So, you’re ready to dive headfirst into the world of vibrant, head-turning hair color with Manic Panic? Awesome! But before you unleash your inner rainbow, there’s a crucial step: bleaching. Manic Panic, like most semi-permanent dyes, works best on lightened hair. Think of your hair as a canvas. The lighter the canvas, the brighter and truer the color will appear. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the bleaching process, ensuring you achieve the perfect base for your Manic Panic masterpiece while minimizing damage.
Understanding the Bleaching Process
Bleaching is essentially a chemical process that lifts the natural pigment from your hair. It involves using a mixture of a developer and a bleaching powder. The developer, usually hydrogen peroxide, opens the hair cuticle, allowing the bleaching powder to penetrate and dissolve the melanin, which is responsible for your hair’s color. The strength of the developer determines how much lift you achieve, and the duration of the application influences the overall lightness. It’s important to understand that bleaching is damaging, but by following the right steps and using quality products, you can minimize the harm.
Why Bleaching is Necessary for Manic Panic
Manic Panic dyes are semi-permanent, meaning they don’t penetrate the hair shaft deeply like permanent dyes. Instead, they coat the hair. Therefore, if your hair is dark, the Manic Panic color will either not show up at all or will appear muddy and dull. Bleaching provides a light base that allows the vibrant pigments of Manic Panic to truly shine. If you have naturally light blonde hair, you might be able to skip the bleaching process altogether, but for anyone with darker shades, it’s a must.
Assessing Your Hair’s Condition
Before even thinking about bleach, take a good hard look at your hair. Is it already damaged from previous coloring, heat styling, or chemical treatments? Bleaching will only exacerbate existing damage. If your hair is brittle, dry, or prone to breakage, you need to prioritize repairing it before attempting to bleach. Deep conditioning treatments, protein masks, and avoiding heat styling for a few weeks can significantly improve your hair’s condition. Healthy hair is essential for a successful and less damaging bleaching process.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having all your supplies ready and organized before you start is crucial for a smooth and stress-free bleaching experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of preparation!
Essential Bleaching Supplies
Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Bleach Powder: Choose a good quality bleach powder. Avoid cheap options, as they can be more damaging.
- Developer: This comes in different volumes (10, 20, 30, 40). The higher the volume, the more lifting power, but also the more damage. A 20 or 30 volume developer is generally recommended for most at-home bleaching. Beginners should opt for 20 volume.
- Mixing Bowl and Application Brush: Use a non-metallic bowl and brush. Metal can react with the bleach.
- Gloves: Protect your hands! Bleach can burn your skin.
- Old Towel: Bleach will stain, so use an old towel you don’t mind ruining.
- Hair Clips: To section your hair.
- Timer: Essential for monitoring the bleaching process.
- Coconut Oil (Optional): Applying coconut oil to your hair a few hours before bleaching can help protect it from damage.
- Toner (Optional): To neutralize any unwanted yellow or orange tones after bleaching.
- Purple Shampoo (Optional): To maintain the blonde and keep brassiness at bay.
Choosing the Right Developer Volume
Selecting the correct developer volume is key to achieving the desired level of lift while minimizing damage.
- 10 Volume: Minimal lift. Suitable for very light blonde hair or for toning.
- 20 Volume: Gentle lift. Good for lifting a few shades or for previously lightened hair. This is a safe starting point for beginners.
- 30 Volume: Moderate lift. Suitable for most hair types and colors. Requires careful monitoring.
- 40 Volume: Maximum lift. Should only be used by experienced individuals on dark hair that is in good condition. This is the most damaging option.
Always start with a lower volume developer if you are unsure. You can always bleach again if needed, but you can’t undo damage.
Preparing for the Bleaching Process
Preparation is key to a successful at-home bleach job. Proper preparation minimizes mistakes, prevents damage, and ensures a more even and predictable result.
The Strand Test
This is non-negotiable! Before bleaching your entire head, perform a strand test. This involves applying the bleach mixture to a small, hidden section of your hair (usually underneath). This allows you to see how your hair reacts to the bleach, how quickly it lifts, and whether you experience any adverse reactions. The strand test will help you determine the appropriate developer volume and processing time for your hair. Never skip the strand test!
Protecting Your Skin and Clothing
Bleach can irritate your skin and stain your clothes. Wear an old t-shirt or a salon cape to protect your clothing. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline and ears to create a barrier between the bleach and your skin. Wear gloves throughout the entire process to protect your hands.
