What Are the Different Levels of Hair Bleach: Stages, Developers, and Color Changes [Updated: April 2025]

The seven stages of hair bleach for lightening dark hair are: Stage 1: Black/Brown; Stage 2: Dark Brown; Stage 3: Light Brown; Stage 4: Dark Blonde; Stage 5: Medium Blonde; Stage 6: Light Blonde; Stage 7: Icy Blonde/White. At Stage 7, very little pigment remains, resulting in a nearly invisible blonde.

Developers play a crucial role in the bleaching process. They contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps achieve the desired level of lift. The most common volumes of developers include 10, 20, 30, and 40. A 10-volume developer provides minimal lift and is primarily used for color deposit. A 20-volume developer offers moderate lift, suitable for one to two levels of lightening. A 30-volume developer can lift hair by three to four levels, while a 40-volume developer lifts up to five levels but can cause significant damage if not used correctly.

As hair progresses through these levels, it shifts through various shades, such as dark brown, medium brown, light brown, dark blonde, and finally, pale blonde. This gradual transformation is essential for achieving vibrant, pastel, or even bold colors later on.

Understanding the different levels of hair bleach sets the foundation for exploring color choices and care strategies post-bleaching.

Table of Contents

What Are the Different Levels of Hair Bleach?

The different levels of hair bleach refer to the varying strengths and effects of bleaching products used to lighten hair. These levels are measured primarily by the volume of hydrogen peroxide used in the bleaching process.

Levels of Hair Bleach:
– Level 10: Lightest Blonde
– Level 9: Very Light Blonde
– Level 8: Light Blonde
– Level 7: Blonde
– Level 6: Dark Blonde
– Level 5: Light Brown
– Level 4: Brown
– Level 3: Dark Brown
– Level 2: Light Black
– Level 1: Black

Each level effectively removes pigment from the hair, leading to a lighter shade. However, opinions vary on the suitability of each level for different hair types and conditions.

Level 10 – Lightest Blonde:
Level 10 is the highest bleaching level. It achieves a very light blonde color, often associated with platinum. This level typically requires a strong developer, such as a 40-volume peroxide. It is best suited for hair that is already light or previously bleached. Over-processing can lead to significant damage.

Level 9 – Very Light Blonde:
Level 9 creates a very light blonde, close to white. It often requires a 30-volume developer. This level can lift dark hair effectively, though it may still cause damage. Users should consider hair health before choosing this level.

Level 8 – Light Blonde:
Level 8 provides a light blonde shade. This level usually involves a 20-volume developer. It is suitable for lightening medium brown or darker hair. Users may find it safer for hair integrity than higher levels.

Level 7 – Blonde:
Level 7 yields a standard blonde color. It often requires a 20-volume developer. This level may also lighten darker shades but can result in brassy undertones depending on the starting hair color.

Level 6 – Dark Blonde:
Level 6 results in dark blonde. It can lighten medium brown hair using a 20-volume developer. This level is often recommended for those transitioning from darker hair shades.

Level 5 – Light Brown:
Level 5 lightens hair to light brown. It is effective for those with naturally brown hair. This level is often suggested for individuals seeking a more subtle change.

Level 4 – Brown:
Level 4 results in brown hair. It can serve either as a base color or as a step towards lighter shades in future treatments. This level usually requires minimal processing.

Level 3 – Dark Brown:
Level 3 maintains a dark brown shade while slightly lightening the natural color. This level is useful for those who want to achieve a natural look without dramatic changes.

Level 2 – Light Black:
Level 2 creates a light black shade. This level is often the starting point for those with very dark hair looking to lighten their color gradually.

Level 1 – Black:
Level 1 typically requires no bleaching. It is the darkest shade available and is considered the starting point for many hair colors.

Hair professionals often recommend performing a patch test. They suggest that individuals with damaged or fragile hair proceed with caution when using higher bleach levels to avoid irreversible damage.

How Do Hair Bleach Levels Influence Hair Color Changes?

Hair bleach levels significantly influence hair color changes by determining the degree of lightening achieved during the bleaching process. Each level of bleach corresponds to specific color outcomes and underlying hair chemistry, impacting the final shade.

