Transform Your Look: Hair Color with Extensions Guide

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An array of bold tints and vibrant colors can turn any look from mundane to mesmerizing. Hair color and extensions are the secret to achieving this. However, striking the right balance between getting the perfect color match and not damaging your hair extensions can be somewhat tricky. 

With so many products available in the market, including hair tinsel, selecting the extension suitable for your natural hair and determining how you want to maintain it the next day becomes crucial. And we are sure that even you wish to learn about it!

Thus, this blog will serve as a comprehensive guide to hair color with extensions, discussing various types of extensions and their compatibility with hair color. It will also provide you with various tips on dyeing methods and maintaining their vibrancy in a fun way.

Why is it essential to select the right hair color when choosing extensions?

Finding the perfect color that flawlessly complements your hair is vital. This allows the extensions to blend seamlessly, reinforcing a natural and effortless look. The color should complement your skin tone, eye color, and most of your wardrobe's outfits. 

The color match in hair extensions is about finding an almost perfect match to your natural hair color. Moreover, it’s best to use color from a professional hair color line as box colors, even though it has the best ombre color to offer, from the drugstore can make it challenging to obtain the desired shade match.

What are the different types of hair extensions, and how do they vary in compatibility with different hair colors?

When it comes to hair color with extensions, one size definitely does not fit all. With variations in texture, volume, and color compatibility, it becomes vital to understand which form of extensions and hair color work well together. 

Two primary types of extensions are readily available in the market: Human hair extensions and Synthetic hair extensions. Let’s learn more about them!

Human hair extensions

Human hair extensions are highly sought after due to their natural appearance and compatibility with hair dyes. Unlike synthetic hair, human hair can undergo most processes that your natural hair can withstand. This includes:

• Dyeing or coloring
• Heat styling, like curling or straightening
• Cutting or trimming

When choosing human hair extensions, especially for coloring, always go for Virgin hair variants. Virgin hair is devoid of any chemical processing, enabling it to absorb dye without causing much damage.

Synthetic hair extensions

On the contrary, Synthetic hair extensions are often not suitable for dyeing. Made of plastic fibers, these extensions are typically:

• Resistant to color absorption.
• They are prone to damage when trying to change their color.
• Unable to resist heat, and may melt or get damaged when styled with hot tools.

Always remember that technical mishandling can cause irreversible damage to synthetic extensions. So buying hair color with extensions matching your desired color is best.

Coloring Hair Extensions: Tips and Techniques

When equipped with the correct information, dyeing hair extensions can be simple. The following sections will guide you through preparing your extensions for coloring, selecting the right color, and applying it correctly. 

Prepping your hair extensions for coloring

Preparing your extensions is an essential first step in ensuring vibrant and long-lasting color before diving into the color treatment. 

Here's what needs to be done:

• Wash Them: Cleanse your extensions to remove any product buildup. This gives the dye a clean slate to penetrate into each strand.
• Dry Them Thoroughly: Wet or damp hair can dilute the color, leading to inconsistency. Let them air dry or use a diffuse on low heat.
• Comb Through: Detangle your extensions gently to make sure the color applies evenly.
• Bleach If Needed: If you're going for a lighter hue, you might need to bleach your extensions first. But proceed with caution, as over-bleaching can damage them seriously.

Selecting the right hair dye

Once your extensions are prepared, choosing the right dye becomes crucial. 

Some pointers to remember are:

• Look for professional hair color lines, as they offer an expansive color palette that will accurately match your desired shade.
• Always avoid the metallic salts or excessive ammonia found in box dyes, which might damage your extensions.
• Do a strand test, dyeing a small section first, to make sure the color comes out as expected before applying it to the entire bundle.
• Remember, choosing the darker shade is less harmful than opting for lighter. For radical adjustments like going from black to blonde, consider reaching out to a professional stylist.
• Additionally, one may even opt for a virtual color match if your stylist provides this feature online.

Methods for applying hair color to extensions

Whether it’s a traditional dye or using a water-colored method, there’s a way to do it.

Here’s the method to apply the dye:

• After the dye is ready, evenly apply it to all strands of your extensions, ensuring they are fully saturated. 
• Allow the dyeing process for the recommended length, and rinse it out carefully until the water runs clear. 
• Finally, deep condition your extensions after rinsing to restore their moisture and shine. 

On the other hand, the water-color method allows you to dip the extensions underwater mixed with hair dye. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the amount of time you let them soak in the mixture.

