Ever found yourself staring at your bleached hair in the mirror, wondering what a clarifying shampoo might do for it? I've been there myself.
It's intriguing when you start to see how product buildup and hard water minerals can weigh down once vibrant locks, leaving them looking lifeless and dull.
In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about using clarifying shampoo on bleached hair – aiming to provide practical solutions that will help restore health and vibrancy to your tresses.
So sit back, relax, and prepare to uncover new ways of bringing the sparkle back into your strands!
Key Takeaways
- Clarifying shampoo helps remove product buildup, dirt, and hard water minerals from bleached hair.
- It can restore the pH balance of bleached hair, making it healthier and more manageable.
- Clarifying shampoo can prevent brassiness and neutralize orange tones in bleached hair.
- Using clarifying shampoo regularly reduces the need for frequent washing and helps maintain oil balance.
What is Clarifying Shampoo?
Clarifying shampoo is a type of hair care product. It has a strong, clean power. Its job is to get rid of stuff that builds up in your hair. This stuff can be oils, dirt, or even bits from hard water.
A clarifying shampoo also takes away build-up from other hair products. Things like gel, mousse, and sprays can leave a lot behind.
Some people use clarifying shampoo every day, but it's not meant for this. It's too powerful for everyday use on colored or bleached hair. But it does have an important role in caring for bleached hair when used right.
The Effects of Bleaching Hair
Bleaching hair alters its pH balance, causing brassiness and potentially removing toner, resulting in orange tones. It also exposes the hair to hard water minerals and can strip out hair dye, leading to greasy roots and over-washing.
Alters pH balance
When hair is bleached, the pH balance of the hair is altered. This means that the natural acidity level of the hair is changed, which can lead to various issues. For example, an imbalanced pH level can make the hair more prone to damage and breakage.
It can also cause dryness and frizz. Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair helps restore the pH balance, bringing it back to a healthy level. This promotes healthier-looking and more manageable hair.
Causes brassiness
Bleached hair can sometimes develop an unwanted brassiness, which is when it starts to look more orange or yellow. This can happen because the bleaching process removes natural pigments from the hair, leaving it vulnerable to underlying warm tones.
Exposure to elements like sunlight and minerals in water can also contribute to brassiness.
May result in orange tones
Bleaching hair can sometimes lead to unwanted orange tones. This is because bleaching strips away the natural pigment in your hair, leaving it more susceptible to brassy or orange hues.
The clarifying shampoo can help counteract these tones by neutralizing them and restoring a more balanced color. It works by removing any buildup or residue that may be causing the orange tones, leaving your hair looking fresh and vibrant.
Causes greasy roots
Greasy roots can be a common problem for people with bleached hair. Bleaching can disrupt the natural oil balance of the scalp, leading to an overproduction of sebum, which is what makes your roots look greasy.
The chemicals in bleach can strip away the natural oils from your scalp, causing it to compensate by producing more oil. This excess oil then accumulates at the roots, making them appear shiny and greasy.
How Clarifying Shampoo Can Help Bleached Hair
Clarifying shampoo can help bleached hair by restoring pH balance, preventing brassiness, removing toner, neutralizing orange tones, protecting against hard water minerals, correcting or stripping hair dye, maintaining oil balance, and reducing the need for frequent washing.
Restores pH balance
Using a clarifying shampoo can help restore the pH balance of bleached hair. When we bleach our hair, it can disrupt the natural pH level, making it more acidic. This imbalance can cause damage and make the hair appear dull and lifeless.
However, clarifying shampoos are formulated to restore the hair's natural pH level, which is slightly acidic. By using a clarifying shampoo regularly, we can help bring back the balance and improve the overall health and appearance of our bleached hair.
Prevents brassiness
Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair can help prevent brassiness. When hair is bleached, it can sometimes develop an unwanted yellow or brassy tone.
Clarifying shampoos are specifically designed to remove impurities and build-up from the hair, including those that contribute to brassiness.
By using a clarifying shampoo regularly, you can maintain the desired color of your bleached hair and keep it looking vibrant and fresh.
Removes toner
Clarifying shampoo is great for bleached hair because it can remove toner. Toner is a product used after bleaching to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones in the hair. However, over time, toner can fade or wash out.
That's where clarifying shampoo comes in. By using a clarifying shampoo, you can gently strip away any remaining toner and restore your hair's natural color.
This helps to keep your blonde or lightened hair looking fresh and vibrant without any unwanted brassiness.
Neutralizes orange tones
One of the effects of bleaching hair is that it can result in orange tones. This happens when the bleach doesn't fully lighten the hair or when the underlying pigment starts to show through.
Using a clarifying shampoo can help neutralize these orange tones and bring back a more natural color to your hair. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup and impurities, including unwanted pigments in the hair.
By using a clarifying shampoo specifically formulated for bleached hair, you can effectively combat those orange tones and achieve a more vibrant and balanced color.
Protects against hard water minerals
Using a clarifying shampoo can help protect bleached hair against the minerals found in hard water. These minerals, like calcium and magnesium, can build up on the hair over time and make it look dull and lifeless.
