Bleaching hair is a popular way to lighten natural hair color or remove artificial color. But how much bleach powder should you use per application? A typical scoop of bleach powder weighs around 30 grams or 1 ounce. The scoop included in most bleach kits holds about 1 ounce of powder. While the exact amount needed depends on your hair length and thickness, this 1 ounce scoop is a good starting point for measuring out bleach powder.
When mixing up a batch of bleach, it’s important to maintain the proper developer-to-powder ratio. Bleach powder must be mixed with an activator or developer containing hydrogen peroxide to lift color. The standard bleaching formula calls for a 1:2 ratio – one part bleach powder to two parts developer. So if using 1 ounce of bleach powder, you’d mix it with 2 ounces of developer. Following manufacturer’s instructions for mixing is always recommended.
If you don’t have a bleach scoop handy, you can substitute by measuring powder in teaspoons or weighing it on a kitchen scale. The key is sticking to that 1:2 ratio to achieve even lifting and coloring. When in doubt, start with less bleach rather than over-bleaching. You can always reapply more bleach for greater lightening. Proper measuring ensures you get the blonde results you want without frying your locks.
Why Proper Measuring Matters
Bleach works by breaking down the underlying pigment molecules in your hair through a chemical reaction. The alkaline environment created by the bleach powder opens up your hair cuticles, allowing the developer to penetrate and interact with melanin pigments.
If the formula contains too much powder, it raises the pH rapidly and can degrade hair proteins too quickly. This leads to dryness, breakage, and chemical cuts in the hair shaft.
On the flip side, too little bleach powder results in slower lifting of color. You may have to process multiple times to reach your desired level of lightness, causing cumulative damage over time.
By accurately measuring powder, you ensure the bleach primes and lifts your hair evenly in one session. This prevents under-processed or over-processed areas.
Mixing Bleach Powder and Developer
Bleach powder must always be mixed with a developer or activator that contains hydrogen peroxide to lift your natural pigment.
Developer comes in different volumes, with higher volumes containing higher percentages of peroxide to lighten more dramatically. Common volumes are 10, 20, 30, and 40.
The standard bleaching formula calls for a 1:2 ratio – 1 part bleach powder to 2 parts developer.
| Bleach Powder | Developer |
|---|---|
| 1 oz | 2 oz |
| 30 g | 60 g |
| 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup |
| 15 g | 30 g |
| 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| 1 sachet (20 g) | 2 fl oz |
| 2 scoops (60 g) | 4 fl oz |
So if using 1 ounce or 30 grams of bleach powder, you would mix it with 2 ounces or 60 grams of developer in a non-metallic bowl.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing ratios carefully to avoid using too much or too little developer.
After combining the powder and developer, use a tinting brush to apply the mixture to pre-sectioned hair, starting at the ends and working up towards the roots.
Keep an eye on the clock and don’t exceed the maximum processing time based on your hair type and condition. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a hydrating conditioner.
Measuring Without a Scoop
If you don’t have a bleach powder scoop on hand, there are a couple alternative ways to measure:
- Use measuring spoons – 1 tablespoon powder to 2 tablespoons developer
- Weigh powder in grams using a kitchen or postal scale
Some ready-made bleach kits also provide exact mixing ratios or measurements right on the packaging.
Products like Schwarzkopf Blond Me+ provide pre-measured sachets of powder that just need water and creamy developer added. This takes the guesswork out of measurements.
The most important thing is maintaining the proper 1:2 balance of powder to developer no matter what tool you use to measure.
Doing a Strand Test
It’s highly recommended to do a strand test before applying bleach all over your head. This will show you how well the mixture lifts your hair to the desired blonde tone.
- Take a few strands of hair from an inconspicuous area and apply the mixed bleach to them according to directions.
- Check for color and texture changes after 10 minutes.
- If your hair isn’t lightening as much as you hoped, you can tweak the mixing ratio before applying to your whole head.
For example, you may increase the developer by a teaspoon or two to boost lifting power. Just be careful not to go overboard, as too high a ratio can damage hair.
Doing a patch test minimizes the risk of hair damage from over-bleaching your entire head. You can troubleshoot and perfect the formula rather than being stuck with fried locks.
Caring for Hair Post-Bleach
While your hair is vulnerable after bleaching, the right aftercare can nourish it back to health. Be sure to:
- Use a deep conditioning hair mask or treatment 1-2 times per week
- Avoid excessive heat from blowdrying, curling, or straightening
- Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- Reduce washing to 2-3 times per week if possible
- Use a pre-wash oil or serum to limit hydration loss
- Get occasional trims to snip away split ends before they worsen
With the proper bleach measurements, mixing techniques, strand tests, timing, and aftercare, you can achieve beautiful brightened locks at home. However, bleach should always be handled with caution.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have no prior experience with at-home bleaching, want to go more than 2-3 shades lighter, or have damaged hair, it’s best to seek professional help.
A seasoned stylist will customize the bleaching formula to your hair’s condition and needs. They can also provide treatments to minimize damage and breakage.
Bottom line – understand the commitment and maintenance required for dramatically lightened hair before attempting to go platinum on your own. With a skilled colorist, the process will be smoother and safer for your strands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bleach powder last when mixed with developer?
The bleach and developer mixture only maintains maximum effectiveness for 1-2 hours after mixing. Anything unused should be discarded after this time. The alkaline agents start to break down, making the formula less potent.
Can I reuse leftover bleach mixture on my hair?
Never apply leftover bleach from a previous session to your hair. The formula stops working properly after being mixed and exposed to air. Reusing old bleach won’t lighten your hair further and can cause serious damage.
What volume developer should I use with bleach powder?
Choose a developer volume based on your starting shade and desired level of lift. For 1-2 shades lighter, use 10 or 20 vol. For 3-4 shades lighter, use 20 or 30 vol. For extreme lifting of 5+ shades, use 30 or 40 vol. Higher volumes mean more peroxide for greater lightening.
Is it bad to use too much developer with the bleach powder?
Yes, using too much developer can over-process and damage the hair. It raises the level of peroxide too high. Stick to a 1:2 ratio of powder to developer for safety.
What if I accidentally used too much bleach powder in my mixture?
If your mixture seems too thick or dry, you can add a splash more developer to thin it out. But do not go overboard. Discard the batch if it seems far too powder-heavy rather than risking hair damage.
Can I bleach my hair two days in a row?
It’s not recommended. Bleaching two days back-to-back places enormous stress on your strands. Space out sessions by 2-4 weeks for healthy hair. Bleaching too often causes severe dryness and breakage over time.
Will purple shampoo help if my hair gets brassy after bleaching?
Yes, purple shampoo helps neutralize yellow/orange brassiness by depositing cool violet pigment to counteract warmer tones. But it cannot fix extreme banding or blotchiness – see your colorist if hair looks uneven after bleaching.
Conclusion
When it comes to achieving beautiful brightened locks through at-home bleaching, properly measuring out the bleach powder is a crucial first step. While scoop sizes can vary across brands, a standard scoop holds about 1 ounce or 30 grams of powder. Always mix the powder with developer in a 1:2 ratio – 1 part powder to 2 parts developer. Following the measurements precisely ensures the bleach lifts your hair evenly without under-processing or over-processing. Performing a strand test can fine-tune the formula for your hair’s needs. With the right tools, techniques, timing, and care, you can lift your locks to gorgeous shades of blonde without frying them. So make sure to start by measuring your bleach powder accurately, and you’ll be on your way to stunning results.