Are you concerned that your luscious locks are losing their thickness after a hair-bleaching treatment? Contrary to popular belief, proper and single-time bleaching does not usually make healthy hair thin, but repeated or improper methods can.
In this article, we will explore the relationship between hair bleaching and thinning, debunking myths and laying out the facts about how bleach affects your tresses.
Stay tuned as we also share valuable tips on caring for your dyed mane so it remains full-bodied and vibrant.
Does Bleaching Your Hair Make It Thinner?

Bleaching your hair can potentially lead to thinning due to its impact on the hair structure and follicles.
Reasons for Hair Thinning After Bleaching
Multiple factors contribute to hair thinning after bleaching:
- Bleaching agents can strip off the natural oils from the hair, making it dry and brittle.
- The harsh chemicals present in bleach can weaken your hair strands leading to breakage.
- Frequent bleaching sessions may damage the hair follicles which in turn leads to thinning of hair.
- Bleach makes your hair swell, causing it to appear thinner post-treatment.
- The treatment also results in split ends which further add to the perception of thinness.
- Over-processing during bleaching can lead to irreversible damage, resulting in hair thinning or even loss.
- Lack of proper aftercare following a bleaching session can exacerbate these issues and negatively impact hair growth.
Impact of Bleach on Hair Structure
Bleaching agents have a significant impact on the structure of the hair. When hair is bleached, the chemical bleach penetrates the hair shaft and removes the natural pigment.
This process breaks down the protein in the hair, known as keratin, causing it to become weaker and more prone to damage.
The bleach can also strip away moisture from the hair, making it dry and brittle. As a result, bleached hair can appear thinner due to its weakened structure.
Additionally, repeated or improper bleaching sessions can further damage the hair follicles, leading to increased breakage and potential thinning over time.
Effects on Hair Follicles
Bleaching hair can have negative effects on the hair follicles. The strong chemicals in bleach can damage the delicate structure of the hair follicles, which are responsible for producing new hair strands. It can also cause temporary hair loss, hair breakage, and hair color fading.
This damage can lead to weakened and fragile follicles, making it difficult for new hairs to grow properly. As a result, bleached hair may experience thinning or even bald patches in severe cases.
It is important to take extra care of your hair and scalp after bleaching to minimize the potential damage to the follicles and promote healthy regrowth.
Can You Fix Thinning Hair Caused by Bleaching?

To fix thinning hair caused by bleaching, you can follow these tips for preventing further thinning and promoting hair growth:
Hair Care Tips to Prevent Further Thinning
To prevent further thinning after bleaching your hair, follow these hair care tips with your hair and scalp treatment:
- Moisturize your hair regularly to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness.
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for damaged or chemically treated hair.
- Limit the use of heat-styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, as they can cause additional damage to your hair's outer cuticle.
- Avoid brushing wet hair to minimize breakage; instead, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle.
- Protect your hair from UV damage by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with SPF when spending time in the sun.
- Get regular trims to remove split ends and promote healthier, thicker hair growth.
- Consider incorporating hair masks or deep conditioning treatments into your routine to nourish and strengthen your strands.
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support healthy hair growth, such as vitamin E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avoid over-processing your hair with excessive chemical treatments or frequent color changes.
Using Hair Masks and Oils
Hair masks and oils can be beneficial for preventing further thinning and damage to bleached hair. These treatments provide essential nutrients and hydration to the hair, promoting its health and strength. They also help to restore moisture lost during the bleaching process, reducing dryness and brittleness.
Regular use of hair masks and oils can improve the overall condition of your hair and make it appear fuller and thicker. It is recommended to apply these treatments once or twice a week, leaving them on for the specified time before rinsing thoroughly.
- Applying nourishing hair masks
- Using natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil
- Massaging the scalp while applying the mask or oil
- Leaving them on for at least 15 - 30 minutes
- Rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water
Avoiding Heat Styling Tools
Using heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, can further damage bleached hair and contribute to thinning. Minimize the use of these tools to prevent excessive heat exposure that can weaken the already vulnerable hair strands.
Instead, embrace natural hairstyles or explore alternative heatless styling methods like air-drying or using rollers. By reducing heat styling, you can help protect your hair from additional damage and promote healthier, thicker-looking locks.
Protecting Hair from Sun Damage
The sun's rays can be harmful to bleached hair and contribute to thinning. To protect your hair from sun damage, follow these tips:
- Wear a hat or scarf when you are going outside to shield your hair from direct sunlight.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or UV protectant spray that contains SPF to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid spending prolonged periods in the sun, especially during peak hours when the sun is strongest.
- Rinse your hair with cool water after swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools, as chlorine and salt can further damage already bleached hair.
- Limit the use of heat-styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as they can dry out your hair and make it more susceptible to sun damage.
- Opt for hairstyles that offer additional coverage, such as braids, buns, or updos that can help shield your hair from direct sunlight.
How to Get Thicker Hair?

