DIY Hair Extension Coloring: Can You Color Hair Extensions? 

Source

Switching up your hairstyle with vibrant new colors is always exciting, whether you have long or short hair, but the stakes can feel high regarding DIY hair extension coloring, especially for virgin hair girls. Without the right knowledge, your extensions could end up with uneven tones, surprising shades, or even damage, and your custom color hair extensions can become a disaster. The process can be daunting, especially if trying to achieve a specific look like darkening blonde extensions, blending balayage, or experimenting with bold hues.

For anyone who loves playing with colors and personalizing their style, mastering the art of coloring your own hair extensions at home is a game-changer. Forget the salon lines and hefty bills; now, you can design your perfect look anytime. But to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your extensions look flawless, understanding the basics is crucial.

With the right tutorials and guidance, even beginners can achieve professional-looking results that elevate their style. This in-depth guide will walk you through each step of the process, from choosing the best extensions for coloring to ensuring the best ways to make your hair look vibrant and healthy afterward. Let's begin!

What are the different types of Hair Extensions?

There are two primary types of hair extensions: human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. Your choice largely depends on your styling requirements, budget, and the look you aspire to achieve.

Human hair extensions, made from real human hair, offer the most natural look and feel, but they cost you a lot of money. Synthetic hair extensions, made of high-quality synthetic fibers, are more affordable but tend to have a different texture from natural hair. 

Let’s understand more about human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions:

Human hair extensions

 

Remy Human hair extensions are the best choice for coloring because they are collected carefully to maintain the natural alignment of the hair’s cuticles, ensuring a smoother texture and less tangling. This replicates the natural growth direction of hair, resulting in a smoother texture and less tangling. 

Remy human hair extensions can be done with care and caution, but we’d still recommend getting them dyed professionally. That way, you're guaranteed to get the best result.

When you color human hair extensions, the dye absorbs into each strand, much like it does with your natural hair. They respond well to color changes and can withstand the dye without compromising the quality, as long as you handle them carefully during the dyeing process. Beyond that, gaining control of the color outcome brings a sense of familiarity, replicating the process of coloring your natural hair.

Synthetic hair extensions

 

Synthetic hair extensions are an affordable choice for those on a budget or looking for a temporary style change. Made from high-quality man-made fibers, they closely mimic the look of natural hair. However, unlike human hair, synthetic extensions cannot be easily colored or styled with heat. They come pre-colored and have a silicone coating that gives them a glossy finish, making them a low-maintenance option for quick and easy hair transformations.

As a result, traditional hair dyes are ineffective on synthetic fibers due to their chemical structure, which inhibits color absorption. Dyeing synthetic extensions can cause severe damage, leading to breakage, frizz, and a tangled mess. While synthetic extensions may be budget-friendly, they lack the flexibility to be safely colored.

As such, traditional hair dyes do not offer desirable results on synthetic fibers because their chemical structure prevents them from absorbing color. In fact, attempting to dye synthetic extensions can lead to significant damage, including breakage, frizz and tangled messes. So, although synthetic extensions are wallet-friendly, they do not offer coloring flexibility.

You can also check out Human vs. Synthetic Wigs & Hair Toppers.

How do you choose hair extensions that are perfect for coloring?

Like any major hair transformation, coloring your hair extensions demands careful preparation. Proper preparation is key to achieving the perfect color and mastering the key to keeping your extensions in top condition. This includes thoroughly washing and drying your extensions, selecting a shade that harmonizes with their base color, and testing the color. 

 Read how: 

Washing and drying

Before you start coloring, it’s essential to wash your human hair extensions thoroughly. This is because hair extensions usually come pre-conditioned with a silicone coating that can impede the dye's absorption. It's best to use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo for this purpose. 

Then, rinse the product using lukewarm water and gently pat the extensions dry with a clean, soft towel. Be careful not to rub the towel against the extensions, as this can lead to tangling. Once completely dry, comb them through with a hair extension brush to weed out any knots and tangles.

Choosing the right color

Choosing the right hair colour is one of the most critical parts of coloring your hair extensions. Hair dye brands offer tons of shades, so choosing the right hair colour for your desired look is essential. Your main focus should be on selecting a shade darker than your target hue since it's easier to darken hair extensions than to lighten them.

Also, going for a darker shade doesn’t expose the extensions to harsh chemical treatment, which means there's less likelihood of damage. For a seamless blend with your natural hair, select a color match as close as possible to your hair color. If you're unsure about the tone or shade, seek advice from a trusted stylist or colorist.

Testing the Color

Before applying the dye to all of your extensions, performing a strand test is crucial. This step ensures that you’re satisfied with the color result and helps prevent any surprises. To conduct a strand test, take a small, inconspicuous section of the extension and apply the dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it process for the recommended time, then rinse and dry the section completely.

The strand test allows you to see how the dye interacts with your extensions and how true to color it turns out once fully dry. This step is especially important because hair extensions can sometimes react differently to dye compared to your natural hair. By testing a small section, you can make adjustments to the dye or processing time if necessary. 

What are the tips and tricks for successfully coloring hair extensions?

