Can Hair Extensions Be Colored?

Most high-quality hair extensions can be colored, but they can never be bleached.  Bleaching hair extensions involves stripping the color, which will destroy the integrity of the extensions and the attachment i.e. keratin bonds, hand-tied hair, tape, pull-thru, or i-tip.   More importantly, using high lift color (high developer and ammonia)  on hair extensions is not recommended.  It is important to understand that hair extensions are previously decolorized and colored, therefore, lightening hair extensions will also create unusual hues in addition to damage.  Hair extensions are not colored with conventional hair color, instead, the color is achieved by using fabric dye (used on textiles).  The rules of hair color do not apply to hair extensions.  That being said, the best option to custom color hair extensions is to use deposit-only color, hair gloss, or semi-permanent hair color. It is important to perform a strand test on the hair extensions to ensure the coloring will render your desired result. 

Rule Of Thumb

Coloring Hair Extensions To A Dark Shade

Medium brown or medium red shades can be dyed to dark chocolate brown or black by using semi-permanent hair color.  After performing a test strand, slightly dampen the hair extensions and apply dark color.  If you are extensions are attached, I recommend removing them before the process.  Using a tinted hair gloss is a safer way to color hair extensions, but will wash away over time.

Toning Blonde Hair Extensions In A Color Bath

The safest route to tone blonde hair extensions is to use color shampoos such as purple or blue.  Create a concentrated color bath by mixing shampoo with water in a basin.  Dip the extensions into the color bath and carefully distribute the shampoo without scrubbing.  Once the extensions achieve the proper tone, rinse, and condition.

Fashion Shades

Fashion shades such as pastel pink/purple combination (pictured below), must be applied to the lightest blonde extensions.  Using a neutral blonde extension, without undertone, is best for achieving subtle pastel hues.   In this case, we used color #61  the lightest neutral blonde,  after we applied Pravana rose and lilac color.  Using a shade darker than blonde will not create the below since the color is a dark- tone. We used individual Keratin bonded hair extensions because the keratin tip is resilient.

Pink Rose Hair Color With Hair Extensions

           Before                                   After

Dark Fashion Shades

Vivid shades such as fireball red and midnight by Pulp Riot should be applied to medium color extension shades from medium brown to dark blonde (levels 8 to 18) The lighter the extension, the bolder the color.  The same rules apply as above.

Tip

In order to prevent fading, initially rinse color with cold water.  At home avoid washing with hot water, instead use a tepid water temperature. Use gentle shampoo and conditioner with a leave-in conditioner.  Avoid high-temperature flat/curl irons since they will damage the extensions and the color will fade quickly, a heat protectant spray is strongly recommended.

Choose high-quality hair extensions (Remy or virgin hair), or visit a salon well versed in hair extensions.  Select an extension method that you are comfortable with.  Understand the coloration may not be perfect.  You may choose to try this on extensions that have been re-used several times, and you are ready for new hair, the blow to your pocket will be lessened.

Creative shades such as opal (a mix of pastel shades) may be impossible to find in hair extensions, custom coloring may be your only option.  Hopefully understanding the process will create a perfect color and hair extension experience.

Conclusion

We specialize in all methods of hair extensions that are in stock for same-day service! Our stylists are highly experienced in both color and hair extensions.  We take advantage of continuous training! Our motto is that we are never too experienced to learn.  We also stock our own brand of Veila Pull-Thru hair extensions that require no tape, glue, or sewing.  The pull-thru method has been proven to keep our client's hair healthy and is very secure.  If you are interested in our pull-thru method and you are not located in Greater Boston, ask your stylist to contact us.  We only sell to professionals via our website VeilaHairExtensions.com.  

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon, we evaluate your natural hair, listen to our client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. We use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using our Pull-thru Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out to us and explore the possibilities.