Hair extensions are strands of hair, either natural (human hair) or synthetic, that add length, volume, or thickness to a person's natural hair. Hair extensions are popular nowadays, and more women are wearing them to enhance their natural appearance.
Can You Dye Hair Extensions?
If you are looking for a bit more oomph than what our colored hair weaves offer, then you might be curious how to dye your hair extensions at home! Here's a quick reminder that you can do anything with human hair extensions that you can do to your natural hair. This includes dyeing, cutting, heat styling and chemically processing your human hair. Many weave wearers dye extensions to get an exact match to their natural hair color. It's very effective and turns out beautiful!
Do keep in mind that Virgin hair extensions are the best type of weaves for dyeing your hair. Virgin Remy hair extensions have not been chemically processed in any way, so they can be dyed without causing hardly any damage to your hair. While it’s best to avoid overly harsh chemicals, virgin Remy extensions can be lightened or darkened as natural hair. Experts advise that you should not attempt to dye non-Remy hair weaves. This kind of synthetic hair extensions have been chemically treated, which strips the strands to their weakest. They are generally not strong enough to be dyed.
How to Dye Hair Extensions At Home
Things You'll Need
- Hair Dye
- Latex Gloves
- Developer
- Mixing bowl
- Applicator bottle
- Plastic foil or wrap
- Comb
- Conditioner
First you need to buy hair dye, developer, gloves, and an applicator bottle from a beauty supply store or salon. You should avoid purchasing hair dye from a box at the drugstore because it will be a lot more difficult to match your hair color that way, unless you're going for an ombre or colored effect.
Gently comb through your extensions to get rid of any tangles and if you have any styling products on your extensions, it's important to wash them out first as well.
After washing and combing out the extensions make sure they dry thoroughly. Since using a hair dryer is not recommended, allow them to dry overnight before applying the hair dye the next day.
Next prepare the hair color mixture.
Put on your gloves and mix up the right amount of hair color and developer together. After pouring your hair dye and developer into the applicator bottle, mix them up together by shaking the bottle for about one minute.
Apply the dye
Put on your gloves and coat every single strand of your hair extensions with the hair dye. In this case it's a better idea to use too much dye rather than not using enough. Use a comb to distribute the hair dye while applying it.
Once you're done applying the dye, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to prevent dripping and allow the dye to process. You can also use a hair towel. Make sure to read the instructions so that you know how long they need to remain on the towel.
Check the color
After the recommended processing time, unwrap a small section of the extensions and check the color. If it's not the desired shade, you can rewrap and let it process for a bit longer.
Rinse the hair dye
After allowing the extensions to soak in the dye for the allotted amount of time, it's time to rinse the hair dye out of the extensions. Use warm water and wait until the water runs clear. Afterwards apply conditioner.
It's also important to comb through the hair extensions after applying the conditioner for even application and also to moisturize your tresses. After gently combing through the extensions, wash the conditioner out using cold water. This will seal in the hair color and make the hair shiny.
Use a blow-dryer to dry the hair extensions or allow them to air-dry
It's recommended to allow the hair extensions to air dry. If you must use a blower, use a low heat setting to prevent damage.
Enjoy your newly colored hair extensions and look forward to wearing them - you're going to look stunning with your newly colored tresses!
Things to Avoid When Dyeing Hair Extensions
When dyeing human hair extensions, it's important to take precautions to ensure a successful and satisfactory outcome. Here are things to avoid when dyeing hair extensions:
- Avoid using box dyes that contain harsh chemicals, such as excessive ammonia or metallic salts.
- Avoid bleaching too frequently, as it can weaken the hair structure, leading to damage, dryness, and breakage.
- Avoid using excessively hot water. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to damage.
- When choosing a hair dye color, avoid a drastic difference from the original color of the extensions.
- Handle the extensions gently during the dyeing process. Avoid aggressive tugging, pulling, or rubbing, as this can lead to tangling and damage to the hair.
- Avoid using too much dye, as it can saturate the hair, leading to uneven color absorption and potential damage.
- Stick to using products that are designed to work together. Avoid mixing hair dye with incompatible products, as this can affect the chemical reactions and lead to undesirable results.
By taking these precautions and following the steps included with the hair dye, you can increase your chances of getting the desired color while keeping the quality of the human hair extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dye synthetic hair extensions?
Dyeing synthetic hair extensions can be difficult. Some synthetic fibers may not react well to normal hair dye. Look for dyes that are specifically designed for synthetic hair, or follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
What type of hair dye should I use for human hair extensions?
For human hair extensions, you can use regular hair dye or professional hair color products. Choose a dye that is suitable for the type of hair extensions you have and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
How do I perform a strand test before dyeing the full set of extensions?
Take a small section of hair from the extensions and apply the dye according to the instructions. Rinse, dry, and assess the color result. This allows you to see how the hair will react to the dye and make any necessary modifications.
Can I dye previously colored hair extensions with a new color?
You can dye existing colored hair extensions; however, the results may differ. Gradual color changes are usually more effective. Consider the existing color and select a dye that matches or covers it well.
How long should I leave the dye on the hair extensions?
Follow the recommended processing time specified by the hair dye manufacturer. Leaving the dye on for too long might overprocess the hair, leading to damage.
Key Takeaway
While dying hair extensions is possible, it involves different process depends on the type of extensions you have. Human hair extensions can be dyed like your natural hair. But keep in mind that the quality of the hair will impact how well it takes and holds the color.
It's also crucial to follow these simple steps on how to dye hair at home, ensuring that you get the desired color without damaging your extensions. Avoid the things that can damage your human hair extensions for long-lasting use.
