Can You Color Hair Extensions
Are you looking for the perfect way to add some fun, vibrant color to your look? Hair extensions may be just what you need! Whether you want highlights or an all-over statement tone, hair extensions can provide temporary playfulness without making a permanent change.
But can hair extensions even be colored in the first place? The answer is YES – with certain precautions and specialized techniques, you can color hair extensions with amazing results if done correctly. Read on to learn more about how to safely and effectively dye your hair extensions!
What Are Hair Extensions and What Types are Available?
Hair extensions are strands of real or synthetic hair that can be added to your natural hair for various reasons such as length, volume, or color. They come in a variety of lengths, textures, and colors to match any desired look. The most commonly used types of hair extensions are clip-in, tape-in, and sew-in.
Clip-in Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are the most popular and versatile type of human hair extensions. They are easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for temporary color changes.
These extensions come in wefts (stripes of hair) with small clips attached to the top, which can be clipped onto your natural hair strands.
Tape-in Hair Extensions
Tape-in hair extensions consist of small wefts that are attached to your natural hair with strong, invisible tape. They can be reused multiple times and provide a more seamless appearance compared to clip-ins.
Sew-in Hair Extensions
Sew-in hair extensions, also known as weaves, involve braiding your natural hair in a specific pattern and then sewing the wefts onto them. This type of extension is more permanent and can last for up to 3 months.
Can You Color Hair Extensions – The Basics
Whether you choose clip-in, tape-in, or sew-in hair extensions, you can absolutely color them. However, since they are not attached to your scalp and do not receive the natural oils from your head, they need special care when it comes to coloring.
Pre-Coloring Preparation
Before coloring your hair extensions, make sure to wash them with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or oils that might interfere with the color application. Then, let them air dry completely before coloring.
Coloring Techniques
When it comes to coloring hair extensions, there are two main techniques: depositing and lifting. Deposit coloring involves adding a color without lightening the hair, while lifting color brush involves lightening the hair and then adding a desired color.
It is recommended to use semi-permanent or demi-permanent color on hair extensions, as they are less damaging and will fade over time instead of leaving a harsh line as permanent color would.
Precautions
It is important to keep in mind that natural human hair and extensions have already gone through some chemical processing during their production. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using any harsh chemicals or bleach on them, as they can easily damage the hair.
How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Hair Extension
The key to achieving a natural-looking color with hair extensions is selecting the right shade. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect match for your hair:
Consider Your Hair Type
Before purchasing hair extensions, it is essential to determine your hair type – whether it's straight, wavy, or curly. This will ensure that the extension blends seamlessly with your natural hair.
Match Your Hair Color
To achieve a natural and flawless look, it's crucial to choose extensions that match your current hair color. Take a close look at the ends of your hair and try to find an extension shade that closely matches them.
Choose According to Your Desired Look
If you are looking for a subtle change, opt for extensions that are just one or two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. However, if you want a more dramatic change, you can choose extensions in a completely different shade.
Consider Undertones
Undertones play a significant role in achieving a natural-looking color with extensions. Make sure to match the undertones of your natural hair with those of the extension – whether it's warm (gold or red) or cool (ash or silver).
Seek Professional Help
If you are unsure about which shade to choose, it's always best to seek professional help. A colorist can guide you in selecting the perfect extension shade that will blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
Also, remember that hair extensions can be dyed as well, so if you are unable to find the perfect match, a professional colorist can help customize the shade to best suit your needs.
Tips on Coloring Hair Extensions at Home
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when coloring hair extensions at home:
Use High-Quality Dye and Developer: Always use high-quality hair dye, and developer to ensure the best results. Low-quality products can damage the hair extensions and lead to an undesirable outcome.
Test a Strand: Just like with your natural hair, it's always best to test a small strand of the extension before coloring the whole strand test the entire set. This will help you determine how long the color should be left on for and also give you an idea of the final result.
Avoid Overlapping: When coloring extensions, it's essential to avoid overlapping the color on previously dyed sections. This can lead to uneven or patchy results and also cause damage to the hair.
