Love Beauty >> Love Beauty >  >> FAQ >> Beauty and Health >> Beauty >> Hair Color

Bleach & Conditioner: Why You Should Never Mix Them (Hair Lightening Guide)

No, it is absolutely NOT okay to mix conditioner with lightening powder (bleach) and developer to lighten hair.

Here's why this is a bad idea:

* Unpredictable Results: Bleach and developer are carefully formulated to react in a specific way to lift color from hair. Adding conditioner throws off this balance. The lightening process could become uneven, patchy, or even fail to lighten at all.

* Potential for Damage: Conditioner can interfere with the developer's ability to activate the bleach powder properly. This can lead to the bleach staying on the hair for too long without effectively lifting color. It can also create hot spots which can lead to chemical burns and severe damage.

* Uneven Lifting: The lightening powder and developer need to be properly mixed to ensure even and consistent lifting. Adding conditioner can create an inconsistent mixture.

* Professional Advice: Lightening hair is a chemical process. Even professional stylists are careful with how they use bleach and developer. Home hair lightening can easily lead to serious damage.

If you are looking for ways to lighten your hair with less damage, here are some safer options:

1. Use a lower volume developer: Lower developers (like 10 or 20 volume) lift slower and are less damaging than higher developers (30 or 40 volume). This will require more than one session.

2. Olaplex/Bond Builders: Olaplex is a bond building treatment that can be added to bleach to protect the hair from damage during the lightening process.

3. Professional Help: The best and safest option is to seek professional help.

4. Highlights and Lowlights: Add depth to your hair by adding highlights or lowlights with a shade or two lighter than your natural hair.

In summary: Do not mix conditioner with bleach and developer. It is unsafe, unpredictable, and can cause serious damage to your hair.