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Whether you have bought hair extensions and are not satisfied with the color or you have used hair extensions for a while and want to spice things up, you may be eager to learn how to dye your hair extensions. We wouldn’t say dyeing hair extensions is a tough challenge, but it requires patience, careful preparation, and the right products to achieve the desired result. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you do it yourself, so keep reading to learn more!
First things first, we need to understand whether hair extensions can be dyed or not. The short answer is yes, you can dye hair extensions, but not all types of hair extensions can be dyed. Hair extensions you can dye are made from virgin human hair, which is the best hair type for dyeing, or Remy human hair. These hair types have cuticles kept intact so they can be dyed in the way your natural is without significant damage.
We do not recommend dyeing non-Remy human hair extensions though they can be dyed (after all, they are still made from human hair). As these hair extensions have cuticles staying in opposite directions, they may have been chemically treated to appear soft and smooth. However, the silicone coating will soon wear off, and dyeing non-Remy hair extensions will leave them dry, frizzy, and damaged in no time.
And with synthetic hair extensions, using normal hair dye on them will not bring about satisfying results as they cannot react to hair dye the way natural hair does.
*Note: You should only go darker when it comes to dyeing hair extensions at home, as going lighter is a complicated process that risks damaging your hair extensions.
Before diving into the process, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready:
*Note: You should go for a developer that has no more than 20 volumes of hydrogen peroxide. This is to ensure the developer will not make your hair extensions excessively dry, given that hair extensions are generally drier than natural hair as they cannot absorb nutrients from the scalp.
Once you’ve gathered all the supplies, prepare your workspace. It should be large enough for you to work comfortably and well-lit. You can spread tin foil sheets across your workspace to prevent hair dye from staining it.
Before diving into the steps of how to dye your hair extensions, make sure your hair extensions are free of any buildup product so they can absorb the hair dye for the best results. Therefore, it is essential to wash your hair extensions thoroughly with a gentle clarifying shampoo and lukewarm water. Let them air dry completely before brushing them to remove any knots or tangles.
First, put on your gloves to protect your hands throughout the process. In a bowl, mix the dye and developer using a brush applicator until combined, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is a good idea to conduct a strand test before applying the dye to all of your hair extensions. By doing so, you can check how the dye works and make adjustments if needed. Using the brush, apply the dye to a strand of hair from root to tip, avoiding the weft.
If you are satisfied with the result of your strand test, it is time to apply the dye to all of your hair extensions. Spread the dye to each weft, making sure it is fully saturated. Flip the weft over and apply the dye evenly. A rule of thumb is that too much hair dye is better than an insufficient amount.
Once you’ve finished applying the hair dye, cover your hair extensions loosely with plastic wrap or tin foil to prevent the color from drying out prematurely.
Wait for the hair dye to work its magic according to the processing time recommended by the manufacturer. Check your hair extensions every 10 minutes to ensure the dye is working well. Once the time is up, check the color to see if it is your desired shade. If not, let it process for a bit longer.
If you are happy with the final result, it is time to rinse out the dye. Rinse your hair extensions under warm flowing water, followed by a good wash with a color-safe shampoo. After washing your hair extensions, don’t forget to use a conditioner to restore their moisture and shine.
Gently squeeze your hair extensions and blot them with a soft towel dry. You can let them air dry by laying them out in a dry towel or blow them dry at a low temperature.
Now that you’ve learned how to dye your hair extensions, it is just equally important to learn about aftercare. Follow our tips below to help your colored hair extensions stay gorgeous for as long as possible!
Newly colored hair extensions need time to settle for a long-lasting result, so don’t wash them for the first 72 hours. You should also avoid washing your hair extensions too frequently – twice a week at maximum is recommended – to prevent the color from fading fast.
When it comes to shampoos, say no to products that contain sulfate or any harsh chemicals as they can dry out your hair extensions. Choose a gentle color-safe shampoo instead to protect the color and health of your extensions.
As hot water can strip your hair extensions of their moisture and cause the color to fade faster, it is essential to wash hair extensions with cold water.
Hair extensions, especially colored ones, are drier than natural hair as they cannot absorb nutrients from the scalp. Therefore, don’t forget to use a conditioner on your hair extensions after washing and incorporate a hair moisturizer, such as a hair oil or serum into your hair care routine to keep them moisturized.
Overexposure to heat will cause your hair extensions to be dry, frizzy, and damaged. Therefore, you should opt for heatless hairstyles or minimize the use of heat tools to no more than once a week. Always apply a heat protectant on your hair extensions before styling them using heat.
The answer varies depending on the type of dye, the desired color, and the original color of the hair. Generally speaking, you should follow the timing recommended by the manufacturer. For semi-permanent dyes, it can range from 15 to 30 minutes, while permanent dyes may require 30 to 45 minutes. However, it’s important to check the color periodically to avoid over-processing, which can damage the extensions.
The best hair dye for extensions is one designed for human hair and free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and sulfates. Semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes are generally preferred because they are gentler on hair extensions. Brands like Manic Panic, Arctic Fox, and L’Oréal offer a range of semi-permanent dyes that work well with human hair extensions. If you’re using permanent dyes, you should go for products with conditioning agents to keep the extensions soft and manageable.
No, you cannot dye synthetic hair extensions. Synthetic hair is made from plastic fibers that don’t absorb hair dye like human hair, so attempting to dye synthetic hair can lead to damage, melting, or uneven color. If you want a different color for synthetic extensions, it’s best to purchase them in the desired shade or look for pre-colored options. For flexibility in color choice, human hair extensions are the better option, as they can be dyed, bleached, and styled like natural hair.
At Macsara Hair – a leading Vietnamese hair factory, hair extensions come in 60+ colors, ranging from basic colors like brown, blonde, and cool colors to customized colors like balayage, ombre, and piano colors. They are made from 100% high-quality human hair, ensuring a natural look and feel. For more information and the best deals, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact us at WhatsApp +84 98 6980 492 for 24/7 support!
Read more: Can You Dye Human Hair Toppers? A Guide To Dyeing Your Hairpiece
Mr. Jack Nguyen - The CEO and founder with a broad and visionary perspective of Macsara Hair - a company with a leading human hair factory in Vietnam.
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