Can I Wash My Hair After Bleaching?

Bleaching your hair is an exciting way to dramatically change up your look. However, it does involve using harsh chemicals that can damage your hair if not cared for properly afterwards. A common question many people have is “Can I wash my hair after bleaching?”

The short answer is yes, you can wash your hair after bleaching but you need to be very gentle and strategic about it. Washing too soon or too vigorously can cause the color to fade quickly. On the other hand, waiting too long between washes leaves hair dull and lifeless.

Below we will discuss in detail the do’s and don’ts of washing hair after bleaching so you can keep your colorful locks looking vibrant and healthy!

When Can I Wash My Hair After Bleaching?

Ideally, you should wait 48-72 hours before washing freshly bleached hair. Here’s why:

• Bleach causes the cuticle (outer layer) of the hair to open up so color can penetrate the inner structure. The cuticle needs time to close back up and seal in the color.

• Washing too soon can cause rapid fading of the bleached color.

• The hair is very porous and fragile after bleaching. Vigorous washing and rubbing can cause breakage.

Of course, waiting 2-3 days before washing your hair may not be realistic or comfortable for some people. Here are some tips if you need to wash sooner:

• Wait at least 24 hours if possible.

• Use lukewarm water and avoid vigorous scrubbing.

• Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo.

• Skip the conditioner on the first 1-2 washes as it can cause color to slip out.

• Blot hair gently with a towel, don’t rub.

• Use a leave-in conditioner or mask afterwards to help strengthen hair.

How Often Should I Wash My Hair After Bleaching?

For the first 2 weeks after bleaching, you’ll want to wash your hair less frequently than normal. Here’s a good guideline:

• Wash once every 3-4 days.

• If hair gets excessively oily, use a dry shampoo between washes.

• After 2 weeks, you can increase frequency to every other day.

• Always use lukewarm water and a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.

Washing bleached hair too often can cause:

• Color to fade quickly

• Hair to become dry and damaged

• Scalp to become irritated

Spreading out washes allows your scalp to produce natural oils that nourish and protect bleached hair.

What Kind of Shampoo Should I Use After Bleaching?

Look for a sulfate-free shampoo formulated especially for color-treated hair. Avoid shampoos with sulfates as they can be too harsh and stripping on bleached hair.

Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler and help preserve color vibrancy. They cleanse hair without over-drying or removing too much natural moisture and oils.

Some good options include:

• Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

• Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo

• Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

• Matrix Total Results So Silver Color Depositing Purple Shampoo

The purple toning shampoos help neutralize brassiness and keep bleached hair looking icy white. Use them once a week.

Should I Use Conditioner on My Hair After Bleaching?

Yes, absolutely! Bleached hair desperately needs extra moisture and protection. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner every time you wash.

However, skip the conditioner for the first 1-2 washes as it can make color bleed out. After that, condition normally with every wash focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.

You should also apply a leave-in conditioner or treatment oil like argan, coconut, or marula oil on the lengths after each wash. This helps replenish moisture and adds shine.

How Should I Dry My Hair After Washing Bleached Hair?

Air drying is best whenever possible. The heat and friction from blow drying can damage fragile bleached hair.

If you must use a hair dryer, always use the cool setting and keep the dryer 6-8 inches from your hair. Work in sections and use a smoothing serum to minimize frizz.

Blot hair gently with a towel after washing. Avoid vigorous rubbing as this can cause breakage. Instead, squeeze out excess water and wrap hair in a microfiber towel or old t-shirt.

Other Post-Bleach Hair Care Tips

• Use a detangling spray or leave-in before brushing hair while wet. Start at the bottom and work up.

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Cotton creates friction that can cause breakage.

• Limit use of hot styling tools like curling and straightening irons.

• Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prune away damaged ends and prevent splitting.

• Use a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times a week.

• Protect hair from sun exposure with a hat or scarf. UV rays can fade color.

• Consider getting olaplex or keratin treatments done monthly to strengthen and repair bonds.

When to Avoid Washing Hair After Bleaching

There are certain scenarios where you’ll want to hold off on shampooing bleached hair:

• If color comes out onto a towel when blotting wet hair after a wash, wait a few more days before shampooing again.

• If hair feels gummy or sticky, do not wash. This means the cuticle is still opened up.

• If the bleach caused irritation or burning, wait until your scalp fully heals before washing.

• If you get highlights/balayage, ask your colorist when it’s safe to wash out the dye. Sometimes they advise waiting up to 5 days.

• After toner is applied, wait 48-72 hours before your first shampoo.

Signs Your Hair Needs a Break From Bleach

While vibrant, lightened locks looks gorgeous, bleaching does damage hair over time. Pay attention to these signs your hair is overly processed and needs a break:

• Hair becomes brittle and breaks easily

• Loss of curl pattern for naturally curly hair

• Constant split ends despite trims

• Scalp irritation and flakes

• Coarse, dry texture even with conditioner

• Unusual shedding and hair loss

• Color fails to take or fades instantly

• Chlorine/mineral deposits turn hair greenish

If your hair is displaying these symptoms, take a break from bleaching and use nourishing treatments like olaplex, keratin, and deep conditioning masks. Avoid heat styling and wash gently until hair regains its strength.

When Is it Safe to Bleach Hair Again After Washing Out Dye?

How soon you can bleach your hair again depends on your hair’s condition and health. For most people, waiting 4-6 weeks between bleaching sessions is a good rule of thumb.

Those with damaged or thin hair may need to wait 8-12 weeks for hair to fully recover. Use your best judgment and don’t rush the process.

Keep bleached hair conditioned and protected between sessions. And next time, ask your colorist to use bonding additives like Olaplex in the bleach to minimize damage.

The Takeaway

Bleached hair requires specialized care, and washing is an important step to preserve color vibrancy and hair health. Allow 48-72 hours before your first post-bleach wash. After that, use only lukewarm water and a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Condition well focusing on the lengths and ends.

Limit washing to every 3-4 days and use dry shampoo to refresh between washes. Always air dry or use a cool setting on your blow dryer. With this proper care, your bleached strands will maintain their beautiful, brightened color and soft, shiny texture.