Bleached hair is a full-time commitment, but when you take care of it right, it’s worth it. That platinum blonde, icy ash, or golden honey shade? It’s a statement. It’s a vibe. But let’s be real—without the right care, it can turn into a brittle, dry, breakage-prone disaster real fast.
I started bleaching my hair back in 2020 (because, like many of us, I had way too much time on my hands during lockdown). Of course, I grabbed a box dye, went blonde (or at least I thought I did), and ended up with a brassy, ginger mess. Lesson learned: Box dye is forever. It creates permanent layers of color buildup that can make future bleaching nearly impossible (cue my stylist’s horrified face when I finally went to a salon).
Since then, I’ve been through trial, error, and many near-breakdowns to figure out what actually works for keeping bleached hair healthy, strong, and silky. So, if you’re part of the bleached hair club, here’s the ultimate guide to keeping your hair gorgeous without it feeling like straw.
The Right Shampoo & Conditioner Game Plan
Bleached hair isn’t like regular hair—it’s fragile and requires balance. That’s why alternating your shampoos and conditioners is key. Protein-based shampoos, like Olaplex No.4, help rebuild and strengthen damaged strands, but too much protein can make your hair feel stiff and brittle. On the other hand, hydrating shampoos, like Maui Moisture or Pureology Hydrate, keep your hair soft and manageable. The secret? Switch between the two every other wash to maintain the perfect balance of strength and hydration.
Purple shampoo is a lifesaver for keeping brassiness away, but it’s also incredibly drying. Using it more than once every two weeks can strip your hair of moisture, leaving it dull and lifeless. When you do use it, always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore hydration.
Hydration is the Holy Grail of Bleached Hair
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: moisture is EVERYTHING. Bleached hair craves hydration, and if you don’t give it what it needs, it will rebel—think split ends, breakage, and that dreaded straw-like texture.
To keep your hair feeling silky and soft, use a deep conditioning mask every time you wash your hair. Any brand will do, as long as you’re consistent. In addition to that, I swear by Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner—it’s been a staple in my routine for 10 years, and I even got my sister hooked on it. It makes your hair feel instantly smoother and healthier when used between shampoo and conditioner.
Another non-negotiable step? Leave-in conditioner. Every. Single. Time. You. Shower. Applying leave-in conditioner while your hair is damp helps lock in moisture and makes detangling easier. Start brushing from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage. My favorites are Eva Nyc Split End Mender and Olaplex No. 6!
Heat Protection & Sealing the Deal
Bleached hair is already vulnerable, so if you’re heat styling or exposing it to the elements, you need to protect it at all costs. A good heat protectant is non-negotiable—if you’re using any kind of hot tools, this is a must. Skipping it is an instant recipe for damage, and trust me, once the breakage starts, it’s game over.
Hair oil is another essential step in your routine. I personally love the Gisou Hair Oil because it smells amazing and is a clean brand, but any lightweight oil will help keep your hair soft and frizz-free. Apply a few drops daily to your ends and flyaways to keep everything looking sleek.
For deeper nourishment, oiling your scalp and ends once a week is a game-changer. Think of it as a spa treatment for your hair—it restores moisture, adds shine, and helps with hair growth.
Extra Treatments for Long-Term Strength & Shine
If you want long-term healthy bleached hair, you need to go beyond the basics. Rice water rinses once a week can strengthen your strands and promote growth while giving your hair an insane level of shine. All you have to do is place 2 cups of rice into a bowl of water for up to 24 hours room temperature, strain the rice water, and soak your hair in it! Also a weekly deep conditioning mask or hot oil treatment will also help prevent breakage and keep your blonde looking fresh.
If your hair is feeling extra damaged, incorporating Olaplex No.3 into your routine once a week can help rebuild broken bonds and bring it back to life. It’s one of those treatments that actually works and makes a noticeable difference.
The Bleach Blonde Doll’s Routine
Bleaching your hair isn’t just a beauty choice—it’s a lifestyle. If you’re going to commit to the platinum life, you have to treat your hair like gold.
- Hydration is key—deep condition, leave-in, and oil your ends daily
- Alternate between protein & moisture shampoos to keep balance
- Use purple shampoo sparingly—every two weeks max
- NEVER heat style without protectant
- Weekly treatments (rice water, deep conditioning, oiling) keep hair strong & silky
Stick to this routine, and you’ll keep your bleached hair looking healthy, shiny, and gorgeous for years—without the heartbreak of breakage.
Until next time, bleach responsibly!
