Can You Bleach Wet Hair?

Three words nobody wants to hear from their hairdresser - dull, flat and damaged.

And if you’ve taken the peroxide path to get lighter hair or your favorite hair color, you might have to hear it.

But the rules for bleaching hair are changing which has got many women thinking, can you bleach wet hair? What happens if you bleach freshly washed hair?

Let’s find out.

Can You Bleach Wet Hair?

The bleaching process is the only way to get hair bleaching results that last. But the fashion world is changing fast and there are new ways to bleach your hair for fabulous results.

And if you’re wondering, can you bleach damp hair? The simple answer is that you can bleach wet or damp hair.

But that does not mean you go around bleaching wet hair as and when you please.

In fact, wet bleaching brings weaker results than applying bleach on dry hair. The moisture in your wet hair acts as a barrier for the pigments to seep through.

Bleaching wet hair can also lead to hair damage. So, while bleaching damp hair hair is an option, there is still more to the story.

Should I Wash My Hair Before Bleaching It?

If you want a straightforward answer, then no it’s not recommended to dye wet hair. You should avoid washing your hair before you go through the bleaching process.

If you apply bleach on dry hair, you can get a stronger effect than bleaching damp hair.

Bleaching wet hair leads to damage because washing your hair removes natural oils from your hair strands which can lead to scalp irritation, hair breakage and damage.

And if you’re wondering, is bleaching wet hair harder? Than yes, it is. So if you need to bleach damp hair, it is suggested that you visit a salon or trained colorist to run the bleaching process.

Should I Bleach My Hair Wet or Dry?

It’s quite possible that you’re still wondering about bleaching hair that is wet or dry. The answer to this also depends on the hair color that you’re expecting from bleached hair.

If you add a bleaching agent to hair that is wet, you will not be able to get a strong change in color. Water dilutes bleaching power.

Let’s say if you want to go from raven black hair to blonde, you’ll need to pat your hair dry before you apply the bleach mixture or bleaching solution.

For a subtle lightening effect, though, it’s best to use the bleaching mixture on wet strands of hair. This will help you get a subtle color change.

Up next, we discuss when you should bleach hair that is wet in more detail. This will help you understand better if when you can bleach your hair that is wet.

When Should You Bleach Wet Hair?

Yes, it’s not common in the beauty world to use a bleaching agent on a wet scalp. But there are a few reasons for bleaching hair that is damp.

Reasons To Bleach Wet Hair

To Lighten Your Hair Faster

If you want to get a lighter shade of hair quickly, a quick rinse or wash before bleaching your hair is the way to go. You can get professional help for this too.

To Get a Subtle Color Change

Bleaching your hair that is damp is recommended for a slight change in color.

Let’s say, for a color that is a subtle definition of chocolate, you can use bleach on your hair and wet hair extensions (for more volume).

Bleach washing is also a technique for a quick color correction.

To Try Wet Balayage

When it comes to human hair, the options for creating fabulous looks are endless.

Wet balayage is one hair coloring technique that gives a natural and subtle pop of dimension to your hair and brightens your ends.

Using a water bottle, you can dampen your ends before the application of bleaching agents.

To Brighten Your Blonde

If you want to amplify the blonde color of your hair, using bleach on damp and clean hair can definitely help. You don’t necessarily have to use more bleach, this chemical process works fine on wet hair too.

How Long to Leave Bleach on Wet Hair?

The amount of time you need to keep bleach on your wet hair depends on the shade you’re going for.

For example, if you want to dye your hair a platinum blonde that you need more than just a few minutes.

It’s recommended to then leave it on for atleast 30 minutes. For a more subtle change in color, 15 minutes of bleach should be okay.

You can also cover your scalp with a shower cap while waiting.

But don’t forget, exposing your scalp’s skin to bleach can lead to serious damage so avoid leaving it on for a long time.

To Sum it Up

To keep things simple, yes it’s possible to use bleach on wet hair.

In fact, there are a few reasons where you can apply it on hair that is wet like wet balayage, brightening up your blonde shade and for a subtle change in color.

But exposing bleaching agents to wet hair can lead to damaged hair. In order to restore moisture, it’s recommended to opt for deep conditioning treatments.

For more hydration, invest in premium hair products or hair care formulated for processed hair.

In fact, it’s probably a great idea to opt for protein treatments in the weeks leading to the bleaching!

FAQ

Can You Put Bleach on Wet Hair?

Yes you can apply bleach to wet hair. But remember that using it on wet hair will not give you a color lift as strong as bleaching hair tha is dry.

Is It Better to Bleach Dirty Hair?

It is better to bleach hair that is dirty or greasy. In a greasy hair condition, your hair’s natural oils act as a protective barrier to prevent your hair from damage.