The Buzz Around "It Ends with Us" and Blake Lively's Enviable Hair: Tips for Protecting Bleached Locks

The much-anticipated movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel It Ends with Us has finally hit the screens, and while the film itself is generating plenty of buzz, it's Blake Lively's stunning long locks that has social media in a frenzy. Known for her effortlessly gorgeous golden locks, Blake once again underwent a dramatic hair change, bleaching her hair to embody the character of Lily Bloom. This isn’t the first time Blake has altered her hair for a role, but it’s clear that her new look has sparked a wave of "hair envy" across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

But as anyone who has ever bleached their hair knows, achieving and maintaining that perfect blonde shade comes with its own set of challenges. Bleaching can be incredibly damaging, leading to dryness, breakage, and an overall decline in hair health if not managed properly. Thankfully, with the right products and a solid haircare routine, you can keep your bleached hair looking as fabulous as Blake’s—even if you don’t have a Hollywood glam squad at your disposal.

Here are some expert tips and product recommendations to help you protect and nourish your hair, whether you’re following in Blake’s blonde footsteps or simply maintaining your own unique shade.

1. Invest in a Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

One of the most crucial steps in any bleached hair care routine is deep conditioning. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural moisture, leaving it vulnerable to breakage and split ends. To combat this, consider investing in a high-quality deep conditioning hair mask that will help restore moisture and strengthen your strands.

Two standout options are the Ouai Treatment Hair Mask and the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. Both of these products are formulated to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, delivering much-needed hydration and nourishment. Regular use—at least once a week—can help keep your hair soft, shiny, and resilient, even after multiple bleaching sessions.

2. Pre-Wash Hair Oils: A Game-Changer for Bleached Hair

Before you even step into the shower, consider treating your hair to a pre-wash oil treatment. This step can add an extra layer of nourishment to your hair and target specific haircare concerns that can sometimes come with bleaching.

If your hair is dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, try the Hair Syrup Vitamin C Me. This product is specifically designed to combat the dryness and fragility that often accompanies bleached hair. If your scalp is dry, itchy, or flaky—another common issue with frequent bleaching—then the Hair Syrup Mint Condition is a perfect choice. For those with bleached hair that needs an overall boost, the Hair Syrup Scalp Superfoods is tailored to nourish and rejuvenate both the hair and scalp.

3. Use Healthy Hair Tools

The tools you use on your hair can make a significant difference in its overall health, especially when your hair is bleached and more susceptible to damage. Simple switches like using scrunchies instead of traditional hair ties can reduce breakage, as scrunchies are typically made from softer materials that are gentler on your hair.

Another game-changer is switching to a satin pillowcase. Satin is much smoother than cotton, which means less friction while you sleep. This can help reduce tangling and breakage, leaving your hair looking smoother and healthier in the morning.

4. Regular Trims Are Essential

Even with the best care, bleached hair is prone to split ends and breakage. Regular trims are essential to keep your hair looking fresh and healthy. While it might be tempting to skip trims to maintain length, cutting off damaged ends will actually help your hair grow longer and stronger in the long run.

5. Consider Non-Heat Alternatives

Heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons can cause additional stress to already fragile bleached hair. To protect your strands, try to reduce the use of these tools as much as possible. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.

For those looking to ditch the heat altogether, non-heat styling tools like heatless curlers can be a fantastic alternative. These tools can create beautiful curls or waves without exposing your hair to damaging high temperatures.

Blake Lively’s transformation for It Ends with Us has undoubtedly sparked a new wave of hair inspiration, but it's essential to remember the importance of proper care for bleached hair. By incorporating these tips and products into your routine, you can maintain healthy, strong, and enviably gorgeous hair—just like Blake’s—while enjoying your new look.