I Bleached My Brown Hair to Bright Silver at Home and It Didn't Fall Out: Here's How (2023)

Well I did. I bleached my hair at home without any damage. Turning my hair from red to Khaleesi silver took a lot more research, dedication, and, frankly, more risk than my group conversations can convey.

With that in mind, I've detailed the exact precautions, products, and step-by-step procedures I used to bleach and dye my silver hair at home. Big disclaimer: I am by no means a professional colorist. Also, the professional colorists I spoke to were vehemently opposed to my DIY silver shenanigans (the general motto was "go to the pros!"), but they were kind enough to share some of their secrets.

If, against your better judgment and the advice of all colorists, you are determined to go silver at home, grab a notepad and proceed, with extreme caution. But before we get started, a few things for you.I haveBefore bleaching and toning, read on.

recognize the risks

while there isbleach-free formulasthat allow you to temporarily change color at will, permanently changing from brown to silver "absolutely" requires bleach, notes WELLA Director of Blonding Zach Mesquit. Often referred to as "shine," bleach is a powerful chemical that can have a dark side. "The bleaching process can irreparably ruin your hair if applied incorrectly or too quickly," warns Mesquit. This is because the mechanism by which bleach lightens hair is inherently harmful."Bleach literally breaks down the proteins in your hair," explains Aura Friedman, celebrity colorist and creative director at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City. "[It] makes your hair extremely weak," she adds, "leading to breakage, frizz, and dryness."

I took a few dozen"Bleach Fail" Videosand read a handfulhorror storiesto fully appreciate the stakes of the colorist's game at home. At worst, bleach can melt your hair; at best, it causes light damage, which, while imperceptible to the naked eye, is still unavoidably present (you would see it under a microscope). Bottom Line: Bleach will damage your hair to some extent. Ultimately, it's about doing as little damage as possible. Trained professionals are, well,advantage, to mitigate the damage caused by bleach, but as someone who had never touched the material before, I had a lot to learn before stocking up on supplies.

investigate please

At the onset of domestic bans, hair color research became a hobby; one that filled the spaces in my calendar that I previously filled with social activities. I stared at my screen without blinking until my eyes hurt; If I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep, I would go back to my laptop and continue my research. Pinterest, Reddit, Youtube, and Byrdie have become my go-to places for hair color guides. Even now, I still spend a lot of time learning more about the strand, tone, and hair color in general.Of course, no amount of research, however arduous, can match the knowledge and skill of a professional, and in my case, my lack of artistic talent is revealed when you look closely at my roots. After all, colorists spend a lot of time perfecting the many nuances of their craft.

understand your schedule

Another timing consideration: Depending on how dark your hair is, it could take anywhere from weeks (at least) to months (probably) to confidently achieve the pale silver color you're going for. This is because your hair needs time to recover between bleaching sessions.

I bleached my hair a total of 3 times over the course of a month and a half. Each time it took on a new shade of copper, from orange to yellow-orange, from yellow-orange to pale yellow, and I'd be lying if he said I didn't feel the least bit unsafe in those transitions. Nowhere is the saying "patience is a virtue" more evident than when it fades at home.

Understand your hair "levels"

Before I started wearing wormholes of different hair colors, I didn't quite understand why I couldn't just apply silver dye all over my brown hair and call it a day. As I learned, the reason lies in the natural hair color pigments and can best be explained by the so-called graded system.

Simply put, the grading system is a scale that colorists use to indicate how light or dark a person's hair is. The default rating system goes from 1 to 10 (although I've seen 1 to 12), where 1 is black and 10 is an extremely bright yellow. (Note: "Level" is different from shade; more on that later.) Determining where in the Tier system your natural hair color falls (I'm close to Level 4) can provide a benchmark for how easily your hair "colors" get up". could” in a single whitening session. You can use this information to estimate how many whitening sessions you will need.

