What is a common side effect of hair bleaching?

Hair damage and dryness are common side effects of hair bleaching due to the chemical processes involved in lightening hair color. Bleaching typically involves the use of strong chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, which penetrate the hair cuticle to strip away natural pigments. This can lead to a variety of structural changes within the hair.

The resultant effects can include the removal of natural oils that keep the hair hydrated, leading to dryness. Additionally, the cuticle layer may become more porous or damaged, making the hair feel brittle and more prone to breakage. Proper aftercare, such as using moisturizing conditioners and treatments, is essential following bleaching to help mitigate these damaging effects and restore moisture to the hair.

Changes in hair color would be an expected result of bleaching rather than a side effect, as the primary goal of bleaching is to alter the hair's pigmentation. Immediate hair regrowth is not associated with the process of hair bleaching, since hair growth occurs over a longer time frame. Increased shine may be attainable through the use of specific hair products but is not typically a direct side effect of bleaching, especially when damage and dryness are prevalent.