Sectioning Your Hair
Dividing your hair into manageable sections ensures even application of the bleach. Use hair clips to separate your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. You can further divide these sections into smaller subsections as needed.
The Bleaching Process: Step-by-Step
Now for the main event! Follow these steps carefully to bleach your hair safely and effectively.
Mixing the Bleach
Follow the instructions on your bleach powder and developer for the correct mixing ratio. This is usually a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio (bleach powder to developer). Use a non-metallic bowl and whisk until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency similar to yogurt. Avoid lumps, as they can cause uneven bleaching. Mix only enough bleach for one application; bleach loses its effectiveness over time.
Applying the Bleach
Start applying the bleach to the roots first. The roots process faster because they are closer to your scalp, which generates heat. Apply the bleach about 1/2 inch away from your scalp, leaving the roots for the last step. Work your way down the hair shaft, saturating each strand completely. Use the application brush to ensure even coverage. Once you’ve applied the bleach to the mid-lengths and ends, go back and apply it to the roots.
Processing Time
Processing time depends on your hair color, the developer volume you are using, and the desired level of lightness. Check your hair every 10-15 minutes to assess the lifting process. Never leave the bleach on for longer than the manufacturer’s recommended time (usually no more than 50 minutes). The strand test will give you a good indication of how long to process. Aim for a pale yellow or white blonde, depending on the Manic Panic color you’re planning to use.
Rinsing and Washing
Once your hair has reached the desired level of lightness, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Make sure to remove all traces of the bleach. Shampoo your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid harsh shampoos, as they can strip the hair of moisture.
Toning (Optional)
If your hair has any unwanted yellow or orange tones, you can use a toner to neutralize them. Toners come in different shades, such as violet or blue, to counteract brassiness. Follow the instructions on your toner carefully.
After Bleaching: Caring for Your Hair
Bleaching is a harsh process, so it’s crucial to give your hair some extra TLC after bleaching. Proper aftercare will help restore moisture, repair damage, and keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Invest in a good quality deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Use it at least once a week to replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, or keratin.
Avoiding Heat Styling
Heat styling can further damage bleached hair. Avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers as much as possible. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray and use the lowest heat setting possible.
Using Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentler on bleached hair and won’t strip it of moisture.
Regular Trims
Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent further breakage.
Protein Treatments
Bleaching can weaken the hair’s protein structure. Incorporating protein treatments into your hair care routine can help strengthen and rebuild the hair. Be careful not to overuse protein treatments, as they can make hair brittle if used excessively.
Applying Manic Panic After Bleaching
Once your hair is bleached, toned (if necessary), and thoroughly dried, you’re ready to apply your Manic Panic color!
Ensuring a Clean and Dry Canvas
Manic Panic adheres best to clean, dry hair. Make sure your hair is completely dry before applying the dye.
Applying the Manic Panic
Apply the Manic Panic color liberally to your hair, ensuring every strand is fully saturated. Use gloves to avoid staining your hands.
Processing Time for Manic Panic
Manic Panic doesn’t damage the hair like bleach does, so you can leave it on for a longer period. The longer you leave it on, the more vibrant the color will be. Many people leave it on for at least two hours, or even overnight.
Rinsing Manic Panic
Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo when rinsing, as it can strip the color.
Maintaining Your Manic Panic Color
To keep your Manic Panic color vibrant, wash your hair as infrequently as possible with cool water and sulfate-free shampoo. Use a color-safe conditioner to help lock in the color. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner in a similar shade to your Manic Panic color to refresh the color between washes. Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can fade the color.
Troubleshooting Common Bleaching Problems
Even with careful planning, things don’t always go perfectly. Here’s how to address some common bleaching issues.
Uneven Bleaching
If your hair is unevenly bleached, you can try spot-bleaching the darker areas. Be careful not to overlap the bleach onto already lightened areas, as this can cause damage.
Brassy Hair
Brassy hair can be corrected with a toner. Choose a toner with violet or blue undertones to neutralize the yellow or orange tones.
Damaged Hair
If your hair is severely damaged after bleaching, focus on repairing it with deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments, and avoiding heat styling. Consider getting a trim to remove damaged ends.
The Importance of Patience
Bleaching your hair, especially if you have dark hair, is a process that often requires multiple sessions. Don’t try to achieve platinum blonde in one go, as this can cause severe damage. Be patient and allow your hair time to recover between bleaching sessions. Remember, healthy hair is beautiful hair! Prioritize the health of your hair over achieving a specific color immediately.
