There are some steps you can take to safeguard your locks when bleaching. According to celebrity stylist Ashley Streicher, "If you know that you're going to bleach the heck out of your hair, there are some steps to take before the procedure to soften the blow, like doing some protein masks to help strengthen it" (via Fashionista).
You also don't want to wash your hair before your lightening appointment, for at least a few days, to increase more of your natural protective hair oils, per Teen Vogue. After bleaching your hair, it is important to steer clear of certain hair-care routines. Bumble and Bumble hair colorist Zoe Wiepert tells Fashionista, "When you're bleaching your hair, the cuticle will be swollen which will give you more body, but also it will be a bit more dry, so you can rinse it and condition it, but don't wash it — especially the first 24 to 48 hours after."
Furthermore, Streicher says that it's best to minimize the use of heat, like from blow dryers or straighteners, post-bleaching to decrease damaging the hair further. She also suggests adding more protein to your daily diet.
