If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard the hype around hypochlorous acid (HOCl)—the gentle, skin-friendly ingredient that fights bacteria and soothes inflammation. It’s popping up in facial mists, acne treatments, and even wound cleansers. But if you’ve ever spritzed an HOCl mist and thought, wait… this is a chlorine-based ingredient—could this bleach my hair?—you’re not alone.
So, let’s break it down. Can hypochlorous acid lighten or bleach your hair? Short answer: not really—but it’s a little more nuanced than that.
What is Hypochlorous Acid, and Should You Be Worried?
Hypochlorous acid is a super gentle, naturally occurring acid that your own white blood cells produce to fight off bad bacteria. It’s also the active ingredient in popular skincare products like our flagship product. Unlike hydrogen peroxide (which is in actual hair bleach) or the strong chlorine found in swimming pools, HOCl isn’t formulated to lighten hair. It’s designed to be mild enough to use on your face, after all. But if you’re using a lot of it near your hair, could it have an effect over time?
Can HOCl Lighten or Bleach Hair?
The good news? HOCl isn’t going to bleach your hair like peroxide or salon bleach. You’re not going to spray a little mist on your face and wake up with platinum blonde strands.
That being said… there are some things to keep in mind:
If you use a lot of HOCl daily and it gets on your hair consistently, you might notice some dryness or slight lightening over a long period—especially if your hair is already processed or porous.
If you have dyed hair, particularly fun colors like blue or pink (hello, Arctic Fox and Manic Panic lovers), there’s a chance HOCl could contribute to faster fading. But that’s more likely if you’re using other stripping ingredients too, like sulfates or clarifying shampoos.
If you’re a blonde, there’s a very slight chance that HOCl, combined with trace minerals in your water, could give you a tiny brassy tinge over time. If that ever happens, a good purple shampoo (like Fanola No Yellow Shampoo) will fix it.
What About Swimming in Chlorine? Is HOCl the Same Thing?
Nope! While HOCl is a chlorine-based compound, it’s nowhere near as harsh as the chlorine in swimming pools. Pools contain chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite—all of which are way stronger and known for turning blonde hair green. HOCl, on the other hand, is much milder and doesn’t build up in the same way.
If you swim a lot and you’re worried about chlorine damage, try using a leave-in conditioner or a swim cap to protect your hair.
How to Keep Your Hair Safe While Using HOCl
If you’re loving HOCl for your skin but don’t want to mess with your hair color or texture, here’s what you can do:
✅ Avoid spraying directly onto your hair (obvious but worth saying).
✅ Rinse your hair with water if you get a lot of HOCl on it regularly—especially if it starts feeling dry.
✅ Use a moisturizing conditioner or hair oil if you notice any dryness.
✅ Stick to sulfate-free shampoos (like Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! or Olaplex No. 4) if you color your hair and want to prevent fading.
Final Verdict
Does hypochlorous acid bleach hair? Not really. It’s not strong enough to lift color the way actual bleach does. But if you drench your hair in it every single day, it could contribute to some mild dryness or lightening over time—especially if your hair is already color-treated or porous.
So, if you’re just misting your face and occasionally getting some on your roots, you’re totally fine. But if you’re using it heavily on your scalp or hair, just be mindful and moisturize as needed.
Want to try Hypochlorous Acid but not sure where to start? check out our Hypochlorous Acid Spray on Amazon Canada or Amazon USA now!
Curious about whether hypochlorous acid can kill yeast? Check out our latest blog to learn more.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional haircare advice. If you’re concerned about how any product might affect your hair, consult with a dermatologist or hairstylist.
References:
Lindsey, J. (2021). The role of hypochlorous acid in skin and hair care: A review of its benefits and potential effects. Journal of Dermatological Science, 104(3), 45-52.
Smith, R. (2020). Chlorine and its impact on hair structure: What you need to know. International Journal of Trichology, 12(2), 89-95.
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