HAIR BLEACHERS

Professional bleach powders: lightening powders for salons

Tre Pi Profumerie offers bleaching powders from the leading professional lines in salon-size formats, from 400 g to 800 g. Discounts up to 60% with the professional price list, no minimum order, delivery in 24-48 hours throughout Italy.

How to choose a bleaching powder

Lightening levels

This is the first thing to check. Powders claim a lightening power from 4 to 9 levels. A 4-5 level powder is enough for highlights on already light bases or for controlled lightening; going from dark brown to a blonde base requires 7-9 levels. The stated figure is a theoretical maximum, though: the actual result depends on the developer used, the processing time and the hair structure.

Compact or airborne

Dust-free or compact powders don't disperse into the air during mixing. These are the better choice for close work and for the operator's safety, since they breathe in persulfate dust all day long. Airborne formulas are now largely a thing of the past.

With anti-yellow complex

Blue or violet powders contain pigments that neutralise the warm undertones that emerge during lightening. They reduce the toning work needed afterwards, without replacing it.

With protective additives

Many lines include agents that limit the breakdown of disulfide bonds during lightening. They don't eliminate the damage, but they allow you to work on more delicate bases with a wider safety margin.

Mixing consistency

Foil work needs a more fluid mix, which spreads better along the strand. Freehand techniques — balayage, shatush — need a thicker mix that won't bleed into adjacent sections. The same powder behaves differently depending on the mixing ratio used.

Lines in our catalogue

• Wella Blondor — Multi Blonde Powder, compact powder with anti-yellow complex, 800 g size. Typical ratio 1:1.5 or 1:2 with Welloxon Perfect.
• L'Oréal Professionnel — Blond Studio and Platinium ranges, in powder and cream form, with fibre-protecting additives.
• Barex — Superplex blue bleaching powder, up to 9 levels, 400 g size, dust-free.
• Matrix — lightening powders for foil and freehand techniques.
• Helen Seward, Koster, Hair Tech, Taboo and Altissima — professional bleaching powders in salon-size formats.

Mixing ratios

The most common ratio is 1:2 (one part powder to two parts developer). The variations:

• 1:1.5 — thick mix, for balayage and freehand techniques
• 1:2 — standard, for foil work and general applications
• 1:2.5 or 1:3 — fluid mix, for light lightening and veiling techniques

The volume of the developer determines the strength: 20 volumes for gentle lightening and scalp-area work, 30 volumes for standard applications, 40 volumes only for techniques kept away from the scalp. Always check the line's technical data sheet.

Application order

Scalp heat speeds up the reaction. That's why the correct sequence is:

1. Mid-lengths and ends first, as these are the coolest and most resistant areas.
2. Roots last, in the final minutes of processing.

Applying from the roots first is the most common mistake: it produces the so-called halo effect, with the regrowth much lighter than the rest and the lengths left behind.

On root touch-ups, only the new growth is treated, without overlapping the product onto the already bleached section, which would lighten further and become damaged.

Processing time and checking

Processing time isn't a fixed value: the degree of lightening is checked visually every 5-10 minutes on a test strand. Hair passes through red, orange, yellow and pale yellow in sequence. Processing is stopped at the level needed for the planned toning, never beyond.

The mixture should never be reactivated by adding more developer once processing has started, and it must be prepared just before use, as it loses effectiveness quickly. Artificial heat speeds up the process but reduces evenness, and is not recommended with high volumes.

Salon safety

• Gloves at all times, and non-metallic bowls: metals catalyse the breakdown of peroxide.
• Well-ventilated space during mixing. Persulfates are inhalation sensitisers and are among the leading causes of occupational dermatitis and occupational asthma in the industry.
• Preventive skin test on new clients or those with a history of reactions.
• Do not apply on broken, irritated skin or active dermatitis.
• Store powders in a dry place with containers tightly closed: moisture degrades them.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between bleach powder and bleach cream?

Powder has a stronger lightening power and is the standard choice for salon bleaching. Cream formulas act more gently and are suited to light lightening or services on sensitive scalps. They are not interchangeable.

How many levels can you lighten in a single session?

It depends on the base and the hair structure. As a general rule, it's not advisable to go beyond 4-5 levels in a single application on hair in good condition, and even less on hair that has already been treated. For more extensive lightening, work is spread across multiple, spaced-out sessions.

Can you bleach hair that's already coloured?

Yes, but the bleach removes artificial pigment unevenly, especially over repeated dark colouring. The result often requires preliminary colour stripping and, in any case, a toning step afterwards.

Why does the root lighten faster?

Body heat speeds up the oxidative reaction in the first few centimetres near the scalp. This is why the root is applied last and checked separately.

Is toning needed after bleaching?

Almost always. Bleaching leaves a base with residual warm undertones; the final colour is built with a low-volume toner or with a colour bath.

Which size is best for a salon?

400-800 g tubs have a significantly lower cost per service than single-dose packs, provided consumption is regular: once opened, the powder must be protected from moisture.

Related products

• Developers 10, 20, 30 and 40 volumes
• Professional colour
• Colour bath and toners
• Anti-yellow treatments
• Olaplex — bond rebuilding after the technical service
• Bowls, brushes and technical accessories

Activate the professional price list: discounts up to 60%, no minimum order →

For information: 0823 838002, Monday to Friday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, or WhatsApp.