Discover How to DIY Platinum Blonde: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve always dreamed of rocking a striking platinum blonde look, you’re in the right place! Achieving a beautiful, icy blonde hair color can seem like a daunting task, especially when considering the damage it could potentially cause to your hair. However, with the right approach, patience, and some essential tools, you can easily transform your hair at home. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully DIY platinum blonde without the need for an expensive salon appointment.
What You’ll Need to DIY Platinum Blonde
Before diving into the process of going platinum blonde, it’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies. This will not only ensure a smooth application but also prevent any surprises along the way. Here’s a list of things you will need:
- Bleach powder: Choose a high-quality bleach powder specifically designed for lightening hair.
- Developer: A 20-30 volume developer is ideal for lifting dark hair to platinum blonde.
- Purple shampoo: This will help tone your hair post-bleaching to eliminate yellow or brassy tones.
- Hair toner: To achieve the desired cool, platinum shade, a toner is essential to cancel out any warm undertones.
- Plastic bowl and brush: These are necessary for mixing and applying the bleach.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from the bleach and developer.
- Shower cap: Helps to trap heat and enhance the bleaching process.
- Old towel and clothes: Bleaching products can stain, so make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting damaged.
- Deep conditioning treatment: Bleaching can be harsh, so post-bleach hair care is crucial for restoring moisture.
Step-by-Step Process for DIY Platinum Blonde
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need, let’s break down the process of DIY platinum blonde hair into manageable steps.
Step 1: Perform a Strand Test
Before applying bleach to your entire head, it’s crucial to perform a strand test. This helps you check how your hair reacts to the bleach and the developer, ensuring you don’t damage your hair. Apply a small amount of bleach mixture to a hidden section of hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse it off and evaluate the color and condition of the strand. If you’re satisfied with the result, you can proceed with the full bleaching process.
Step 2: Mix Your Bleach and Developer
In your plastic bowl, mix your bleach powder with the developer according to the instructions on the product. Generally, the ratio is 1:2 (bleach to developer), but always refer to the specific instructions for your chosen products. Stir the mixture until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Apply the Bleach
Now comes the fun part! Section your hair into 4 parts using clips to ensure even application. Start applying the bleach mixture to the tips of your hair and work your way up towards the roots. Avoid applying bleach directly to the scalp at first, as the heat from your scalp will process the bleach faster. Use your brush to ensure that every strand is coated with the bleach.
Once you’ve applied bleach to your hair, cover it with a shower cap and wait for about 30-45 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it doesn’t lift too quickly or unevenly. Remember, the longer you leave bleach on, the lighter your hair will get. However, don’t leave it on for longer than the recommended time to avoid excessive damage.
Step 4: Rinse and Shampoo
After the bleach has processed, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use a mild shampoo to remove the bleach and then follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture to your hair. It’s common for hair to feel dry after bleaching, so this step is crucial for keeping your hair healthy.
Step 5: Tone Your Hair
To get that cool, platinum blonde shade, you’ll need to tone your hair. Bleach often leaves behind yellow or brassy tones, so a toner is essential for neutralizing these warm hues. Choose a toner that is specifically designed for platinum blonde hair. Apply the toner according to the instructions, leaving it in for the recommended time before rinsing it out.
Step 6: Final Rinse and Condition
Once the toner has done its job, rinse your hair again with cool water. Apply a deep conditioner to restore hydration and help lock in the newly achieved color. You may want to use a leave-in conditioner to further protect your hair from the bleaching process.
Maintaining Your Platinum Blonde Hair
Maintaining your DIY platinum blonde hair can be just as important as the initial bleaching process. Here are a few tips to help you keep your hair healthy and vibrant:
- Use Purple Shampoo: To keep your platinum blonde free of brassiness, use a purple shampoo once or twice a week. The purple pigment in the shampoo helps neutralize yellow and orange tones.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Bleaching can dry out your hair, so it’s important to condition your hair frequently. Opt for deep conditioning treatments once a week.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Try to limit the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as they can cause further damage to your hair. If you must use them, always apply a heat protectant.
- Trim Regularly: Bleached hair can be prone to split ends, so schedule regular trims to keep your hair healthy and prevent breakage.
Troubleshooting Tips for DIY Platinum Blonde
While the process of DIY platinum blonde can be straightforward, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you out:
Brassy Yellow or Orange Tones
If your hair turns out too yellow or orange after bleaching, don’t panic! This is completely normal, and the fix is simple. Use a toner with a purple or blue base, which will counteract the warm undertones in your hair. Be sure to choose a toner that is specifically for blonde hair.
Uneven Color
If your hair is unevenly lightened, you may have missed some areas when applying the bleach. To fix this, you can do a second round of bleach application to the areas that are still darker. Make sure to apply bleach evenly next time, starting from the tips and working upwards to avoid missing sections.
Dryness and Damage
Bleaching can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. If this happens, it’s important to use a nourishing deep conditioner or a hair mask to restore moisture. If the damage is severe, consider trimming the ends to remove split ends and prevent further breakage.
Conclusion
Transforming your hair to DIY platinum blonde is an exciting and achievable goal with the right tools, knowledge, and care. While the bleaching process requires patience and caution, the stunning results will be worth the effort. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can successfully achieve a gorgeous platinum blonde shade at home.
Remember, the key to a healthy platinum blonde look is maintenance. Regular deep conditioning, toning, and protecting your hair from heat will keep your color vibrant and your locks looking fresh. If you’re unsure about the process or feel nervous about bleaching at home, you can always consult with a professional colorist for advice or touch-ups. For more tips on hair care and styling, visit this article on healthy hair tips.
Good luck with your DIY platinum blonde transformation, and enjoy the fabulous new you!
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This article is in the category Home & Decor and created by DIYCraft Team