Please Help, Bleach Recommendations

I used to use generic bleach powder until I needed to bleach out red to blue so I got some Matrix Lightmaster and it was so so worth the extra money. It lifted so quick and my hair didn't feel as nasty afterwards.

In my ignorance, i didn't realise the brand of bleach made a difference! I will be thinking about switching when mine runs out!

In my ignorance, i didn't realise the brand of bleach made a difference! I will be thinking about switching when mine runs out!

I was exactly the same, the cheap stuff always worked for me so i never really thought about it. I only changed because my hair started being more resistant for some reason, and i could no longer get it to palest yellow in one go with 30 vol. Instead of going up to 40 vol I looked at better bleaches. Matrix Light Master and Wella Blondor both take my daughters roots to pale yellow with just 10 vol, instead of the 20 I used to use, and in less time too.

Damn it I was hoping Truzone would be like some hidden gem lol. Thank you for the help guys, I'm going to have to think long and hard because I can't really afford the more expensive brand.  I don't suppose anyone can recommend the best of the worst so to speak. I don't mind having to chop my hair off if it goes badly.

It's not that cheap bleach powder will definitely destroy your hair or anything, it just won't give you as much lift in one sitting (which probably won't be as bad if you're going red). Just never leave it on for longer than the instructions state (which is never longer than an hour, as it will stop lifting your hair but continue damaging). As I said, I use a really cheap generic brand and it lifts my dark blonde/light brown hair to yellow with a single 20 vol bleach bath (so diluted with conditioner or shampoo) in 40 mins.

It's the choice of peroxide that could be potentially wrecking your hair. Never use 40 vol (or higher!). I have to say, I'm not sure as to what volume to recommend you, so I'll gladly leave that to the others (as my hair is lighter than yours and I'm not experienced in bleaching darker hair than mine).

I got 500g of matrix light master on ebay for £14 icluding P&P so not really expensive.
If you are new to bleaching, a bleach that works more slowly can actually be a good thing, especially if you only want to lift a little rather than the whole way to palest blonde. Those professional brands are really quick, so need applying really quickly. It is often easier to have a bit more time to apply it.

My fiance is getting it for me and and had a fit just at the price of the cheaper brand lol

I have bleached my hair twice in the past and considering my hair isn't lovely and thick, it didn't fear too badly from using the bleaching kits. I just thought I'd get things separately so I had more to play with over time.

Valaina I will probably just go with a 20 volume for now as I'm definitely going red  as I'm going to anime convention at the end of the month so trying something I've never tried before may be a disaster.

Thank you for all the help guys, It's given my a clearer idea.

Tell your fiance if he wants your hair to look beautiful red he can deal with the price ha! In honesty though i used to use the cheap stuff, a whole pack of light master/plantine lasts a loooooong time! (I must buy no more than 2 a year)

Hi All,

At work we like to use this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kadus-blonding-powder-bleach-lightener-hi-lift-500GM-/181449550117?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Hair_Care_Brushes_Combs_PP&hash=item2a3f3c6925
i swear by it! the resluts are fab, and it wont break your bank!! *yay*

remind your BF how much it would cost to get the colour done in a salon!

After thinking loads about it, I will be getting the better bleach rather than the cheaper one whether he likes it or not lol

I use Roux Violites, Matrix Light Master, Blondor. I have natural level 7 blonde with little red bits. These work great w/ level 20 Developer.  I also have heard & viewed good results of  Kadus & Joico Verolights.  Most Red colors require a level 7 (like Pravana) & Pastels require 10 (maybe 9?).

Anyone here used the London "Total Bleach" and the toner they do?

Not that I know of.

Often I find companies bleach kits are pretty overpriced. You're usually better off buying your own bleach powder and peroxide.