Why We Never Use Bleach on Textured Hair

The request comes at least once a week: "I want to go platinum blonde" or "Can you give me those Instagram balayage highlights?" And every time, I have the same honest conversation about why traditional bleach isn't an option at Kofa.

This isn't about limiting your options. It's about protecting your curls while still delivering beautiful colour.

The Science of Bleach Damage

Bleach works by penetrating the hair shaft and oxidising the melanin inside. This requires the cuticle layer to be forced open. In straight hair, this cuticle lies relatively flat and can somewhat recover. But textured hair is different.

Curly and coily hair has a naturally raised cuticle layer that makes it more porous. Bleach penetrates faster, deeper, and more unevenly. The tighter your curl pattern, the more fragile your hair structure tends to be.

Common Bleach Damage

• Breakage: Hair snapping at stress points
• Loss of curl pattern: Permanently straightened sections
• Extreme dryness: Damage to the inner cortex
• Colour unpredictability: Uneven lift and brassiness

What We Offer Instead

Deposit-Only Colour

Semi-permanent and demi-permanent colours don't require opening the cuticle aggressively. They add richness and dimension without structural damage.

Henna and Plant-Based Colour

Pure henna and plant-based dyes actually strengthen the hair shaft while adding colour. They can only add or deepen colour, not lighten—but the results are often more beautiful than bleach.

Strategic Lightening

When clients want lighter tones, we use gentle lighteners on specific sections only—typically the ends. We never take textured hair more than 2-3 levels lighter.

What's Achievable Without Bleach

• Rich, glossy blacks and deep browns
• Warm caramel and honey highlights on brown hair
• Vibrant reds, coppers, and auburns
• Subtle dimensional colour
• Complete grey coverage