Protect the Clips: If you are coloring clip-in hair extensions, make sure to protect the clips from getting stained with dye. You can wrap them in a plastic wrap or use a clip barrier to prevent any color transfer.
Rinse and Condition: After coloring the extensions, make sure to rinse them thoroughly with cool water and condition them with a deep conditioning treatment. This will help seal the color and keep the hair soft and shiny.
Avoid Heat Styling: Keep in mind that colored hair extensions are more susceptible to damage from heat styling. Try to limit the use of hot tools and opt for a heat protectant spray when necessary.
Store Properly: After coloring and styling, make sure to store your hair extensions properly in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain their color and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.
By following these tips, you can easily achieve a beautiful, customized color for your hair extensions in the comfort of your own home. Just remember to take good care of them and avoid harsh chemicals or processes to ensure they last as long as possible. So go ahead and experiment with different shades to create your desired look with confidence! Happy coloring! #EndOfSection -->
Pros and Cons of Coloring Your Hair Extensions
Like any beauty treatment, coloring your hair extensions has its own set of pros and cons. Before committing to the process, it's essential to weigh these factors and make an informed decision.
Pros:
Customization: Coloring your hair extensions allows you to customize them to suit your desired look. You can experiment with different shades, highlights, and ombre effects to achieve a unique and personalized look.
Blending with Natural Hair: If you have naturally colored hair, coloring your extensions can help them blend seamlessly with your natural hair, creating a more natural-looking finish.
Enhanced Volume and Dimension: Adding color to your extensions can help create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. This is especially useful for those with thin or fine hair.
Refreshes Old Extensions: If you have old extensions that have faded or lost their color, dyeing them can help refresh and revive them, making them look brand new again.
Cons:
Risk of Damage: Coloring hair extensions can be damaging to the hair, especially if not done correctly or with low-quality products. It's essential to take proper care and avoid harsh chemicals to prevent any damage.
Limited Color Choices: Unlike natural own hair, extensions have a limited range of colors available. This means you may not be able to achieve an exact match for your desired color or undertone tape hair extensions.
Maintenance Required: Just like with natural hair, colored extensions require regular maintenance and touch-ups to maintain their vibrancy. This can be time-consuming and costly.
FAQs
Are hair extensions safe to color?
Hair extensions can be safely colored as long as the proper care and precautions are taken. It's essential to use high-quality products and avoid harsh chemicals or processes that can damage the other human hair extensions.
Can I color my hair extensions at home?
While it is possible to dye your hair extensions at home, we highly recommend seeking professional help to achieve the best results and avoid any damage to the already dyeing remy hair extensions.
How often do I need to touch up my colored hair extensions?
The frequency of touch-ups will depend on your natural hair growth and maintenance routine. It's recommended to schedule a touch-up every 6-8 weeks to maintain the color vibrancy and blending with your natural hair.
Can I use heat styling tools on colored hair extensions?
Heat styling tools can be used on colored hair extensions; however, it's essential to use a hair color gloves and heat protectant spray and limit the use of hot tools to prevent any damage.
Conclusion
Coloring your hair extensions can be a great way to achieve a customized and unique look. However, it's crucial to carefully consider the pros and cons and take proper care of the dye hair extensions, to ensure they last as long as possible.
At Filomena Salon & Spa, we offer professional hair extension coloring services and provide industry-leading training for those interested in joining our team. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for any inquiries.
Additionally, don't forget to follow us on social media for updates, tips and tricks, and more. We look forward to helping you achieve your desired hair goals!
Filomena Salon Coquitlam is an award-winning hair salon located on Schoolhouse Street in Coquitlam. We are specialists in hair extensions, hair colour and other professional hair services. If you are considering a new colour or style for your hair, contact us, and we’ll talk you through all the options to ensure your choice of colour reflects your personality and complexion.
Call today for a free consultation with one of our stylists. We have the best hairdressers and the best hair colourists in Vancouver. Call now at 604-777-9300 or email us at info@filomenasalonspa.com.