5 Top Bleach for Asian Hair + Tips for Bleaching Asian Hair at Home!

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Looking for the top bleach for Asian hair?

asian girl looking for the best bleach for asian hair at the grocery

Since Asian hair can be very dark, you need a strong yet non-damaging lightening agent to lift all that pigment. 

This is the best way to achieve lighter hair colors — whether it’s platinum blonde, neon pink, or pastel purple.

However, remember that bleaching your hair is no joke. The process alone leaves your hair dry and brittle. Imagine repeating the process three to four times to lighten all that pigment! 

That’s why it’s important to choose the top Asian hair bleach products to use. 

The top bleach for Asian hair helps you achieve your desired hair color without causing too much damage to your hair.

Keep reading to discover the top bleach for Asian hair + our tips to achieve optimal results when bleaching your Asian hair at home!

Schwarzkopf BlondMe Color Powder Bleach Premium Lift 9+
Editor's Choice
  • Lifts up to 9 levels
  • Advanced bonding system helps strengthen hair and prevent breakage
  • Anti-yellow agents to neutralize undertones
Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder Lightener
Premium Pick
  • Lifts hair up to 7 levels
  • Tri-lightening complex for clear results
  • Anti-yellow molecules to prevent brassy colors
L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Hair Bleach
Budget Pick
  • Lifts up to 8 levels
  • Advanced lightening system for a shimmery, crystal-clear blonde
  • Includes anti-brass conditioner with purple pigments

Important Things to Consider When Bleaching Asian Hair

Asian hair is the hardest to bleach, so you shouldn’t bleach your hair on a whim.

Learning as much as possible about bleaching Asian hair is important to avoid damage. Here are essential things to consider. 

Hair Color Levels

Asian hair typically falls under level 1 (black), level 2 (very dark brown), or level 3 (dark brown).

It’s important to consider how many levels you plan to go up or lighten your hair. This will help determine the top bleach for your Asian hair.

For instance, if you’re going for medium blonde, which is a level 6 or 7, and you should go with a bleach product that lifts up to 5 levels. To achieve a level 9 or 10 blonde, you need a bleach product that lifts up to 9 levels.

For a level 12 platinum blonde, you may need a bleach product that lifts up to 12 levels.

Another option would be to have multiple bleach sessions. This gives your hair enough time to breathe and recover. 

infographic of the natural hair color from level 10 to 1

Undertones

All hair colors have underlying pigments that contribute to the overall color.

Black to dark Asian hair will have a red undertone. Meanwhile, light brown hair has an orange undertone. On the other hand, blonde hair has yellow to orange undertones.

With bleaching, you are removing that pigment from your hair. The darker the hair, the more underlying pigment there is.

As you bleach your hair, your underlying tones will be revealed. If you are going for blonde hair, you might find that your bleached Asian hair has turned brassy, and that’s completely normal.

Bleaching is not the final step, after all. You need to apply a toner after bleaching. This is to neutralize the yellow-to-orange undertones in your hair. 

And if you’re planning to achieve a particular color, applying semi or demi-permanent hair dye will also cover the brassiness in your hair.  

Check Out the 5 Top Bleach for Asian Hair

1
Schwarzkopf BlondMe Color Powder Bleach Premium Lift 9+

This premium bleach product will transform dark Asian hair into a beautiful blonde color.

Key benefits: Lifts up to 9 levels; easy to use; advanced neutralization; dust-free powder

Features:

  • Anti-yellow agents neutralize the pigment that causes yellow undertones
  • Advanced bonding system with hair fibers to strengthen your strands and prevent breakage
  • Powerful lightening formula works on both natural and colored hair and on all hair types 

With a powerful formula that’s easy to use, this is one of the best bleach for Asian hair.

The Schwarzkopf Blond Me Powder Bleach has a powerful lightening formula that can lift hair up to 9 levels.

Even deeply pigmented Asian hair can be transformed into platinum blonde.

