It's been years since I've colored my hair and that's because the last time I decided to go lighter it completely transformed my locks–and not in a good way! I've been rocking my naturally dark strands ever since with no plans of ever looking back (at least not anyway time soon). Kind of intense right? Well here's the thing about going lighter: It might look AMAZING starting off but most stylists don't keep it real in terms of the damage. It does more than just dry out your strands chica–trust me!
Read more ¿Qué más?: Try these 5 easy ways to treat damaged hair on the go
Now I'm not implying that you never go lighter again. That would be kind of impractical, no? I'm just letting you know some of the possible hair problems you might face afterwards. Check them out and don't say I didn't warn you!
1. Your hair will dry out like there's no tomorrow. This is especially the case if you have naturally curly hair (that's more prone to dryness) or heat style regularly. Unless you want your hair to start looking like a straw broom, I'd suggest you start deep conditioning at LEAST once a week. Try Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment for Ultra-Damaged Hair ($68). It might seem pricey but it does miracles!
2. You can no longer use regular shampoos. One of the quickest ways to ruin your color and damage your hair is washing color-treated tresses with regular shampoo. That's a big beauty NO-NO. Try a formula that's going to deeply hydrate and protect, like the L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Shampoo ($7).
-
You'll lack shine. Bleach doesn't just dry out your hair it makes it look dull too. Try a shine-boosting treatment that instantly revitalizes color-treated hair. I like L'Oreal Paris Advance Haircare Color Vibrancy Instant Shock Treatment ($7).
-
It might ruin your texture. My sister's naturally curly hair has been looking more like frizzy waves ever since she started bleaching her hair lighter. This is something most stylists and colorists won't tell you. I've even experienced my rizos becoming straight with all those chemicals. Bring a bleach-free, ammonia free hair color to your next hair appointment.
5. You can't just dye it back. There's a reason why colorists refuse to dye your hair back it's natural color after a bleach job. It's because once you bleach your locks the pores in your strands open making it close to impossible to get that original dark hue back. Doesn't matter how many times you dye it dark brown it will keep coming out with every single wash. The only way to get your virgin hair back is to grow it out and that can take a while.
6. It might thin out your hair. One of the reasons why I've vowed to never bleach my hair again is because the last time I did, it thinned out. Every time I washed my hair I noticed tons of pelos in the shower drain. You can try taking natural supplements like Biotin or Viviscal ($50) to help speed up your hair growth and stop thinning, but don't expect your strands to bounce back over night!
Image via Getty Images
