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How Much Does It Cost to Bleach Your Hair? (Prices, Salons, At-Home 2024)

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how much does it cost to bleach your hairCurious about the cost of bleaching your hair? Find out how much it costs to get your hair bleached at a salon or at-home, plus the cost of aftercare products and touch-ups.

Key Takeaways

  • The average cost of bleaching hair at a salon is $150-200.
  • Bleaching your hair at home can be more cost-effective, convenient, and give you more control over the process.
  • Before you bleach your hair, it is important to prepare your hair by growing out your natural hair color, deep conditioning your hair, avoiding heat styling, and not washing your hair before your appointment.
  • After you bleach your hair, it is important to take care of it by getting regular root touch-ups, using color-safe shampoo and conditioner, applying hair masks and deep conditioners, getting keratin treatments, changing up your usual hair care routine, using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, avoiding heat styling, and getting regular trims.

Cost of Bleaching Hair at a Salon

Cost of Bleaching Hair at a Salon
The average cost of hair bleaching at a salon is $150-200.

Factors affecting the cost include:

  • The length of your hair
  • Your natural hair color
  • The expertise of your stylist

Benefits of going to a salon include:

  • Getting the best possible results
  • Having your hair safely bleached by a professional
  • Getting aftercare tips and product recommendations

Benefits of Going to a Salon

Going to a salon for hair bleaching comes with a variety of benefits, including care advice, shade recommendations, and professional tools.

Here are three advantages of going to a salon for hair bleaching:

  1. You have better chances of getting the desired color as professionals have expertise in achieving specific shades.
  2. They ensure even application throughout your hair for consistent results.
  3. Salons provide aftercare tips and product recommendations to maintain the health and vibrancy of your newly bleached hair. Plus, if you don’t end up with a color you like, they offer solutions to correct it.

Benefits of Bleaching Your Hair at Home

Bleaching your hair at home can save you money upfront, but there are also risks involved.

By choosing to do it yourself, you have more control over the process and can avoid the higher costs of a salon.

However, it’s important to be cautious as improper application can lead to damage.

Consider your budget and ability before deciding whether DIY hair bleaching is right for you.

Cost of Hair Bleach

When bleaching your hair at a salon, the cost will depend on several factors.

  • Professional hair bleaching can range from $150 to $400.
  • Toning and coloring techniques can add an additional cost of $50 to $200.

Benefits of going to a salon include:

  • Expert application
  • Better chances of achieving desired color
  • Even application throughout the hair
  • Aftercare tips.

Types of bleach available include:

  • Powder bleach ($4-$35)
  • Creme bleach ($4-$25)
  • Bleaching kits ($9-$45).

Preparing Your Hair for Bleaching

Preparing Your Hair for Bleaching
To prepare your hair for bleaching, you should:

  • Grow out your natural hair color.
  • Deep condition your hair.
  • Pause on heat styling.
  • Don’t wash your hair before your appointment.

You should also budget for aftercare products, such as:

  • Root touch-ups
  • Color-safe shampoo and conditioner
  • Hair masks
  • Deep conditioners
  • Other at-home hair care products.

Growing Out Your Natural Hair Color

In addition to the cost of bleaching your hair at a salon, you should also consider the cost of preparing your hair for bleaching by growing out your natural hair color.

Time Required How to Care for Hair Benefits Risks
6-12 months Deep condition regularly Hair will be healthier and less likely to break Hair may become dull and lifeless

Deep Conditioning Your Hair

Deep conditioning your hair will help prepare it for the bleaching process by:

  • Moisturizing the hair shaft
  • Strengthening the hair
  • Preventing breakage
  • Reducing frizz
  • Boosting shine

Pausing on Heat Styling

After deep conditioning your hair, pause on heat styling to give your hair a break before it’s exposed to bleach. This will help protect your hair from damage and ensure that it gets the most out of the bleaching process.

Not Washing Your Hair Before the Appointment

Don’t wash your hair for 24-48 hours before your bleaching appointment to allow your scalp to produce natural oils, protecting it during the bleaching process. This helps maintain hair health, scalp protection, and prevents skin irritation while achieving desired hair color.

Budgeting for Aftercare Products

To ensure proper care for your bleached hair, budgeting for aftercare products is essential.

Root touch-ups, color-safe shampoo, hair masks, deep conditioners, and keratin treatments can cost anywhere from $6 to $400.