Refer to the table below for instructions on the two different methods:

What are the Do's and Don'ts of hair color with extensions?

While dyeing hair extensions can seem straightforward, some routine practices might end up doing more harm than good. To ensure the integrity of your extensions stays intact, specific do's and don'ts should be kept in mind, which you can quickly refer to below:

Do’s of hair color with extensions:

Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a stylist like Noelle Hair Salon to choose the right shades that complement your skin tone and natural hair color for a harmonious look.

Opt for High-Quality Extensions: Use premium hair extensions that are designed for coloring, ensuring they can withstand the simple process without damage and maintain their vibrancy.

The importance of strand testing: Strand testing is a critical step before dyeing the whole bunch of extensions. 

Consider Temporary Options: If you’re unsure about a new color, try temporary or semi-permanent dyes on your extensions first. This allows you to experiment without a long-term commitment.

Dont’s of hair color with extensions:

• Never Overprocess: Leaving the Dye for longer than advised can dry and damage the extensions.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals like bleaching agents or metallic salts can lead to severe damage.
• Don't Scrub or Rub: While washing off the dye, gently rinse in the direction of the hair growth to avoid tangling.
• Don't Use Hot Water: Using hot water can strip off natural oils, making the hair dry and susceptible to damage.

Maintaining Your Hair Color with Extensions

Maintaining your hair color with extensions is just as essential as coloring them correctly. Following specific measures can not only ensure the vibrancy and shine of the color but also increase the lifespan of your extensions:

Proper washing and conditioning

To keep your freshly dyed extensions vibrant and shiny:

• Always Use Suitable Products: Always use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent your color from washing out.
• Condition Regularly: Conditioning your extensions after each wash will seal in the dye, maintaining the color and shine.
• Be Gentle While Washing: Vigorous rubbing can cause the extensions to tangle and the color to fade.
• Avoid Washing Frequently: Limit your washes to once or twice a week to lessen color bleeding.

Preventing fading and color bleeding

To prevent the inevitable fading and bleeding of hair color with extensions:

• Rinse with Cold Water: Always rinse with cold water post-washing, as it seals in the color.
• Use Color Protectants: These products provide a protective covering to the hair, reducing color fade during styling or sun exposure.
• Minimize Heat Styling: Overuse of heat styling tools can lighten the color over time.
• Avoid Sun and Chlorine Contact: These elements can bleach out the color, causing it to fade sooner.

Conclusion

When tackled wisely, dyeing hair extensions can be an exciting affair, promising a new look in every tinge and hue. Tools like a professional hair color chart and strand tests can guarantee perfect results. However, undertaking measures to care for your dyed extensions is inescapable. When in doubt, you may contact Noelle Salon, especially if you’re based in MA or are about to visit the state. 

Why choose Noelle Salon?

Noelle Salon specializes in high-quality human hair extensions, including 100% Remy and Virgin Hair. We’re passionate about hair color, offering everything from blonde balayage to vibrant shades. 

Our extensions suit all lengths and methods, including tape-in, clip-in, and our easy-care Pull-thru Veila options. Whether you want a quick change with a clip-in ponytail or a complete transformation, we’re here to assist you. Contact us to learn more about our color hair extensions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dye synthetic hair extensions?

Synthetic hair extensions generally do not react well to hair dye. They are resistant to the dye and may also be damaged in the process. Hence, always prefer Human Hair extensions for dyeing.

What type of hair dye should I use for human hair extensions?

Opt for professional hair color products for human hair extensions. Ensure the dye is free from harsh chemicals like excessive ammonia or metallic salts. Always perform a strand test for the best results and to further prevent hair breakage issues.

Can I dye previously colored hair extensions with a new color?

Yes, you can dye existing colored extensions. However, the outcome might vary based on the original color. Gradual changes usually prove more successful.

Can you color your hair with extensions?

It is possible, but it's generally advised against it. Instead, color your extensions before attaching them to your hair, following the process described in the blog.

Should you get extensions before or after the dye?

We recommend coloring your extensions and your natural hair separately for a consistent outcome. Either color your natural hair first and match extensions, or vice versa.

What are the different options for coloring hair extensions?

Extensions can be colored using the traditional method or the water-color method. While the traditional method involves mixing the dye and applying it directly onto the extensions, the water-color method entails dipping the extensions into water mixed with a color dye.