A bleach bath is a great way to lighten hair that shouldn’t be exposed to the damaging power of regular bleach and peroxide. Instead of using all of those harsh ingredients, an individual can add shampoo to the mixture and bleach wet hair instead of dry, lessening their caustic power. However, it’s important to choose the right ingredients when crafting the perfect bleach bath and to remember to do some aftercare to keep hair healthy and strong. With this in mind, below are our top picks for bleach, a developer, shampoo, and some after care.
- Hair Bleach
- Hair Developer
- Shampoo
- Hair Aftercare
After examining several different varieties of these four essentials, we have compiled a series of reviews of the greatest products. Read on to discover the best ones!
Table of Contents
Hair Bleach
Bleach is one of the most significant elements needed to lighten hair because it is caustic and contains peroxide, which opens the protection around the hair and allows the chemicals to lift the pigment that creates color. When using bleach in a bleach bath for hair, the bleach itself will typically be powdered so it is easily mixed with a developer and shampoo. Remember to find a version that is dust free, as this means it is more clumpy and there won’t be dust from the bleach in the air, which can unfortunately be inhaled.
When looking at the best hair bleach, there were two products which stood out the most. But which is the best?
L’Oreal Quick Blue Powder Bleach
Specs
- Contains 453.6 Grams
- Weighs 1 lb.
Pros
The L’Oreal Quick Blue Powder Bleach is a powerful bleach designed to lighten hair a maximum of seven levels, which is enough to take someone with black hair to a dark blonde. This container includes enough bleach to use multiple times, making it great for someone who lightens their hair often. The formula is dust free despite being a powder and strives to be gentle yet effective.
Cons
Because this is a strong bleach, it can strip hair and damage it. All users should read the instructions clearly and avoid deviations to prevent damage and skin burns. A cream developer is also needed to use the bleach, and so are other products like gloves.
Manic Panic Flash Lightning Bleach 30 Volume Box Kit
Specs
- Contains 1.34 oz.
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.2 in.
Pros
The Manic Panic Flash Lightning Bleach 30 Volume Box Kit distinguishes itself by not just being a tub of bleach. This particular kit includes enough bleach for one person, a tint brush, gloves, a hair cap, and a cream developer. There are easy to follow instructions which makes the process of bleaching simple for amateurs and experts alike.
This bleach acts quickly and is capable of lightening hair up to seven levels, taking someone from black hair to dark blonde with relative ease. The product is designed to be as gentle as possible while still being effective to prevent too much damage to the hair.
Cons
Bleach is dangerous, and it can strip and damage hair or burn skin. Users need to read all the instructions to avoid such problems. In general, the Manic Panic Flash Lightning Bleach 30 Volume Box Kit does not have a lot of bleach, and those with long hair will need to get another kit.
The Verdict – Best Hair Bleach for a Bleach Bath
While both of these products will get the job done, the best one is the Manic Panic Flash Lightning Bleach 30 Volume Box Kit because it includes the developer and some of the supplies you need to lighten your hair. It can also lighten hair up to seven levels and is quick and easy to use.
Hair Developers
A hair developer is a product that contains peroxide and other necessary ingredients required to make bleach and hair dye work effectively. It often comes in a cream format. The number in the name of the developer refers to what percentage of peroxide is included in the formula. For a bleach bath, the best developers will have 20 volume, or 20% peroxide.
- L’Oreal Oreor 20-Volume Creme Developer
- Clairol Professional Soy4plex Pure White Creme Hair Color Developer
L’Oreal Oreor 20-Volume Creme Developer
Specs
- Contains 16 Fluid Oz.
Pros
The L’Oreal Oreor 20-Volume Creme Developer is a luxurious formula designed to add moisture to hair while helping dye adhere to hair after bleaching. This product is simple and easy to use and mixes well with dyes without clumping or making lumps. It applies smoothly to the hair and strives to be gentle on hair while still being effective.
The L’Oreal Oreor 20-Volume Creme Developer mixes well with toners and dyes and is one of the few developers that is of medium strength. There is enough formula in the container to do the hair of multiple people several times.
Cons
Because this is a 20 volume developer, it’s not as strong as some of the others on the market.
Clairol Soy4plex Pure White Creme Hair Color Developer
Specs
- Contains 8 Fluid Oz.
- Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.5 x 3.5 in.
Pros
The Clairol Soy4plex Pure White Creme Hair Color Developer is a gentle and protective developer designed to condition the hair while also providing lift in colors. It is an activator while still providing enough moisture and nutrients to keep hair healthy during a bleach bath.
This Clairol developer is ranked as a 20-volume developer, meaning it is of medium strength. It mixes well with toners and dyes and contains enough formula in a single bottle to be used multiple times.
Unlike some developers, this one is pleasant smelling to help counteract the harshness of the bleach.
Cons
This is a 20 volume developer and is not as strong as others on the market so it might not work well for individuals trying to go from black hair to blonde.
The Verdict – Best Developer for a Bleach Bath
Out of these options, the best developer for a bleach bath is the Clairol Soy4plex Pure White Creme Hair Color Developer because there is enough for multiple uses, it is highly conditioning, and it smells great. It can also counteract some of the caustic nature of the bleach and mixes well, which is important for any effective bleach bath.