With Schwarzkopf, you also get advanced neutralization that prevents hair from turning yellow or brassy. However, a toner is still essential to neutralize and balance bleached Asian hair.  

While bleach can be harsh on your hair, the Blond Me Powder Bleach has an advanced bonding system that prevents hair breakage. As a result, your hair won’t feel as dried out compared to other bleach products.

Schwarzkopf’s dust-free powder is easy to use. There’s also a flexible mixing ratio to suit your hair needs. As such, there’s a lower risk of overmixing or overdosing, which can ruin the results.

Best of all, you only need about 45 minutes to transform your Asian hair. One package is good for single use. You’ll need more than one for multiple bleaching sessions though.

For optimal hair results, this product is top used with the Schwarzkopf Blond Me Premium Developer 30 Volume

If you have a sensitive scalp, opt for the 20 Volume version.

The developer is infused with mineral oil to support your scalp’s moisture barrier and has a reduced water formula for brighter colors. 

2
Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder Lightener

This award-winning bleach powder can quickly lighten your dark Asian hair while minimizing damage.

Key benefits: Lifts up to 7 levels; tri-lightening complex; anti-yellow molecules; multiple clear blonde results; dust-free powder

Features:

  • Tri-lightening complex lifts hair up to 7 levels
  • Anti-yellow molecules to minimize yellow and orange undertones
  • Delivers multiple blonde clear results even on pre-colored hair

If you want quick results, try this best hair bleach for Asian hair.   

If you’re bleaching Asian hair at home, the Wella Blondor Multi Blonde Powder Lightener is an excellent choice.

You can achieve fast and even results with their simple-to-mix formula and creamy consistency. Even beginners can achieve a beautiful blonde color with this.

With a tri-lightening complex, this bleaching powder can lift your hair color up 7 levels!

Anti-yellow molecules also prevent bleached Asian hair from turning yellow or orange. Expect clear results even on pre-colored hair.  

Furthermore, this bleaching product is also suitable for those with sensitive scalps. Even when paired with a low-volume developer, you can still achieve your desired level.

As such, you can protect the integrity of your hair and keep it shiny — all while enjoying beautiful, bleached hair. 

Just make sure that the bleach won’t stay on your hair for any longer than 50 minutes. Instead, you can have multiple bleaching sessions to get an even lighter blonde color. 

3
Manic Panic Flash Lightning Hair Bleach Kit

Want a neon pink or electric blue hair color? This bleach kit creates a good blonde base for applying vibrant hair colors.

Key benefits: Lifts up to 5 levels; gentle formula; complete kit for easy application; dust-free formula

Features:

  • Bleach kit that lifts up to 5 levels for a medium or light blonde hair color
  • Complete kit contains everything you need to bleach Asian hair at home
  • Gentle formula that’s vegan and cruelty-free 

The Manic Panic bleach kit helps you achieve a medium-blonde hair color. You can leave it at that or add vibrant hues after.

Not everyone wants platinum blonde locks. But if you want anything other than black or brown hair, bleaching Asian hair is a must. 

The Manic Panic Flash Lightning Hair Bleach Kit creates a good base for your desired vibrant colors.

On its own, this bleach kit will lift hair up to 5 levels. You can lighten your Asian hair to a medium or subtle blonde color. 

This is also good for bleaching Asian hair at home. Since the bleaching process must be done quickly, it’s good to have everything you need on hand. 

Thankfully, this bleach kit already contains bleach powder, a 30 volume crème developer, a mixing tub, a tint brush, a plastic cap, and plastic gloves.

The dust-free formula also means that bleach is evenly spread throughout your hair. This prevents patchy or uneven bleached Asian hair.

One bleach kit covers 4 inches of hair length. You may need more than one for longer hair and multiple bleaching sessions. 

If you want something more intense, you can try the Amplified bleach kit with a 40 Volume crème developer. Just make sure to perform a strand test to see how your hair will react to the bleach. 