Its level is determined by the amount of natural pigment, also known as melanin, that each hair contains. I'll spare you the flashbacks in chemistry class, but basically, bleach combined with peroxide opens up the hair cuticle (aka the outer layer of your hair) and "lifts" those pigments. The darker your hair, the more numerous your pigments; The more numerous the pigments, the more you will need to "lift" these pigments to lighten your hair. "You can't get silver hair unless the hair is raised to at least a very light level 9; ideally, you want a level 10/platinum," notes Mesquit.(For reference, many people compare 9/10 levels to the color of the inside of a banana peel.) Only after reaching this "lightened" and depigmented state can you add a pale silver pigment, usually via a toner.

A common analogy that illustrates why you need to "lighten" before applying a light hair color: imagine you are using a yellow marker on a dark (black/brown) sheet of paper. Doesn't go down well, does it? Now imagine using this yellow marker on a light colored piece of printer paper:voila!Like this yellow highlighter, the Silver Platinum family toners cannot easily replace dark pigments without lightening them first. The underlying pigment must be removed for the silver to show through.

It's also worth noting that peroxide, also known as "developer", is a necessary part of the bleaching process. Without them, bleach cannot remove color pigments. However, it's important to note that developers have different strengths.

Peroxide strength is measured in what colorists call "volume". Peroxide levels typically range from 10 to 40, with 10 being the least potent in terms of "surge" and damage potential, and 40 providing the most "fast" and craziest damage potential. Both Mesquit and Walker advise against using more than 20 volumes. It's true that I used 30-volume developer the first two times I bleached; It worked, but I can't help but wonder how much healthier my hair would be now if I had used 20 all along.

understand the sound

While "Level" only refers to how light or dark your hair is, "Hue" refers to undertones, e.g. warm, cool, gray—not insideeach level. Tone is a complex concept to understand unless you're a pro who's delved into color theory, but here's how I think about it: cool blonde (a la Gwen Stefani) and hot blonde (like Gigi Hadid). They can be included in the same "levels", but the sound emits drastically different effects.

I knew I wanted a light ash blonde, but I honestly didn't expect my hair to turn out straight and silver gray. Thankfully, I love my color now, but the initial reveal had me panicking and DIY regretting it. Even Mesquit, one of the silver sphere's most renowned colorists, says toner comes with a certain degree of unpredictability. "Every hair is going to be a little different," she explains, "[so] there's no magic bullet when it comes to toner." Not to mention that “silver is one of the hardest colors to get; Even the smallest change in the [toner] formula will affect the final result.”this is the color i wanted; Below is the color I got.

To further complicate matters, "everyone describes silver differently," notes Mesquit. “Usually a lighter violet based silver anddarkerwill have a bluer base.” It also says you can mix toners, but again, that sort of thing is best left to a professional unless you're willing to experiment. The good news (or bad news, depending on how you like your toner results): Toners tend to wear out over time. For me, my ultra-gray hair turned platinum silver after about five washes. I absolutely swear between washesthis maskto keep my color ultra gray and banish the yellow undertones.

still with me Excellent. Without further ado, a step by step guide on how I bleached my hair from a level 4 brown to a level 8/9 silver.

consumables you need

Unlike the neatly packaged all-in-one color kits sold at drugstores, whitening and toning supplies often come in pieces, and since whitening leaves very little room for error, it's especially important to make sure you have everything you need before you start. The first time I bleached my hair, it took me about a week to collect all my supplies (shipping was spotty with some carriers; I also lost a few items I later realized I needed). Here's a complete list of the products I use to lighten, tone, and strengthen my hair, plus some picks from the pros just in case.

Whitening accessories:

• Bleaching:I usuallySchwarzkopf Blondme Bond Enforcing Premium Aclarador 9+($28), which is infused with binding boosters to mitigate damage. Professional selections:Wella Professionals Blondor,Redken Flash-Elevador.
• Peroxide developer:eu uso SchwarzkopfRevelador Blondme Premium Care($ 18).
• Plastic mixing bowl:I like to keep two on hand; one for bleach, one for toner.
• Large Applicator Brush:Best with a pointed tip for cutting.
• rubber gloves
• cutting clips

Accessory to dye hair silver

• Silvertoner:I use Redken EQ Gloss in 09T and 09P (equal parts) or Wella T-18. Professional selections:wella touch of color(1,9%/6 vol), Wella T-18 (10 o 20 vol)
• Peroxide developer:I use Schwarzkopf 20 vol. Pro recommendations: Wella 10 or 20 vol. Redken Shades EQ Processing Solution, 6 vol.