Clarifying shampoos are specifically designed to remove these mineral deposits, leaving your hair looking cleaner and more vibrant.
By using a clarifying shampoo regularly, you can help prevent the damage caused by hard water minerals and maintain the health of your bleached hair.
Corrects or strips hair dye
Clarifying shampoo can also help correct or strip hair dye. If you've had a color mishap or need to remove old dye before trying something new, using a clarifying shampoo can be beneficial.
Clarifying shampoos have stronger cleansing agents that can help break down and remove built-up color molecules from the hair strands. This can gradually fade and lighten the existing dye, allowing you to start fresh with your desired shade.
However, it's important to note that this process may take multiple washes and could potentially dry out your hair, so make sure to follow up with deep conditioning treatments afterward.
Maintains oil balance
Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair can help maintain the oil balance. Bleaching can strip the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
A clarifying shampoo helps to restore moisture and nourishment to your hair, preventing it from becoming too greasy or too dry.
It removes dirt, product buildup, and excess oil without stripping away essential oils that are needed for healthy hair. This keeps your scalp balanced and your bleached hair looking its best.
Regular use of a clarifying shampoo can help keep your oil levels in check and promote overall hair health.
Reduces need for frequent washing
Using a clarifying shampoo can reduce the need for frequent washing of bleached hair. This is because clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the hair and remove product buildup, oil, and dirt.
By using a clarifying shampoo regularly, you can keep your hair clean and fresh for longer periods of time, which means you won't have to wash it as often. This helps prevent stripping away natural oils from the hair and scalp, which can lead to dryness and damage.
So, if you find yourself needing to wash your bleached hair frequently due to greasiness or buildup, using a clarifying shampoo can be a great solution to reduce your washing frequency while keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.
Exposes hair to hard water minerals
Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair can help remove the build-up of hard water minerals. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate on the hair over time.
This build-up can make bleached hair look dull and lifeless. Clarifying shampoos are specifically designed to remove these minerals, restoring the natural shine and vibrancy of your hair.
By using a clarifying shampoo regularly, you can keep your bleached hair looking fresh and free from the effects of hard water minerals.
Can strip hair dye
Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair can strip hair dye. The powerful cleansing agents in clarifying shampoo are designed to remove build-up and residue from the hair, which can include deposited color molecules.
Therefore, if you have recently dyed your hair and want to preserve the color, it is best to avoid using a clarifying shampoo too frequently or immediately after coloring your hair.
Clarifying shampoos are more suitable for occasional use when you want to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and remove any product buildup without worrying about fading or stripping away your hair dye.
May lead to over-washing
Using clarifying shampoo too frequently on bleached hair may lead to over-washing. This is because clarifying shampoo can be quite strong and stripping, which means it can remove not only product buildup but also the natural oils that keep our hair healthy and moisturized.
When these oils are stripped away too often, it can result in dryness, frizz, and increased oil production, leading to greasy roots.
It's important to find a balance between using clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and allowing your hair to retain its natural moisture.
Best Clarifying Shampoos for Bleached Hair
Some of the best clarifying shampoos for bleached hair include Redken Extreme Bleach Recovery, Nexxus Keraphix System, and sulfate-free options.
Redken Extreme Bleach Recovery
I highly recommend trying Redken Extreme Bleach Recovery as a clarifying shampoo for bleached hair. It is specifically formulated to restore and nourish bleached hair, helping to repair damage caused by the bleaching process.
This shampoo contains ingredients like citric acid and arginine, which work together to strengthen and protect the hair while restoring its natural pH balance.
With regular use of Redken Extreme Bleach Recovery, you can expect healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair.
Nexxus Keraphix System
I have personally found the Nexxus Keraphix System to be highly effective in restoring and repairing bleached hair. The system includes a clarifying shampoo, a conditioner, and a protein treatment.
The clarifying shampoo deeply cleanses the hair, removing any buildup or residue that can make bleached hair look dull or greasy. It also helps to restore the natural pH balance of the hair and prevent brassiness.
The conditioner and protein treatment work together to nourish and strengthen the damaged strands, leaving them smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking.
Overall, I have noticed a significant improvement in my bleached hair's texture and appearance after using the Nexxus Keraphix System consistently.
Sulfate-free options
When it comes to finding the best clarifying shampoo for bleached hair, there are sulfate-free options available. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair and scalp, making them ideal for those with color-treated or bleached hair.
These shampoos still effectively remove buildup and residue without stripping away essential moisture or fading your color.
Look for sulfate-free clarifying shampoos that contain ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea to nourish and protect your bleached hair.
These options can help maintain the health and appearance of your hair while ensuring it stays vibrant and free from product buildup.
How to Use Clarifying Shampoo on Bleached Hair
To properly use clarifying shampoo on bleached hair, it is important to limit its use to once or twice a month and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.
Find out more about the correct technique and benefits of using clarifying shampoo for maintaining healthy, vibrant, bleached hair.
Frequency of use
I recommend using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair once every 1-2 weeks. It's important not to use it too frequently as it can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
However, regular use is beneficial for removing buildup and maintaining the health and appearance of bleached hair. Remember to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after using clarifying shampoo to restore moisture and keep your hair healthy.
