How To Repair Gummy Hair After Bleaching?
Dyeing hair can be a joyful and exciting experience. However, changing hair color also means causing significant damage to the hair. To prepare dark hair for a lighter shade, we typically use bleach. However, leaving the bleach on for too long can potentially break down the hair's structure, causing it to become sticky, gummy, and prone to breakage. So, what is gummy hair? Can gummy hair be repaired after bleaching? Keep reading to gain more valuable information.
What Is Hair Bleaching?
Hair bleaching is a process of lightening the natural color of the hair by using chemical products that break down the pigment of the hair shaft. The most common chemical used in hair bleaching is hydrogen peroxide, which contributes to breaking down the melanin in the hair.
During the bleaching process, hydrogen peroxide opens the hair cuticle and penetrates into the cortical layer where the melanin is located. As the melanin breaks down, the color of the hair lightens, which facilitates the new color to adhere to the hair more easily. However, if bleach is left on the hair for too long, it can damage the hair, causing it to become dry, gummy, and lifeless.
What Is Gummy Hair?
Gummy hair is a condition in which the hair feels sticky and mushy and has a gummy or elastic-like texture when wet. This is usually due to bleach breaking the protein bonds in the hair, causing it to become brittle and fragile. Gummy hair is a sign of significant damage and can result in hair breakage and further damage if not handled properly.
Why Is My Hair Become Gummy After Bleaching?
Usually, hair strands are smooth, this is because the cuticle stays closed and locks in moisture, thus are our hair healthy and alive. However, when you leave bleach in your hair for too long or bleach your hair too often, the bonds holding the hair shaft can break irreversibly. Also, the chemicals contained in bleach can remove proteins from your hair, causing it to become sticky, greasy, and lose its elasticity.
How To Repair Gummy Hair After Bleaching?
When you notice your hair becoming gummy, there is no need to fret and worry too much. Fortunately, it is not irreversible and there are ways to help you fix your gummy hair. Next, we will offer you some methods to repair gummy hair, so let's take a look at them.
1. Avoid over-washing hair
If your hair has become sticky and gummy, then the most important thing you need to do is to avoid washing your hair frequently. This is because the shampoos and conditioners you use to wash your hair can contain a lot of chemicals that can be harmful to your already damaged hair, making it even drier and weaker.
Therefore, you had better avoid washing your hair every day and just wash it 2-3 times a week. More importantly, you can choose some sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners so that you can avoid further damage to your hair.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Sticky hair is the result of damage to the outer layers of the hair. These layers serve to lock moisture in the protein-rich center.
Therefore, One of the keys to treating gummy hair is to replenish moisture in the hair, which can be accomplished through the use of conditioners. By conditioning your hair after every shampoo, you can help repair the damaged outer layers of your hair, resulting in improved moisture retention and reduced frizz and breakage.
3. Use essential oils for hair
Natural oils (coconut oil, castor oil, etc.) are valued for their moisturizing, nourishing, and protective properties. Therefore, when you find that your hair has become gummy, applying hair care essential oils is a wonderful choice, which can nourish your hair and make it get rid of gummy hair.
First, apply from root to tip, then massage your scalp with your fingertips in a circular motion, after which you can wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap for at least 30 minutes, and finally shampoo as usual.
4. Avoid heat styling tools
Frequent use of heat styling tools can lead to drier, more brittle, even split ends that can leave hair looking like straw.
Therefore, if you want to get rid of gummy hair, then you need to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, for example, flat irons, curling irons, etc., and let your hair rest for a while. But if you really can't avoid it, then you had better lower the temperature when using it. Additionally, it is very important to remember to use a heat protectant.
5. Hair trimming
Trimming your hair is the fastest and most effective way to help you get rid of sticky hair. When hair becomes sticky, it may not be easy to manage.
Therefore, you can trim your hair to make it more manageable. For example, you can start over completely by cutting off all the sticky hair. If you don't want to cut it that short, you must trim it regularly every 6 to 8 weeks. More importantly, regular trimming will prevent split ends and breakage and allow your hair to grow in a healthy way.
6. Seek professional help
If you have tried all of the above and nothing works at all, then the best thing to do is to go to a salon and seek professional help. Express your request to the stylist and they will put you in touch with the professional who knows best how to fix gummy hair. They may be able to perform keratin treatment or trim your hair, among other things, which can help you repair gummy hair.
Conclusion
After reading this article, have you mastered these remedies for gummy hair? Go ahead and try them out. In addition, if you have other ways to repair gummy and sticky hair, you are more than welcome to share them in the comment section. Of course, if you want to learn more about hair care or wigs, you can click UNice Blog.
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