Optional, but highly recommended:

• Plastic shower caps (one for bleaching and one for toning):These Amazon Disposable Hatscontains 100 per pack - it will never run out!
• Two large mirrors:Positioned so you can clearly see the back of your head (a friend, partner or family member will do this).
• A soft microfiber cloth:I usuallyOriginal Aquis fur towel($ 21).

Accessories for strengthening and aftercare.

• Proteins and/or Moisturizing Treatments:I usuallyK18,Sachajuan hair repair, youKérastase Absolu Starkender Blond Conditioner. Usage benefits:K18,Olaplex-No. 3, Redken PH Bonder.

Now that you have your material, it's time to lighten.

How to bleach your hair at home

Step 1: Cut the hair to bleach

As with most beauty treatments, preparation is essential for a brilliant result. Bleach works best on dry hair; preferably dry hair that has not been washed for a long time. First, Walker says, "Make sure you brush your hair—no knots, please!"

Then it's time to cut. (When I first bleached my hair, I underestimated the importance of sectioning it and ended up with a few patchy patches—the only thing that saved me was that my friend put some bleach on the areas I'd totally missed.) Her hair sectioned it makes the process a lot less daunting. , more manageable and increases the chances of an even application, explains Walker.

Divide your hair into four sections and secure each section with barrettes. Walker breaks it down like this: "Start [creating] a center part all the way to the nape of the neck." This leaves two large strands of hair on each side of the head.

To make four sections, use the applicator tip to divide each of the two large sections in half. Then run the pointed end "from the top of the head to the back of the ears" on each side to create a line dividing each section in half. Once you have four sections, pin each section in place. "It's so much easier to stay clean and not get overwhelmed trying to bleach everything all at once," notes Walker.

Step 2: Mix the bleach and developer

Put on gloves, make sure surrounding surfaces are covered, and remove pets, children, etc. from the room to avoid exposing them to bleach fumes.

Walker emphasizes the importance of always measuring your lye and developer. Most bleaches come with a small measuring spoon, similar to a coffee spoon, use it! Walker, who uses Redken Flash Lift or Wella Blondor, says that a ratio of 1 part bleach to 1.5 to 2 parts developer "gives you a great consistency to work with." I usually mix 1 tbsp of bleach with 2 tbsp of bleach to get a smooth, pudding-like mixture that doesn't drip or run.

Step 3: Apply the bleach

Do you still have those one-quarter haircuts? Great. You'll work with him in a moment; But first, some general rules to remember during the bleach application process:

• Wear gloves throughout the process to protect your hands from irritation (burns are no joke!).
• Make sure you use enough bleach and apply it in a thick layer. "This ensures your hair is fully saturated," explains Walker; "Otherwise the result may be very incomplete."
• Make sure you cover both sides of your hair. In other words, every time you "paint" a section with bleach, don't forget to turn the section over and "paint" the back as well.

Placement: Start 1 cm from the root and work from the back to the front "quarters".

According to Walker, the back and bottom sections of hair are usually the darkest and therefore can handle a little more processing time. For this reason, he recommends bleaching the hind "quarters" before moving on. (Pro tip: Baby hair in the front grows much faster and is the most prone to damage, so save it for last.)

With a series of mirrors positioned so you can see the back of your head, take one of your two "bedrooms" at the back. Release the chosen room and leave the hair loose. Then use the tapered end of the applicator to create a horizontal part in your chosen environment. This will divide the section into two manageable parts: one closer to the neck and one at the top. (If you're lucky enough to have very thick hair, you may need a few more horizontal layers.) Since the hair closest to the back of your neck is usually the darkest, start your application here and work your way up.

