Hair dyes are among the oldest hair care products used for years to enhance one’s overall appearance. Nowadays, people dye their hair for many reasons. Some do so to improve their looks, make a fashion statement, or express their personality and individuality.
Before dying your hair, there are a couple of factors to consider. Some of the most critical ones include the type of hair, hair’s health and quality, and the expected maintenance needs. If you have ever thought of dying your hair, you have probably come across this common question, “Can you dye hair extensions?” Well, this guide gives a detailed answer highlighting all there is to know before making up your mind.
Can You Dye Human Hair Extensions?
The short answer is yes, you can dye human hair extensions. However, the results will often vary based on the hair extension styles, type, and quality. Higher-quality extensions like Remy or Virgin hair guarantee better results since they absorb most hues and retain their texture and longevity after applying the dye.
Provided your hair extensions are made of human hair, you can dye tape-in, halo, keratin, and even clip-in hair extension types. Below is a quick summary of the frequently asked questions and tips to consider when dying these human hair extension types.
Dye Hair Extensions
Can You Dye Keratin Hair Extensions?
Yes, but the dyeing process may weaken the keratin bonds. You must, therefore, use professional dye and avoid dying the roots. A professional best dyes this hair extension type.
Can You Dye Clip-in Hair Extensions?
Clip-ins are easy to dye. Focus on even application and avoid over-processing, which will help prevent shedding or tangling.
Can You Dye Hair with Tape in Extensions?
While it is possible to dye human tape-in hair extensions, it is crucial to be careful around them. Work with a professional to avoid getting the dye on the adhesive strips.
Can You Dye Halo Hair Extensions?
Yes. You need to ensure an even application and avoid dyes with harsh chemicals.
Can You Dye Synthetic Hair Extensions?
Synthetic hair extensions are made from fibres such as polyester and acrylic, which do not absorb regular hair dye. Additionally, the chemicals in these hair dyes can damage the fibres, leaving them brittle and frizzy. For these reasons, dyeing synthetic hair extensions is not recommended.
Instead of dyeing synthetic hair extensions, you want to buy hair extensions in the colour you want. Synthetic extensions come in various colours, including vibrant and unconventional hues, which can be hard to achieve with hair dyes.
Can You Dye Hair Extensions Without Removing Them from Your Head?
Most people often dye their human hair extensions as part of the maintenance routine. Removing the hair extensions to apply a new colour and then reinstalling them may sound tedious and unnecessarily complicated. Hence, some people may consider dying without detaching their hair extensions. While this is possible, it is not recommended. Here’s why:
- It may lead to uneven colour.
- The bonds can easily get damaged, especially with hair extension types like keratin bonds, sewn-in weaves and tape-ins.
- The dye may damage the scalp, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
- A colour mismatch may occur between the natural hair and the extensions.
When dying your human hair extensions, it is safer to remove them and dye them separately before reattaching them. If you choose to have the extensions dyed while attached, talk to your hairstylist for advice.
Things to Avoid When Dying Hair Extensions
When dying hair extensions, there is a lot that can go wrong. This is especially true if you decide to go DIY. For the best results, always use quality hair extensions that will take in most hues. The cost of hair extensions varies based on the type and quality, so you may need to invest a little extra. Here is a list of the common mistakes to avoid when dying your hair extensions:
- Do not dye wet hair extensions. Your hair extensions will only absorb the dye if the strands are dry. Wash and dry your hair extensions thoroughly before applying the hue.
- Refrain from over-processing. Another common mistake most people make is leaving the dye on the extensions longer than necessary. Before applying the dye, check the manufacturer’s guidelines or recommendations and be sure to stick with all the guidelines. Otherwise, you should have your extensions dyed by a professional hair stylist. It is worth noting that the cost of dyeing hair in Australia varies depending on the techniques used, salon location, stylist’s expertise, and hair length.
- Do not skip the patch test. When using any haircare product for the first time, a rule of thumb is to do a patch test. The goal is to test the product on a small portion of the hair extension to see how the strands take the colour and whether there are any unexpected results.
- Do not use heat styling right away. Before styling your hair, you should leave the dye to settle and dry. Avoid heat styling for days or weeks to ensure the hair recovers well.
Get Professional Hair Dying Services
Now that you know the basics of dying hair extensions, you should still seek guidance or help from a seasoned hair stylist. At Ladyandthehair, we offer hair colouring services that can be customised to suit your unique needs. Contact us today, and we’ll be glad to help.