Proper deep conditioning
To keep bleached hair healthy and moisturized, proper deep conditioning is essential. Deep conditioning treatments help restore moisture, repair damage, and maintain the health of bleached hair.
These treatments often contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter that nourish and hydrate the hair shaft.
Applying a deep conditioner to wet hair after shampooing and leaving it on for the recommended amount of time allows the product to penetrate deeply into the strands and provide much-needed hydration.
Regular deep conditioning helps prevent breakage, improve elasticity, and keep bleached hair looking soft and shiny.
Will it fade color?
Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair may fade the color. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove product build-up and residue from the hair, including any remaining dye or toner.
So if you have recently colored your hair, using a clarifying shampoo can potentially strip away some of that color. It is important to be cautious when using clarifying shampoos on colored or bleached hair and consider using them sparingly to minimize color fading.
Can it lighten highlights?
Clarifying shampoo can lighten highlights to some extent. It helps to remove product buildup and residue, which can make highlighted hair appear dull or brassy. However, it is important to note that clarifying shampoo is not specifically made for lightening hair color.
Its main purpose is to cleanse the hair and remove impurities. If you want a significant lightening effect on your highlights, it's best to consult with a professional colorist or use specific lightening products designed for that purpose.
Is it safe for color-treated hair?
Using a clarifying shampoo on color-treated hair is generally safe, but it should not be used too often. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove product buildup and residue from the hair, which can be beneficial for colored hair that may have accumulated excess styling products or oils.
However, using a clarifying shampoo too frequently can strip away the color molecules in the hair dye, causing it to fade faster. It is important to follow the instructions on the clarifying shampoo and use it sparingly to maintain the vibrancy of your color-treated hair.
What happens if used on dyed hair?
If you use clarifying shampoo on dyed hair, it can strip or remove some of the hair dye. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse and remove build-up from the hair, which can include residual color molecules from dye.
This means that using clarifying shampoo might cause your hair color to fade or become less vibrant. If you have recently dyed your hair and want to maintain the color, it's best to avoid using clarifying shampoo too often or opt for a gentle, color-safe clarifying shampoo instead.
Remember to always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your dyed hair hydrated and healthy.
How long does it take to fade hair dye?
Hair dye fading time can vary depending on several factors, such as the dye color and type, hair porosity, and how often you wash your hair. In general, permanent hair dyes tend to last longer than semi-permanent or temporary dyes.
On average, hair dye can start to fade after about four to six weeks of application. However, it's important to note that some colors may fade faster or slower than others due to their composition and pigmentation.
Additionally, frequent washing and exposure to sunlight can also contribute to faster fading of hair dye. To maintain the vibrancy of your colored hair for a longer period, consider using color-safe shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for preserving dyed hair's longevity.
Will it remove orange tones?
Using a clarifying shampoo can help neutralize and remove orange tones from bleached hair. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deeply cleanse the hair and remove build-up, including any brassy or unwanted tones caused by the bleaching process.
The clarifying agents in these shampoos work to restore the hair's natural color and tone, giving it a more vibrant and even look. Regular use of a clarifying shampoo can help maintain the desired color of your bleached hair and prevent any unwanted brassiness.
Can it damage bleached hair?
Using a clarifying shampoo on bleached hair can potentially damage it if used too frequently or without proper care. While clarifying shampoos are effective at removing product buildup and residue, they can also strip away natural oils from the hair and scalp.
This can result in dryness, frizziness, and breakage, especially for already damaged or fragile bleached hair. It is important to use a clarifying shampoo sparingly and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourishment to the strands.
Additionally, using a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo can be gentler on bleached hair and help minimize potential damage.
FAQs
1. What does clarifying shampoo do to bleached hair?
Clarifying shampoo cleans deeply and removes buildup on bleached hair, restoring shine and color.
2. Can clarifying shampoo remove bleach or dye from my hair?
Yes, the deep cleanse of a clarifying shampoo helps in removing bleach or dye and restore the natural color of your hair.
3. How often should I use clarifying shampoo on my bleached hair?
Clarifying shampoos clean thoroughly but they are not for everyday use as constant application can lead to dull or dry hair.
4. What is the role of a clarifying shampoo in caring for bleached hair?
The main role is to help remove any mineral build-up caused by hard water damage, product residue, or grease that dulls the look of your dyed locks.
5. Is there a difference between regular and clarifying shampoos when used on bleached hairs?
Yes! Clarifying shampoos offer deeper cleansing; perfect for removing product buildup while regular shampoos are milder which makes them ideal for daily maintenance.
6. Can using a clarifying shampoo help with brassy tones in my bleached hair?
True! Clarifiers cut down brassiness that comes after treating your strands with bleach; giving it an improved look over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clarifying shampoo plays an important role in maintaining the health and appearance of bleached hair. It helps remove product buildup, mineral deposits, and toner from the hair.
By restoring pH balance and preventing brassiness, it keeps bleached hair looking vibrant and shiny. Using clarifying shampoo as needed can help maintain the color and overall health of your bleached hair.
