Synthetic hair has become a popular choice for those who are looking for an affordable, low maintenance alternative to real human hair.
If you’re one of the many that have opted for synthetic hair, you may be wondering can you dye synthetic hair?
In this article, I’ll share the ins and outs of dyeing synthetic hair, including what types of dyes work best and how they should be applied. Read on to learn more…
Is It Possible To Dye Wigs And Hair Extensions?
Yes, it is possible to dye wigs and hair extensions. The process of dying them is similar to the process of dying regular hair.
Generally speaking, before you can dye your wig or extensions, they must first be washed with a mild shampoo to remove any dirt or oil that might interfere with the coloring process.
After washing and shampooing, pre-lightening may be necessary to achieve a desired color. This is especially true if you’re looking for very light colors, such as platinum blonde or ash gray.
It’s also important that you use the right type of hair dye specifically made for wigs and/or extensions.
Since these are generally made from high quality synthetic materials which require different products than those used on regular human hair.
Many companies specialize in making dyes specifically for these types of products, so make sure that you choose one tailored to your needs before starting the coloring process.
Once dyed, it’s important not to wash your wig too often as this could cause fading over time; instead, opt for products like dry shampoo which help minimize grease build up without affecting color vibrancy.
How Long Does It Take To Dye A Wig?
Dyeing a wig is an intricate process that takes time and patience. The length of time it takes to dye a hair wig depends on the type and quality of the wig you are using.
If you’re using an acrylic wig, then the process should start with bleaching the fibers before applying dyes. Make sure to use a special ink tube containing bleach-resistant acid dyes when adding color to synthetic fibers.
Once you’ve prepped your wig, you can now proceed with dyeing depending on how intense or vibrant your desired color is.
When dyeing lighter colors such as pastel shades, they often require multiple applications due to the porosity of acrylic wigs.
After each application, it is important to let the color set for at least 20 minutes before reapplying more dye in order for it to be permanent.
However, darker colors such as black may only need one coat of dye, but will still require additional processing time for optimal results.
The longer you leave the dye on your wig, the more intense or darker its hue will get over time.
It usually takes about 30 minutes if you’re planning on leaving it in for less than half an hour, and up to 2 hours if leaving it overnight (or longer).
Be sure not to leave your hair wig for too long, as this can lead to fading or damage from chemicals used in coloring processes.
What Kind Of Hair Dye Works Best For Dyeing Wigs?
If you are looking to dye your wig, the best kind of hair dye to use is a semi-permanent hair color.
This type of hair dye is gentler on the wig and won’t damage it as easily as other kinds. It also fades much slower than permanent dyes, so you can keep your new look for longer.
When you’re ready to start dying, make sure your wig is prepped properly and that it’s already been shampooed at least once.
Once your wig is ready to go, mix up the hair dye of the color you want, following all instructions listed on the package before applying it directly onto the wig or using a brush or comb to spread it through evenly.
Make sure to leave in according to recommendation and then rinse out until no more color comes out when showering with cool water.
After that, follow up with a conditioner specifically made for wigs, which will help keep your dyed locks healthy and vibrant for longer lengths of time.
Using this semi-permanent hair dye is a great way to get beautiful colored wigs without having to worry about damaging them or creating an unnatural look because they spread easier than permanent dyes, making them simpler and faster to apply.
Can You Dye Synthetic Hair?
You can dye your synthetic hair extensions or wigs to give them a new look and style! Synthetic hair is made from heat-resistant synthetic fabric fibers, which allow you to color the hair without damaging it.
However, it is important to note that since these fibers are not natural, they may not accept dye as well as human hair wigs.
If you are interested in dying your synthetic wig, there are several things you should keep in mind.
Make sure that the dye is specifically designed for use on synthetic fabrics. Secondly, because of the different chemical composition of synthetic and human hair, the dye used on synthetic fabric cannot be reused with human hair.
Take extra precaution when using any chemicals near your face and eyes due to their potential to cause irritation and/or burns.
Consider having an experienced stylist or cosmetologist help you dye your wig, since they have experience with a variety of products and techniques.
Can You Dye A Synthetic Wig?
You can definitely dye a synthetic wig! Color synthetic hair and real hair strands may require slightly different processes, but you can dye both.
Before dying your wig, make sure to set it up on a wig stand to ensure an even application.
Dyeing synthetic wigs requires patience and precision because you are working with polyester and other synthetic materials that may not absorb the color as easily as real hair does.
When dying your wig, you should use special hair dyes designed specifically for synthetic wigs or use a combination of a semi-permanent dye mixed with alcohol.
When applying the dye, be sure to wear gloves and practice proper safety techniques, such as washing hands often during the process.
You should apply the dye in sections starting at the ends of each strand first before gradually moving up towards the scalp area.
After securing all sections with clips or elastic bands, allow the wig to sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water until no more color rises from the strands.
Finally, dry your newly dyed wig using just low-heat settings on either a hairdryer or air drying on a stand.
Best Ways To Dye Synthetic Hair
Using a spray bottle, dyeing synthetic hair extensions and wigs can be a great way to give yourself a new look.
