Why Does My Hair Lift Warm?
The short answer is, because that’s how hair works.
All hair has warm undertones and the darker your natural hair, the warmer the undertones. The good news is, Imagine Hair Design Encinitas understands the science of your hair and we know how to manage it.
Lifting or “bleaching” hair is a transformative process, often unveiling a bold new look. However, many who embark on this journey encounter an unexpected phenomenon: warm tones surfacing in their newly bleached hair. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can make your hair transformation smoother and more satisfying. Let's dive into the science behind why lightened hair turns warm and explore some effective ways to achieve your desired cool blonde or platinum look.
The Chemistry of Hair Bleaching
Hair is composed primarily of a protein called keratin, which contains pigments that give it its natural color. These pigments, known as melanin, come in two types: eumelanin (responsible for brown and black hues) and pheomelanin (responsible for red, orange, and yellow hues). The process of bleaching hair involves using a chemical agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or a combination of bleach and developer, to break down and dissolve these pigments.
When you bleach your hair, the chemical agents first target the darker eumelanin pigments because they dissolve more easily. As these break down, the hair lightens. However, since pheomelanin is more resilient, it often remains longer in the hair. This residual pheomelanin is responsible for the warm, brassy tones that can appear after bleaching, resulting in shades of yellow, orange, or red.
Your hair’s melanin also contributes to the overall strength of your hair. If you tried to completely remove all pheomelanin from your hair, you might cause excessive damage resulting in breakage and frizz.
Factors Contributing to Warm Tones
Natural Hair Color: The starting color of your hair significantly influences the outcome. Darker hair, rich in melanin, will typically reveal warmer tones after bleaching due to the residual pheomelanin.
Bleaching Process: The duration and strength of the bleaching process affect the extent to which melanin is broken down. Insufficient processing time or using a weaker developer might not completely remove the underlying pigments, leaving warm tones behind.
Hair Condition: Damaged or porous hair can absorb and retain color unevenly. Healthy hair tends to bleach more evenly, reducing the likelihood of unexpected warm tones.
Environmental Factors: External factors such as exposure to the sun, chlorine from swimming pools, and certain hair care products can exacerbate the presence of warm tones.
Managing and Neutralizing Warm Tones
If warm tones in bleached hair aren't part of your desired look, there are several strategies to manage and neutralize them:
Toning: Hair toners are a go-to solution for neutralizing unwanted warmth. We rely on basic color theory to accomplish this. Purple toners counteract yellow hues, while blue toners are effective against orange tones. These products work by depositing color pigments that are opposite on the color wheel to the unwanted tones, thus neutralizing them.
Color Tinted Shampoo and Conditioner: Regular use of purple or blue-toned shampoos and conditioners can help maintain a cooler shade by continually neutralizing yellow or orange undertones.
Professional Color Correction: Visiting a professional stylist for a color correction treatment can ensure a more precise and tailored approach to neutralizing warm tones, especially if the problem is severe.
Proper Hair Care: Maintaining the health of your bleached hair is crucial. Use sulfate-free shampoos, avoid excessive heat styling, and protect your hair from UV exposure to prevent the warm tones from re-emerging.
Patience and Multiple Sessions: Achieving a cool blonde or platinum look often requires multiple bleaching sessions, especially for those with dark hair. Patience is key to avoid over-processing and damaging the hair.
Conclusion
Understanding why bleached hair turns warm involves a blend of chemistry and hair care knowledge. By recognizing the role of melanin and the factors that influence the bleaching process, you can better prepare for and manage the appearance of warm tones. With the right products, techniques, and professional guidance, you can achieve the cool, vibrant hair color you desire while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair. Whether you're aiming for a platinum blonde, ash blonde, or any cool-toned shade, knowing how to navigate the challenges of warm tones will help you reach your hair goals with confidence.
At Imagine Hair Design Encinitas, we understand the science of your hair. We can help you choose the right hair lightening services based on your natural hair color, your hair’s health, and your desired outcome.
If you’re ready for professional hair lightening service in San Diego, CONTACT US today for a free consultation.