Hydrogen peroxide lightens hair by penetrating each strand, dismantling melanin molecules, and stripping away dark hues. While less harsh than bleach, hydrogen peroxide may still damage your strands over time.
Perform a Patch Test First
Always perform a patch test before applying hydrogen peroxide directly to your hair. Start with a 3% solution and test on small sections using clips as hair separation tools. To reduce the risk of chemical burns and ensure safe results, it is advisable to conduct this trial first.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide as a Bleaching Agent
Hydrogen peroxide bleach is an effective home bleaching agent and should be used cautiously and according to manufacturer instructions to lighten your hair effectively. Conditioning before applying hydrogen peroxide will also help minimize damage while making the process simpler and faster.
Combining Hydrogen Peroxide With Dyes
Hydrogen peroxide can be used alone or combined with dyes to lighten hair, although it’s best to visit a salon to minimize potential hair damage and achieve natural-looking results. If you want to lighten your hair at home, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle, apply it evenly across your scalp, and leave for at least 30 minutes – or until your desired level of lightness has been reached – before rinsing off with cold water.
Highlighting with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the primary chemicals used in hair dyeing to lighten your color. Combine it with other compounds in a formula for dyeing your locks. Hydrogen peroxide sold in pharmacies or grocery stores does not pose enough of a threat to cause significant hair damage; however, it can lighten your locks by one or two shades. Home highlight your hair by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste and applying it to individual strands or an ombre effect.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Coloring
Hydrogen peroxide, well-known for lightening hair, can also be used to dye it. Commercially sold dyes contain this ingredient as their active component. To use it to dye your hair, mix it with the color cream you plan to use and conduct a test strip first to avoid allergic reactions and ensure the desired results.
Conditioning After Lightening
Hydrogen peroxide and many drugstore dyes use hydrogen peroxide to lighten hair. Dyeing your hair in a salon will guarantee optimal results without damage to strands. Before using a developer to lighten your hair, conduct a small test section to ensure no allergic reaction occurs or the color becomes too light. An excellent deep conditioner will restore shine and moisture to the hair strands.
