HOW TO CARE FOR A Bleach Burn From Hair Lightening: A Step-By-Step GuidE

Bleaching hair blonde can give gorgeous results — but when the scalp or skin becomes irritated or burned by the chemicals in lightener, it can be painful and worrying. If you or a client experience a bleach burn at home, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

Below is a simple, sensible guide you can share with clients so they know exactly what to do next.

1. Rinse Immediately — and Thoroughly

The first and most important step is to remove the bleach from the skin as fast as possible. Rinse the affected area with cool to lukewarm water for at least 10–15 minutes.

• Avoid hot water — it can make the burn feel worse.

• Gently use fingertips to help lift any remaining product away from the area.

• Do not scrub.

This step alone often lessens the severity of the burn.

2. Stop Using Any Chemical Products

Once a burn has happened, all chemical services must stop immediately.

That means:

No more bleach

No toners or color

No developer

No clarifying shampoos

No exfoliating scalp products

The skin needs time to calm down.

3. Soothe the Area With Cool Compresses

To reduce heat and discomfort, apply a clean, cool, damp cloth to the area for short intervals.

• 5–10 minutes at a time

• Repeat as needed

• Never place ice directly on the burn (this can worsen damage)

4. Use a Gentle, Non-Perfumed Moisturizer

Once the skin is fully rinsed and cooled, a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer can help soothe dryness or tightness.

Good choices include:

• Aloe vera gel (pure, without alcohol)

• A basic, hypoallergenic moisturizer

• A thin layer of petroleum jelly to protect the area if skin is broken or peeling

Avoid anything with acids, alcohol, fragrance, menthol, or essential oils.

5. Keep the Area Clean and Avoid Sun Exposure

Bleach burns can make the skin more sensitive. For the next several days:

• Avoid direct sunlight on the affected area

• Wash only with gentle, non-stripping products

• Avoid scratching or picking at peeling skin

If the burn is on the scalp, tie hair loosely and avoid tight hairstyles.

6. Avoid Heat Styling Until Fully Healed

No blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, or hot tools near the area until it has healed.Heat can worsen irritation and slow recovery.

7. When to Seek Professional Medical Help

A bleach burn is chemically similar to other skin burns, and some cases require medical attention. You should seek medical care if you

notice:

• Blisters

• Severe redness or swelling

• Intense or worsening pain

• Oozing or signs of infection

• A burn larger than a couple of inches

• The area is not improving after 24–48 hours

It’s always better to have a professional look if there’s any doubt.

8. When It’s Safe to Color or Bleach Again

You should wait until the scalp is 100% healed — no tenderness, flaking, redness, or scabs.This may take 1–3 weeks, depending on the severity of the burn.

For the next appointment:

• Perform a patch test beforehand

• Use lower-strength developer

• Apply scalp protectants if appropriate

• Keep the bleach away from the skin as much as possible

• Work in small sections and monitor the scalp throughout processing

A professional stylist can help determine when it’s truly safe to resume chemical services.

Final Thoughts

Bleach burns can be scary, but with quick action and the proper care, most mild cases heal well at home. Clear communication between you and your clients helps prevent future issues and builds trust — especially when working with strong chemicals like bleach.