Can You Lighten Your Hair Without Using Bleach?

Papanikolas recommends using the Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Collection to help keep hair hydrated and manageable. It also helps revive and reinforce bonds that were weakened during the bleaching process. “Space out highlighting appointments every three months to give the hair a chance to recover,” he says, “if you are doing all over bleach, then you will need to come in every four weeks so that the heat from the scalp can give you an even lift...waiting any longer will result in yellow bands.”
 
It’s also smart to avoid washing hair too much because the process of doing so can dry hair out even more. Most colorists will agree that the less you wash your hair the better because of this. You may want to switch from a cotton to a silk pillowcase, too, because it is gentler on hair and will help by preventing additional breakage or damage that can happen as you toss and turn throughout the night.

Our Favorite Products for Preventing Hair Damage After Bleach

L'Oréal Paris Everpure Anti Brass Mask

Hair that has been treated with bleach has a tendency to go brassy. To bust those orange tones, a purple pigmented treatment helps to neutralize. This mask also has nourishing hibiscus to help revive compromised hair. Use it once a week and leave it on for up to five minutes.

Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo + Conditioner

To make your blonde or silver really shine, this shampoo and conditioner combo comes out purple and helps eliminate brassy warmth or dull yellow tones. If you wash your hair frequently, it can be good to swap on and off between this set and one that isn’t pigmented but is super hydrating.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicanuit Hair Serum

There’s a new meaning behind beauty sleep; slather on 2-4 pumps of this hyaluronic acid and edelweiss flower-infused serum before bed and wake up to stronger, less frizzy strands. Formulated especially for bleached hair, this lightweight serum is meant to reduce breakage and you don’t need to wash it out in the morning!

L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss

For in between color appointments, this one-and-done gloss for lightened hair helps to boost shine, neutralize brassiness and condition with coconut oil. Use after shampooing as often as once a week if needed.