4
L'Oreal Paris Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Hair Bleach

This hair bleach kit will transform your medium brown hair into a crystal-clear blonde color.

Key benefits: Lifts up to 8 levels; hyper lightening system; easy to use; no odor; suitable for all hair types

Features:

  • Advanced lightening system that delivers hyper platinum blonde hair
  • Includes an anti-brass conditioner to reduce yellow and orange tones
  • Wide range of shades to choose from depending on how blonde you want to be 

This is one of the best bleach for Asian hair. Not only does it produce a platinum blonde color, but it also makes your hair shimmer with health!

If you want to avoid dull and dry hair after bleaching, consider the L’Oreal Feria hair bleach kit.

It has an advanced lightening system that transforms medium-brown Asian hair into a platinum-blonde color.

The bleach kit also comes with a purple conditioner to help strengthen your hair afterwards and to prevent your bleached Asian hair from looking brassy or orange. 

As a result, the finish makes your newly blonde hair shine.

One box already contains the bleaching powder, developer crème, and anti-brass conditioner.

You may want to use up to 2 boxes if you have longer hair. This ensures optimal results and an even bleach application.

Even beginners will have an easy time using this bleach kit. It also has no odor, which makes for a comfortable bleaching process. Before you know it, you’ll have platinum-blonde locks!

5
Clairol Professional Bw2 Powder Lightener

Not ready to commit to bleaching your entire head? Dip your toes into the world of hair bleaching with the Clairol Professional BW2 Powder Lightener.

Key benefits: Lifts up to 8 levels; dedusted extra strength formula; quick and predictable results; ideal for highlights and special hair effects

Features:

  • Extra-strength formula for optimal bleaching results
  • Suited for a wide range of off-scalp lightening techniques — from subtle to dramatic effects
  • Rich, creamy consistency makes application quick and easy

This is one of the best bleach for Asian hair when doing highlights, balayage, and other off-scalp lightening techniques.

Feeling anxious or scared is normal if you’re bleaching Asian hair at home for the first time.

But with the Clairol Professional BW2 Powder Lightener, there are no surprises. There’s no need to worry as you’ll have complete control over the bleaching process.  

Not only that, but this bleach powder also delivers extra-fast results. You’ll be able to see how your bleached Asian hair turns out in no time.

The balanced lightening effect also means that your hair is evenly bleached.

Whether you’re going for subtle highlights or an intense balayage effect, this bleach product will help you achieve it. You can use it for a wide range of off-scalp lightening techniques. 

The bleach powder is also suitable to mix with a 10, 20, or 30 volume developer, depending on the style you want to achieve.  

In addition, the bleach has a rich, creamy consistency for easy application. It also has a dedusted formula, so you won’t have to deal with product kickoff.

There are no hassles but only amazing results with the Clairol Professional BW2 powder lightener.

How to Bleach Asian Hair at Home

Here are some tips and steps to follow to achieve optimal results when bleaching Asian hair at home.

This also helps minimize any potential hair damage from the bleaching process. 

Before Bleaching

1. Bleach on Dirty Hair

Don’t wash your hair for a few days before bleaching it. This allows natural oils to accumulate on your scalp and serve as a barrier to protect your scalp from harsh chemicals.

2. Avoid Heat Styling

The goal is to keep your hair as healthy as possible before bleaching it. That’s why it’s best to avoid using heat-styling products for at least a week.

3. Deep-Condition Your Hair 

If you must wash your hair the night before bleaching, consider applying a coconut oil mask to condition your scalp deeply. An alternative would be olive oil, which helps nourish your hair and scalp if you have dry hair.

Leave it overnight and rinse before starting the bleaching process.

a hair stylist applying bleach to an asian hair

During the Bleaching Process

1. Conduct a Strand Test

A strand test will show your hair’s current condition and how it will react to being bleached. This is like doing a patch test to ensure that your hair will not react badly to your chosen Asian hair bleach.

