How To Bleach Beard At Home
Bleaching your beard at home can be an intimidating prospect, but if done correctly it can be rewarding. Want to bleach your beard and achieve the right balance of lightness, brightness and coloration? Here’s how!
Before undertaking beard bleaching, it’s worth noting that your beard is a product of your own personal biochemistry and you may be putting yourself at risk of permanent damage if done wrong. Hair bleaching kits that you can buy online or in beauty stores do not always provide optimal results as they are designed without consideration of the health of your beard.
If you are prepared to take on the risks, the first step is to find a bleach that works with your beard’s natural colour. Bleaches come in a variety of grades, with the most commonly used being grades 10-30, where the lower grades are for lighter hair, and the higher numbers are for darker hair. There are also bleaches that are specifically formulated for brunettes.
Before starting the bleaching process, it’s best to conduct a patch test on a small area of your beard to determine your suitability with the bleaching product you’ve chosen. It’s also important to ensure that the beard is properly groomed and trimmed before hand, so that the bleaching process is even.
Once the test has been completed, it’s time to wash your beard with a gentle shampoo and allow it to dry naturally. Use a deep conditioner to protect your beard, then apply the bleach according to the directions on the box. You will need to watch the colour carefully and stop the process once the desired level of lightness is achieved.
When finished, rinse the bleach off, then shampoo and condition your beard again. You may also want to apply a protective leave-in conditioner immediately afterwards to keep your beard soft and hydrated.
Once the bleaching process is complete, it’s important to take extra care of your beard. If the bleach has been applied too often, it can cause damage to the beard and you may need to wait a few weeks before starting the process all over again.
Proper Aftercare
It’s no secret that a healthy and happy beard comes down to proper care after bleaching. Protein treatments are invaluable in replacing the missing proteins and improving beard health. This can be done using protein-richbeard oils, but water-based products can help too.
You should also ensure that you are using a moisturizing and hydrating beard care routine. Non-comedogenic, alcohol-free shave creams and natural-based soaps are recommended. Avoiding harsh chemicals can be beneficial to your skin, and prevent damage to the bleaching process. Additionally, any beard dyes or oils used must be specifically designed for bleaching specific hair types, to prevent damage.
Soothing Masks and Oils
Soothing masks or treatments can help replenish moisture and strengthen the hair cuticle after bleaching. Coconut oil in particular is known to soothe skin, stimulate hair growth, restore elasticity and promote healing. Aloe vera is also known to promote healing and hydration, while jojoba oil and shea butter are other recommended ingredients.
Once moisture has been restored, it’s important to protect the hair. This can be done using items such as leave-in conditioners, shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oils. All these ingredients are known to be deeply nourishing and can protect your newly bleached beard from damage.
Minimizing Damage
It’s important to remember to use the minimum amount of bleach necessary. Too much bleach can lead to damage, especially if it’s not used according to directions. Do not leave bleach on for longer than necessary, as this increases the risk of damage.
You should also avoid excessive heat styling. Doing so can dry out the hair, and make it brittle and prone to breakage.
Knowing When To Stop
If you experience any type of discomfort or irritation from the bleaching process, you should stop immediately and speak to a health professional. Bleaching your beard can be a tricky process and it’s important to be aware of the drastic changes that can be caused by it.
If you experience any type of allergic reaction, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Allergies and irritations can be common with bleaching and it’s best to take precautions before the bleaching process begins.
Patience
Finally, exercising patience is key. If you experience any type of discomfort or if the colour is not what you were expecting, it’s best to wait until it fades before bleaching again. Like with any other hair dye or treatment, bleaching your beard requires time and patience to get it right.
Stay consistent with your bleaching routine, and your bleached beard will look healthy and bright in no time.