Once you've covered the bottom layer of your chosen back quarter, cover the remaining overlapping segments until you've covered all of the hair in the quarter. Upon completion of this quarter, continue with the remaining previous quarter. Repeat the "coat and paint" process above.

Once you've covered the two hindquarters, pat the back; You've probably completed the hardest part of this entire process. Of course there are two other segments intact on the front, but I find the front much easier to work with. For each of these remaining front sections, follow the same method as for the back, leaving about 1 cm of root intact.

Step 4: Bleach the Roots

It's time to put down roots in action. Walker recommends mixing a new batch of bleach specifically for this area: "Your roots are worth it!" she notes. "After applying the bleach 1/2 inch from the scalp to the ends, go back to the first section and start applying at the roots."

Step 5 - Use a plastic shower cap (optional)

After bleaching my hair, I put on a plastic shower cap. It kind of keeps my hair in place; More importantly, the plastic traps heat and moisture, which keep the bleach active. "The lye will keep coming out as long as you don't let it dry out," says Mesquit. However, once it gets fluffy and dry, it just sits on the hair.

Step 6 – Look at the clock and check your progress

Once you've covered every strand, including the roots, with bleach, it's a waiting game. Following my bleach's instructions, I set a timer for 45 minutes. During that time, I check my strands every 10 minutes, cleaning off some bleach and looking at the hair underneath. This process is crucial for two reasons. First, you can see if the color is evenly and effectively lightened. Second, the review allows you to confirm that your hair is still intact and generally fine.

A quick word of caution: while it's important to make sure you don't leave the bleach on too long, it's also important to give the bleach enough time to lighten effectively. In other words, don't jump the gun and don't remove the lye too soon. I made this mistake when I first bleached my hair. As a result, my color barely stood out; it was pure pumpkin orange, which Mesquit says indicates premature bleach removal. To compensate, I bleached it again the same night. Not only was this hard on my hair, it was a waste of precious bleach!"It's better to leave [the bleach] in your hair for a long time than to wash it out and reapply [the same day]," says Mesquit.

Of course, this advice depends on how your hair is maintained. Along with the above check, Mesquit recommends doing a quick "stretch test" to see if your hair can handle a little longer bleaching. Here's how: “Take a section of hair and gently pull; If you feel it going to stretch, wash [the bleach] out right away." This is an indication that the bleach has taken too much moisture out of your hair and things could get messy very soon.However, as long as the hair feels relatively strong (not sticky or stretchy), you can leave the bleach a little longer (within reason; never leave it longer than the instructions say).

Step 7 – Rinse and Rinse Again

When the time is up, remove the cap, clips, etc. and jump in the shower. Run a little warm water (no extreme temperatures that could shock your freshly bleached hair!). Then grab a mild shampoo (Walker and I both love Redkenbleach recovery, $27) and start washing her hair gently, like you would a baby. Make sure her wash isn't just gentle, but thorough, notes Aura. "If bleach is left in the hair, the chemicals can cause scalp burns or other damage," he warns.To be safe, I wash it twice. I also found a scalp brush like ConairDetangle and Go Shower Massage Brush($6) to make sure the bleach doesn't strip the grain out of my hair.

Step 8: Style your hair

After enough washing, apply a deep conditioner or hydrating treatment mask. I swear by KerastaseAbsolute Blondes Cicaflash($42), which is something of a hybrid between the two. Leave the treatment for about 10 minutes. Wash. Step out of the shower and towel dry your hair, preferably a super soft microfiber towel. I love Aquis because it gently removes excess moisture from my strands and minimizes friction, which can cause breakage.

Step 9: Get ready to tone

If after towel-drying you notice that your hair has an alarming citrus hue, don't worry! That's where Toner comes in and makes youpartyDifference.

It bears repeating: to get a light silver, platinum or anything else in that range, you'll first need to make sure you "boost" your hair to level 9 or 10 - which, if you're not a natural blonde, more than a round bleach is enough. If you're not ready yet, just choose a toner that suits your current level. (PSA: seriouslydazzling silver tonesexists at all levels).

