Dos and Don'ts You Should Know Before Coloring Your Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a great way for most women to change up their looks without permanently committing to it. If you already have hair extensions and just want a fresher look, coloring them might just be a way for it. But if you’re wondering “can you color hair extensions?”, then the quick answer is yes. The short answer is that coloring hair extensions is possible and can be done safely with the right approach. With this, you won’t have to worry about damaging your own natural hair, but at the same time, getting a new and fun look that you’ve always wanted. Not only will it be fun, but also help boost your confidence and feel more empowered. Coloring your extensions is a great way to elevate your hair game, giving you more styling options and enhancing your overall appearance.

In this article, we will be discussing what you should know about coloring your hair extensions, and the do’s and don’ts, so that you can avoid making mistakes that could ruin your extensions when dyeing them.

The Dos:

Use Real Human Hair Extensions

The most important thing before even coloring your hair extensions is to make sure that your hair extension is made of real human hair. Here in PerfectLocks, we never use synthetic or animal fiber hairs. We use the highest quality virgin indian remy hair as it is durable that can last with you for years if taken care of properly, and is very resilient. A lot of experts do not recommend dyeing your hair extensions that are made from other materials or artificial hair because those are already chemically treated and will not hold out against the coloring process. Experts advise that only certain types of extensions, such as virgin and Remy human hair, can be safely dyed, and it is best to seek professional guidance to avoid damage.

Hair Extension Coloring Tips

Use Semi or Demi Dyes

Semi and demi-permanent dyes are safer for extensions than permanent color, since they coat the hair instead of penetrating the shaft. This reduces damage and helps extensions last longer.

• Always wear gloves during the dyeing process to protect your hands and prevent staining.

Color in One Direction

Always apply dye from root to tip, on both sides, in the same direction. This ensures even color and prevents frizzing or tangling. Be careful when handling hair extensions during the coloring process to avoid damage and tangling.

After combing, use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle extensions before and after coloring to prevent shedding and ensure safe, tangle-free styling.

Start With A Lighter Shade

If you are going to buy hair extensions and plan on coloring them, it is highly recommended to buy hair extensions that have a lighter shade than the color you want to achieve. When you colour hair extensions, starting with lighter shades like blonde extensions allows for more vibrant or fashion colors. White blonde extensions are ideal for achieving pastel or cool-toned results, as their icy base enhances these shades. It is easier to reach your desired color this way, rather than trying to ‘lighten’ up the color of darker shades of hair extensions. It doesn’t have to be very light, but 1 level lighter than your desired color will be enough. This will let you achieve the desired tone of the hair and also be a good background color that will have better results for the hair.

Use High Quality Sulfate-free Products

Hair extensions can be expensive and require more attention than our natural hair. Try to think of your hair extensions as investments, and to take care of them properly, you also have to invest a little in using the correct products for them. You have to make sure that you are using high quality products that are made specifically for hair extensions. When washing them, use high quality sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your extensions moisturized and hydrated.

Wash Extensions Before Coloring Them

It is a good idea to wash your hair extensions first before dyeing to remove any dirt. Before you start, lay a towel down to protect your workspace from dye or water. You can use a bowl of water along with a little pump of the sulfate-free shampoo, and make sure to mix the shampoo and water thoroughly before washing the extensions. You should wash one weft at a time. Hold it on top of the weft and submerge them in water. Gently wash them and avoid rubbing or tangling the hair. After washing, make sure that you completely air dry the extensions using a towel to gently blot out excess water. Once dried, comb them carefully to remove any tangles.

Do A Strand Test First

Before fully dyeing your hair extensions, it is recommended that you test the coloring on a small piece or just with a single weft. It’s better to test it out on one part rather than ruin your entire hair extension. This will help you decide whether you are satisfied with the result before dyeing the whole set. This will allow you to make adjustments on the color when you don’t really like the color you achieved initially. Make sure you are satisfied with the color before proceeding with the whole extension.

The Don'ts:

Don't Lighten Your Hair Extensions

Earlier we explained why using a lighter shade of your desired color is recommended for your hair extensions. Trying to lighten, bleach, or highlight the color of your extension is a bad idea. Though you can do it with virgin hair, it is still not advisable by hairdressers. Hair extensions are made and processed in factories using different chemicals. Those chemicals and the lightening products might have chemical reactions that would cause the damage to the hair extensions. Extensions that have already been lightened or exposed to harsh chemicals are especially vulnerable to further damage from additional processing. If you ever plan on lightening, bleaching, or highlighting your extensions, consult your hairdressers first.

Don't Dye Your Extensions If You Have No Experience

If you have no experience in coloring hair extensions, then it is best to bring it to a salon or to your hairdresser for dyeing. Only attempt to color extensions yourself if you are confident in your coloring skills; otherwise, seek professional help. Hair extensions can be pricey, and messing up the colors of it is sometimes unfixable. Rather than risk it, book an appointment with your hairdresser if you are unsure of the coloring process. Once coloring is done, let them know if you are satisfied with the color. If you’re not satisfied with the result, let your hairdresser know so that they can still adjust it for you. Fixing it on your own without entirely knowing how to will lead to damaging or ruining your extensions, and that is the last thing we want.

Don't Over-Wash Your Colored Hair Extension

Once the process of dyeing your extensions is done, make sure to thoroughly rinse them with cool water to remove any excess dye and help preserve color vibrancy. After this, you will be washing them again with your sulfate-free products. We recommend that you only wash your extensions every other day or every two to three days, depending on the oiliness of your hair. This is because over-washing them will dry out the hair and remove natural oils that it needs.

Coloring hair extensions can completely transform your style, but it’s important to do it the right way. When you dye hair extensions, following a step by step guide and clear instructions is essential for successful results. Extensions can be dyed to create a custom color that matches your own hair or enhances your look. Choosing the right hair color and considering the original color of the extensions will affect the final result. For best results, a full set of extensions should be coloured together for uniformity, and coloured and toned extensions can be used to achieve a variety of looks. High-quality extensions are made from aligned strands, which can be safely dyed and coloured. During the dyeing process, use plastic wrap to keep the dye moist and ensure even colouring. After colouring, use a blow dryer on low heat or air dry to protect the hair. Proper colouring techniques can enhance the appearance and health of the hair shaft, but the dyeing process should be done carefully to avoid any negative affect on the extensions. PerfectLocks offers a completely free colour-matching service to help you find the shade that matches your own hair.

Whether you’re adding bold highlights, toning for a seamless blend, or refreshing your everyday look, the key to success is caring for your extensions just like you would your natural hair. Ready to try it yourself? Explore our full range of human hair extensions to find the perfect match for your next transformation.