I've Been Bleaching My Hair for Almost a Decade—These Are the 6 Products I Use to Keep It Bright and Healthy

Best Shampoo for Blonde Haircare

Sebastian Dark Oil Shampoo

$23 at Amazon $50 at Ulta $43 at Beautybrands.com

When you drop a significant amount of cash every few months to bleach your hair, it’s only natural that you become picky about the shampoo you use at home. My criteria are that I need a shampoo that is hydrating and repairing, yet not too heavy that it weighs my hair down or leaves a residue. I also pay attention to the color of the shampoo I use. Just as purple shampoo cancels out yellow tones, warm-toned products can make my hair brassy. Instead, I’ve found clear or pearly shampoos to be best. The first time I used Sebastian Dark Oil Shampoo, I gasped. My hair looked as if I had just come back from the salon—the blonde shade was so fresh and clean. I don't know what magic is in this formula, but I do know it has argan and jojoba oils, which are both super nourishing. Yet the shampoo never leaves my hair greasy or weighed down.

Best Clarifying Shampoo for Blonde Haircare

Schwarzkopf BlondMe Bond Repair Brightening Shampoo

$26 at Amazon $26 at Lovelyskin.com $26 at Sleekshop.com

One of the best pieces of advice my colorist gave me is to try a clarifying shampoo before a purple one when you start to notice your blonde shade getting dull. Overusing purple shampoo can actually darken blonde hair, and sometimes your hair needs a really good cleanse to remove impurities and buildup. This shampoo from Schwarzkopf is specifically designed for blonde hair to remove pollutants and minerals that can dull blonde hair. Unlike your traditional clarifying shampoo, it’s not super stripping, thanks to hydrating almond and castor oils, plus bond builders to repair bleached hair. I use it whenever I notice my blonde hair getting a bit dull, and it’s as good as new.

Best Detangler for Blonde Haircare

Phyto Softness Express Detangling Milk

$30

$26 at Amazon $30 at Nordstrom $29 at Ecosmetics.com

Ever since I started bleaching my hair, it gets way more tangled when wet (which is common!). Now I have to use a detangling product every time I wash my hair. I’ve tried several over the years and have come to one important conclusion: Silicone formulas are a quick fix but tend to dry out my hair over time—but it’s hard to find a detangler that doesn’t contain silicones. One day, I stumbled upon Phyto Softness Express Detangling Milk, and it’s been life-changing. Yes, it’s a silicone-free detangling milk that makes it easy to comb through my hair and imparts hydration. It also never leaves my hair greasy or weighed down, which are other issues I struggle with.

Best Dry Shampoo for Blonde Haircare

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

$25 at Amazon $34 at Dermstore $48 at Kloraneusa.com

When you bleach your hair, it’s best to avoid washing it too frequently since you don’t want to wash out the toner and expose your hair to more heat damage. Now that doesn’t mean you need to walk around with greasy hair. The key is finding a good dry shampoo, and after trying several, I always come back to Klorane Ultra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat+. This non-aerosol dry shampoo does an incredible job soaking up the grease and imparts soft body and volume without feeling stiff. All I need is a few poufs, and my hair stays refreshed for days without any itchiness. The best part is that this bottle lasts forever—I’ve been working through the same one for a few years!

Best Mask for Blonde Haircare

It's A 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin

$26

$15 at Amazon

$65

$33 at Ulta $27 at Walgreens

Everyone who bleaches their hair needs a good mask to deeply moisturize and strengthen their chemically damaged strands. I tried this mask when I first started bleaching my hair, and I still use it to this day. It has keratin amino acids, which are critical for replenishing the hair's lost protein and sealing the cuticle to restore shine. It also has aloe vera, apricot kernel oil, and sweet almond oil to moisturize. Whenever I use this mask, my blonde looks shiny and vibrant—even my friends have asked if I just got my hair done.

Best Heatless Styling for Blonde Haircare

Kitsch Heatless Satin Hair Curler Set

$16 at Amazon $18 at Ulta $16 at Target

I’m not exaggerating when I say that, thanks to heatless curlers, I haven’t touched a curling iron in months. My go-to styling routine is washing my hair at night, blow-drying it, and then setting it in heatless curlers before bed. Not only does this save me time in the morning—I just take out the curlers, and voilà, I’m ready to go—but it also cuts down on heat styling, which has allowed my hair to grow without extra damage. Not to mention the curls last for a couple of days, allowing me to extend the time between washes. I’ve tried a few heatless curlers, and my favorite set is this one from Kitsch. It’s soft, so it doesn’t bother me while sleeping, yet my hair stays perfectly in place the entire night.