How to Bleach Hair Extensions to #613 Blonde (Without Damage)

One of the biggest advantages of 100% virgin human hair is that it can be bleached and colored just like your natural hair. Going to #613 platinum blonde is the most dramatic transformation possible — and with the right process, it's completely achievable without destroying the hair.

The key is understanding that bleaching is a process, not a single step. Rushing it causes damage. Doing it correctly gives you beautiful, healthy blonde hair that lasts. New to coloring extensions? Start with our complete guide to dyeing virgin hair to understand how virgin hair takes color, and our at-home dyeing guide for the full step-by-step process across all color types. This guide focuses specifically on bleaching to #613 platinum.

Can You Bleach All Virgin Hair to #613?

Yes — but some origins lift more easily than others:

• Indian temple hair — lifts most easily to #613 due to its naturally lighter base. Best choice if you want to go platinum blonde.
• Brazilian hair — lifts well to #613 but may require 2 sessions for very dark starting points
• Vietnamese hair — lifts beautifully and holds color exceptionally well after bleaching
• Malaysian hair — can be lifted but may require more sessions due to its naturally dense, dark base

If you want to skip the bleaching process entirely, shop our pre-colored #613 blonde extensions — available in bundles, closures, frontals, and wigs, already lifted and ready to install.

What You'll Need

• Powder bleach (Clairol BW2 or Wella Blondor)
• 30 volume developer for dark hair, 20 volume for hair already lightened
• Mixing bowl and tinting brush
• Plastic wrap or foil
• Sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner or bond repair treatment (Olaplex No. 3 or similar)
• Purple/toning shampoo for finishing
• Gloves

Never use 40 volume developer on extensions — it lifts too fast, causes uneven results, and severely damages the cuticle.

Step 1: Prepare Your Extensions

Lay your bundles, closure, or frontal flat on a clean surface. Make sure the hair is completely dry and free of any product buildup. If there's buildup, wash with a clarifying shampoo first and allow to dry completely before bleaching.

Step 2: Mix the Bleach

Mix powder bleach and developer to a smooth, creamy consistency — similar to thick yogurt. Too runny and it will drip and process unevenly. Too thick and it won't penetrate the hair shaft.

Use 30 volume developer for dark, unprocessed virgin hair. Use 20 volume if the hair has been previously lightened.

Step 3: Apply the Bleach

Working in sections, apply the bleach mixture from mid-shaft to ends first, then go back and apply to the roots. Roots process faster due to body heat, so applying them last ensures even lifting.

Coat every strand thoroughly and wrap in plastic wrap or foil to keep the bleach moist and processing evenly.

Step 4: Monitor Every 10 Minutes

Check the hair every 10 minutes. The lifting stages go: black → red/orange → orange → yellow → pale yellow → white/platinum.

For #613, you want to reach pale yellow to white. This typically takes 30–45 minutes with 30 volume developer on dark virgin hair.

Do not exceed 60 minutes. If the hair hasn't reached the desired level after 60 minutes, rinse, condition, and do a second session after 1–2 weeks to allow the hair to recover.

Step 5: Rinse and Treat

Rinse the bleach out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Apply a bond repair treatment (Olaplex No. 3 or similar) and leave on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. Follow with a deep conditioner.

Allow the hair to air dry completely before the next step.

Step 6: Tone to #613

After bleaching, the hair will likely have a yellow or brassy tone. To achieve true #613 platinum, you need to tone:

• Mix a purple or silver toner with 20 volume developer
• Apply evenly to the hair and process for 15–20 minutes
• Rinse and condition
• Alternatively, use a purple toning shampoo weekly to maintain the platinum tone

Step 7: Maintain Your Blonde

• Use purple shampoo every 2–3 washes to prevent brassiness
• Deep condition weekly — bleached hair needs more moisture than unprocessed hair
• Apply a light oil to the ends daily to prevent dryness
• Avoid excessive heat — bleached hair is more vulnerable to heat damage. See our heat styling guide for safe techniques
• Use a bond repair treatment monthly to maintain strength

Want to Skip the Process?

If you'd rather not bleach at home, our pre-colored #613 blonde collection has you covered — bundles, closures, frontals, clip-ins, and wigs already lifted to platinum blonde and ready to install. Available in Brazilian straight, deep wave, and more. Want to try a different color instead? See our complete at-home dyeing guide for darker shades, fashion colors, and ombre techniques. Free shipping on every order.