Whether you’re looking to upgrade your old wigs, or simply want to try something new, you might be thinking about coloring your synthetic wig with vibrant new color.
If that sounds like you, and you’re wondering whether or not you can dye synthetic hair, you’re in the right place!
There’s a variety of different ways to dye your synthetic hair, and this article will help you learn all the ways you can do it. Read on!
How to Color Synthetic Hair: The Basics
Let’s start off with the basics. Coloring synthetic hair is a little different than coloring natural hair. This is because synthetic hair is made of processed fibers like acrylic, polyvinyl, and polyester, all of which are man-made materials that act in a different way to natural hair. For starters, synthetic hair does not have any ‘pores’ like human hair does, so it can be a little tricky to get the dye to take.
It’s not recommended that you dye the color of the synthetic hair more than two tones from where you first started off. So, for instance, if the wig you’re dyeing happens to be red, then if you try to turn it into black, it’s likely not going to work.
However, that’s not to say that it can’t be done. In fact, if you want to dye your synthetic hair, then the easiest way to do so is by gradually doing it over the course of a few treatments. It’s also important to be aware here that not all chemical dyes are suitable for synthetic hair coloring. This is because synthetic hair is able to dye a different color much more quickly than natural hair can, so using a particularly strong or harsh chemical dye runs the risk of breaking the hair or burning it off.
To help you make sure that doesn’t occur, the easiest way to make sure that you’re selecting the correct dye for your synthetic hair is by making sure that the dye you are using contains no more than 6% of oxidant, as this will ensure that the chemical dye is not too potent. In addition to that, you’re also going to want to make sure that when applying to synthetic hair, you leave the roots until last, or avoid them completely if possible.
You’ll also want to be sure that synthetic hair cannot, under any circumstances, be bleached! Bleaching is a whole other ball game than regular hair dye, and it’s highly likely that bleaching synthetic hair will only lead to the wig becoming destroyed. Therefore, if you want a platinum blonde wig, we recommend just simply purchasing one of that color.
How to Color Synthetic Hair: The Instructions
So, after you’ve selected the right type of dye for your synthetic hair or wig, not it’s time to actually do it! The easiest way to properly prepare to dye your synthetic wig is by placing it on a model head, brushing it out so that there are no knots or tangles, and covering the surrounding area with paper towels so that you do not get anything stained.
What you’ll need:
- Your synthetic wig
- Plastic, disposable gloves
- 1 bottle of hair or fabric dye
- A pot of boiled water
In addition to all of that, we also recommend that you put on some old clothes (like a t-shirt you no longer wear or don’t mind getting ruined) as hair coloring stains, and the last thing you want is to get dye on a piece of clothing that you love.
When you dye a synthetic wig, a good idea is to mix it with a tonic, as this will help the color to appear more natural. We recommend dropping a small amount of tonic into some water and then applying the tonic to the diluted mixture after the coloring process, in order to create a more natural finish.
Plus, you’ll also need to keep in mind that, as your color ‘fake’ hair, it’s likely that you’re not going to get the same color as you might if you were coloring natural hair, meaning that the synthetic hair picks up color quicker, which can lead to a more intense result. For that reason, many people that choose to color their own synthetic wigs choose to either:
- Pick a color that is a few tones lighter than the desired color.
- Keep the dye on for a shorter amount of time than if it was being used on natural hair.
So, with that being said, after you’ve put your old t-shirt and disposable gloves on, you can begin the coloring process. After you have boiled your hot water in the pan, you can place it to one side and begin preparing the dye. Once you have the dye ready to use, then gently begin to add the fabric or hair dye to the water, making sure to stir so that is it all mixed together properly.
Next, you’re going to want to gently dampen the wig and then add it into the pot filled with the dye and water. Like we said before, synthetic hair reacts more quickly than natural hair, so your desired color will likely be achieved in a matter of minutes, so make sure that you don’t leave your wig unattended at any point! As soon as you feel the color has been achieved, you can then go ahead and remove the wig from the pot. Then, run it under cold water until all of the excess dye is gone, and you can then place it on a wig stand until it has completely finished drying. It’s as simple and as quick as that!
Bottom Line
There you have it! As you can see, it’s absolutely possible to dye your synthetic wig a different color. However, there are a few risks involved, but as long as you follow the steps and make sure to follow our advice, we’re positive you’ll love the results! While you’re here, why not save this page? That way, if you ever forget a step or want to brush up on your knowledge before coloring your synthetic hair, you can always come back and give this guide a re-read!