To achieve thicker hair, regularly massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. Use thickening products that add volume and texture to your hair. Improve your diet by incorporating nutrient-rich foods that support healthy hair growth.
Upgrade your scalp care routine by using gentle shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for thinning hair.
Massaging the Scalp
Massaging the scalp is an effective way to promote hair growth and improve the thickness of your hair. When you massage your scalp, it increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth.
Additionally, massaging helps to distribute natural oils from the scalp to the rest of your hair, keeping it moisturized and preventing dryness that can lead to breakage.
Regularly massaging your scalp with gentle circular motions for a few minutes each day can help strengthen your hair and make it appear thicker.
In addition to promoting damaged hair growth, massaging the scalp also has other benefits for overall hair health. It helps remove dead skin cells and product buildup from the scalp, reducing clogged pores and allowing new hairs to grow freely.
Using Thickening Products
Thickening products can help add volume and fullness to your hair after bleaching. These products work by coating the hair strands, making them appear thicker. Look for products that contain ingredients like keratin, collagen, or biotin, as these can help strengthen the hair and add thickness.
Additionally, using volumizing shampoos and conditioners can also give the appearance of thicker hair. Regularly styling your hair with these products can help achieve a fuller look.
Improving Diet for Hair Health
Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining hair health and preventing hair thinning. Here are some tips for improving your diet to promote thicker, healthier hair:
- Include protein-rich foods: Protein is the building block of hair, so make sure to include sources like lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts in your diet.
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats can nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. Include foods like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds in your meals.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: These provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall hair health. Include colorful produce like spinach, carrots, berries, and citrus fruits.
- Drink enough water: Staying hydrated helps keep your scalp and hair follicles healthy. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods: These can contribute to inflammation and nutrient deficiencies that may affect hair growth.
- Take vitamins or supplements if needed: If you have a deficiency in certain nutrients that can affect hair health (such as biotin or iron), consider talking to a healthcare professional about supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bleaching your hair is a common way to lighten your locks or make them blonde. However, the harsh chemicals used in bleaching can damage hair and cause it to become dry, brittle, and weak over time with repeated treatments. Many people wonder if bleaching actually causes hair to become thinner.
Below we answer some frequently asked questions about bleaching and hair thinning. Read on to learn more about the effects of hair bleach and how to keep your strands healthy and full.
Does bleaching your hair make it thin?
Yes, bleaching your hair can make it thin because the chemicals used in the process can weaken and damage the hair strands.
Can I prevent my hair from becoming thin after bleaching?
While you cannot completely prevent your hair from becoming thin after bleaching, you can minimize damage by using conditioners and treatments specifically designed for chemically treated hair.
How long does it take for my hair to recover its thickness after bleaching?
The time it takes for your hair to recover its thickness after bleaching varies depending on various factors, such as overall hair health and maintenance practices. It may take several months or longer for significant improvement.
Are there any alternative options to bleach that won't make my hair thin?
Yes, there are alternative options to bleach, such as using semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes that do not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide. These alternatives are less damaging to the hair but may not provide the same level of lightening as bleach.
Conclusion
After bleaching your hair, it's important to take extra care to maintain its health. While bleaching itself does not directly make your hair thin, improper or repeated sessions can lead to increased hair loss.
By following proper hair care tips and using nourishing products, you can minimize damage and promote healthy regrowth for thicker-looking hair.
Remember to avoid excessive heat styling, protect your hair from sun damage, and prioritize regular scalp massages to keep your locks looking their best.