How to keep Bleach Blonde Hair Long and Healthy: My Haircare Routine

If you’ve ever gone bleach blonde, you know how hard it can be to keep your hair looking healthy. The dryness, breakage, and damage that come with it can feel inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be! I’ve actually managed to keep my bleached blonde hair long, strong, and shiny without compromising its health or style. Want to know how? I’m going to share all my tips for keeping my golden locks thriving.

Whether you’re thinking about going blonde or you’ve already made the leap, I’ll walk you through what you need to do to maintain your bleached hair while keeping it healthy and long. Let’s get into it!

Consistency is Key: The Foundation of Healthy Hair

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, there’s one thing I need to stress—consistency. Bleaching weakens hair, and it takes time to repair it. You can’t expect instant results, but if you stick to a routine, your hair will get stronger and healthier over time. It’s all about finding a regimen that works for you and staying consistent, even when life gets busy. The longer you stick with it, the more your hair will thank you.

Now, let’s dive into the details of my haircare routine and how each step works together to keep my bleached blonde locks in top shape.

Heat Control: Your Hair’s Best Friend

Bleached hair is fragile, and excessive heat can be its worst enemy. I’ve learnt this – so now, I really try to limit using heat as much as possible.

Limit heat styling: I try to limit the use of heated tools to once every 2/3 weeks. But to be honest I usually can go longer without it. I have recently started to embrace my natural hair pattern so I just let it air dry. I also often incorporate heatless overnight hairstyles eg. heatless curls as these protect your hair and give you beautiful results without the need for heat. However when i do use heat I follow these rules-
Heat protectant: Every time I blow-dry, straighten, or curl my hair, I use a heat protectant. It helps shield my hair from high temperatures and locks in moisture. Side Tip – Your hair can also be damaged by the sun so you can use special heat protectant spray to protect your hair from UV rays – the Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent Spray is amazing and smells super good.
Lower heat settings: I’ve made a pact with myself to never use the highest heat setting on my styling tools. Yes, it might take a bit longer, but it’s worth it to avoid unnecessary damage.
Hair Tools: I have a Dyson Airwrap and so when I do use heat I use this as its definitely less harmful on my hair than other conventional tools due to its lower heat functioning. It is expensive so you can just use lower heat settings on a normal hairdryer- I just like the airwrap as you can curl as-well without the need for so much heat.

Protective Hairstyles: A Stylish Way to Prevent Breakage

Protective hairstyles are a lifesaver for bleached hair. Not only do they look cute, but they also help prevent breakage and reduce stress on your strands—especially if you’re trying to grow your hair out.

Silk or satin scarves: At night, I wrap my hair in a silk or satin scarf to protect it from the damage caused by tossing and turning in bed. It makes a world of difference.
Loose buns or braids: When my hairs greasy and it doesn’t look so good just being down , I love wearing low, loose buns or braids when I’m out and about. They’re quick, stylish, and help reduce friction on my hair. I also love to braid my hair at night aswell as its both protective and gives you a beautiful wavy hair the next day.

Oiling: The Secret to Soft, Shiny Hair

Bleach can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and fragile. Oiling is one of my new favourite ways to replenish lost moisture and keep my hair shiny and hydrated.

Pre-wash treatment: Once a week, I apply a light oil (like coconut, argan, or jojoba) and massage it into my hair, focusing on the roots. I let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 4 hours before washing. This oiling routine helps lock in moisture and prevents shampoo from stripping my hair completely. If are looking for a very lightweight scalp leave-in serum that you can wear throughout the day then I recommend the Fable and Mane Hair Oil or the Kérastase Genesis Hair Serum – they both are super lightweight with a watery texture but provide such amazing results. If you are looking for additional hair growth benefits, I suggest using rosemary oil as it has shown to stimulate hair growth. However make sure to dilute it eg. by mixing it with your favourite hair oil otherwise it can be irritating. If you have thicker, drier hair or don’t mind a heavier oil I recommend using Mielles Rosemary Oil . However, I prefer to use Mielles Light Rosemary Oil version as this is much easier to wash out. Both are premixed so can be used alone.
Post-shower: After towel-drying (with a microfiber towel, of course), I apply a tiny amount of oil to the ends of my hair to keep them hydrated and less prone to splitting. My favourite oils that are hydrating but lightweight and can be used daily on dry hair are the Moroccanoil Treatment and the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil. They leave my hair feeling incredibly soft and hydrated without weighing it down, which is perfect for my fine hair. I also adore using the Kérastase Nutritive Nourishing Hair leave-in Serum; This is a super luxurious serum and works wonders to transform very dry damaged hair that’s in need of extra moisture retention. It is a little bit more expensive but it lasts really long and the benefits are unmatched. For thicker hair that can handle a little bit more weight and for those who just want some added shine and smoothness, I recommend the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil. However if you are looking for something a bit more affordable, then the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Hair Oil is perfect. OGX also have a lighter version (OGX Coconut Miracle Oil) which is more suitable for finer hair types. As these are silicone based they leave your hair feeling super soft and shiny , and help prevent breakage.

Deep Conditioning: A Must for Bleached Hair

Deep conditioning is non-negotiable if you want long, healthy bleached hair. Bleach strips your hair of moisture, so regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to restore hydration.

