Having bleached dreads is like the coolest combo, no?
However, bleaching your dreads can be tricky. Since the chemicals can go wrong if you slip a bit. From ingredient ratio to perfect timing, you need to be careful. My first best recommendation is to do a patch test before doing this in the full head. THIS IS IMPORTANT! You’ll know how bleach is reacting to your dreads.
Well, once you get done correctly you can rock the streets. This guide will show you the legit way of bleaching your dreads and how you can get the best results.
Before You Dye Your Locs: What You Need to Know
Dyeing your dreads isn’t a joke, you need to be very careful because you can easily damage your hair. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ll go as far as saying If your locs are already damaged, it’s best to avoid dyeing them altogether. But If you’re a certified spark plug and you have your sight set on dyeing your locs no matter what, then here are some things you need to keep in mind.
1. Do A Strand Test First
This is seriously important!
You need to do a strand test before you dye your whole head!
Why you might ask? Because you never know how your locs will react to the bleach or dye. You don’t want to look like half-cocked baloney, now do you?
So, it is best to do a strand test. This isn’t so hard. All you have to do is take a small section of clean, dry hair and apply the bleach or dye to it. Wait for the recommended amount of time, then rinse it out and see how your hair looks and feels.
2. Choose The Right Products
Right, moving on…
If you’re using bleach, make sure you get a dust-free bleach powder and an activator lotion or cream peroxide.
I know I’m saying this all the time but trust me on this! This part is important as well because just one small screw-up can result in some seriously damaged locks.
So what I recommend is going for a natural hair dye because it will be less damaging to your hair and it’s actually quite easy to do at home. You can find some great recipes online, or you can buy a natural hair dye kit from a health food store. You’ll also need a non-metallic bowl and a tint brush to apply the bleach.
3. Follow The Instructions From A To Z
Mark my words, one wrong move and you’ll be sorry.
So make sure to follow the instructions on the hair dye box. This is especially important when bleaching your dreads because if you leave the bleach in for too long, it will damage your hair.
So start by mixing the bleach according to the instructions and then apply it evenly to your dreads but be careful not to overdo it if you don’t want any drips or leaks.
4. Go To A Professional
This is probably the best piece of advice I can give you. If you’ve never dyed your hair before, or if you’re not confident in your abilities, then please please please go to a professional! It’s better to be safe than sorry. A professional will know how to properly bleach your dreads without damaging them.
Dyeing Your Dreadlocks!
Now that I pretty much scared you about what not to do, let me tell you how you can actually go about dyeing your dreads the right way.
1. Cleaning Your Locs
The first thing you want to do is make sure your dreads are clean. I would recommend washing them with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any build-up.
Once they’re clean, you’ll want to let them air dry completely. You can also use a blow dryer on a cool setting to speed up the process.
2. Sectioning Your Hair
The next thing you’ll want to do is section your locs. This will make it easier to apply the bleach evenly. I would recommend using small sections, no more than 2 to 3 dreads. This should be easy enough to do with your fingers but if you want to be extra careful.
3. Applying The Bleach
Now it’s time to apply the bleach. I would recommend using a brush to get an even application. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid getting the bleach on your skin. You’ll want to start in the back and work your way forward.
Once you’ve applied the bleach to all of your dreads, let it sit for about 30 minutes. But keep an eye on it, because you don’t want the bleach to sit for too long or it will damage your hair. You can watch everything in this video from Gunther Da Great
4. Rinsing Out The Bleach
After the allotted time has passed, it’s time to rinse out the bleach. I would recommend using cold water to avoid damaging your locs.
Once you’ve rinsed out all of the bleach, you can shampoo your locs as usual.
According to Kerry E. Yates, founder of Color Collective and trichologist in training.: “Bleach has an incredibly high pH, upwards of 11–12. This high pH can literally blow up the hair if used incorrectly”
5. Dyeing Your Dreads
Now that your dreads are bleached, you can dye them any color you want!
I would recommend using a semi-permanent or temporary hair color so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your hair further.
Simply apply the dye according to the instructions on the package, and you’ll be all set!
What To Do After Dyeing Your Dreadlocks!
If you ask me ill tell you this is the most underrated part of the whole process. No matter how good your bleaching job was or how nice your color came out if you don’t properly take care of your hair after dyeing it, all of your hard work will be for nothing.
