Alright, so let's talk about virgin hair. In simple terms, virgin hair refers to hair that has never been chemically processed in any way. For many Asians, this often means hair that's naturally black, soft, and healthy.
Now, Asian hair tends to be a bit different from other types. It typically has more cuticles and is thicker and stronger. However, this also means it can be prone to dryness and split ends if not properly cared for. Additionally, Asian hair often has red undertones, so when bleached, it may tend to turn a bit red or orange.
When it comes to bleaching virgin hair, it's important to be aware that it can be quite a process. Bleaching can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damaged, especially if your hair is on the thinner side. So, if you're considering bleaching your virgin hair, make sure you're prepared for the potential damage and have a plan in place to keep your hair healthy and hydrated throughout the process.
When it comes to bleaching your hair at home, you'll need two main products: bleach powder and cream developer. There are several brands of bleach powder available on the market, but some of the most popular ones include Clairol, Wella, L'Oréal, and Schwarzkopf. As for the developer, you can choose to use the same brand as the bleach powder or opt for a different one—it's totally fine either way.
When selecting a developer, it's generally better to choose one with a cream texture rather than a liquid. Cream developers tend to oxidize more slowly, giving you more control over the bleaching process and reducing the risk of over-processing your hair.
If you prefer not to mix the bleach and developer yourself, you have the option of using Japanese hair bleach products like Palty or Beauteen. These products come pre-packaged with the perfect balance of medium to high bleach concentration, so all you need to do is mix them according to the instructions provided on the packaging. This can be a convenient option for those who are new to bleaching their hair or prefer a simpler process.
This serves as your guide for bleaching your hair. Number 1 represents your current hair color before the bleaching process. If you're aiming for a light brown color, you must bleach your hair to level 5 so it appears more visible. For a granny hair look, you need to bleach your hair to level 10, then tone it with gray or ash color.
For a milk tea brown color, you should bleach your hair to at least level 6 or 7, then tone it with a greenish ash color. If you desire a beautiful wine red color, bleach your hair to at least level 3 or 4 for the best outcome.
Bleach must be mixed with a developer. Developers typically come in four different volumes, depending on the brightness level you want:
- - 10 volume (3%): lifts 1 level
- - 20 volume (6%): lifts 2 levels
- - 30 volume (9%): lifts 3 levels
- - 40 volume (12%): lifts 4 levels
The calculation is as follows: If you want an Ash Blonde color, you must bleach your hair to at least level 9 or 10, depending on the lightness you desire. Starting from your virgin hair, you'll need to undergo 3 or 4 rounds of the bleaching process for the best results.
Combine your Bleaching powder with 30 vol developer (I recommend avoiding number 40 as it can damage your hair). The initial result will be around level 4 or 5, depending on your hair. You'll need to bleach your hair again with the same mixture until it reaches the lightest shade. This may take a total of 4 to 5 times, depending on your hair.
The mixture is created with a ratio of 1 part bleach powder to 2 parts developer. For example, if you have 30 grams of bleach powder, you'll need to mix it with 60 grams of developer. Easy, right?
You must thoroughly mix the mixture. I personally mix it until it becomes fluffy and resembles foam. This makes it easier to apply and ensures more even color distribution. Keep mixing until there's no powder left, indicating that it has all dissolved into the developer cream. After that, you can apply the mixture to your hair.
I use 30 vol developer to touch up my roots, which resulted in a yellow tone. The image below shows the result after the toning process, so you can't see the bleach result. Unfortunately, I bleached my hair all by myself, so there's no one to capture the moment, lol. If you want to see my bleach result on virgin hair, you can visit THIS post and THIS.
Other things you need to know:
1. Always do a skin test to check if you have an allergy to hair dyes. This is to prevent any adverse reactions. Apply a small amount of the bleach powder mixed with developer on the back of your ear for 48 hours, at least 24 hours.
2. Apply the bleach mixture generously to your hair. If you have long hair, you'll need to mix a lot of the mixture. Insufficient bleach may result in disappointing results. Ensure that your hair is completely covered with the bleach mixture for maximum effectiveness.
3. One packet of bleaching powder is usually enough for very short hair. For shoulder-length hair, you'll need 3-4 packets of bleaching powder (if you buy in sachets).
4. Avoid applying the bleach directly to your scalp if you have a sensitive scalp. Sometimes, the bleach can cause itching and a burning sensation, and in the worst cases, your scalp may bleed (as experienced by one of my friends).
5. Always deep condition your hair after the bleaching process. I usually do this every day until my hair's condition improves. However, processed hair is different from virgin hair, and it may not fully recover.
6. Use a plastic bowl or container to mix the bleach. Avoid using anything metal, as it may react with the bleach. Also, wear an old white T-shirt that you don't mind getting stained.
7. Ask your friends or family to help you bleach your hair. Ensure that you start from the inside and work your way up to the roots. The roots tend to react more quickly, causing them to change color faster than the rest of your hair.
Bleaching isn't easy, so if you're not confident, please visit a hair salon and consult with a professional hairstylist!
If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me. I'll do my best to assist you! :)