Weekly routine: Alongside hair oiling, I deep condition once a week without fail. After oiling my roots, I like to apply a mask to the ends on my hair. My favourite masks are packed with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and keratin, all of which help restore softness and elasticity. Masks I highly recommend are the OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Hair Mask and Moroccan oil Intense Hydrating Hair Mask – I LOVE how my hair feels after using these!
Leave In conditioners: I never knew how much one hair product could change the game for soft luscious hair. Leave-in conditioners are amazing for detangling, providing extra hydration. I never thought they were anything special but if you are going to try one thing let it be the REDKEN One United 25 Multi-Benefits Leave-In Conditioner. This is super nourishing, adds lots of shine and smoothness, and even protects from heat up to 230degrees!

Choosing a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner: The Foundation of Haircare

One of the first things I learned when bleaching my hair is how important it is to choose the right shampoo and conditioner. Bleach strips your hair of moisture, so using hydrating products is crucial to keeping your hair soft, manageable, and healthy.

Sulfate-free shampoos: Sulfates can be too harsh on bleached hair, stripping it of the little moisture it has left. I always look for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse my hair without drying it out. The Moroccanoil Moisture Repair and the Redken All Soft are great options – they leave my fine hair smooth, shiny and nourished. The Pureology Strength Cure and the Pureology Hydrate (my current) ranges are also both amazing formulas for dry brittle hair.
Moisture-boosting ingredients: When picking a conditioner for extremely dry hair, I go for ones with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or glycerin. These ingredients help lock in hydration and smooth my hair, making it more manageable and less prone to frizz. If your looking for a super hydrating conditioner I would go for the Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair – this not only makes your hair super soft and hydrated but smells divine! A more affordable option for this would be the Maui Moisture Shea Butter Conditioner.
Protein-infused products: Bleached hair needs a balance of moisture and protein to stay strong. Every once in a while, I’ll switch to a protein-enriched shampoo or conditioner to give my hair a little extra boost. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much protein can make hair feel brittle. Redkens Extreme shampoo and conditioner is an amazing protein rich formula which is even suitable for daily use if needed – It helps restore damaged bleached hair and also smells amazing! L’oreal have a more affordable option – L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair which is super lightweight but hydrating and is said to reduce surface damage by up to 77%.

If you are in desperate need for hair repair I recommend a bonding range. This new range from Redken – REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate(ABC) – which includes the Pre-Treatment, Shampoo, Conditioner and a Leave-in) is super popular and has just gone viral for its ability to mimic salon-quality treatments. It can be used on all hair types, and textures and uses citric acid to intensely condition and restore extremely damaged hair. L’oréal have also made their own version of this – L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair – which includes a pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo, conditioner and leave in serum. People are calling it a dupe so if your looking for a more affordable option I would definitely try that out. However keep in mind that the Redken uses a higher volume of citric acid so it will most likely be more beneficial.

Microfiber Towels: A Gentle Drying Solution

If you’re still using a regular cotton towel to dry your hair, stop! Bleached hair is especially vulnerable when wet, and rough towel drying can cause breakage. I’ve switched to microfiber towels and noticed a HUGE difference.

Less friction: Microfiber towels are much gentler on your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and tangles.
Faster drying: They also absorb moisture faster, which means less time spent drying your hair.

Supplements: Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out

While taking care of your hair on the outside is crucial, don’t forget that healthy hair starts from the inside too. Supplements can be crucial in helping hair grow longer and stronger especially if you aren’ t getting enough of the right nutrients in your diet.

Biotin: Known for promoting hair growth and strength, I try to take biotin regularly as part of my routine however sometimes I struggle with consistently.
Collagen: Collagen supplements are great for improving elasticity in your hair and preventing breakage. I opt for marine collagen as its more beneficial for hair growth.
Multivitamin: A good multivitamin ensures I’m getting essential nutrients like Vitamin A, C, and E, all of which contribute to healthy hair growth. I love the multi-vitamin from healthspan (Multivitality gold) – Healthspan has such a great quality supplements for amazing value.

Haircuts: Trimming for Length

I have always struggled with this but i have come to learn that its super important. It may sound counterintuitive, but regular trims are crucial if you want to keep your bleached hair long. Without them, split ends can creep up your hair shaft, causing more breakage and damage… and then you’ll have to just cut your hair super short and start from the beginning(sadly i’ve been there).

How often I trim: I make sure to trim my hair every 6-8 weeks. Even if it’s just a tiny bit, it helps keep my ends healthy and prevents split ends from wreaking havoc.

Bleaching: Finding a Balance

Finally, let’s talk about the bleaching process itself. Yes, bleach can damage hair, but if done properly and with the right aftercare, you can maintain both length and health.

Space out appointments: My go-to treatment was highlights however without regular visits , they didn’t look great. I now opt for balayage and although its a bit more expensive its worth it as you can leave your hair for longer before dying it again as it looks much more blended without the root regrowth. However if you do want super blond hair from the root, don’t bleach your entire head every time you visit the salon. Instead, focus on root touch-ups and try to space out appointments as much as possible to give your hair time to recover.
Go to a professional: Unless you don’t mind experimenting and possibly damaging your hair, I always trust a professional colourist with my bleach touch-ups. Doing it at home can lead to serious damage (trust me, I’ve made that mistake before).

By sticking to this routine, I’ve managed to keep my bleach blonde hair long, healthy, and vibrant. Do you have any tips for maintaining bleached hair? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear what works for you!

Stay fabulous and blonde, my friends!

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