You can probably guess by the name alone that bleaching can be pretty damaging on hair. And if you’ve ever bleached your hair, you will likely know that your hair probably did not feel quite the same as before the process. But many people ask if bleaching hair can cause permanent hair loss. Fortunately for those who love to have lighter locks, bleaching will not cause permanent hair loss but may cause long-term damage to the hair. Here, we explain what you should know about bleaching and the likely causes of hair loss.
What Is Involved in Bleaching Hair?
Bleaching is the most damaging form of hair coloring because of how it works. Most hair bleach mixtures use a combination of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. When combined and applied to the hair, these two agents raise the outer cuticle of the hair so they can reach the inside where pigment molecules reside. Essentially, the natural pigment molecules in your hair get washed out, leaving you with lighter hair.
As you can imagine, breaking the outer protective layer of the hair exposes the hair shaft to a lot of damage. Not only are pigment molecules destabilized, but fatty acids are also lost. Fatty acids help give hair its strength and texture, so when those are lost, it can leave hair limp and fine. Additionally, without that protective cuticle layer, hair can quickly lose its natural moisture and become fine and breakable.
Bleach and Hair Loss
If you have had your hair bleached or know someone who has, you may have heard that their hair seemed thinner after the treatment. There are a few reasons why this may happen. Firstly, bleached hair is thinner in general because, again, it has lost those fatty acids that give it structure and strength. Secondly, some people experience temporary hair loss after bleaching, especially if their scalp gets harmed in the process.
Consider that when you bleach your hair, it indeed goes on your skin as well and into your hair follicles, which can cause inflammation and irritation. If you have any hair loss caused by bleach, it will only be temporary and will last only as long as you continue treatment. Most people find that once they stop bleaching their hair, their natural hair grows back as thick and healthy as it was prior to bleaching.
So, What Causes Hair Loss?
If you have hair loss and are bleaching your hair, the first thing you should do is stop bleaching it. Until you allow your hair to start to grow back naturally, you will have no idea if your hair loss is temporary or permanent. If you let your natural hair grow back for some time and it is obvious that it is not as thick or uniformly distributed across your head, you need to start considering other causes.
The most common culprit of permanent hair loss is androgenic alopecia, a genetic condition behind the infamous male pattern hair loss. Women can experience hair loss from androgenic alopecia as well, and it can be challenging to treat in both sexes. Fortunately, there are topical solutions for both men and women that can help regrow hair, and for men, there is an option of taking an oral medication.
Other less likely causes of permanent hair loss may be the result of autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata and other inflammatory conditions.
How To Recover Your Hair After Bleaching
If you have some hair loss, you will know that it is imperative to stop bleaching and allow your hair to return to its natural pigment. The waiting game can be tough, but there are certain things you can use to help speed up your hair’s recovery.
Firstly, make sure you use a shampoo and conditioner that helps repair damaged hair. Often, products that line the supermarket shelves are laden with ingredients that don’t exactly improve your scalp or hair. You will want to look for products that are dermatologist tested and approved. The NIA Advanced Restructuring system is ideal for damaged hair as it is proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all hair types. What is more, it is also safe on color-treated hair.
Secondly, it helps to take a hair supplement to support healthy growth. The REVITA Nutraceutical Tablets for Hair Growth Support contains all of the necessary ingredients to encourage healthy hair growth. Taking a daily supplement coupled with a healthy diet and plenty of hydration can help your hair recover from the damaging effects of bleach.