3, 2, 1..

Hit the switch.

i will follow you into the dark

Impending Doom

maybe it's the hair.

How to bleach your own hair.

I always dye my own hair. And I used to do this quite often. Sometimes I even colored my hair every week, at least every month. It was out of control. After many failed attempts to bleach my hair, I finally found a good way to make my hair a light ash, non-brassy blonde. Anyway here's a little guide:

I use:
-6% (20 vol) creme peroxide developer by Showtime system for hair
-the blue bleaching powder also by Showtime system for hair
-L'Oréal Casting Creme Gloss, Light Iced Blonde 1010
-Latex gloves (this stuff hurts like a b if it's too long on your skin)
-Mixing bowl
-Conditioner

Intro>
For the first time bleaching you need to get through various stages of orange before you reach the pale yellow we're looking for. Never only use peroxide to bleach your hair light blonde, it will always be a brassy and harsh color. You will need to bleach your hair until it will be a light yellow, so you can tone the brassiness.


Step 1.
Mix the developer and powder 1:1 to make a nice even mixture. I use 6%(20 vol).
30% and 40% work faster, but also bring more damage to your hair.

Warning: If you try to take your hair from dark to a pale blonde in one day, expect it to be totally fried. Do not bleach your hair more than once a day. After one bleaching session wait preferrably a few days to let your hair become a bit greasy and to give it a rest. Also treat your hair with nice conditioners :)



Step 2.
It's easiest to divide the hair in different parts and put the bleach on seperately. Divide the bleach of the lengths of your hair first. When you are finished with this, put the bleach also on your roots. Then wait around maximum 45 minutes and let the bleach do it's work. This may hurt and sting your scalp. Rinse well + condition :)

Step 3.
Your hair might now be a hideous yellow. But fear not, this will change.
If your hair is still between the orange/yellow stage (above), repeat Step 2.

Step 4.
Now your hair will be a pale yellow. Use the L'Oréal Casting Creme Gloss and divide it over hair. Be carefull to not to put it on the ends first, as it may turn them grey. Leave in as described in the manual. Rinse.

Step 5. Behold! your platinum blonde hair. Use minimal heat on your hair for the next month. Your hair will be very dry and will break off a little bit. Be very nice to it and do not wash it every day as this will make it even dryer. Your hair will recover in time.





*On a side note; I am not in any way responsible for any hair disasters, using this guide is your own responsibility. It is the way I do my hair, it works for me.

oh, devendra.

pictures by neil krug.