil.
Applying coconut oil before you bleach your hair at home
I recommend that you put coconut oil in your hair four hours before bleaching so that your hair fiber can absorb the most nutrients. And don’t rinse it out.
- Comb your dry hair and separate it into three sections.
- Gather each section with a hair clip.
- Loosen one section and place two to three drops of coconut oil in the palm of your hand.
- Rub your palms together to warm the oil and apply it to the section you separated.
- It’s important you don’t rub your hair . Treat your hair gently.
- Repeat this on all the sections you separated.
Applying coconut oil before you bleach your hair at the hairdresser’s
It’s common for colorists to apply a few drops of natural oil before bleaching a client’s hair. We also often add a few drops to the bleach mixture.
So here I’ll recommend another way you can use the oil so you don’t saturate your hair.
- Comb your dry hair and put four or five drops of oil in the palm of your hand.
- Rub your hands together to warm the oil and distribute it better.
- Apply it throughout your hair, starting at the ends and then working your way up gradually.
It’s important you put the coconut oil in two to three hours before going to the hairdresser’s and let your colorist know you used the oil.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is natural and contains no ingredients that can alter bleach.
But remember to apply it four hours before bleaching your hair, so that your hair can absorb it.
