How To Dye Hair Extensions
Dyeing hair extensions is a great way to add colour or vibrancy to your hairstyle. Whether you want to match your natural hair colour, try a new look, or make a statement with bold colours, dyeing hair extensions can give you endless possibilities.
However, dyeing hair extensions differs from dyeing natural hair and requires special attention to maintain its quality and appearance. This guide will discuss everything you need to know about dyeing hair extensions, including preparation, the dyeing process, aftercare, and maintenance tips.
Preparation Before Dyeing
Before you start dyeing your hair extensions, it is essential to prepare them properly to avoid any damage or unwanted results. Here are the steps you should follow to prepare your hair extensions for dyeing:
Choose high-quality hair extensions: Quality is crucial when dyeing hair extensions. Ensure you invest in good quality human hair extensions that can withstand the dyeing process without getting damaged.
Wash the hair extensions: Before dyeing, wash your hair extensions with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or natural oils that may hinder the dye absorption.
Do a strand test: It is always recommended to do a strand test before dyeing all your hair extensions. This helps you determine how long it will take for the extensions to reach your desired colour and allows you to make adjustments if needed.
Detangle the hair: Make sure to detangle your hair extensions gently using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers before dyeing them. This will ensure that the dye is evenly distributed throughout the extensions.
Protect the surrounding area: Dyeing can get messy, so it is essential to protect it with old towels or newspapers. This will prevent any staining on your floors or furniture.
Wear protective gear: Dyeing can also harm your skin, so wear gloves and an old shirt that you don't mind getting stained.
Gather all necessary tools and materials: Finally, make sure you have all the required tools and materials ready before starting the dyeing process. This includes hair dye, a developer, a mixing bowl and brush, clips, and a timer.
Step-by-Step Dyeing Process
Now that your hair extensions are properly prepared, it's time to start dyeing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dye your hair extensions:
Choose Colour
The first and most crucial step in the dyeing process is choosing the right colour for your hair extensions. It would help to consider several factors when selecting a colour, such as your skin tone, natural hair colour, and desired look.
If you want to match your extensions to your natural hair colour, choose a shade closest to it. For a more dramatic change, you can opt for a completely different colour or even try out multiple colours for a unique look.
Also, consider your skin tone when choosing a colour. For warm skin tones, shades like honey blonde or copper red can complement your complexion, while cool skin tones go well with ash brown or platinum blonde.
Prepare the Dye
The next step in dyeing hair extensions is to prepare the dye mixture. It is essential to use a good quality hair dye specifically designed for synthetic or human hair extensions. Using regular hair dye can damage the extensions and affect their overall appearance.
Start by selecting a shade you want to achieve and gather all necessary materials, including gloves, a mixing bowl, a brush, and plastic wrap. Follow the hair dye packaging instructions to mix the correct amount of dye and developer. If you want a lighter or darker shade, you can adjust the amount of dye or developer accordingly.
Mix the dye and developer.
Once you have the dye and developer ready, it's time to mix them. Pour the contents of the hair dye into a mixing bowl and slowly add the developer while stirring continuously. Mix them thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture.
Also, make sure to use the correct ratio of dye and developer as instructed on the packaging. Using too much or too little can affect the colour outcome and damage your hair extensions.
Sectioning the Hair Extensions
Before applying the dye, it is crucial to section your hair extensions to ensure that the colour is evenly distributed. Start by clipping the extensions to a surface or mannequin head, freeing the top layer of hair. Then, part and clip the hair into small sections using clips or hair ties.
This will make it easier to apply the dye evenly and ensure all parts of the extensions are covered. It also helps prevent any tangling or overlapping of the extensions during the dyeing process, which can result in uneven colour.
Applying the Dye
Now comes the fun part - applying the dye to your hair extensions. Using your mixing bowl and brush, apply the dye to one section of hair at a time, starting from the top layer and working your way down. Make sure to saturate each section evenly while avoiding getting the dye on your scalp or skin.
Once you have covered all sections, gently massage the dye into the hair using your fingers to ensure even distribution. You can also use a wide-tooth comb to comb through the extensions and ensure they are evenly coated in colour.
Letting it Process
After applying the dye, follow the processing time as instructed on the packaging. This typically ranges from 20-40 minutes, but it may vary depending on the dye brand and desired colour intensity.
During this time, cover your hair extensions with plastic wrap or a shower cap to help trap heat and allow the dye to penetrate evenly. You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to speed up the process.