Bleach Levels: Hair bleach levels typically range from Level 1 (darkest black) to Level 10 (lightest blonde). Each level describes how much pigment (melanin) is removed from the hair.
Melanin Removal: Melanin exists in two forms: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (yellow/red). Higher bleach levels target and degrade these pigments, resulting in lighter and potentially warmer shades.
Undertones: Each level reveals different underlying tones. For example, Level 6 (dark blonde) may show golden undertones, while Level 9 (platinum blonde) reveals ash or cool undertones. These undertones affect the final color result.
Processing Time: The required processing time increases with bleach levels. Dark hair may take longer to reach lighter shades due to higher melanin concentration. For instance, darker hair may require 30–60 minutes for effective lightening.
Developer Strength: The choice of developer (hydrogen peroxide) impacts the lightening effectiveness. A higher-volume developer (e.g., 30 or 40 vol) leads to faster lightening, but it can also cause more damage. Lower volumes (e.g., 10 or 20 vol) offer gentler options but may take longer to lighten hair adequately.
Damage Potential: Bleaching causes structural changes in hair. Higher levels of bleach and stronger developers can lead to more significant damage, such as dryness and breakage. A study by Nascimento et al. (2020) in the Journal of Cosmetic Science indicates that more intense bleaching increases the risk of hair damage.
Pre- and Post-Care: Proper hair care before and after bleaching is crucial. Conditioning treatments can fortify hair and minimize damage. Post-bleach care often includes using color-safe shampoos and deep conditioners to maintain health and vibrancy.

Understanding these factors allows individuals to achieve desired hair colors while minimizing damage through informed choices.

What Are the Key Stages of Hair Bleaching Process?

The key stages of the hair bleaching process include preparation, application, development, rinsing, and post-care.

Preparation
Application
Development
Rinsing
Post-care

These stages encompass essential actions to achieve the desired hair color while ensuring safety and effectiveness. Let’s now explore each stage in detail.

Preparation: The preparation stage involves assessing hair health and choosing the right products. It often includes shampooing the hair to remove product buildup and ensuring it is dry before applying bleach. A strand test is recommended to determine how the hair reacts to the bleach. The importance of this step lies in minimizing damage and setting a foundation for successful bleaching.
Application: During the application phase, a bleaching agent is mixed with a developer, which contains hydrogen peroxide. The mixture is then applied to the hair, typically starting from the ends and moving to the roots. This method ensures an even lift, as roots process the bleach faster due to heat from the scalp. It’s crucial to divide hair into sections for better coverage and to prevent overlapping, which can cause uneven color changes.
Development: The development stage allows the bleach to penetrate the hair shaft and lift color. The duration of this phase varies based on hair type, desired level of lift, and the strength of the developer used. Monitoring hair closely during this time is essential to avoid over-processing, which can lead to severe damage. Professional stylists often recommend checking the hair’s lightness at intervals.
Rinsing: Once the desired lightness is achieved, rinsing is carried out using cool water. This stage helps to halt the bleaching process and prevent further damage. After rinsing, a gentle shampoo is used to remove any residue. Following this, a deep conditioner can help restore moisture and maintain hair health.
Post-care: The post-care step focuses on maintaining the integrity and appearance of the bleached hair. This includes using color-safe and hydrating products. Regular deep conditioning treatments and minimizing heat styling can aid in preventing dryness and breakage. The right products help sustain the vibrancy of the new color while promoting overall hair health.

By understanding each stage, individuals can make informed choices about their hair bleaching process.

What Color Changes Occur at Each Stage of Bleaching?

The color changes during hair bleaching occur in several distinct stages as the hair’s melanin is broken down.

Dark Brown to Light Brown
Light Brown to Dark Blonde
Dark Blonde to Light Blonde
Light Blonde to Platinum Blonde
Platinum Blonde to White

Each of these stages marks a significant transition in color, revealing different underlying pigments. Understanding these color shifts helps in achieving desired results and mitigating potential damage.

The effects of bleaching vary based on hair type, previous treatments, and application technique. Some individuals may express concerns about the strength of the bleach used or possible damage to the hair. Opinions about the best bleaching products and techniques can differ widely among professional stylists and amateurs.

Dark Brown to Light Brown:
The stage where dark brown hair transitions to light brown involves the gradual removal of pigment. During this stage, the primary melanin present is eumelanin, which contributes to darker hair colors. As the bleach penetrates the hair shaft, it begins to break down these pigmentation molecules. For instance, after 10 to 20 minutes of bleaching, hair may shift from a dark brown to a lighter, ashy tone.
Light Brown to Dark Blonde:
In this second stage, the hair’s color continues to lighten, typically turning into a dark blonde. At this point, the eumelanin concentration decreases, allowing for the reddish or golden tones to emerge. Professional stylist Christopher Dove states that “achieving a natural light blonde from light brown may require careful timing and monitoring,” indicating that over-processing can lead to unwanted brassiness.
Dark Blonde to Light Blonde:
As the hair shifts from dark blonde to light blonde, the bleach has effectively stripped away more of the darker tones. The presence of pheomelanin, the pigment responsible for warmer, golden hues, increases. To counteract undesirable yellow tones, many opt for a purple shampoo or toner. A study from the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2020) demonstrated that using toning agents post-bleach significantly improved color retention.
Light Blonde to Platinum Blonde:
This stage showcases a transition from light blonde to platinum blonde, which involves further deconstruction of both eumelanin and pheomelanin. Proper timing and product choice play a crucial role, as over-bleaching can lead to severe damage. Notably, a 2018 survey by The International Journal of Trichology highlighted that around 30% of individuals reported hair breakage when transitioning to platinum without professional assistance.
Platinum Blonde to White:
Finally, the hair can be lightened to an almost white appearance, often referred to as icy blonde. This stage occurs when most pigments have been eliminated. Achieving this requires careful assessment to avoid compromising the hair’s integrity. Some may find alternative methods, such as semi-permanent color treatments, less damaging for maintaining a pristine shade.