Time Required for the Bleaching Process

Time Required for the Bleaching Process
During the bleaching process, it’s important to consider the amount of time it takes for your hair to achieve the desired level of lightness.

The average time for a single bleach application is 1 hour to 3 hours, but you may need to do multiple applications if your hair is dark or thick.

It’s important to follow the directions on your bleach kit carefully and to not leave the bleach on your hair for longer than the recommended time.

If you leave the bleach on for too long, you could damage your hair.

Cost of Aftercare for Bleached Hair

Cost of Aftercare for Bleached Hair
After your hair has been bleached, you’ll need to invest in aftercare products to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.

  • Root touch-ups ($50-$75)
  • Color-safe shampoo and conditioner ($6-$50+)
  • Hair masks and deep conditioners ($10-$60+)
  • Keratin treatments ($200-$400)

You’ll also need to change up your usual hair care routine to accommodate your bleached hair.

  • Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
  • Avoiding heat styling
  • Getting regular trims

Cost of Maintaining Blonde Hair

Cost of Maintaining Blonde Hair
Aftercare can cost anywhere from $6 to $400 depending on what you’re willing to pay to care for your hair. You’ll likely need to change up your usual hair routine and invest in more products to maintain your color and moisturize your hair.

Your hair will be dry after bleaching and will need extra nourishment so that it looks and feels healthy.

Root touch-ups can cost between $50 and $75.

Color-safe shampoo and conditioner can cost between $6 and $50+.

Hair masks, deep conditioners, and other at-home hair care products can cost between $10 and $60+.

Keratin and other salon treatments can cost between $200 and $400.

Cost of Bleaching Hair for Men

Cost of Bleaching Hair for Men
How much does bleaching cost for men?

The cost of bleaching men’s hair is typically between $60 and $250+.

Shorter hair is easier to bleach, dye, and maintain, and almost anyone can go platinum blonde. However, if you have damaged hair, you should consult with a stylist about applying protective products before bleaching.

You can also prep your damaged hair for bleaching with at-home hair masks, oils, and other nourishing hair care products.

The shorter your hair, the quicker you’ll be able to switch up your look.

Bleaching Damaged Hair

Bleaching Damaged Hair
Consult with your stylist about applying protective products before bleaching damaged hair.

Here are 4 things to keep in mind when bleaching damaged hair:

  • Use a gentle bleach.
  • Use a low concentration of bleach.
  • Don’t leave the bleach on your hair for too long.
  • Use a deep conditioner after bleaching.

Bleaching the Tips of Your Hair

Bleaching the Tips of Your Hair
If you want to switch up your look without a ton of commitment, bleaching the tips of your hair is a fun option.

  • Time commitment: Bleaching the tips of your hair typically takes less time compared to full head bleach. The process can usually be completed within an hour or two, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
  • How long does it last: The longevity of bleached tips varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as how well you take care of your hair and how quickly it grows out. On average, you can expect the color in the tipped section to last for several weeks before needing touch-ups.
  • Maintenance cost: Maintaining bleached tip requires regular touch-ups as new growth appears at the roots. This means additional maintenance costs over time for root touch-ups at either a salon or doing them yourself at home.

Overall, there are both risks and benefits associated with this hairstyle choice:

Benefits:

  1. Fun way to experiment with different colors without fully committing.
  2. Adds dimension and visual interest.
  3. Easy style change by trimming off any colored ends if desired.

Risks:

  1. Potential damage due to bleach application.
  2. Possibility that desired color may not be achieved or may require multiple sessions.
  3. Regular maintenance required for upkeep.

Bleaching Your Hair White

Bleaching Your Hair White
Achieving a flawless white blonde means taking your hair to a pale yellow color, then toning it to naturalize the appearance of any remaining pigments before dying it white.

Here’s a table of the average cost of bleaching your hair white at a salon, the time it takes, and the risks involved:

Cost Time Risks
$150-200 1-3 hours Hair damage, scalp irritation, allergic reaction

Here are some tips for bleaching your hair white at home:

  • Do a strand test first to make sure your hair can handle the bleach.
  • Use a gentle bleach with a low volume developer.
  • Apply the bleach evenly and leave it on for the recommended amount of time.
  • Rinse the bleach out thoroughly and condition your hair.
  • Use a toner to neutralize any remaining pigments.
  • Keep your hair moisturized and protected with a good hair care routine.

