Can you bleach wet hair

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If you are looking to find out if you can bleach wet hair, we have got you covered.

The French word balayage translates to “sweeping,” which is the exact technique used for this popular hair colouring method. People opt for this technique as it can achieve a more natural, subtle look. 

Balayage is a free hand process, that involves dampening the hair, and applying bleach to parts of the hair when wet.  

Wet Balayage vs Balayage

The difference between balayage and wet balayage is that the hair needs to be damp, not dry.

Can You Bleach wet hair?

The short answer is yes, you can bleach wet hair. However, avoid washing your hair with shampoo and condition prior to bleaching. It’s recommended that you wash your hair 1-2 days before bleaching, as the natural oils actually help protect your hair against the chemicals. In fact, The oil serves as an extra layer of protection, and can protect the scalp from irritation, and reduced the damage and breakage when colouring the hair. 

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When preparing to bleach or color your hair when wet, don’t soak the hair, try to use a water spray and gently spritz the hair. 

Why color wet hair 

Having said that, it’s not always recommended to attempt to color or bleach wet hair, However, there are some occasions where it can be of benefit. Depending on your hair condition and desired finish, some of the benefits are;

Create a subtle look

The water prevents any harsh lines on the hair and evenly spreads the bleach, the bleach develops slower, creating a more subtle and softer look. 

The added water moisture helps the color to distribute itself evenly and it goes a lot further. Whereas, when the color is applied to dry hair, you have to spend more time ensuring every strand is covered 

Brighten the ends

Wet balayage is a good technique to brighten oup  the ends of your hair or give your old color a refresh.

Less mess – when you’re applying colour to your wet hair, the product doesn’t drip or go everywhere – you are much more in control. 

Achieve a faster application

Bleach develops faster on wet hair, saving you time and money, the water also dilutes the colour for more of a natural look. 

The disadvantages 

1. If you hair is already damaged, you might want to reconsider dying your hair when wet. As your hair would have absorbed water already, it may struggle to absorb the color or you could risk further damage. 
2. While the added moisture could help spread the colour evening and more quickly, it’s still a accurate process to dye your hair when it’s dry
3. Water can dilute your colour, it’s great for brightening up your ends for a natural and subtle look, or giving your old colour a refresh. But if you’re going for a bold look, it might not give you the depth you’re looking for. 

Wet Balayage Tips

1. Make sure the hair is towel dried and brushed before you start the process. 
2. Spend time before to section your hair. Ensure the sections are clean and separated so that the bleach doesn’t run. I would recommend a tail comb and sectioning clip.  
3. Depending on your desired outcome, you could leave it on a little longer for more depth depending on the condition or your hair.
4. After you’ve dyed your hair and washed it, avoid excessive heat and invest in a good hair mask. 

Most definitely don’t consider bleaching or drying your hair if your hair is already damaged. See below how to identify this. 

How to identify if your hair is damaged 

1. Dry or brittle hair – if your cuticle layer is damaged then it’s easier for moisture to escape 
2. Losing more hair – this could be a sign that your hair is breaking 
3. Tangled hair – with curly hair being an exception, consider if your hair is excessively tangled as this could be a sign of damage 
4. Uneven surface – if your hairs lost it’s shine or feels rough, it’s worth exploring if its because your hairs damaged.

How to fix & prevent damaged hair 

1. Regular hair salon visits – snip of the ends every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy 
2. Invest in a good hair mask – to boost hydration and moisture back in the hair
3. Hair nourishing vitamins such as C, D, E and botanicals
4. Use an oil on the ends 
5. Avoid colouring your hair as much 
6. Use a micro towel to dry your hair rather than the friction of a towel
7. Medium heat to dry your hair 
8. Use a Heat protection spray 
9. Avoid washing your hair everyday as this causes unnecessary damage 
10. Wear a hat in the sun

Why is hair weaker when wet

When hair is wet, proteins form weaker bonds than when the hair is dry, therefore it makes the hair more acceptable to damage. The oil protects your scalp, minimise irritation and protects the hair whilst you apply color. 

How to look after wet hair 

It’s really important that you care for your hair when wet, otherwise it can cause damage to your hair. 

• Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, blot your hair to relieve majority of the water
• Consider using a micro towel, this will naturally dry your hair
• Wring most of the water out in the shower 
• Do not use too much heat on your hair
• Always use a heat protector 
• Use a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush 

Can you bleach wet hair – Conclusion 

Applying any hair dye or bleach is typically used to achieve a more subtle look. However, it’s best to keep in mind that your hair is more acceptable to damage when wet, so if not done carefully or professionally, it could lead to damaging the hair.