In our previous article, we discussed color stripping, the dangers of applying it to the roots, and its impact on the scalp. We also emphasized the importance of providing extra care to restore hair’s vitality and strength, as well as the serious health complications that may arise due to allergic reactions.
But the question that arises here is: **Is color stripping absolutely necessary, making it unavoidable?**
The answer is **yes**—all light shades that women prefer require color stripping. Whether it’s highlights, balayage, or ombre, achieving these shades is impossible without one key element: **lightening powder (bleach).**
This bleach is a white, highly concentrated chemical powder that, if misused, can have devastating effects. It is a double-edged sword—when used correctly, it allows for the perfect color transformation, leaving the hair looking stunning and healthy. However, when used incorrectly, it can result in damaged hair, burnt roots, irritated skin, and long-term hair issues that require extensive care to restore some level of health.
### **Safe Steps Every Hairstylist Should Follow:**
In this article, I will cover the basics of color stripping and the correct techniques to follow in order to avoid negative results that could harm both the hairstylist and the client.
I address these steps specifically to hairstylists, who should carefully adhere to the following:
1. **Use foil for color stripping.**
– Foil traps heat, accelerating the lightening process while reducing the time the chemicals remain on the hair, minimizing damage.
– It also ensures that only the intended sections are lightened without affecting the rest of the hair.
– Avoid applying bleach directly without foil.
2. **Maintain a 1 cm distance from the scalp.**
– This protects the scalp and hair follicles from irritation, burns, and allergic reactions.
3. **Use a lower concentration of oxidant.**
– A milder oxidant reduces the risk of excessive damage.
4. **Check sections of hair regularly.**
– After bleaching around seven strands, go back and check the previous ones to monitor the process and ensure the hair’s health.
5. **Consider the room temperature.**
– The ambient temperature affects the heat inside the foil, which can influence the bleaching speed.
Additionally, always perform a **strand test** to check for prior treatments such as protein or keratin.
– Hair straightening treatments can weaken the hair structure, making it more vulnerable to damage during bleaching.
– If the hair has undergone a previous smoothing treatment, the bleach may cause severe breakage.
– If the protein treatment was purely for repair, bleaching may still be possible, but **a strand test is always necessary** to assess compatibility.
### **What Role Do Clients Play in the Bleaching Process?**
Your role as a client does not end once you enter the salon and explain what you want. **On the contrary, your role becomes even more important at this stage.**
Since hairstylists can forget details, you should take an active role in ensuring the safety of your hair.
– **Request the use of foil for bleaching.**
– **Remind the stylist to open the foil periodically** to check on your hair and allow oxygen flow, which helps reduce excessive heat buildup and minimizes damage.
– **Inform the stylist if you have had previous highlights, balayage, or color stripping.**
– **Ask the stylist to check your hair frequently.**
– Don’t wait until the bleaching process is complete—your hair is in its most vulnerable state at this time.
Even if your stylist is highly skilled and attentive, you must still be proactive. The damage from improper bleaching can be severe—
– **Physically**, it can result in weak, brittle hair, scalp burns, and damaged hair follicles.
– **Emotionally**, it can be devastating to see your hair in a distressed state for months.
### **Final Thoughts:**
Your hair’s beauty and renewal should not be limited to the polished perfection seen in advertisements, nor should it be dictated by fleeting trends.
The true beauty of your hair lies in its health. While there’s nothing wrong with changing your hair color often, **be your own expert.**
– Don’t allow your hair to become a victim of chemicals, lack of expertise, or negligence.
– Choose the right time for color changes, stay involved in the process, and communicate openly with your stylist.
– **Ask questions, voice your concerns, and