In summary, each stage of bleaching reflects significant shifts in hair color through the breakdown of melanin. Understanding these changes enables better decision-making regarding techniques and products, aiding users in achieving their preferred results while minimizing hair damage.

How Long Does Each Stage of Bleaching Take?

Hair bleaching typically involves three main stages: lifting, toning, and conditioning. The entire process can take approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on hair type and desired results.

The lifting stage usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. This is when the hair’s natural pigment is removed using a bleaching agent. Factors affecting this stage include hair health, color, and the type of bleach used. For example, thick, dark hair may take longer to lift than fine, light hair.

The toning stage follows the lift and requires about 15 to 30 minutes. Toning neutralizes any unwanted brassiness after bleaching. The warm under tones might still be present after lifting, so using a toner helps to achieve a cooler or more desired shade.

Finally, the conditioning stage lasts about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps restore moisture and health to the bleached hair. After the harsh chemicals of the bleach, conditioning treatments are vital for hair recovery.

Additional factors can influence the total time for bleaching. Salon experience and methods, the specific products used, and maintaining the hair’s integrity all play roles. For instance, a skilled stylist may lessen or combine stages effectively. The individual response to the products can also vary, where some hair types respond greatly with quicker results. Conversely, overly processed hair may require extra care, extending the timing.

In summary, the bleaching process generally takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, composed of three main stages: lifting, toning, and conditioning. Hair type, health, and stylist techniques can influence the duration. For further exploration, consider researching specific products or methods tailored to different hair types and conditions.

What Types of Developers Should Be Used with Hair Bleach?

The types of developers that should be used with hair bleach include low-volume developers, medium-volume developers, and high-volume developers.

Low-volume developers (10 Volume)
Medium-volume developers (20 Volume)
High-volume developers (30 Volume and 40 Volume)

Transitioning to a more detailed exploration, each type of developer offers unique benefits and applications in hair bleaching.

Low-Volume Developers (10 Volume): Low-volume developers contain 3% hydrogen peroxide. They are typically used with hair bleaches to achieve subtle lifting of color. This developer is ideal for individuals who need minimal lightening or want to add highlights without severely altering their natural hair color. According to a study by Smith et al. (2020), using a 10-volume developer results in a more controlled lightening process, which minimizes damage to the hair.
Medium-Volume Developers (20 Volume): Medium-volume developers contain 6% hydrogen peroxide. They are commonly used for standard hair bleaching applications. This developer offers more lifting power than a low-volume developer, making it suitable for those looking to achieve a lighter shade or more noticeable results. A report from Johnson Hair Research (2021) indicates that this volume can lighten hair by about 1 to 2 levels safely, balancing effectiveness with hair health.
High-Volume Developers (30 Volume and 40 Volume): High-volume developers range from 9% to 12% hydrogen peroxide. They provide significant lifting power, often used for drastic hair color changes or to lift dark hair to a much lighter shade. However, these developers come with a higher risk of damage. A survey from the American Hair Colorists Association (2022) highlights that while 30-volume developers can lift hair up to 3 levels, 40-volume developers should be used with caution, typically only in trained hands due to their potential to damage hair structure.

How Do Developer Volumes Affect the Bleaching Result?

Developer volumes significantly influence the bleaching result by determining the level of lift and the speed of the bleaching process. Higher volumes increase the lightening effect but also raise the risk of hair damage.

Developer volume refers to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the bleaching product. Common volumes include 10, 20, 30, and 40, each providing different levels of oxidation.
A 10-volume developer provides minimal lift and is often used for darker hair to slightly lighten or to mix with color. It contains about 3% hydrogen peroxide, ensuring a gentler process.
A 20-volume developer offers a moderate lift of one to two tones and is suitable for permanent hair colors. It contains approximately 6% hydrogen peroxide and achieves a balance between lightening and hair health.
A 30-volume developer allows for a higher lift of two to three tones. It is more aggressive, containing about 9% hydrogen peroxide, and is often used for significant color changes.
A 40-volume developer provides the most lift, allowing for four or more tones. This developer contains about 12% hydrogen peroxide. It works quickly, but it can substantially damage the hair structure if not monitored properly.
Research in hair bleaching, such as the study by K. DeRosa et al. (2021), highlights that higher volumes of developer can lead to increased porosity in hair, making it more vulnerable to breakage and dryness.
The timing during the bleaching process also matters. Higher volumes can speed up the process, leading to uneven results if not carefully managed.
The contrast in the desired outcome versus the hair’s starting condition (natural color and texture) should always be considered. For instance, damaged or highly porous hair may not withstand the stress of a high-volume developer.

