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You’re here because you’re toying with the idea of going platinum, and you want to do it right. No patchy, yellow-tinged mishaps—just pure, icy goodness that says “Yeah, I meant to do that.” In the next few minutes, you’ll get a step-by-step playbook on how to get that A-list platinum hair without turning into a cautionary tale.
The Quick Rundown:
Thinking platinum? Here’s what you’re signing up for:
- Picking the right shade for your skin tone
- Preparing your hair for the bleach battle
- Navigating the actual bleaching process
- Post-bleaching care for longevity and health
- Quick fixes for any platinum fails
So let’s get into it. If you want to elevate your look with a platinum mane, keep reading to sidestep the pitfalls and hit the mark like a pro.
How to Bleach Your Hair
When it comes to hair colouring for men, one of the most popularly sought after looks is either blonde or bleached hair. Bleaching your hair can be a tricky process, with the constantly looming chance to break or badly damage your hair, not to mention the risk of dreaded orange or yellow stripes. If you’re willing to risk it, follow the steps below to get the bleached look.
Prepping For Battle: What You’ll Need
First things first, gather your arsenal:
- 30% volume developer
- Powdered bleach
- Application brush
- Purple shampoo
- Gloves
- Mixing bowl
Mix the developer and bleach as per the instructions, stirring until smooth. Don an old t-shirt or towel—trust me, bleach is merciless on fabrics.
Application: Tips Down to Roots
Lather up that bleach mixture from the tips of your hair down to the roots. Be meticulous, you don’t want to miss any spots. Keep an eye on the clock and your hair—30 to 40 minutes should do it, but stay alert for breakage or over-processing.
The Repeat Offenders
Depending on your starting color, you might need multiple bleach sessions to get it just right. That’s okay, but give your hair a breather between bleachings. If you’ve got to rock the orange ‘do for a bit, so be it—better that than a bald patch.
Toning it Down
Once you’ve bleached, wash it out with some purple shampoo, and then it’s toner time. You want that hue to match your skin tone, not scream “chemical mishap.”
Pre-Bleach Rituals: Show Your Hair Some Love
Two weeks before you bleach, treat your hair like royalty—deep condition, mask it up, and consider natural oils like coconut oil. Your hair’s gonna thank you.
Choosing Your Blonde: Match Your Skin Tone
Pale Skin: Light shades like platinum and gold are your best bets, though you can play around with medium tones like ‘bronde’ or sand.
Medium Skin: Opt for warmer shades like honey or gold. Platinum can work too if you’re looking for contrast.
Dark Skin: Dark roots and gradual fading into blonde help achieve a balanced, natural look.
Diving into Grey Territory
Start with a bleach base, then use a quality toner mixed with developer. Choose a block color for a contemporary vibe, and maintain it with toner or purple shampoo.
Cost Check
Bleaching and dyeing are not set-and-forget activities. Budget for regular touch-ups, especially if you’re aiming for a high-maintenance color.
Should a Man Dye His Grey Hair?
Should men dye their hair when going grey? There’s no reason that a man shouldn’t dye his grey hair to a more ‘youthful’ shade, and in a lot of cases, the change can look both stylish and natural. There are just a few basic tips to keep in mind before you try it out.
- Don’t go for a block colour. There’s nothing more unnatural than a man walking around with hair that looks like it’s been spray-painted. Make sure to add in some differing shades to create a more natural look.
- If you’re dyeing your hair at home, don’t use temporary dye. Temporary dye isn’t going to be strong enough to cover grey, as the overall texture of the hair is different, and require a heartier dose of dye. You can try out dyes like Redken Colour Camo, which easily blends out your greys to create a natural finish.
- Keep your budget in mind. If you dye your hair you need to keep touch ups in mind, so unless you don’t mind redying your roots every month or so, try going for a style where some regrowth works with the look.
The Science of Hair Bleaching
Look, you’re not just slapping on some goop and praying for a miracle. Hair bleaching is chemical warfare, man. The bleach—a cocktail of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia—strips your hair of its natural pigment by oxidizing the melanin. That’s how you go from a sober brown to beach-boy blonde. But bleach is no joke; it’s aggressive. That’s why your hair can feel like a bristle brush afterward. You might need multiple sessions to get to the shade you want, especially if your natural hue is on the darker side. And that’s also why post-bleach hair care isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Common Bleaching Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We’ve all heard the horror stories, right? Guy tries to go platinum, ends up looking like a patchy Cheeto. First off, patience is key. Don’t rush the bleach job by leaving it on too long; that’s the express train to Breakage City. Another rookie mistake is applying bleach unevenly, leading to a zebra-striped mess. A quick fix? Saturate your hair well and comb the bleach through for even coverage. If you screw up, a corrective color treatment by a pro can save the day, but it’ll cost you. So follow the rules, would ya?
Product Reviews
When it comes to gear, don’t cheap out. For a smooth bleach job, you need quality stuff. Wella Professionals Blondor Multi Blonde Powder is my go-to for powdered bleach—it’s versatile and less harsh. As for developers, Schwarzkopf Professional’s Igora Royal Oil Developer is a solid choice, especially if you’re aiming for lighter shades. Need a toner? Fanola No Yellow is killer for knocking out any brassiness.
Skin and Scalp Care
Let’s get this straight: a burning scalp isn’t some rite of passage. Before you even think of bleaching, hydrate your scalp with a lightweight oil—jojoba works great. And don’t wash your hair a day or two before the bleach job; natural oils protect your skin. Afterward, aloe vera gel is a godsend for any irritation. Follow up with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for colored hair to keep that scalp happy and flake-free.
Patch Testing and Allergic Reactions
Before you go full-on Silver Surfer, you gotta test the waters. Mix a tiny amount of bleach and apply it to a small section of your skin—usually behind the ear. Wait 48 hours. Any itching, redness, or burning? Abort mission, you’re allergic. But if you’re in the clear, you’ve got the green light. If something does go south mid-bleaching—like, let’s say, your scalp starts to burn or itch like mad—rinse immediately and seek medical attention. It’s better to play it safe than end up a cautionary tale.
Aftercare Products
Alright, listen up. After you’ve survived the bleach battlefield, you’re gonna need the right gear to keep that new mane looking fire. I’m talking high-quality shampoos and conditioners tailored for bleached hair. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is a game-changer; it repairs and hydrates without adding excess weight. Pair that with Redken Color Extend Blondage Conditioner to keep that blonde icy, not brassy. And don’t skip the hair oils. MoroccanOil Treatment Light is the MVP here—lightweight, non-greasy, and it packs a hydrating punch. These products aren’t just frills; they’re your new best buds in maintaining that killer look.
Reverting Back to Natural Color
Changed your mind? No sweat—backtracking isn’t as hard as you think, but it’s gotta be done right. First, let your hair chill for a few weeks to recover from the bleach assault. Step two: filler color. This preps your strands to accept your natural shade. I’d go for a protein filler to even out porosity. Now, for the main event, pick a quality dye close to your natural hue; I recommend something like L’Oréal’s Excellence Crème. Make sure to strand-test first, then apply evenly. If you’re nervous, a pro colorist can do the job minus the guesswork. It’s your call.
On That Note
It can be daunting to change up your hair colour, and with the numbers of trends coming and going, it’s hard to know what look to go for. However, if you’re not swayed by what’s popular, and instead go for a colour that you like and that you know will suit you, then there’s really no risk when it comes to dyeing your hair.
Temporary dyes are there for a reason, and if you’re not ready to commit to a colour then experiment until you find one that perfect shade for you. There are no real rules either, so get out there and keep trying until you find your ideal look.
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