We’ve been friends for a while now, so it feels like the right time to let you in on my biggest beauty secret: I bleached my healthy, borderline-virgin brunette hair at home, by myself.
I know, I know. I’m a walking cautionary tale.
But I’m also a big believer that sometimes in life you just gotta throw caution to the wind and do it for the 'memz'.
And this was most certainly one of those moments.
The year was 2020, right on the brink of the ‘P’ word that for all of our sanities shall not be named.
The vibes weren’t vibing–stuck at home for the foreseeable future–so I did what so many do when feeling ~emotional~, drastically changed my hair.
And you know what? A few rounds of bleach and about 1,000 products later, it actually looked really cute! I had officially entered my blonde era.
But that wasn’t enough to prepare me for what lay in store for my fine tresses and the permanent six-week appointment slot I’d hold at my hairdressers for the next two years.
Nor was my mum’s relentless warnings (nay, pleadings) against the perils of bleached hair, having lightened her own locks for decades...
Spoiler: a lot of damage, both to my hair and my bank account.
Here's a little taste of what my hair looked like at its worst... and no, the bangs weren't intentional.
We can laugh about it now because both my hair and I have come a longgggg way.
And if and when I ever go back, I know exactly what is required to keep my tresses intact.
So if you’ve landed here desperately seeking a remedy for hair damage, sadly I can’t reverse what’s already been done.
But I can share the tips and products I used to resuscitate my brunette locks to their former glory so that hopefully you can learn from my mistakes.
1. Invest in a Quality Shampoo & Conditioner.
When it comes to nursing your hair back to health after a bout of bleach-induced turmoil, the first step is to invest in a salon-quality shampoo and conditioner.
You might be wondering, “Can't I just grab any old supermarket shampoo and conditioner?”
Answer: heck NOOOO.
Here’s the deal: generic options, while convenient, often do more harm than good.
They’re often loaded with water and fillers instead of the potent, active ingredients your hair is craving (hence the more affordable price tag), resulting in parched and brittle strands susceptible to even more breakage.
But I also don't think you have to buy the ridiculously expensive products your hairdresser recommends. There are plenty of more affordable options that deliver just as impressive results.
Be on the lookout for shampoos and conditioners with terms like "repair," "hydrate," and "restore" on their labels.
These products work their magic by replenishing the essential oils and nutrients that bleach strips away, helping your hair regain its strength and vitality.
Here are my top product picks:
VIRTUE Flourish - enriched with Alpha Keratin 60ku to repair and add volume to fine, thinning hair. I’ve also heard great things about VIRTUE Recovery.
KEVIN MURPHY REPAIR - uses proteins and enzymes to encourage hair growth and renewal whilst intensely nourishing hair.
ELEVEN Hydrate My Hair - contains essential fatty acids that nourish brittle strands and protect the hair against future breakage. ELEVEN Repair My Hair is worth a closer look, too.
