How to Stop Hair Bleach from Burning Skin

Okay, I get it.

You love experimenting with hair colors – it’s super fun, I won’t deny it.

But if you color your hair a lot, then you’re no stranger to the burning sensation that comes with bleaching your hair.

Bleach is an extremely powerful chemical that causes skin irritation and burns if not used properly.

So, in this article, we are going to be discussing some tips and tricks to help you prevent hair bleach from burning your skin!

One common mistake that most people make when bleaching hair is leaving the bleach on for too long.

I understand that this is necessary to lighten your hair, but please know that when you leave it on for too long, the bleach may penetrate your skin and cause irritation or burns.

That’s why it’s very important to follow the instructions on the bleach kit and not leave it on for longer than recommended.

Additionally, I always recommend doing a little patch test on a small area of skin before applying it all over your scalp.

Let’s look into more ways to prevent skin burns.

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What is bleaching? How does it work?

Hair bleaching is a chemical process that involves removing the natural pigment from your hair.

Now, this is done by mixing bleach and developer. Both of these work together to lighten the hair.

Bleach contains a chemical called hydrogen peroxide which is interestingly an active ingredient that breaks down the melanin (the pigment that gives your hair its natural color) in your hair.

The developer helps activate the bleach and makes it more effective. That’s why you use different strength developers for different degrees of lightening.

And yes, you guessed it!

Higher volume developer will result in your hair getting really light – but it will also cause more damage to your hair.

The longer you leave the bleach on your hair, the lighter it will become.

But leaving it on for too long is going to cause damage to your hair and scalp.

And yes, it’s irritating but it does burn the skin when it comes into contact with it, that’s why if you don’t have much experience bleaching your hair, it’s best to consult a professional stylist.

What is a bleach burn?

There are 2 types of bleach burns: thermal burns and chemical burns.

Thermal burns occur when the bleach is too hot or left on the scalp for too long, causing the scalp to become red, swollen, and blistered.

Chemical burns occur when the bleach is left on the scalp for too long or is applied incorrectly, causing the scalp to become irritated and inflamed.

I’m not going to get more technical or graphic since this post focuses on avoiding burns and treating burns.

Some common symptoms of bleach burns include:

Redness
Swelling
Itching
Burning Sensation

If you have any of these symptoms, please see a doctor. In severe cases, hair bleach burns can lead to infection scarring and even hair loss.

Yes, I know you’ve seen those scary Youtube Videos where it happens. I have too.

If you experience scalp bleach burn, it’s important to take immediate action to soothe the affected area and prevent further damage. Here are some tips on how to treat scalp bleach burn:

Apply a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area immediately can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. You can use a cold pack or wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the burn for 10-15 minutes at a time. Be very gentle, don’t rub!
Use aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Avoid scratching: I know it’s tempting to scratch the affected area because it’s itchy, but this can cause further damage and delay the healing process. Try to resist the urge to scratch and keep the area clean and dry.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers If the burning sensation is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by hair bleach burns. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

To avoid hair bleach burns, always follow the instructions on the product label and perform a patch test before applying the bleach to your scalp.

If you experience any discomfort or burning sensation, immediately stop the process and rinse your hair and scalp with cold water.

If the burn is severe or shows no signs of improvement after a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention.

A healthcare professional can assess the severity of the burn and provide appropriate treatment to promote healing and prevent infection.

How do you prevent hair bleach burns?

Prevention is always better than cure, my mother would say.

And her words ring true always.

1. Perform a Patch Test

Before applying hair bleach to your entire head, it’s important to perform a patch test to check for any adverse reactions.

Apply a small amount of bleach to a small area of skin behind your ear or on your inner arm.

Leave it on for the recommended amount of time (check your bleach box kit for instructions), then rinse it off.

Wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs. If you do experience a reaction, do not use the bleach on your hair.

I know this delays the process of bleaching your hair, but trust me – We all have very different types of skin and different reactions. It’s best to be safe and delay these things a bit.

2. Protect Your Skin with Petroleum Jelly

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and neck before applying hair bleach. This will create a barrier between your skin and the bleach, reducing the risk of burns and irritation.

3. Wear Gloves

Wearing gloves while applying hair bleach will not only protect your skin but also prevent the bleach from staining your hands.

Make sure to use gloves that are made for hair coloring, as they are designed to withstand the chemicals in hair bleach.

Don’t skip this step especially if you color your hair frequently!

4. Avoid Heat Sources

Heat sources, such as hair dryers or direct sunlight, can increase the risk of bleach burns.

Avoid using heat sources while the bleach is on your hair and try to stay in a cool, shaded area.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After the recommended amount of time has passed, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Make sure to remove all traces of bleach from your scalp and hair to prevent irritation and burns.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of hair bleach burns and irritation.

Remember to always read the instructions carefully and perform a patch test before using any hair bleach product.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

While hair bleach is generally safe when used properly, sometimes we can’t predict negative reactions.

I know it sucks, but it just doesn’t agree with all of us.

So, please keep this in mind:

If you experience any of the following symptoms after using hair bleach, seek medical attention immediately:

Severe burning or stinging sensation on the scalp or skin
Blistering or peeling of the skin
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Severe headache or dizziness

If you accidentally ingest hair bleach or get it in your eyes, flush the affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a healthcare professional or poison control center.

You may find all of this extreme, but some people are more sensitive to hair bleach than others.

Especially if you have a history of allergic reactions or you have sensitive skin – do not apply bleach without consulting a healthcare professional.

Please do a patch test.

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