Here's why:
* Burns and Chemical Damage: Household bleach is designed to disinfect surfaces, not to be applied to living tissue. It will cause severe chemical burns to your scalp and hair, leading to permanent damage.
* Hair Meltdown: It can completely dissolve or melt your hair strands.
* Unpredictable Results: Even if you avoid severe burns, the resulting color will be unpredictable and likely uneven and brassy.
* Health Hazards: Inhaling the fumes from household bleach is dangerous and can cause respiratory problems. Contact with skin can cause severe irritation and burns.
To bleach hair safely, you MUST use hair bleach (lightener) specifically formulated for that purpose, and it must be mixed with a developer.
* Hair Bleach (Lightener): This comes in powder or cream form and contains chemicals (usually persulfates) that lighten the hair's pigment.
* Developer: This is a hydrogen peroxide solution that activates the bleach. Developers come in different volumes (10, 20, 30, 40), each offering a different level of lift. *A lower volume developer causes less damage. Choosing the right developer volume is crucial to prevent damage and achieve the desired level of lift.*
Important Safety Precautions:
* Always do a strand test: Before applying bleach to your entire head, test it on a small, hidden section of hair to see how your hair reacts and to ensure you achieve the desired result.
* Follow instructions carefully: Read and follow the instructions on the hair bleach and developer packaging.
* Use gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals.
* Work in a well-ventilated area: The fumes from bleach can be irritating.
* Do not apply to irritated or damaged scalp: If your scalp is irritated or you have open sores, wait until it heals before bleaching.
* Consider professional help: If you're unsure about bleaching your hair yourself, consult a professional hairstylist.
In short, using household bleach on your hair is a recipe for disaster. Always use hair bleach formulated for that purpose, follow safety precautions, and consider seeking professional help if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.