1. Condition Your Locs
So the first thing you gotta do is use a good deep conditioner. I’m talking about a conditioner that’s specifically designed to moisturize and repair damaged locs. You can find these at just about any beauty supply store, or even online.
Deep condition your locs for at least 30 minutes, then rinse out thoroughly with cool water. Doing this will help to replenish moisture back into your hair and make it more manageable
2. Trim Your Locs
If your locs are looking a little bit damaged after bleaching them, then it’s probably a good idea to trim them. Just get rid of any split ends or damaged sections of hair. This will help to make your locs look healthier and more manageable. This is explained perfectly in the TheMunchBowl YouTube video
3. Avoid Heat Styling
If you want your locs to stay healthy, then you should avoid heat styling them. This includes using hot tools such as curling irons and flat irons. The heat can damage your locs and make them look unhealthy. If you absolutely must heat style your locs, then be sure to use a heat-protectant product beforehand.
4. Use Protective Styles
When you’re not wearing your locs down, it’s important to use protective styles. This will help to keep your locs from being damaged by friction and will also help to keep them moisturized. Some great protective styles for locs include braids, twists, and buns.
5. Moisturize Your Locs
Last but not least, be sure to moisturize your locs on a regular basis. This will help to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. There are a variety of different products that you can use to moisturize your locs, such as leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams. Just be sure not to use too much, as this can lead to buildup.
How Often You Should Dye Your Dreadlocks
How often you should dye your dreadlocks depends on a few factors, such as the health of your locs and the type of dye that you use. If you use a semi-permanent or temporary dye, then you can dye your locs as often as you like.
According to the owner of pinup studio Kristina:
“I’ve done it 4 times to my own hair. I would not recommend more than that.”
However, if you use a permanent dye, then it’s best to wait at least 6 weeks in between each coloring session. This will help to prevent your locs from becoming damaged. If you are a bit impatient, then you can always try Highlights instead!
One thing is for sure when you do decide to dye your dreadlocks, have fun with it and be creative! There are so many different colors that you can choose from, so feel free to experiment.
Just be sure to take care of your locs and they will stay healthy and look great!
Some Don’ts Of Dying Your Dreads:
1. Avoid Semi-Permanent Or Demi-Permanent Dye
Here is something interesting: don’t use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye on your dreads. These types of dyes contain chemicals that can damage your locs.
2. Don’t Use Anything That Has Ammonia
If you want to be extra careful don’t use ammonia on your dreads. These products will strip the natural oils from your hair and can cause you’re locs to become dry and brittle.
3. Avoid Hot Water
This is a major one. don’t use hot water to rinse out your dye. Hot water can damage your dreads and cause them to become frizzy. Another thing to avoid is using a hairdryer on your dreads. The heat from the hair dryer can damage your locs.
4. Be Careful When Applying Dye
When you are ready to dye your dreads be very careful when applying the dye. Make sure that you don’t get any on your skin or clothes.
5. Conditioner Is Your Best Friend
Well if you’re like me then don’t forget to use a good conditioner after you dye your dreads. This will help to keep them soft and healthy looking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can dread to be bleached?
Yes, dreads can be bleached. However, it is important to be very careful when bleaching your dreads. You should always consult a professional before bleaching your dreads.
What happens when you bleach your dreads?
When you bleach your dreads, the hair will become lighter in color. Bleaching can also damage your dreads, so it is important to be very careful when bleaching your dreads. After bleaching, you can dye your dreads any color you want.
Does bleaching damage locs?
Yes, bleaching can damage your locs. It is important to be very careful when bleaching your dreads. You should always consult a professional before bleaching your dreads.
How do you treat bleached dreads?
You can use a variety of products to help treat your bleached locs. Some products that may help include:
1. Coconut oil
2. Shea butter
3. Jojoba oil
4. Argan oil
How many times can you bleach dreads?
You can bleach your dreads multiple times, but it is important to note that each time you bleach your locs they will become weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
Bleaching your dreads can be a great way to change up your look. However, it is important to be very careful when bleaching your locs as it can cause damage. Be sure to consult a professional and use products to help treat your locs after bleaching. So, are you going to bleach your dreads? Please share your experience with us.
