3 Hacks to Stop Hair Bleach From Swelling – What REALLY Worked?

If you’ve ever been frustrated by bleach swelling while working on your clients (or yourself!), you’re not alone. Here are 3 hacks I tested to stop hair bleach from swelling.

One moment your application is flawless, and the next – boom! – the bleach has puffed up, uneven, and unpredictable. 😫 As a stylist who’s been in the trenches with every kind of lightener, I know how annoying this can be.

So, today, I tested three different hacks that are supposed to stop bleach from swelling and keep things under control. Spoiler alert: some of these surprised me, and others…well, let’s just say they didn’t make the cut.

The 3 Hacks I Tested to Stop Hair Bleach From Swelling :

Water. Yes! H2O
Clay Hack Using Malibu C Klay Additive
Scalp Protective Serum Hack

Hack 1: Water Hack to Prevent Hair Bleach From Swelling

I’ve heard this one floating around a lot – simply adding a little water to your bleach mixture to help prevent swelling. I know what you’re thinking: “Really? Water?” But I had to see if this DIY approach worked.

So, I tried adding a splash of water to the mix. The idea is that it dilutes the bleach just enough to control the reaction without sacrificing the lift. And guess what? It actually did reduce the swelling… a little! 😲 The bleach stayed flatter and more controlled on the hair. However, there was a slight trade-off – for me it spread up the processing a bit, kinda the opposite of what I was expecting. Maybe it was a fluke that I need to test again but this hack is a win.

Verdict: Works, but proceed with caution!

CHECK OUT THIS BLOG FOR THE BEST HAIR BLEACH FOR DARK HAIR

Malbu C Klay Additive to prevent hair bleach from swelling

Hack 2: Clay Hack Using Malibu C Klay Additive To Stop Hair Bleach From Swelling

Next up, I decided to try Malibu C Klay additive. This one had me excited because clay-based additives are designed to maintain the integrity of the bleach while minimizing swelling. I mixed it in with the bleach, and I have to say – WOW. The consistency was that of a clay lightener! Not only did it stop the swelling even more so, but it also gave the bleach a smooth, spreadable texture that stayed put throughout the entire process.

Another bonus? The hair didn’t feel overly dry afterward, which is always a win when you’re lightening, especially on dark hair. Plus, I didn’t notice any significant slowdown in processing. The lift was strong, and the application was so easy. This hack is definitely going into my regular rotation and something that I’m going to play around with a little more.

Verdict: A total game-changer! Smooth, controlled application with little swelling.

Scalp Serum to stop hair bleach from swelling

Hack 3: Scalp Protective Serum Hack

Lastly, I tested the idea of adding a scalp protective serum directly into the bleach mixture. Now, usually, these serums are applied to the scalp to protect the skin, but some stylists have suggested mixing them in with the bleach for extra control. So, I gave it a try.

Honestly, this one was a bit of a letdown. The bleach didn’t swell as much, but the texture of the mixture became a little too runny for my liking. It didn’t grip the hair as well, and I found it harder to get even application. Not to mention, it made me feel like I had little control of the foil which would essentially cause bleeding foils. The serum did help with hydration, so if you’re working on clients with hair, this might be worth it, but for swelling…meh.

Verdict: Great for hydration, but not the best for lift.

Final Thoughts

After testing these three hacks, it’s clear that Water and Malibu C Klay additive came out on top as the real MVP. 🙌 If you’re dealing with bleach swelling and want a reliable solution that doesn’t compromise the lift or application, this is definitely worth trying. The water hack can work in a pinch if you want the slightest reduction in bleach puffying up, and while the scalp serum is great for protecting the skin, it’s not the magic fix for swelling.

I’d love to know – what hacks have you tried to prevent bleach swelling? Let me know in my YouTube in the comments of my video

Confidence Behind the Chair Starts Here!

Join the hundreds of hairstylists elevating their skills and business. Get on the Waitlist!

Hair education for hairstylists - Hair B&B University

Hey, I'm Mirella

Hair Educator, Podcaster, YouTube Sensation, and Entrepreneur with over 20+ Years Experience

I help hairstylists, like YOU, simplify your skills and achieve your business goals. I have a ton of great resources on my website from blogs & podcast to online education, I’ve got you covered!