Here are some tips for dyeing your synthetic hair extensions and wigs:
- You want to make sure that you buy the wig or extension with natural color. This will make it easier to color your wig.
- When it comes time to dye the wig or extension, use high-quality hair dye specifically designed for synthetics.
- It is important to keep the wig until the water runs clear through any wash cycle in order for the color to set properly.
- Be aware that sometimes it can be more difficult to dye synthetic material than real human hair, so patience is key.
- Always do an allergy test before applying any product on your scalp or body, as this ensures there won’t be any irritations down the line.
- While coloring your wig or extension, always follow manufacturer instructions carefully, as this will help ensure you achieve good results without causing damage to either one of them.
Can You Do Highlights Or Lowlights On Synthetic Wigs?
Yes, you can do highlights and lowlights on synthetic wigs.
However, there is a special dyeing process method to use when doing so, as regular dye or bleach may damage the wig fibers, and lead to hair loss for your synthetic hair piece.
The best way to add color to a synthetic wig is by using fabric dye or markers designed specifically for synthetic fibers.
Make sure that when doing highlights and lowlights, it’s done gently and with care – because if you’re too rough, it might damage the artificial hairlines of the wig.
You need to make sure that the color chosen will not stain your skin, as this can be a bit of a problem with dark shades of some types of fabric dye.
Always remember to perform any hair treatments in an area with proper ventilation as most synthetics are made with oil-based products which could cause fumes when heated up.
Can You Use Fabric Dye for Synthetic Hair?
Using fabric dye on synthetic hair is possible, but the results may not be as dramatic as you would hope.
Because synthetic hairs are made of acrylic paint, they cannot take large amounts of color as well as natural hair can.
It is also important to note that it should only be done on an old synthetic wig or a wig made entirely out of synthetic hair fibers.
To begin the process, rinse your wig with warm water and allow it to air dry before you start dying it. Once your wig is dry and ready for action, spray your dye onto the entire surface from top to bottom.
Make sure that the fabric dye fully covers all areas of the wig; if any area remains untouched by the dye, leave your wig in this state until some parts turn darker than other parts.
After allowing adequate time for the dye to set into the fibers of your hairpiece, rinse it off with cold water and let air-dry again before styling or using heat tools on your newly dyed hairdo.
While fabric dyes could potentially work on forming new shades of colors on synthetic hairs, there are no guarantees when these products come into contact with these materials.
So, use at your own risk, using teaspoons of fabric dye, so you don’t add the dye and have an issue with the hair being submerged in the dye.
How To Dye Your Wig With Regular Hair Dye
Using normal hair dye to color your wig color is a great way to give it a totally new look without spending too much money.
Start by choosing an appropriate color for your expensive synthetic wig – try to find one that matches the current color of your own hair.
Or choose something entirely different if you want to create an entirely new style. Once you have picked out the color, grab the supplies needed: a scoop of dye, a bowl, rubber gloves, and a brush or comb.
Begin by rinsing the wig in warm water before submerging it in the dye mixture.
Make sure all parts of the wig are covered with dye, and leave it submerged for around 15 minutes – this will ensure that as much pigment as possible has been absorbed into the fibers.
After soaking up all that color, rinse out any excess dye until most of it has been removed – some may still be visible on the surface of your wig, so don’t worry about this too much.
Add shampoo and conditioner to help keep it looking healthy and shiny, and even use a hair mask.
Leave the hair mask for at least ten minutes to nourish the polyester and synthetic materials. Dying synthetic wigs and extensions is slightly different from dying human hair.
Instead, use cooler water when rinsing off any extra dye, and avoid using too hot temperatures when styling afterward.
As heat can damage synthetic fiber more easily than real hair strands. With this method, you should be able to successfully recolor your wig without having any trouble.
Things To Remember When You Dye Synthetic Extensions Or Wigs?
When you are looking to dye your synthetic extensions or wigs, there are a few things to remember.
First off, it’s important to consider the types of materials used in your wig or extension; many wigs and extensions are made with polyester and other synthetic materials that can’t be dyed.
So if you want to dye your synthetic wig, make sure it is suited for dying before you get started.
It is also helpful to use hair dye specifically designed for working on synthetic fibers, since regular dyes will not work effectively on artificial hair, and won’t give you a vibrant hair dye job.
When it comes time to actually color your hair, a light-colored wig is easier to dye than trying to dye dark colored wigs, so start with something light colored for the entire wig as a base, as you can’t dye black or dark brown wigs effortlessly.
Then you can have some fun experimenting with different colors until you find the perfect shade for your look.
Finally, when dying synthetics, keep in mind that the process tends to take longer than dying natural hair, so leave the wig in the mixture for the duration of the instructions given on the box and rinse thoroughly once finished.
Summary
Overall, dyeing synthetic wigs and extensions can be done successfully with the right products, patience and knowledge of the materials used in your wig or extension, since synthetic hair can absorb more dye than natural hair.
Be sure to start with a light color base and use special dyes designed specifically for synthetic materials. Finally, remember to give yourself plenty of time when dying a wig, due to its longer processing time.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!