Rinse and Wash
Once the processing time is up, it's time to rinse out the dye. Start using lukewarm water to wash out the excess dye until the water clears. Avoid using hot water as it can damage the extensions.
After rinsing, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to wash and moisturize your hair extensions. This will help seal in the colour and keep your extensions looking vibrant and healthy.
Apply a Deep Conditioning Treatment
Dyeing can strip the hair of its natural moisture, so it's essential to replenish it after the process. After washing your extensions, apply a deep conditioning treatment and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. This will help restore moisture and keep your extensions looking soft and shiny.
Dry and Style
Finally, it's time to dry and style your freshly dyed hair extensions. Avoid using heat styling tools immediately after dyeing, as this can cause damage to the extensions. Instead, let them air dry or use a low heat setting on your blow dryer.
Once dry, style your extensions as desired. You can also use a colour-safe hair serum or spray to add shine and protect the colour from fading.
Congratulations, you have successfully dyed your hair extensions! Remember to take proper care of them to maintain their colour and keep them looking beautiful. With these steps, you can transform your extensions into any colour and achieve your desired look effortlessly.
Benefits of Dyeing Hair Extensions
There are several benefits to dyeing hair extensions, including:
Versatility: Dyeing your hair extensions allows you to experiment with different colours and achieve any desired look without colouring your natural hair.
Customization: You can customize the colour of your extensions to match your natural hair or create a unique look using multiple colours.
Cost-effective: Instead of purchasing multiple hair extensions in different colours, dyeing allows you to reuse the same set and save money.
Easy maintenance: Dyeing your hair extensions allows for easier maintenance as you can easily touch up any fading or regrowth without replacing the entire set.
Temporary change: If you're hesitant about a permanent hair colour change, dyeing your extensions allows you to try different shades without any long-term commitment.
Adds dimension: Adding highlights or lowlights to your hair extensions can add depth and dimension to your hair, making it look more natural and vibrant.
Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a successful and damage-free dyeing process, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using the wrong type of hair dye: Using regular box hair dye meant for natural hair can cause damage to extensions as they are made of synthetic or human hair that requires specialized dye formulas.
Refrain from sectioning the hair properly: Not sectioning your extensions can result in uneven colouring and tangling, making it difficult to achieve a smooth and consistent colour.
Not following the processing time: Leaving the dye on for too long or not long enough can affect the colour outcome and may also damage the extensions.
Using hot water: Hot water can damage the extensions and cause the colour to fade quickly. Always use lukewarm water when rinsing out the dye.
Skipping aftercare: Skipping the deep conditioning treatment and using heat styling tools immediately after dyeing can cause damage and make the colour fade quickly.
FAQs
Can you use regular hair Colour to dye hair extensions?
Yes, you can use professional hair Colour to dye almost all hair extensions, especially if they are made from natural human hair or virgin hair extensions. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and applying the Colour, using tools such as a color brush and wearing hair color gloves to protect your hands.
How do you Colour hair extensions without damaging them?
To colour hair extensions without causing damage, always start with a patch test to ensure the Colour suits your needs. Use a gentle, professional hair color formulated for use on natural human hair. Apply the dye carefully with a Colourbrush, avoiding harsh chemicals that could compromise the integrity of the extensions. For synthetic hair, seek specific dyes made for synthetic fibers.
Is it possible to dye synthetic hair extensions?
Dying hair extensions made of synthetic hair is more challenging than colouring extensions made of natural human hair due to the synthetic fibers' resistance to conventional hair dyes. However, there are special dyes designed for synthetic hair. Always test a small section first and follow the dye's specific instructions for the best results.
What should I consider before attempting to color hair extensions at home?
Before you begin the process to Colour hair extensions at home, consider the material of the extensions. Virgin hair extensions and those made from natural human hair can generally be dyed like your own hair, using professional hair Colour products, a Colour brush, and hair Colourgloves for application. If your extensions are synthetic, you may need a different type of dye. Regardless of the type, conducting a strand test beforehand to check the Colour outcome and potential damage is crucial.
Conclusion
Dyeing your hair extensions can be a fun and easy way to change your look. Following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully dye your extensions and enjoy a new colour without damage or hassle.
Additionally, always use quality hair dye products and properly care for your extensions to maintain their colour and look beautiful. With these tips, you can transform your extensions into any colour and achieve your desired look effortlessly.
And remember, if you need more confidence in dyeing your extensions at home, it's always best to seek professional help for the best results. Happy colouring!
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. We’ll walk 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.