We’ve found the best shampoo for bleached hair to avoid dryness and damage

At some point in our lives, we'll dabble in the best hair dye, and if you're lighter and brighter, bleaching may be the one for you - so you'll need to invest in shampoo for bleached hair. Whether you've got the bleach blonde bug or you've just gone for a new look, your hair may start to feel a little, er, damaged. It's inevitable with bleaching that your hair starts to feel drier and split. Even the most experienced hairstylists can't stop hair from getting more tangled when you're stripping your hair proteins with strong chemical bleach.

The truth is that hair repair and longevity really start with what we're using at home in our everyday routines. Even the slightest change in the best clarifying shampoo can make a difference. Furthermore, choosing the best conditioner can help your hair live a more sleek and smoother life.

heat's best shampoo for bleached hair, at a glance:

Best overall shampoo for bleached hair: Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle, £39.20 on LookFantastic

Best reparative shampoo for bleached hair: OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo, £4.50 on Amazon

Best toning shampoo for bleached hair: Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo, £19.68 on LookFantastic

So, to make it extra easy for you, we've hunted down all the best shampoos for bleached hair. Whether you use these as a protectant before you start the bleaching process or add them into your routine to strengthen those strands, you need them for your next hair wash day.

SHOP: The best shampoo for bleached hair

How can I repair my bleached hair?

When it comes to bleaching already-damaged hair, you may be fighting a losing game. The truth is, when your hair is damaged, the only way to fully get it back to its full potential is by cutting off all the dead ends. RIP long locks.

If you're not willing to cut your hair just yet, then we have some handy tips for you from Ellie Hogan, founder of Loxies Hairwear, the viral TikTok heatless curl brand:

"Reduce using direct heat such as hair wands and straighteners as much as possible. Bleached hair is extra fragile and using heated tools can cause extra damage to the cuticle and inner structure of the hair. Heat also causes colour fade which is a nightmare for blondes trying to keep brassy tones away. Try to limit it to once a week and always use a good heat protection spray!"

"Use hair masks regularly to help repair the hair. Look for bond-building products such as Olaplex, these have been designed to restore dry and damaged hair, making it perfect for bleached locks."

"Ask your hairdresser to add a bond builder to your colouring service. Adding a bond builder helps prevent the disulphide bonds in your hair from breaking down during chemical treatments meaning stronger and healthier hair."

"Oils are great for protecting your hair from breakage. Try applying them before washing your hair for a deep treatment and to protect your hair during washing. You can also apply a small amount daily to your ends to add extra nourishment and shine. Argan oil is a great all-rounder containing lots of vitamins to help moisturise and nourish your hair."

"Be gentle with wet hair. Your hair is at its most fragile when it’s wet so you need to be extra careful when detangling and styling. Always use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush such as a Tangle Teezer to avoid breakage. Another tip is to use a microfibre towel on your hair to dry it, this helps to avoid ‘roughing up’ your hair's cuticle which would lead to breakage."

"Be careful with silver shampoos as they can be quite drying, especially when used every day. Silver shampoos aren’t as nourishing as some other shampoos so can cause hair to become dry and brittle when used too often. Opt for a repairing shampoo and alternate between that and your silver shampoo for healthy and shiny hair!"

Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.