2. Start From the Bottom Up

When applying bleach, always start from the midshaft or tips and work your way up to ensure even lightening. Your roots process at a much faster rate.

That’s because your head temperature changes in reaction to the bleach. 

3. Work Quickly

Let the bleach sit in your hair for 45 minutes. It’s crucial to work quickly and efficiently.

Make sure that all areas of your hair are covered and that you are not overlapping bleach in certain areas. You can also apply foil to your hair to prevent the bleach from drying too quickly.

4. Take Your Time In Between Bleaching

Given how dark Asian hair is, you won’t be able to immediately achieve a light or platinum blonde. It’s best to take your time and give your hair a break. 

You may want to wait 2 to 3 weeks before bleaching your hair again. In the meantime, drown your hair in a conditioner or hair mask to repair any damage.

5. Apply Toner

Make sure to apply toner, especially if your hair has developed into a yellow or orange color. Choose a toner color that can counteract or neutralize your undertone. 

For instance, use a green toner for red undertones, blue toner for orange undertones, and purple toner for blonde or yellow undertones. 

an infographic of hair color levels from 10 to 1 with their respective underlying pigment and neutralising tone

After Bleaching

1. Avoid Heat Styling

Asian hair may become dry and brittle after bleaching. Avoid using heat styling tools, which can further damage your hair.

2. Wash Your Hair Less Often

You may want to wait 48 to 72 hours before washing your hair after bleaching it. You may also want to wash your hair less frequently to maintain the bleach or color.

You can use dry shampoo in between washes to remove excess oils.

It’s also better to wash with cold or lukewarm water since hot water can open up your hair cuticles and cause the color to fade.

3. Nourish Hair With Regular Hair Treatments 

To help your Asian hair recover, use a hair mask or protein treatment at least once a week. This helps nourish your scalp and repair any damage caused by the bleaching process. 

You may also want to use Olaplex bond maintenance or alternatives to repair damaged bonds and rejuvenate your hair.

3. Purple Shampoo or Conditioner

Bleached Asian hair may become brassy over time. As such, it’s good to incorporate a purple shampoo or conditioner into your hair care routine.

asian girl swinging her newly bleached hair in blue background

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asians Have Platinum Blonde Hair?

Yes, but it may require multiple bleaching sessions. Make sure to give your hair time to recover before bleaching your hair again. 

How Do You Get Rid of Asian Brassy Hair?

Purple will counteract yellow and orange tones. As such, you can incorporate a purple shampoo or conditioner into your hair care routine. 

Does Bleach Damage Your Hair?

Bleach can be very hard on your hair. However, proper treatment before, during, and after bleaching can minimize the potential damage to your strands and scalp. Choosing a bleach for your specific hair type and color is also important.

Achieve Your Hair Goals With the Top Bleach for Asian Hair

It’s much harder to follow hair color trends if you have Asian hair. That’s because Asian hair is very pigmented. You’ll need to bleach it first before experimenting with different hair colors or color styles.

However, bleaching can be very hard on your hair and scalp too. It’s also a time-sensitive and intensive process.

That’s why choosing the top bleach for Asian hair is important to achieve the results you want while lowering the potential damage to your hair.

Treating your hair before and after the bleaching process is also crucial. You must nourish your hair as much as possible to keep it healthy before and after applying a harsh lightening agent like bleach.

Make sure to check out our recommendations for the top bleach for Asian hair and our useful tips before bleaching your hair at home! 

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Author

  • Ashley Pena

    Ashley Pena brings over 13 years of seasoned writing and editing expertise, fortified by her Bachelor of Science in Management. Esteemed in the beauty domain, her content captivates readers with its depth and authenticity. While she navigates a broad spectrum of beauty trends, Ashley shines particularly as our resident K-beauty guru. Her articles are a harmonious blend of passion and profound knowledge, inspiring readers on their unique beauty journeys.

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