Can You Dye Hair Extensions? A Comprehensive Guide

With hair color transformations being as common as changing outfits, it’s no surprise that many women are also looking to switch up the hues of their hair extensions. Whether it’s to refresh their look or achieve a seamless blend with their natural shade, the desire to dye hair extensions is a common one among style-savvy individuals. But before you break out the dye and brushes, you might be wondering: Can you dye hair extensions? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dyeing extensions and achieving your perfect look. So, let’s scroll down this page and explore more!

Can You Dye Hair Extensions?

If you’re wondering whether “can you dye hair extensions” to match your new look, the answer depends entirely on the type of extensions you have.

Can You Dye Human Hair Extensions?

Yes, you can dye human hair extensions. That’s because human hair extensions are made from real hair, with a structure that’s very similar to your own. This means the strands can absorb hair dye effectively, allowing for color changes.

Among all human hair extensions, Remy human hair is the best choice for dyeing. It keeps the cuticle intact and aligned in one direction, making it more resistant to damage and capable of holding color evenly.

Can You Dye Synthetic Hair Extensions?

No, you cannot dye synthetic hair extensions. Synthetic extensions are made from plastic-based fibers such as acrylic or polyester. These materials do not absorb hair dye like real hair and can actually melt or become seriously damaged when exposed to the harsh chemicals in most dyes.

Before you dye any extensions, always verify that they’re 100% human hair – ideally Remy quality. That ensures the safest, most natural-looking results.

What Types of Hair Extensions Can Be Dyed?

Different types of extensions respond differently to dye, and each has its own care requirements when coloring.

Tape-In Extensions

Be cautious when dyeing tape-in extensions. The adhesive tape can be weakened or loosened by hair dye, which could lead to your extensions slipping out. It’s best to avoid dyeing the tape area and instead focus only on the mid-lengths and ends.

Clip-In Extensions

Clip-ins are the safest to dye at home. Since they can be removed easily, you have full control and won’t risk staining your natural hair or scalp. Still, make sure to dye them off your head and rinse thoroughly before wearing again.

Sew-In or Weft Extensions

You can dye weft hair extensions, but you’ll need to be extra careful. It’s best to apply the dye while the extensions are laid flat, and always avoid getting color on the sewn band to maintain its strength.

View more related post here: Can You Dye Weft Hair Extensions

Things You Need To Know Before Dyeing Hair Extensions

Choose the Color

Let’s start by choosing the ideal shade for your extensions. We suggest you opt for a professional hair color and developer line rather than a boxed color from the drugstore. This way, you can select the appropriate developer for your extensions.

Semi-permanent dye only lasts for several washes. So, if you are determined on which color you want to get, it’s better to select a permanent dye. Typically, a 10-volume developer or demi-permanent color is suggested.

If you’re dyeing your extensions for the first time, we recommend a subtle shade change to minimize the risk of damage or breakage. However, if you’re aiming for platinum highlights or a white-blonde appearance, it’s best to leave it in the hands of professionals.

Prepping the Hair

Wash your hair extensions before dyeing to remove dirt or product buildups that may affect color processing. 

Start by filling your sink with lukewarm water and adding 2-3 dollops of shampoo to create a soapy solution. Wash your hair extensions gently and avoid rubbing to prevent tangling. 

After washing, air-dry the extensions completely before applying color. Remember to comb through the extensions to remove tangles and any styling product residue before placing them on the tin foil for coloring.

Prepare the Needed Tools

And now, it’s time to gather all the needed materials you need for the dyeing process:

• High-quality human hair extensions
• Professional hair color and developer (avoid developers above 30% to prevent damage)
• Disposable gloves: to protect your hands during the process
• Coloring bowl and brush
• Tinfoil: to isolate sections of hair while applying the dye, preventing color bleeding and ensuring even coverage.
• Plastic wrap
• Towel
• Wide-toothed comb
• Deep conditioner for post-color care

How to Dye Hair Extensions – Step-By-Step Guide

Note: While it’s always recommended to consult a professional, you can dye human hair extensions at home if you’re careful and follow the proper steps.

Step 1: Set Up the Working Space

Arrange your tools and supplies on a flat surface for comfortable work. It’s best to cover the surface with tin foil sheets or old newspapers to prevent staining and protect your workspace.

Step 2: Mix the Color

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare your color. Most hair dyes require equal parts color and developer, so ensure you have enough dye for your extensions (about 3-5 ounces). It’s better to have extra dye than to run out mid-process.

Note: For bright or fashionable colors on blonde extensions, you can try the watercolor method. With this method, you won’t apply the dye to the hair, but submerge it in the watercolor. 

Step 3: Apply the Dye

Before you start coloring, always conduct a strand test. Apply a small amount of dye to the end of a small hair section to ensure you’re happy with the result.

Once you’re satisfied, put on gloves and use a color brush to apply dye to each weft individually. Start from the top and brush downward to the ends, ensuring full saturation on both sides. Avoid applying color in an upward motion to prevent damage and frizz.

Once you finish applying color to the whole set, proceed to the next step. 

Step 4: Let the Color Develop

After applying dye to all the human hair wefts, loosely cover them with plastic wrap or tinfoil to prevent the color from drying out. Let the color process for the time specified on the color box, typically between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the color and brand.

Once the processing time is up, remove the tin foil and proceed to rinse the extensions in the sink.

Step 5: Rinse And Wash

Once the processing is complete and you’re happy with the color, it’s time to rinse the extensions. Use cool water and run your fingers through the hair to remove any excess dye. 

Let the water flow naturally from the top to the bottom of the extensions as you rinse, and continue rinsing for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure all the color is removed. After rinsing, shampoo the extensions with a sulfate-free moisturizing or color-friendly formula. 

Follow up with a sulfate-free deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture lost during the dyeing process.

Step 6: Comb, Air Dry and Style

After conditioning your extensions, it’s time to detangle and dry them. Place a towel on your workspace and apply a leave-in conditioner to your extensions. Gently comb through your hair using a wide-tooth comb once it’s mostly dry to minimize shedding. It’s best to allow the extensions to air dry completely, avoiding the use of a blow-dryer. 

And now, you can style your new-colored extensions to achieve your desired look. If you plan to use heat styling tools like a curling iron, just make sure the extensions are completely dry and apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.

Please note that this guide can be applicable to various types of hair extensions, whether you use Clip-in hair extensions or Tape-in hair extensions.

FAQs about “Can You Dye Hair Extensions”

Can You Bleach Hair Extensions?

Only if they are 100% virgin human hair. Bleaching is a harsh chemical process and is not recommended for processed or non-Remy extensions. Bleach can severely damage the strands.

Can I Dye My Extensions Darker Than My Natural Hair?

Yes! Dyeing darker is much safer and more effective than going lighter, especially on previously dyed or processed extensions.

Will Dyeing Hair Extensions Ruin Them?

It can, if not done carefully. Using high-quality products, testing strands, and following the proper process can help maintain the hair’s integrity.

How Long Will The Color Last?

Typically 4–6 weeks, depending on how often you wash the extensions and the dye type used. Semi-permanent dyes will fade faster than permanent ones.

In a Nutshell

And that’s all about our guide to answering the question “Can you dye hair extensions?”. If you are searching for high-quality human hair extensions to start the dyeing process, don’t forget to check out Luxshine Hair. As the leading Vietnamese hair vendor, we supply a wide range of options to best suit your hair needs. 

WhatsApp us at (+84) 862 552 088 for more support and get the best prices on premium Vietnamese hair extensions!