Learning how to bleach your hair is practically a rite of passage: I still remember bleaching my hair for the first time in college—deep in the punk rock phase but rocking a Hatful of Hollow T-shirt simultaneously. The initial shock of going full-bleached blonde threw me, but I quickly grew to love it, especially as my roots came in and gave it a lived-in vibe. These days, bleached hair isn’t just for the fringes; more guys are embracing it as a go-to style swerve. It’s a statement-making move for confident guys looking to shake things up, and it tends to look even cooler when dark roots start showing, adding some contrast to a platinum top.
“Bleaching your hair is making a statement,” says master hair colorist and celebrity stylist Sarah Conner. “It’s bold, it’s strong, it’s attention-getting. It’s for the guy with an edge who isn’t afraid to rock something outside the box. Think David Beckham, Pharrell, Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt, Pete Davidson, or any musician or actor looking to add a little bad-boy flair.” But as Conner advises, “Bleaching your hair is not a conditioning treatment—it’s a chemical service.”
In This Guide
A lot can go wrong in the process, and getting it right—especially at home—can be tricky. Between the mixing, gloves, and precise application, it’s a process, and when done incorrectly, it’s not great for your hair or look. “Seeking out a skilled professional is best for an on-scalp lightening application, aka a bleach and tone, since it can be risky,” Conner explains. “However, it’s possible to do it at home if you follow step-by-step instructions and consider your hair’s condition at every stage.”
We consulted with Conner to help guide you through the complete process. Fair warning: Bleaching your hair requires patience and careful adherence, but if you’re ready to take the platinum plunge, we’re here to help you get that perfect bleached blonde finish—without the rookie mistakes.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and products. Essentials include:
Bleach (Lightener): “This usually comes in powder or oil-based cream form,” Conner says. “I like to use Redken Flash Lift (powder) or Framesi Decolor B Cream Plus (cream).”
Developer: The volume you’ll need—typically 20, 30, or 40—depends on your hair’s current state. “It’s based on factors like whether your hair is virgin or previously colored, its natural color, length, texture, and overall health,” Conner says. “I use Salon Care developers, but the brand matters less than selecting the right volume—the higher the number, the more lift you’ll get.”
Gloves: Essential for protecting your hands during the process.
Barrier Cream: “Applied around your hairline to protect your skin. You can buy a specific product or just use Vaseline or Aquaphor.”
Mixing Bowl & Brush: For application.
Whisk: For properly blending the bleach and developer.
Heat Source: “A blow dryer will help speed up processing,” Conner explains.
Proper Shampoo & Conditioner: “Salon-grade, hydrating, or reparative formulas designed for chemically treated hair are best,” Conner says. “My go-to brands are Milbon, Virtue Labs, and Davines.”
Purple Shampoo: Helps maintain cool tones. “Shimmer Lights or DpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo are my favorites,” Conner says. “It’s best used as needed—when your icy blonde starts turning yellow.”
Coconut Oil or Bond-Building Treatment: “Olaplex is the gold standard for strengthening hair,” Conner explains. “It’s best used before bleaching to prep the hair and after to maintain its condition.”
Shower Cap or Plastic Wrap: Traps heat to speed up the lifting process.
Toner: “This is key for refining your blonde,” Conner says. “Do you want a pale, melted butter blonde or a cool, icy tone? Maybe even silver? I love using Redken Shades EQ 09V, 09P, 09T, or Wella T-18 (aka ‘White Lady’) for that ultra-icy finish.”
Prepping Your Hair
Before you bleach, proper preparation is key to minimizing damage and ensuring the best results. “Make sure your hair isn’t freshly washed,” Conner says. “Natural oils help protect your scalp, so a few days of buildup is beneficial. It reduces irritation and that tingling, itchy feeling during processing.”