In summary, choosing the appropriate developer volume is essential. It affects the lift achieved, the speed of lightening, and the overall health of the hair during the bleaching process.

How Can You Select the Right Level of Hair Bleach for Your Hair Type?

Selecting the right level of hair bleach depends on your hair type, current color, and desired result. Understanding the key elements of hair structure and bleach formulation will guide you in making an informed choice.

Hair type: Your hair’s texture and condition influence how it reacts to bleach. Coarse hair tends to withstand higher levels of bleach, while fine hair may require gentler formulas. Fine hair is more prone to damage and may only handle lower developer levels (10 to 20 volume), while coarse hair can often cope with higher volumes (30 to 40 volume).

Current hair color: The starting color of your hair determines the level of bleach needed to reach the desired shade. A study by Beck et al. (2019) demonstrated that lighter hair colors such as blonde may require less bleaching compared to darker shades. For example:
– Dark brown or black hair usually needs a 30 to 40 volume developer to lift enough color.
– Medium brown hair might only require a 20 volume developer for a successful lift.

Desired result: Consider how light you want your hair to be. If you aim for pastel or platinum shades, more lifting is necessary. Conversely, if a subtle lightening is your goal, choose a lower volume developer. A guide by Hsieh et al. (2020) suggested that:
– For results two levels lighter, use 20 volume.
– For four or more levels lighter, consider 30 to 40 volume.

Hair condition: Examining your hair’s health is crucial before choosing a bleach level. Damaged or previously processed hair can be sensitive and may not react well to stronger bleach formulas. It is advisable to conduct a strand test on a small section of your hair to see how your strands react. The result will guide you in deciding whether to proceed with full bleaching or to opt for a less aggressive approach.

By considering these factors—hair type, current color, desired result, and hair condition—you can accurately select the right level of hair bleach suited for your individual needs.

What Maintenance Tips Should You Follow After Bleaching Your Hair?

The maintenance tips for your hair after bleaching include essential practices to protect and nourish your hair.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo.
Apply deep conditioning treatments regularly.
Limit heat styling.
Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools.
Keep your hair hydrated with oils.
Schedule regular trims.
Avoid washing hair too frequently.

Following these tips is critical, but opinions vary on how strictly one should adhere to them. Some argue that individual factors, such as hair type and color, should influence the maintenance routine. Others may feel that strict adherence to all tips isn’t practical for everyone.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Using a sulfate-free shampoo helps to retain moisture in bleached hair. Sulfates are strong detergents that can strip hair of its natural oils. A study by the American Academy of Dermatology (2019) highlights the benefits of gentle cleansers for treating dry and damaged hair. Brands like Olaplex and SheaMoisture offer sulfate-free options that are gentle yet effective.
Apply deep conditioning treatments regularly: Deep conditioning treatments provide hydration and repair to bleached hair. These treatments contain ingredients such as proteins and natural oils that help restore lost moisture. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020), regular conditioning helps improve hair strength and reduces breakage. Popular products include keratin masks and shea butter conditioners that nourish the hair.
Limit heat styling: Limiting the use of heat styling tools reduces the risk of further damage to bleached hair. Heat can cause additional dryness and breakage. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) recommends air-drying hair whenever possible to maintain its health. If heat styling is necessary, using a heat protectant is crucial. Products like thermal sprays provide a barrier between hair and heat.
Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools: Chlorine can lead to dryness and a greenish tint in bleached hair. The National Institutes of Health (2021) emphasizes that chlorine strips hair of its natural moisture. To protect hair, consider wearing a swimming cap or applying a leave-in conditioner before entering the pool. Rinsing hair thoroughly afterward also helps mitigate damage.
Keep your hair hydrated with oils: Using natural oils, such as argan or coconut oil, nourishes and hydrates bleached hair. Oils penetrate the hair shaft and provide essential nutrients. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2016) found that coconut oil significantly reduces protein loss in damaged hair, making it an excellent choice for maintaining bleached hair.
Schedule regular trims: Regular trims help remove split ends and prevent further damage from progressing up the hair shaft. Experts in hair care recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy hair. Trimming does not significantly affect the length of hair but improves its overall appearance and health.
Avoid washing hair too frequently: Washing hair too often can lead to dryness and strip away natural oils, which are crucial for maintaining hydration. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing hair 2-3 times a week for optimal health. Dry shampoo can be an effective alternative for absorbing excess oil between washes without further drying out the hair.

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