Should You Bleach Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions have been around for a long time to help people enhance their natural hair. It’s not just the length or volume they add, the color is also what most hair extension wearers are interested in. However, finding the right shade of hair extensions in the first place can be a challenging task, and sometimes, you may think of bleaching them to get your dream hair color. But can you bleach hair extensions? In this post, we’ll help you find an ultimate answer to this frequently asked question!

1. Can you bleach hair extensions?

To put it briefly, YES and NO! Not all hair extensions are created equally, and not all hair extensions can be bleached. Only high-quality human hair extensions can withstand bleaching. We are referring to Remy human hair extensions, which have cuticles aligned in the same direction, allowing for soft and smooth hair just like natural hair.

If you choose synthetic hair extensions, the bad news is you can’t bleach them! And if you wonder “can you dye hair extensions”, the answer is the same. These extensions are made from plastic fibers and cannot react to bleach or hair dye in the same way as human hair. They will be easily burnt out once exposed to the chemicals.

View more: Synthetic hair v.s human hair extensions: all the differences explained

High-quality Remy human hair extensions can withstand bleaching

Note that when it comes to human hair extensions, there are different qualities, and the higher the quality, the more likely you will receive a satisfactory result. Virgin hair, which is the type of hair collected from one donor and has never been colored or chemically processed in any way, is the best material for bleaching. Virgin hair is the healthiest type of hair and therefore is least likely to become frizzy, tangled, or damaged after bleaching.

2. Why you should not bleach hair extensions?

2.1. Bleaching is tricky for beginners

Bleaching hair extensions requires specific knowledge and expertise in handling hair chemicals. For beginners or inexperienced individuals, the idea of doing it yourself to save some money can sound tempting, but this can lead to unwanted results. Achieving the desired color and evenness is not an easy task, and improper application may result in patchy or uneven coloring. Additionally, using the wrong bleach strength or leaving the bleach on for too long can cause irreparable damage to the extensions.

2.2. Bleaching can damage extensions

As hair extensions have been processed to a certain extent before, they are not as resilient as natural hair, and the bleaching process can be harsh on them. The chemicals in bleach, like ammonia and peroxide, break down the hair’s natural pigment, leaving the hair strands porous and more susceptible to damage. Extensions run high risks of becoming dry, brittle, and prone to breakage after bleaching.

Bleaching can damage hair extensions

2.3. The lifespan of your extensions could be reduced

In case you bleach your hair extensions successfully, the bad news is that their lifespan will inevitably be shortened. As hair extensions cannot receive nutrients from the scalp like natural hair, they cannot fully restore their softness, smoothness and shine once they get bleached. The hair strands become weaker and more prone to damage, thus cannot last as long as they are meant to.

3. Tips on bleaching hair extensions

If you still decide to bleach hair extensions after learning about the potential risks, keep in mind the following tips for the best results.

Tips on bleaching hair extensions

• Strand test: Before bleaching the entire set of extensions, perform a strand test on a small section. This will help you determine how the hair reacts to the bleach and the processing time required to achieve your desired level of lightness.

• Use professional-grade products: You should invest in high-quality bleach and developer products specifically designed for hair extensions. They are more likely to produce satisfactory results and are safe for your hair.

• Timing: Pay close attention to the processing time. Bleaching too long can lead to excessive damage, while too short may not give you the desired level of lightness. Follow the instructions provided with the bleach, and keep an eye on the hair during the process.

• Lower volume developer: Opt for a lower volume developer, preferably 20 or 30 volume, to minimize damage. Higher volume developers can lift the hair faster but also increase the risk of over-processing.

• Bleach application: Apply the bleach evenly and carefully, making sure all sections are covered. Consider using foils or wraps to separate and isolate the strands for more precise application.

• Avoid overlapping: Prevent overlapping bleach onto previously bleached sections, as this can cause breakage and weaken the hair.

• Monitor the process: Check the progress regularly by gently wiping off a small section of bleach to see how much lightening has occurred. This helps prevent over-processing.

• Rinse thoroughly: Once the desired level of lightness is achieved, rinse the bleach out thoroughly with cool water to stop the bleaching process.

• Deep conditioning: After bleaching, use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourishment to the hair extensions. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time to maximize its benefits.

• Avoid frequent bleaching: Minimize the frequency of bleaching to reduce damage. If possible, let your hair extensions rest and recover between bleach sessions.

• Seek professional help: If you’re unsure about bleaching hair extensions yourself, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist with experience in working with extensions. They can offer valuable advice and perform the bleaching process safely.

4. Where to buy high-quality light-colored hair extensions?

Macsara’s high-quality light-colored hair extensions

If you are concerned about the risks of bleaching hair extensions and are looking for light-colored extensions, such as light brown, blonde, or platinum hair extensions, a good idea is to buy high-quality hair extensions in the first place to avoid bleaching.

Macsara – a leading Vietnamese human hair extension manufacturer, is where you can place your trust. Our light-colored hair extensions are made from virgin human hair – the highest-quality material, so the hair is very soft, smooth, and shiny just like your own hair. If you take proper care of them, you can minimize the risk of hair dryness and damage to a great extent.

Our light-colored hair extensions come in a wide range of types, textures, lengths, and colors for you to choose from for a perfect match. Moreover, we provide factory direct prices, making us the top choice for wholesalers and hair salons seeking lucrative opportunities in the hair industry. Don’t hesitate to contact Macsara Hair now for further details and 24/7 support!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Can you bleach hair extensions?” is YES, if your hair extensions are made from high-quality Remy human hair. However, it’s a NO if the question is “Should you bleach hair extensions?”, due to the potential risks we’ve explained above. If you still want to bleach your hair extensions, it’s essential to follow the tips outlined in this post for safety and best results. Macsara hope that you’ll find this post helpful, and see you in other informative posts!