Shampoo for a Bleach Bath
Shampoo is a crucial ingredient in any bleach bath because it reduces the stringent nature of the bleach, which means hair isn’t exposed to as many harsh chemicals. A good shampoo for a bleach bath will be one that includes conditioning properties to ensure hair doesn’t dry out too much during the process.
After a thorough review, two varieties stood out. But which is the best one?
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
Specs
- Contains 10.1 Fluid Oz.
- Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.8 x 8.1 in.
Pros
The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is one of the most popular to use in bleach baths because it is cleansing and conditioning. The soft formula works well with the more caustic elements like bleach, meaning it can help reduce the damage done to hair during the process.
Because this shampoo is clarifying, it also removes buildup and hard water mineral deposits from the hair. This means the strands can infuse more of the bleach, helping improve the lightening process during the bleach bath. An individual’s hair will definitely feel healthy and clean afterwards.
Of course, another nice feature about buying shampoo is there is always enough for multiple uses, so users can wash and moisturize their hair multiple times.
Unlike the other products in a bleach bath, this product smells like pleasant, fresh grapefruit.
Cons
Because this is a clarifying shampoo, it strips away oil, so people with really dry hair should be careful to avoid too much mineral removal.
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
Specs
- Contains 6 Fluid Oz.
- Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 3.6 x 5.8 in.
Pros
The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo is another clarifying formula that removes hard water and mineral buildup from roots. It can also strip away leftover hair products like hairsprays, gels, and other chemicals that remain in the hair.
This product mixes well with bleach and the developer and leaves a fresh, clean scent. It is not too harsh on hair and can actually help soften and moisturize the strands.
This shampoo provides a great layer of protection from the bleach, which is great for individuals with sensitive hair.
There is enough in a single bottle for multiple uses.
Cons
This shampoo can strip away too much oil, which is bad for individuals with really dry or damaged hair. It also doesn’t contain a lot of product per bottle.
The Verdict – Best Shampoo for a Bleach Bath
The Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is our top pick for a bleach bath shampoo because it eliminates mineral buildup while still being gentle on the hair and scalp. It also smells amazing and can help cut down on the harshness of bleach through its grapefruit scent and conditioning properties. To make the situation even better, the purifying nature of the formula prevents buildup from the bleach and developer from getting trapped in the hair, leaving it healthy and shiny.
After Bleach Bath Care Products
The final ingredient to use after a bleach bath is something to do aftercare for the hair. Bleach and developer can be harsh on the hair, leaving it dry and often feeling like straw. To fix this problem, it’s best to use a mask and deep conditioner that puts moisture back into the hair. A variety with some extra vitamins and oils can never go wrong.
But what is the best type of conditioner to use?
Vitamins Keratin Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner
Specs
- Contains 8.5 Fluid Oz.
Pros
The Vitamins Keratin Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner can be applied after a bleach bath to help hair retain some of its health, shine, and moisture. It is paraben and sulfate free while containing moisturizing and rejuvenating materials like keratin, vitamin E, and argan oil.
This restorative cream is designed to work on all hair types and should be applied to damp hair following a shower. It can then be left for 5-10 minutes and rinsed out for full effectiveness.
This product is great on damaged hair, smells amazing, and works on thin and thick hair alike. It is safe for color treated hair as well, which is a major concern for anyone who has bleached their hair multiple times.
Cons
The smell can be very overpowering, which is the last thing anyone who has just bleached their hair wants to tax their nostrils with.
Rescue My Hair Mask
Specs
- Contains 10.5 Fluid Oz.
Pros
The Rescue My Hair Mask is a powerful, moisturizing, and nutritious mask that can be applied to hair after a bleach bath. It contains numerous vitamins and minerals to help hair become healthy, strong, and shiny, including Moroccan argan oil and sunflower oil. It is also paraben and sulfate free for individuals who try to avoid using those byproducts.
The purpose of this mask is to treat dry and damaged hair while reducing frizz and helping strands heal. It comes in a cream formula that can be taken directly from the jar and applied to damp hair after showering. It should be rinsed out after 5-10 minutes for the best results.
The Rescue My Hair Mask is ideal for most hair types, including thin, thick, fine, and curly. There is enough in a single container for multiple uses, and the formula is also safe for color-treated hair. These aspects are great for individuals who have bleached their hair multiple times and worry about the health of their strands.
Cons
Some people find the scent to be a bit offensive since it smells more clean than fragrant.
The Verdict – Best After Bleach Bath Hair Care Product
After examining the available aftercare products for a bleach bath, the best one is the Rescue My Hair Mask because it is simple, easy to use, and includes a more luxurious, moisturizing formula than other options. All of these features are important for someone right after a bleach bath, who no doubt wants to relax and enjoy their new hair. It also smells pretty great for someone who prefers older, softer soap smells over heavy fragrances.
What to Do Next
The hair is the crown of your head, and sometimes you want it to be brighter and golder to demonstrate your regality. Whatever the case may be, you now know how to do a perfect bleach bath on your own and the best way to do aftercare. If you would like more guides or product reviews like this, don’t miss our complete guide to hair color. We regularly post tips and tricks to perfect hair care routines.
