Bleaching Knots

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Many hair wearers prefer to have the knots in their lace hair systems bleached to produce a more natural appearance. Bleaching lightens the “roots” of the hair in your system, making it appear as if it’s growing out of your scalp. Typically, bleaching is used along the front hairline and in the area where the hair parts. It is not necessary to bleach knots in areas where the base is not exposed.

Knots can’t be bleached on poly perimeters, monofilament bases or skin bases. Bleaching is also unnecessary for heavy densities, and often medium densities as well because where there is substantial density, the knots are not visible.

Knot bleaching is not recommended for beginners. If knots are overbleached, the hair will break off. We suggest you allow us to bleach knots for you. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, be sure to follow instructions carefully.

WARNING: The darker the hair, the more difficult it is to fully bleach the knots. In fact, we don’t recommend trying to bleach dark knots to a blond color, but rather to one or two steps lighter. Bleaching hair from dark to very light will inevitably cause the hair to shed quickly and excessively. In heavy density systems, there are multiple hairs per knot, making them almost impossible to bleach.

Before you begin

The amount of bleach and developer you will need will be determined by the size of your hair system and the area you intend to cover.

On any size system, if you are bleaching only the front hairline and the part, you will need one ounce each of bleach powder and developer.

If you are bleaching the entire base on a partial or three-quarter cap hair system, we recommend two ounces each of bleach powder and developer.

If you are bleaching the entire base on a full cap system, we recommend three ounces each of bleach powder and developer.

Plan ahead and purchase the amount of powder bleach and developer that is required for your base size and coverage area.

Supplies

• Powder-based hair bleach (amount determined by coverage area)
• 40-volume developer
• One-ounce measuring cup
• Plastic or glass bowl
• Hair color applicator brush
• Styrofoam head with T-pins and mount
• Disposable gloves
• Clothing steamer
• Sink

Before you begin

The amount of bleach and developer you will need is determined by the size of your hair system and the area you intend to cover.

On any size system, if you are bleaching only the front hairline and the part, you will need one ounce each of bleach powder and developer.

If you are bleaching the entire base on a partial or three-quarter cap hair system, we recommend two ounces each of bleach powder and developer.

If you are bleaching the entire base on a full cap system, we recommend three ounces each of bleach powder and developer.

Plan ahead and purchase the amount of powder bleach and developer that is required for your base size and coverage area.

Step 1: Secure your hair system

With the underside of the base facing up towards you, use T-pins to secure your hair system to a styrofoam head. Make sure it is secure and unable to shift.

Fill your steamer and turn it on so it can begin warming up.

Step 2: Prepare the bleach

First, put on your disposable gloves.

Refer to product packaging for correct measurements. Typically the ratio is one ounce of bleach to one ounce of developer.

Pour the required amount of bleach powder and 40 volume developer into the bowl.

Stir the ingredients together with the brush until well-blended. You can tell when it’s thick enough because it will look like whipped icing.

Step 3: Apply the bleach mixture

Using the brush, apply the bleach mixture around the entire front hairline. Try to get close to the edge of the base without going over the hairline. Don’t apply too thick of a layer as the bleach will expand and can seep through the lace. While applying the mixture, avoid pushing the bleach through the lace.

To avoid getting bleach in your hair system, lay a finger along the hair edge of the base in the area you’re working so the brush touches your finger, rather than the hair.

After you’ve completed the hairline, apply bleach to your part. We suggest limiting the bleach to these areas to avoid premature shedding, but you may bleach all lace areas if you choose.

Step 4: Activate the bleach

Steam activates the bleach. Slowly pass your steamer back and forth over the base until the bleach foams and rises.

WARNING: You should not attempt to heat the bleach in the microwave. Although this is a method used by some, it can quickly burn your system.

After steaming, allow the system to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Step 5: Rinse your hair system

With the bleached side of the base facing up towards the faucet, rinse the system with cool water. While rinsing, move your fingers down along the base to push the bleach mixture residue off.

After rinsing thoroughly, gently wring the system of excess water. Visually inspect the base for any remaining bleach and rinse thoroughly.

Wash the base, and shampoo and condition the hair system, before attachment.