What level of blonde do I need to achieve before applying Manic Panic for the best results?
Manic Panic is a semi-permanent dye, meaning it doesn’t contain developers and sits on top of the hair shaft. Therefore, the lighter your base color, the more vibrant and true-to-tone your Manic Panic color will appear. Aim for a level 9 or 10 blonde. This is a pale, almost white blonde, especially important for pastel and lighter Manic Panic shades. If your hair is too yellow, the Manic Panic color will mix with the yellow tones, potentially resulting in a muddy or unexpected color.
To determine your current hair level, use a hair level chart. You can find these charts online or at most beauty supply stores. If you’re not at a level 9 or 10, you’ll need to bleach your hair until you reach the desired lightness. Remember to proceed cautiously and prioritize hair health throughout the bleaching process.
What developer volume should I use when bleaching my hair at home?
The volume of developer determines the lifting power of your bleach. A lower volume (10-20) is gentler and lifts slower, causing less damage, while higher volumes (30-40) lift faster but can cause more damage, especially for those with fine or already damaged hair. For most people, a 20 volume developer is a safe starting point for achieving a level 9 or 10 blonde.
If your hair is naturally very dark or resistant to lightening, you might consider a 30 volume developer, but only if your hair is healthy and you monitor the process closely. Always do a strand test before applying bleach to your entire head to assess the lifting speed and avoid over-processing. Remember, it’s better to bleach multiple times with a lower volume than to risk severe damage with a single high-volume application.
How long should I leave the bleach on my hair?
The amount of time you leave bleach on your hair depends on your starting hair color, the developer volume you’re using, and your hair’s sensitivity. Always follow the instructions on your bleach kit for recommended processing times, but keep in mind that these are just guidelines. The most important thing is to visually monitor your hair throughout the process.
Check your hair every 10-15 minutes during bleaching. Once your hair has reached the desired pale blonde level, immediately rinse the bleach out thoroughly with cool water. Do not exceed the maximum recommended processing time listed on your bleach kit, even if your hair hasn’t reached the desired level. Over-processing can lead to severe damage, breakage, and even hair loss.
Do I need to tone my hair after bleaching before applying Manic Panic?
Yes, toning is a crucial step after bleaching and before applying Manic Panic. Bleach often leaves yellow or orange undertones in the hair, which can interfere with the final Manic Panic color. A toner neutralizes these unwanted tones, creating a clean, even base for the Manic Panic to adhere to and display its true color.
Choose a toner that is appropriate for the undertones in your hair. For example, if your hair has yellow tones, use a purple-based toner. If it has orange tones, use a blue-based toner. Apply the toner according to the instructions on the product, and be sure to monitor the process closely. Toning ensures a vibrant, long-lasting, and accurate Manic Panic color result.
How do I maintain my bleached and Manic Panic-dyed hair?
Maintaining bleached and Manic Panic-dyed hair requires extra care to preserve both the color and the health of your hair. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip the hair of its color and natural oils, causing it to fade faster and become dry.
Avoid washing your hair too frequently; aim for 2-3 times a week at most. When you do wash, use cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can also contribute to color fading. Deep condition your hair regularly to replenish moisture and prevent breakage. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner in your Manic Panic shade to refresh the color between dye jobs.
What precautions should I take when bleaching my hair at home?
Protecting your skin and clothing is essential when bleaching your hair at home. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained, and cover your work area with newspaper or a plastic sheet. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline, ears, and neck to protect your skin from irritation or staining.
Always wear gloves when mixing and applying bleach. Perform a strand test before applying bleach to your entire head to assess the lifting speed and identify any potential allergic reactions. Ensure proper ventilation by opening a window or using a fan. Carefully follow the instructions on your bleach kit and never leave the bleach on longer than recommended.
Can I use Manic Panic on unbleached hair?
While Manic Panic can be applied to unbleached hair, the results will be subtle and likely not as vibrant as they would be on bleached hair. Manic Panic is a semi-permanent dye that sits on the surface of the hair shaft, and it needs a light base to show its true color. On darker hair, the color may only appear as a slight tint or sheen.
If you have light brown or naturally blonde hair, you might see a more noticeable result with darker Manic Panic shades, such as reds, purples, or blues. However, if your hair is dark brown or black, the color may not be visible at all. If you’re looking for a dramatic color change, bleaching is necessary.