Hair bleaching alternatives? Any suggestions?

[WilsonMilson]

I have long blonde hair, I usually get foil highlights every 4 months, so 3 times a year. My natural colour is probably a base level 7 so dishwater blonde naturally.

My hairdresser used to use a mix of L’Oréal hi-lift with 30 % vol and bleach with 10% vol, but for the last few times she has used only bleach and 10% as she feels it gives a cleaner lift. I don’t tend to need any toning as the highlights are finely woven and I use purple shampoo myself every few washes. Colour is fine.

So now the issue, I feel like I am getting a breakage with the bleach. I have fine hair, lots of it and no grey, but now in my forties I’m wondering if my hair isn’t up to it and I should stop with the bleach totally as it’s becoming terrifying when at the salon to see all the broken hair combed out after highlighting - it seems like LOTS! My hairdresser (last time I was there before lockdown) says the bleach isn’t any more damaging than the hi lift as she uses only 10% developer, and breakage will always happen but I’m not sure that’s the case. She doesn’t use olaplex or similar.

So what to do? Any advice gratefully received.

Look up videos about Bleach Bath/Bleach Wash on YouTube. The process uses bleach but usually with a 10 developer and an equal amount of shampoo. It's supposedly much easier on the hair and easy to do at home. Also, check out the videos by ElleBangs. She's a professional hairstylist and has loads of great videos about blonde hair.

Thanks, I’ll have a look at that. Don’t think I’m brave enough to attempt to bleach my own hair mind you, just want to have some suggestions for my hairdresser when the salon opens again and not feel pressured into bleach being the only option.

At the very least she should be using olaplex . I’d consider looking around at other salons if she isn’t concerned about hair breakage .