Can you dye hair extensions? The answer is yes, but it comes with important considerations.
The proper knowledge can bring beautiful results at Kosa Salon SF: Luxury Hair Salon. Our years of working with different kinds of extensions give us deep insights into what to do and not to do with hair dye.
From restoring your natural shade to creating a vibrant new color, we will take you from start to finish so that your hair is healthy and radiant.
We will share our rich experience and information about dyeing hair extensions, hoping this comprehensive guide will assist you in making appropriate decisions.
Can You Dye Hair Extensions? Understanding the Basics
At Kosa Salon SF, many clients ask if they can color their hair extensions, and the answer is yes! You have to make sure that you get the right kind of extensions. If you have human hair extensions, using hair color on them will be similar to how you color your hair.
However, synthetic extensions don’t handle dye well, and the chemicals can damage or alter their feel.
The Differences Between Dyeing Synthetic and Human Hair Extensions
Before you decide to dye your hair extensions, knowing what they’re made of is crucial. Synthetic extensions, created from various plastic fibers, do not respond well to dye. These fibers can melt or become irreparably damaged due to the chemicals in many dyes.
On the other hand, extensions made from human hair react to dyes much like natural hair. They absorb color effectively and can be dyed with greater ease. This makes human hair extensions ideal for those looking to change or enhance their color.
The Risks of Dyeing Synthetic Hair Extensions
Why can’t we dye synthetic extensions? Because synthetic fibers do not absorb the dye, leading to many issues.
Synthetic hair reacts badly to dyeing, so you risk seeing your fibers break into a mess of frizz and frizzle or having the dye wash out, leaving you with a mess and possibly ruined extensions.
Choosing the Best Hair Extensions for Dyeing
When you want to dye your hair extensions, go for top-quality human hair extensions, preferably Remy hair.
Remy’s hair is the best quality human hair because the cuticles are kept intact and not stripped. Thus, Remy hair has the most natural look and health. Remy hair is much easier to dye than other non-Remy human hair extensions. After you dye them, it does not tangle and lose sheen.
Essential Tips Before Dyeing Hair Extensions
Before you dip your hair extensions in the dye bottle, here are some tips from the pros at Kosa Salon SF:
- Choose Good Quality Dye: Hair dye from a professional brand versus one you might find at the drugstore or that comes in a box is less abrasive and will produce a more consistent color. Also, choose an ammonia-free dye, which will be gentler for the extensions.
- Patch Test for Allergies: Perform a patch test on the skin before using the dye to avoid allergic reactions, even if you’ve previously used the dye. Sensitivities can develop at any time.
- Do a Strand Test of the Dye: Do a strand test by taking a tiny section of the extensions and applying the color. This will show you how the extensions take color and how long you should process the extensions.
- Don’t Dye Over Silicone-Coated Extensions: Some extensions are coated in silicone, which makes them shiny and slippery. Dye doesn’t adhere well to this coating. Choose extensions without it, or accept uneven results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dyeing Hair Extensions
Extensions often scare people. They’re afraid that their hair will look unnatural or that dye will wash out after one shampoo, and they do nothing at all. In this detailed guide from Kosa Salon SF, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to dyeing extensions and getting even results.
Prepare Your Workspace:
Before you start dyeing, cover your work surfaces with newspapers or plastic sheets to protect them from accidental splashes of dye. Make sure you also have all your tools ready and within reach.
- A dye bowl.
- Applicator brush.
- Gloves.
- Foil to section off.
- Clips to hold the other hair out of the way.
Select the Right Dye:
Choose the dye color suitable for your hair extensions. Usually, it is the same as the dye for natural hair. Avoid ammonia dye, as it will be easier on your extensions.
If you need help deciding what dye to use, please ask our hair extension professional for consultation at our salon.
Mix the Dye:
Make the color according to the package instructions. Use a non-metal bowl to prevent any chemical reaction that will change the color of the dye.
Apply the Dye:
Wear gloves to protect your hands and brush the dye onto the hair extensions. Start at the top near the clips or bonds (but don’t get dye on the bonds) and work your way down to the ends.
Ensure that each strand is thoroughly covered with dye for an even application. Use foil to separate the sections to prevent them from touching and transferring unwanted dye. This method will help you achieve a clean and professional-looking color treatment.
Rinse the Dye Out:
When the processing time is over, rinse your dye with cold to lukewarm water until the water clears. Cold water will help you seal the color and stop the bleeding.
Condition the Extensions:
After rinsing, apply a generous amount of sulfate-free conditioner to the extensions; this is another step that is not to be skipped, as it will help your extensions quickly regain their hydration and keep the color locked in. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes and rinse out.
Dry and Detangle:
Pat the extensions with a towel and lay them flat to dry. Never use a blow dryer, as the heat is too harsh for freshly colored hair.
Once dry, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the extensions, starting from the ends and working your way up to avoid snapping the hair.
How to Maintain Dyed Hair Extensions
If you want your dyed hair extensions to last, always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for colored hair.
Limit your heat styling and use a heat protectant spray when styling them, and your extensions will look as vibrant and voluminous as ever. Deep conditioning treatments can also be a great way to keep your dyed extensions in tip-top shape.
Wrapping Up!
Dyeing your hair extensions can enhance your look and give you more flexibility in styling your hair, but to keep your hair healthy and beautiful, you must ensure that you follow the correct processes and use the right products.
DIY dyeing is undoubtedly an option, but it’s important to note that a professional stylist is often the best bet to achieve the ideal balance of color. If you’re considering refreshing your extensions or needing a hair color consultation, visit us at Kosa Salon SF.
Our hair extension professionals will advise you on the best color and provide fantastic service.
