Q&A for How to Bleach Your Hair With Hydrogen Peroxide

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  • Question
    Is it bad to put hydrogen peroxide in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Hydrogen peroxide can cause dryness and damage, but it isn't as harsh as many other chemicals. Used in moderation, it won't have a negative effect on the hair.
  • Question
    How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to bleach hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    The speed at which peroxide lightens your hair is dependant on how dark your natural hair color is and how thick your hair strands are. You will generally achieve the maximum lightening possible in a single session after an hour. You may need to wait a couple of weeks and repeat the application.
  • Question
    Can peroxide be used to bleach hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, it can. It is more effective at lightening when mixed with a powdered lightener but it will produce a subtle lightening effect on its own.
  • Question
    How do I know if my hair is OK to bleach?
    Wyvetta Bowles
    Beauty & Hair Care Advisor
    Wyvetta Bowles is a Beauty and Hair Care Advisor and the Founder of Crown of Glory Beauty Salon Inc. With over 27 years of experience, Wyvetta specializes in bridal and special event hair and makeup, hair care maintenance, and hairstyling techniques that lead to less damage. Wyvetta attended Flair Beauty College and received her Associate’s in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.
    Beauty & Hair Care Advisor
    Expert Answer
    Well, everybody's hair is different and there's no clear cut answer for this. The best option, honestly, is to check with a professional to see if you're a great candidate for bleaching.
  • Question
    How will peroxide affect graying hair? Will it turn the darker hair yellow?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Peroxide can cause yellowing on gray hair. You should perform a strand test to see how it reacts with your hair.
  • Question
    Does it wash out or fade away after a while?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Lightening hair is permanent. It is a removal of color, not an addition, so it will not fade (though it may get brassier over time).
  • Question
    How long do I have to wait in between bleaching applications?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should wait at least 2 weeks between bleaching applications, and you should never bleach over the same area more than twice.
  • Question
    Can I dye my immediately hair after bleaching it with Hydrogen peroxide?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can, but I would recommend waiting for at least 48 hours to minimize damage. The peroxide will make your hair more porous so you should use a color 2 shades lighter than you want the end result to be.
  • Question
    Can I dye using peroxide over pink hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, no. The type of stain used for crayon box colors is not removable with hydrogen peroxide. In fact, using peroxide can actually push the stain deeper into the hair, making it harder to remove.
  • Question
    Can I bleach it after I just dyed it?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It's better to wait a few days if you can, but yes, you can bleach it right away. Just be aware that it will put added stress on the hair.
  • Question
    Can I just pour the peroxide on my head?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    No. You will end up with an uneven result.
  • Question
    Is it easy to bleach the roots once they grow in?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Root touch ups can be challenging. Wait until you have at least 1/2" of outgrowth and apply retouch with the edge of a color brush, dabbing instead of swiping. Use neat 1/4" sections. A friend will be able to see more clearly and apply the touch-up more neatly.
  • Question
    Does it work on previously dark dyed hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Hydrogen peroxide should lighten the color of previously dyed hair as long as the dye used was permanent hair color and not henna, vegetable dye, or some kind of stain. However, the effect will be more subtle than on natural color.
  • Question
    What happens if you put hydrogen peroxide in your hair and you leave it in overnight?
    Community Answer
    There is a chance it can severely damage your hair.
  • Question
    Does hair bleached with peroxide take a long time to return to its natural color?
    Community Answer
    Bleached hair doesn't return to its natural color. You'll have to wait for it to grow out to see your natural hair color again.
  • Question
    Will sitting in the sun help it at all?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will help the hair absorb the hydrogen peroxide, and it'll improve the results a lot.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a spray bottle or can I just use the peroxide bottle?
    Community Answer
    Use cotton balls and a toothbrush -- that way you don't have to use a spray bottle.
  • Question
    Does this work on African American hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It will take, but the results may vary. You may have to repeat this process a few times for the best results.
  • Question
    Can I dye my hair right after I bleach it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. You just have to make sure your hair is completely dry before. Make sure you don't let bleach sit on you hair for too long.
  • Question
    How many times can you use peroxide?
    Community Answer
    As many times as you want, but it's recommended by most people that you take a break in between bleaching, to give your hair a break. Repeated bleaching can cause your hair to become damaged, brittle and weak.
  • Question
    Can you wash it out after use?
    Community Answer
    You can wash out the peroxide, but unfortunately, you cannot wash out whatever color changes it has already affected. You'll need to grow out that part of your hair.
  • Question
    My hair doesn't seem to show any color and it's been 15 minutes what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Don't worry. The color doesn't automatically show right away. It takes time. But if you want a lighter shade, keep repeating the process everyday for about a week or until you get the shade desired. But please let your hair rest for a while because excessive bleaching can cause your hair to be brittle and weak.
  • Question
    Can I drink the peroxide too?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot drink hydrogen peroxide. It will make you very ill.
  • Question
    Can I bleach my hair to grey?
    Community Answer
    You can't. Professionals use salon bleach, plus specific salon toners to achieve silver or grey on those who do not have the color naturally. They use these products in specific measurements designed for your hair length, texture, color, strength, etc. Trying to achieve the same look at home can not only be harmful to your color, but also to your hair integrity.
  • Question
    How much is 3% in metrics?
    Community Answer
    Three percent is the strength, i.e. 3% hydrogen peroxide/97% water. It's equivalent to a 10 developer in salon stores.
  • Question
    My roots are white, and my hair is now colored auburn. How do I even it out and get a light brown?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend going to a professional.
  • Question
    After I dye it, my eyebrows would still be brown. Will I look weird with blonde hair and brown eyebrows?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. Many dark-haired women dye their hair blonde, keep their dark eyebrows, and look great. It's very normal. Try it and see how it looks. If you don't like it, you can color your eyebrows to match your hair (generally a slightly darker shade than the hair on your head).
  • Question
    Can I use regular peroxide and add water to it, instead of using 3% peroxide?
    Community Answer
    3% peroxide is the kind you can find at any local drugstore and considered by most to be "regular peroxide," so, yes.
  • Question
    Can I use hydrogen peroxide on body hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can bleach body hair using hydrogen peroxide.
  • Question
    Can I dye my hair ash blonde after bleaching with peroxide?
    Community Answer
    Only if you bleached your hair all the way blonde. If so, yes. You just have to apply hair toner and use the dye you want.
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