We’ve all been there: the dreamy Pinterest blonde you showed your colourist looked effortless — until you washed your hair at home and it felt like straw.

Bleach opens up the cuticle layer of your hair to remove pigment. That’s chemistry. And while the results can be stunning, the aftermath isn’t always so glamorous. Frizz, breakage, tangles, dullness — your hair’s SOS signs are loud and clear.

But don’t panic. You don’t have to chop it all off or go full buzzcut (unless you want to — power move). There are ways to restore strength, shine, and softness — even to bleached-blonde strands that feel a little... broken.

Here’s what top London stylists recommend when your hair’s gone through the bleach wringer.

1. Start With a Bond-Building Treatment (Not Just Conditioner)

Traditional conditioners coat the hair, which helps — but bond-building formulas like Olaplex, K18, or Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix go deeper, actually reconnecting broken disulfide bonds inside the strand.

Use once or twice a week for real structural repair, not just surface shine.

Olaplex No.3 is a cult classic for a reason. Apply to damp hair before shampooing, leave for 10–30 minutes, and rinse. You’ll start to feel a difference after a few uses.

2. Avoid Shampooing More Than Twice a Week

Yes, even if your scalp gets oily. Overwashing strips already fragile strands of their protective oils, making them more vulnerable. Try co-washing (cleansing conditioner) or a gentle sulphate-free shampoo if needed midweek.

Dry shampoo is your friend — just make sure it’s not loaded with alcohols or aggressive starches.

3. Invest in a Silk Pillowcase

You might roll your eyes — but hear us out. Cotton pillowcases pull on delicate bleached strands while you sleep, causing micro-damage. Silk or satin helps your hair glide smoothly and reduces tangling overnight.

Plus, it’s better for your skin. Bonus.

4. Air Dry Strategically

Letting your hair air dry completely can leave it frizzy and puffy — but blasting it with heat is worse. Towel-dry gently, then use a microfibre turban or cotton T-shirt. Apply a leave-in treatment (like the Pureology Color Fanatic Spray) and let it dry 70% naturally before finishing with cool airflow from your dryer.

Avoid brushing wet bleached hair. Always detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb from the bottom up.

5. Cut Just the Ends — Regularly

You don’t need a full chop, but even healthy hair splits at the ends — and damaged hair does it faster. Trimming half an inch every 6–8 weeks helps you avoid bigger breaks further up the shaft.

“If your ends are see-through, it’s time,” says Eliza from Josh Wood Atelier.

6. Add Protein — But Don’t Overdo It

Protein masks help rebuild structure, but too much can make hair brittle. Alternate weekly with a hydrating mask. Look for ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Some expert-approved favourites:

• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!

• Redken Extreme Mega Mask

• L’Oréal Professionnel Pro Longer

7. Use a Heat Protectant Every. Single. Time.

Even low heat can damage bleached hair — and once it’s fried, it’s hard to reverse. Always mist a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling.

Don’t rely on your leave-in conditioner — it’s not enough. Get a dedicated product (we love GHD Bodyguard or Bumble & Bumble Invisible Oil Heat Primer).

8. Don’t Panic About Shedding — It’s Normal

Some shedding after bleaching is natural. You may lose 50–100 hairs a day, and it’s more noticeable when your strands are lighter. What’s not normal? Hair snapping halfway down the shaft — that’s breakage, and it means your hair is dehydrated or over-processed.

9. Consider a Gloss or Toning Treatment

Bleached hair can turn brassy, dull, or uneven. A salon gloss or toner can bring back vibrancy and smoothness. You don’t have to re-bleach — just refresh.

London salons like Bleach London or Hershesons offer affordable express toning appointments that make a massive difference.

10. Stay Patient: Recovery Takes Time

You won’t fix fried hair in a week. Think of it like fitness — consistency beats intensity. Follow a routine, minimise stress, and protect your hair like it’s vintage silk. The good news? Hair grows. And when it does, it can grow stronger, shinier and healthier — even if it’s still blonde.

Final Word:

Bleach damage isn’t the end — it’s a reset. With the right mix of treatments, trims, and TLC, your hair can bounce back better than ever. And next time you’re in the chair with a swatch of platinum inspo? You’ll know exactly how to protect it from day one.

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