Dreaming of achieving that icy platinum blonde but wary of salon prices? The Bleach London Total Bleach Kit promises salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own bathroom. But does this popular kit truly deliver the coveted platinum shade, or is it just more hype? In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into the Bleach London Total Bleach Kit, its effectiveness, and whether it’s the right choice for your at-home bleaching journey.
What is the Bleach London Total Bleach Kit?
The Bleach London Total Bleach Kit is an all-in-one kit designed to lift and lighten your hair at home. It’s suitable for various hair types and promises to lighten hair up to 7 levels. The kit contains:
- Bleaching powder
- 30 Vol (9%) developing lotion
- Reincarnation Mask (bond-restoring treatment)
- Plastic gloves
Bleach London’s Total Bleach Kit boasts a vegan and cruelty-free formula, making it an ethical choice for beauty enthusiasts.
Understanding Your Starting Point
Before embarking on your platinum journey, it’s crucial to assess your current hair color and condition. The Total Bleach Kit works best on virgin hair or hair that’s within the light blonde to dark brown range. If your hair is significantly darker or has been previously colored, you may need multiple bleaching sessions to achieve the desired lightness without severe damage
Consider these factors before you begin:
- Natural Hair Color: The darker your natural hair, the more sessions you will likely need.
- Previous Color Treatments: Pre-existing color can complicate the bleaching process and make results less predictable.
- Hair Health: Bleaching can be harsh. Assess if your hair is strong enough to handle the process.
The Bleaching Process: My Experience
To give you the most authentic insights, I documented my experience using the Bleach London Total Bleach Kit. Here’s what I did:
- Strand Test: A strand test is crucial to predict results and prevent a hair disaster.
- Preparation: I gathered supplies and protected my workspace with old towels.
- Mixing: Following the instructions meticulously, I combined the powder and developer.
- Application: Carefully applied the bleach in sections, ensuring even saturation.
- Development: I checked the progress every 10 minutes, as leaving bleach on too long can be disastrous.
- Rinsing & Toning: Thoroughly rinsed the bleach and applied a purple toning shampoo to neutralize brassy tones.
- Bond-Restoring Treatment: Generously applied the Reincarnation Mask to replenish moisture and strength.
My Results (With Before/After Photos)
Before Photo
Pros and Cons of the Bleach London Total Bleach Kit
To give you a balanced perspective, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons I observed:
Pros
- Effective: The Bleach London Total Bleach Kit delivers on its promise of lightening hair. While results will vary based on your starting color, you can expect a noticeable lift in lightness. I personally found that it effectively took my medium brown hair to a warm blonde in one session.
- Good Value: Compared to the cost of professional salon bleaching, this kit offers excellent value. It’s particularly worthwhile if you anticipate needing multiple bleaching sessions to reach your desired platinum shade.
- Reincarnation Mask: It’s commendable that Bleach London includes this hydrating, bond-restoring mask. Bleaching can be drying, so having a deep conditioning treatment on hand is a major benefit and shows the brand’s attention to hair health.
- Clear Instructions: The instructions in the kit are user-friendly and straightforward. Even if you’re new to at-home hair coloring, the steps are laid out clearly, which helps minimize the risk of errors.
Cons
- Potential for Damage: It’s important to understand that any bleaching process comes with a degree of risk to your hair health. This can manifest as dryness, breakage, or brittleness. Proper technique, conditioning treatments, and avoiding over-processing are crucial to minimizing potential damage.
- May Not Achieve Platinum in One Session: While the kit is powerful, don’t expect instant platinum blonde, especially if you have dark hair. It may take multiple bleaching sessions spread over several weeks to healthily achieve that ultra-light shade without compromising your hair.
- Brassiness Can Occur: Bleaching often reveals underlying warm tones (yellow, orange) in the hair. A purple toning shampoo or toner is a worthwhile investment to neutralize brassiness and bring out a cooler, icier blonde.
Is the Bleach London Total Bleach Kit the Right Choice for You?
The Bleach London Total Bleach Kit can be a good option if you:
- Have light to medium hair and desire a platinum blonde look.
- Are comfortable with DIY hair processes.
- Prioritize affordability over the precision of a salon experience.
The kit may not be ideal for you if you:
- Have very dark or previously colored hair.
- Have severely damaged hair.
- Want guaranteed results without the risk of brassiness or unevenness.
Tips for Optimal Platinum Results
Multiple applications: Patience is key! Especially with darker hair, be prepared for a gradual lightening process. Allow your hair time to recover between bleaching sessions, typically a few weeks apart.
Toner is your friend: Embrace purple toning products. They’ll help eliminate unwanted warm tones and push your blonde towards the cool platinum spectrum.
Deep conditioning: Bleached hair craves moisture! Prioritize deep conditioning masks and leave-in treatments to restore hydration and reduce the risk of breakage.
Seek professional help if needed: If you have concerns about your hair’s health, previous color treatments, or simply want expert guidance, don’t hesitate to consult a hairstylist. They can provide personalized advice and help you achieve your platinum goals safely.
Final Verdict
The Bleach London Total Bleach Kit is a capable at-home bleaching option. While achieving platinum blonde in a single session is unlikely for everyone, it can be a stepping stone in your lightening journey. If you have realistic expectations, understand the risks, and are willing to put in the effort, this kit can help you score a brighter blonde on a budget.