For light silver: After bleaching hair to a pale yellow (for me it was 3 rounds of the bleaching process above, at least a week apart).), you can use a silver/light gray toner. I'm switching between Wella T18 and/or Wella T11 or Redken Shades EQ O9P and 09T in equal parts.

Prepare your training equipment. This includes toner, developer (10 or 20 vol depending on toner instructions), a new pair of gloves, a new (or washed) plastic container, a new (or washed) applicator, and a shower cap, if applicable. case, please.

Step 10: Mix your toner and peroxide

Just like before adding the developer to your bleach mix, you also need to mix the developer with the toner to "activate" its powers. The ratio of peroxide developer to toner formula varies depending on the products you use. For the specific toners I use, it's usually one part toner to two parts developer.

After measuring and pouring in the toner and developer, it's time to mix the potion. Put on gloves and start mixing the infusion with the applicator brush. Mix until fully incorporated. The formula must be significantly thinner than the whitening formula.

Step 11: Apply the toner

Fortunately, applying toner is less risky than applying bleach; In addition to being less of a risk to your hair's health, the toner is more forgiving in terms of application strategy. You should definitely cut and apply similarly to your bleach, although there is a little more leeway.

When the hair is completely soaked, tie it loosely and/or cover it with a plastic shower cap. (If you choose the shower cap method, keep in mind that the toner may develop faster than the instructions suggest.)

Step 12 – Set a Timer and Wait

I always set my toner timer to 20 minutes. This seems to be standard with most toners; However, if you are using a toner other than the ones I mentioned, check the specific instructions for your product.

Note: Every silver gray toner I've used gives my hair an interesting metallic plum tone during the development process. Any unwanted purple tones should be washed out in the shower, but if you leave it on longer than recommended, you risk leaving your hair lavender for a few days before it fades.

Step 13: Wash your hair - one last time

When the time is up, get in the shower. Lather with the same mild shampoo you used to remove the bleach solution from your hair. follow up with adeep conditioning maskand/or restructuring treatment of choice. (By the way, I suggest investing in both types of products - I tend to switch depending on how my hair looksLack of protein or moisture.on a random day).

Aura says the binding and restructuring products are "amazing for repairing hair" after bleaching. Your current favourite, K18peptide mask($75), it's also my go-to these days; I swear this is why I had very few breakouts during my silver hair journey. Naturally,OlaplexIt's another option; an option that Walker and dozens of other professionals swear by will heal protein bonds broken in the bleaching process.

aftercare

Schedule a regular cut

If you're feeling particularly ambitious with your new DIY skills, consider giving yourself one.trim a littleto remove frizzy ends that may have been aggravated by the bleaching process. I have found that my hair looks significantly healthier as a result. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you are usinghair scissorsthey cut much cleaner than the ones in the office drawer. If you prefer to leave the scissors in the hands of a professional (recommended!), schedule a monthly appointment.

get purple shampoo

All your blonde friends use it to counteract the inevitable yellowness; and it turns out that silver-haired people should wear it too. "Purple shampoo is very important because silver fades extremely quickly," notes Mesquit. "Using purple shampoo helps refresh some of the lost cool tones and leaves your hair looking icy."Wella Professionals Invigo Blonde Recharge Shampoo for Cool Blonde Hair($17). Shop more purple shampoo optionson here.

Daily Deep State

In the week following the discoloration, you must take intense care of your hair every day. yes daily This will help keep your hair hydrated and looking and feeling healthy. We are big fans of BriogeoDon't despair, fix it! deep conditioning mask($38) designed to hydrate hair and strengthen strands.

Use weekly bonus repair treatments

Be consistent and lighten the roots

If you've committed to bleaching your hair and plan on wearing the color for a while, make sure you bleach your roots every four to six weeks. If you let the root grow too long, you run the risk of having to bleach all of your hair again, which can damage your hair.