Color Oops on Bleached Hair: Will It Destroy It?

Color Oops on Bleached Hair: Will It Destroy It?

The question of whether Color Oops will damage bleached hair is a common one. Bleached hair is already compromised, making it more susceptible to damage from further chemical treatments. Understanding how Color Oops works and its potential effects on bleached hair is crucial before using it. This guide provides an in-depth look at the process.

Understanding Color Oops and Its Mechanism

Color Oops is a color remover, not a hair dye remover. This distinction is important. It doesn’t bleach the hair or lift the color molecules. Instead, it works by shrinking artificial dye molecules, allowing them to be washed out of the hair.

How Color Oops Works Chemically

• Color Oops contains reducing agents that break the bonds within the artificial dye molecules.
• These smaller dye molecules are then small enough to be rinsed away.
• Multiple lengthy rinses are vital to remove these shrunken dye molecules completely. If not adequately rinsed, these molecules can re-oxidize, causing the color to return.

The State of Bleached Hair

Bleaching opens the hair cuticle, allowing the lifting agents to remove natural pigment. This process inherently weakens the hair shaft, making it more porous and prone to breakage.

Porosity of Bleached Hair

• Bleached hair is significantly more porous than virgin hair.
• This increased porosity means the hair absorbs and releases moisture more quickly, leading to dryness.
• Damaged cuticles also result in a rougher texture and increased tangling.

Hair Elasticity After Bleaching

• Elasticity refers to the hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.
• Bleaching reduces hair elasticity, making it more brittle and vulnerable to breakage.

Does Color Oops Work on Bleached Hair?

Yes, Color Oops can work on bleached hair to remove artificial dye. However, there are some important considerations:

Effectiveness Factors on Bleached Hair

• Type of Dye: Color Oops is most effective on permanent and demi-permanent dyes. It’s less effective on direct dyes (like bright reds, blues, and greens), which stain the hair shaft differently.
• Number of Dye Layers: If the hair has been dyed multiple times, removing all the color in one application might be difficult, and the process might need to be repeated (though repeating immediately isn’t recommended).
• Hair Condition: Severely damaged hair may not react well to Color Oops. The process of removing the dye, even without lifting the color, can cause further stress to the hair.

Potential Risks of Using Color Oops on Bleached Hair

• Increased Dryness and Brittleness: Color Oops can be drying, exacerbating the dryness already present in bleached hair.
• Uneven Color Removal: Due to the already uneven porosity of bleached hair, the color removal might be patchy. Some areas might release the dye more readily than others.
• Damage from Repeated Applications: Repeatedly using Color Oops in a short period can lead to significant damage, potentially resulting in breakage and hair loss.

Mitigation Strategies

If you choose to use Color Oops on bleached hair, taking steps to minimize potential damage is essential.

Before Application

1. Protein Treatment: Apply a protein treatment a few days before using Color Oops to help strengthen the hair.
2. Strand Test: Always perform a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of hair to assess how the hair will react.
3. Deep Condition: Deep condition the hair leading up to the application to add moisture and provide a protective barrier.

During Application

1. Follow Instructions Precisely: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions, paying close attention to the rinsing process.
2. Thorough Rinsing: Rinsing is the most critical step. Rinse for at least the recommended time (usually 20-30 minutes) using warm water. This helps to remove as many shrunken dye molecules as possible.
3. Avoid Heat: Avoid using heat (hairdryers, flat irons, curling irons) during and immediately after the Color Oops process.

After Application

1. Deep Conditioning Treatments: Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to replenish moisture and help repair the hair.
2. Protein Treatments (Sparingly): While protein is important, overdoing it can lead to stiffness and breakage. Alternate with moisturizing treatments.
3. Gentle Products: Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated or damaged hair.
4. Delay Further Coloring: If possible, wait at least a week or two before applying another dye, and consider using a gentler demi-permanent or semi-permanent color. Consult with a professional stylist for advice.

Alternatives to Color Oops

Depending on the severity of the color correction needed, other options exist.

• Professional Color Correction: A professional stylist can assess the hair’s condition and use specialized techniques to remove the color with minimal damage.
• Gentle Color Fading Methods: Using clarifying shampoos, vitamin C masks, or dandruff shampoos can gradually fade the color over time. These methods are less harsh but take longer.
• Haircut: In some cases, cutting off a significant portion of the colored hair might be the healthiest option.

So, after all that, the real question remains: does Color Oops work on bleached hair? Hopefully, you have a clearer picture now! Experiment carefully, maybe do a strand test first, and good luck with your hair transformation!