Bleaching Hair at Home Vs. At a Salon

Bleaching Hair at Home Vs. At a Salon
Bleaching your hair at home can be disastrous and disappointing, but it can also save you a lot of money compared to going to a salon. The cost of bleaching your hair at home is between $54 to $290, while the cost of bleaching your hair at a salon is between $150 to $400.

However, there are some risks associated with bleaching your hair at home, such as damaging your hair and scalp, so it’s important to do your research and take precautions.

Here are some of the risks of bleaching your hair at home:

  • You could damage your hair and scalp. Bleaching your hair at home can strip your hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It can also irritate your scalp and cause inflammation.
  • You could end up with an uneven or patchy color. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to make mistakes when bleaching your hair at home. This can lead to an uneven or patchy color that you may not be happy with.
  • You could end up with a chemical burn. Bleach is a strong chemical, and if it’s not used properly, it can cause chemical burns on your scalp.

Here are some tips for bleaching your hair at home safely:

  • Do a patch test before you start. This will help you to check for any allergic reactions to the bleach.
  • Use a good quality bleach. Cheap bleaches can be harsh on your hair and scalp.
  • Follow the directions carefully. Bleaching your hair is a process, and it’s important to follow the directions carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
  • Use a deep conditioner after you’re done. This will help to repair your hair and scalp from the damage caused by the bleach.

If you’re not comfortable bleaching your hair at home, it’s best to go to a salon. A professional stylist will be able to bleach your hair safely and achieve the results you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What factors can affect the cost of bleaching hair at a salon?

The cost of bleaching hair at a salon can vary depending on:

  • The length of your hair
  • Your hair color
  • The stylist’s expertise

How long should you wait between bleachings?

You should wait at least 1 week between bleachings to allow your hair time to heal and repair itself from the damage caused by the bleach.

Why might your hair not take color after bleaching?

Your hair may not take color after bleaching because it needs time to heal.

You should wait at least 1 week after bleaching your hair before coloring it again.

Bleaching your hair at home can be a cost-effective way to achieve a new look, but it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before you decide to do it yourself.

Risks of bleaching your hair at home:

  • Damage to your hair. Bleaching can damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
  • Skin irritation. The chemicals in bleach can irritate your skin, causing redness, itching, and swelling.
  • Eye irritation. If bleach gets into your eyes, it can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
  • Allergic reaction. Some people can have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in bleach. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Benefits of bleaching your hair at home:

  • Cost-effectiveness. Bleaching your hair at home can be much cheaper than having it done at a salon.
  • Convenience. You can bleach your hair at home whenever you want, without having to make an appointment.
  • Control. When you bleach your hair at home, you have more control over the process. You can choose the strength of the bleach, the amount of time you leave it on, and the final color you want to achieve.

What are some tips for choosing a reputable hair stylist for bleaching hair?

When choosing a reputable hair stylist for bleaching,

  • Ask for recommendations from friends or family,
  • Research online reviews,
  • Visit the salon in person to gauge comfort and environment,
  • Ensure the stylist has experience with bleaching hair.

Conclusion

Bleaching your hair can be a big investment, but the cost of getting it done right is worth it. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can save money and get the results you want.

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Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Do your research. Before you bleach your hair, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Read up on the different types of bleaches and developer strengths, and find out what kind of results you can expect.
  • Choose the right products. Not all bleaches are created equal. Make sure you choose a product that is designed for your hair type and color.
  • Test a strand of hair first. This will help you determine how your hair will react to the bleach.
  • Start with a low developer strength. If you’re new to bleaching, it’s best to start with a low developer strength. This will help you avoid damaging your hair.
  • Apply the bleach evenly. Make sure to apply the bleach evenly to your hair. This will help you achieve a consistent color.
  • Process the bleach according to the directions. Don’t leave the bleach on your hair for longer than the directions say. This could damage your hair.
  • Rinse the bleach out thoroughly. Make sure to rinse the bleach out of your hair thoroughly. This will help remove any residue and prevent your hair from becoming dry and damaged.
  • Condition your hair. After you’ve rinsed the bleach out of your hair, apply a deep conditioner to help repair any damage.
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By following these tips, you can help ensure that you get the results you want without damaging your hair.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.