How to Bleach Black Hair to Platinum Blonde Safely

Bleaching black hair to platinum blonde at home with a bleach kit requires patience and careful planning to achieve vibrant results while protecting your hair. Tone refers to the underlying colour of the hair—warm (red, orange, yellow) or cool (ash, blue, violet). These tones affect how your hair looks before, during, and after bleaching. Proper management of tone ensures a smooth transition and vibrant results. To read more about hair colour tones please read Tips on choosing a hair dye based on your hair colour tone

Planning the Process

Bleaching from Level 1 to Level 10 isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. While it’s possible to achieve this transformation in a single day, it requires the expertise of a professional at a salon. This approach involves multiple bleaching sessions in one sitting, with the use of high-quality products and bond-protecting treatments to minimise damage. However, it is more expensive and requires expertise (so you do not damage your hair), and should not be attempted at home.

If you opt for the traditional method, a multi-step approach over weeks or months is recommended to avoid severe damage.

Consult a Professional: A stylist can assess your hair’s condition, use controlled techniques, and select the best products to achieve the desired results with minimal damage.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that your hair will go through intermediate tones like red, orange, and yellow before reaching blonde. These tones can be neutralised using blue or purple toners.

Create a Timeline: Space out bleaching sessions at least 4–6 weeks apart if doing this gradually. For salon treatments, expect multiple applications with conditioning treatments in between during a single day.

The Role of Tone Before, During, and After Bleaching

Before Bleaching: At Level 1 (black), hair has a very cool tone because it is rich in blue and green pigments. However, these pigments are deeply concentrated and require multiple bleaching stages to lift. Without lifting, cool tones in black hair can overshadow any semi-permanent dye, muting the colour.

During Bleaching: As you lift your hair, warm tones emerge first. These tones are part of your natural pigment structure and include:

• Red: The first tone visible during early stages of lifting. This occurs after the black pigments are partially removed.
• Orange: As red pigments break down, orange becomes dominant. Hair appears brassy at this stage.
• Yellow: At higher levels of lift (Levels 8–10), yellow is the final visible tone before reaching pale blonde.

Toning products (blue for orange tones, purple for yellow tones) help neutralise brassiness and create a more even base for semi-permanent dye application.

After Bleaching: Once the hair reaches Level 10, it should appear pale yellow or platinum, depending on how well the warm pigments were lifted. Semi-permanent dyes work best on this cool, neutral base, especially for pastels or neons.

Caring for Your Hair During the Process

Bleaching is a harsh treatment, so taking care of your hair is essential to maintain its health throughout the process.

Before Bleaching: Strengthen your hair with bond-repair treatments (like Olaplex or K18) a few weeks before bleaching to prepare your hair for the stress. Deep condition weekly to improve hydration and elasticity. Avoid heat styling to minimise pre-existing damage.

After Each Session: Apply deep conditioning masks to replenish moisture lost during bleaching. Strengthen your hair with protein-based products to repair the keratin structure. Regular trims can prevent split ends from worsening as you progress. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to preserve moisture.

In Between Stages: Use blue or purple toners to manage brassy tones (orange and yellow) during intermediate stages. Experiment with semi-permanent dyes to enhance transitional tones like copper or gold while waiting for the next session. Protect your hair from heat and UV damage by using thermal sprays and wearing hats.

The Timeframe for Lifting Black Hair

The timeframe for going from Level 1 to Level 10 varies depending on your chosen method:

Single-Day Salon Bleach: With the help of a professional, it is possible to achieve Level 10 in a single day. This involves multiple controlled bleaching applications, bond-protecting treatments, and toning to minimise damage. While effective, it is more expensive and requires hours in the salon.

Gradual Approach: For a safer option, space bleaching sessions 4–6 weeks apart. Each session typically lifts 3–4 levels, meaning 3–4 sessions are required for a full transformation. Waiting between sessions allows your hair to recover, reducing the risk of severe damage.

Using Semi-Permanent Colours During the Transition

In Between Stages: Enhance Your Look with Bright Semi-Permanent Dyes

Between bleaching sessions, your hair will transition through various tones, such as red, orange, or yellow. These stages are ideal for experimenting with vibrant semi-permanent dyes that complement your current shade. Not only do they create fun, bold looks, but they also allow you to enjoy colourful hair as you work toward platinum blonde. Here are some recommendations:

• For Red Tones: Amplify the fiery hues with semi-permanent dyes in shades like Rouge, Foxy Red, or Hot Red from the Red Hair Dye Collection. These colours enhance the warmth already present in your hair.

• For Orange Tones: Lean into the boldness with Dawn, Golden Flame, or Neon Red. Semi-permanent orange dyes can make this transitional stage look intentional and stylish.

• For Yellow Tones: Bright yellow or Lime Green can add a playful edge to the yellow stage. These tones pop beautifully without requiring further lightening.

• For Multi-Tonal Effects: Combine colours for unique gradient or ombre effects. For instance, blend warm yellows and oranges for a sunset-inspired look.

• For Cooler Tones: If your hair has already reached a lighter yellow or pale blonde, try blues, purples, or greens to introduce cooler, striking shades.

These semi-permanent dyes work without further damaging your hair, helping you stay creative and stylish during the waiting periods between bleaching sessions. Plus, they can fade gracefully as you prepare for your next stage of lightening.

Achieving Vibrancy at Level 10

Once you’ve reached Level 10, your hair is the perfect canvas for any semi-permanent dye. At this pale blonde stage, cool tones dominate, and the absence of dark pigments allows the dye to show as its true colour. Pastels like baby pink, lavender, and mint green or neons like lime green and electric blue appear their most vibrant and vivid. Proper care after achieving Level 10 ensures your colour stays bold and your hair remains healthy.

When to Stop

Not all hair can withstand multiple bleaching sessions. Signs to stop or slow down include excessive dryness, breakage, or a rough texture that doesn’t improve with treatments. Focus on restoring hair health before attempting further lightening.

Bleaching from black to platinum blonde is a transformative process that requires careful planning, patience, and diligent care. Whether you opt for a single-day salon transformation or a gradual approach, managing tone, protecting your hair, and maintaining its health are essential for achieving vibrant results without compromising your hair’s integrity.