Successfully coloring blonde hair extensions, or any type of hair extensions requires specific knowledge and careful technique. Easy-to-follow tips allow you to have beautifully colored hair extensions without inflicting any damage. Let’s check the tips and tricks:

Testing a small section first

Before you start painting your set of extensions with color, it's recommended that you perform a strand test. Assign a small piece of hair for testing and apply a small amount of color to it. Allow this stand to develop fully according to the dye manufacturer’s guidance. 

Again, it's important to remember to aim for a darker shade, as the result usually appears lighter once dried. Once your test stand reaches its full development with pleasing results, you can confidently proceed to color the rest of the set. 

If not, consider reassessing the dye ratio or consulting a professional hair colorist.

Coloring techniques and patterns

Various techniques are involved in coloring hair extensions that promise different stylistic results. This includes:

• Balayage: A French-worded technique where color is painted freehand rather than using the traditional foiling for highlights.
• Custom color: Professional colorists use multiple colors to create a depth in the hair color that resembles the effects of natural sunlight.
• Keratin tip coloring: Hair extensions are dyed to mimic the multi-dimensional color of your natural hair, merging seamlessly.

Always remember to start with a lighter base than your desired color. Patience is key here—do not rush the process. Apply color uniformly, ensuring complete saturation of each strand from root to tip.

Properly mixing and applying the dye

Properly mixing your dye is the secret to an even, lovely dye job. Each hair dye brand, whether from a drugstore or a professional supplier,  comes with its own instructions on the right mixture ratio—generally, you'll use equal parts of dye and developer. Ensure enough mixture to cover all your extensions for a uniform color to achieve the best results. 

To apply the dye, put on gloves and use a color brush. Coat each section of the hair with the dye while avoiding the clip-in wefts or keratin tips. This is to prevent any potential weakening of the attachments due to their contact with the dye.

How should you care for your colored hair extensions?

Like your natural hair, your colored hair extensions need expert care to maintain their new hue and overall health. Whether it's washing and conditioning or providing heat styling protection, adequate aftercare can prolong the lifetime of your extensions and keep the color fresh and vibrant. Remember, after your extensions have been dyed, daily care routines will determine the longevity and vibrance of your new hair. This includes: 

Washing and conditioning

Your new shade might start fading out if not properly cared for after coloring. To this end, always wash and condition your colored hair extensions with sulfate-free, color-safe hair care products. But beware—excessive washing could also cause color fades. 

Experts recommend washing your extensions every 10-20 wears or when there's heavy product buildup. After a gentle wash, use a moisturizing conditioner to nourish and restore the extension hair strands. Applying a deep-conditioning mask every few weeks is equally important to keep your extensions healthy and glossy.

Heat styling protection

Even though Remy hair extensions can tolerate heat, too much of it, especially on colored hair, could lead to damage. Hence, always apply a heat protector spray before using any heat-styling tools, such as curling irons or straighteners. This mighty product forms a protective barrier over the hair cuticles, warding off potential heat damage and preserving your color.

If your style doesn't require a polished finish, skip heat styling altogether. Many adequate heatless styling methods yield amazing results while being kind to your extensions.

What are the do’s and don'ts of hair extension coloring?

It is crucial to observe certain do's and don'ts to achieve flawless, color-drenched tresses capable of turning heads. From avoiding certain pitfalls like attempting to lighten the extensions to taking note of best practices like doing a preliminary strand test, understanding these tips enhances your coloring experience.

So, let's delve into what to avoid and best practices that can help prolong the life of your colored extensions:

What to avoid

One wrong move can jeopardize the quality of your hair extensions while dying. Here are some things to avoid during the process:

• Avoid lightening: Never attempt to bleach or lighten your hair extensions, as they've likely been pre-lightened, and further bleaching could cause irreparable damage.
• Don't dye synthetic extensions: Synthetic fibers are not designed to absorb color, so attempts to dye them can cause serious damage.
• Avoid heat styling without protection: Always use a heat protectant before styling to prevent harm to the newly colored strands.
• DIY dye if unsure: If you're unsure about coloring your extensions yourself, it's best to seek the assistance of a professional hair colorist.

Best practices

Adhering to the following best practices can help extend the life and beauty of your colored hair extensions:

• Preparation is key: Always wash and dry your extensions before applying any dye to ensure even color distribution.
• Color check: It is always handy to first do a patch test on a small section to ascertain the shade and processing time.
• Condition regularly: Colored hair can be dry, so condition your extensions regularly.
• Use quality products: Invest in high-quality, color-safe, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free hair care products.
• Follow care instructions: Each type of hair extension has specific instructions. Follow these meticulously to ensure longevity.

How do you remove or change the color of your hair extensions?

If you want to change your mind about the color or if it turns out a tad different from what you had envisioned, don't panic! Removing or altering the color of your extensions without causing damage is possible. 

We've detailed some tips below for removing hair dye and changing the color without harming the extensions. Check them!

Tips for removing hair dye

If your coloring didn’t turn out as expected and you want to return your extensions to their original color, a color remover can help. These products strip artificial pigments from your hair, restoring it to its natural lighter shade.

In this process, treat one weft at a time and follow the instructions for your particular color remover brand. After using the color remover, wash your extensions with a gentle shampoo and trailer with a deep conditioner to nourish the strands. This process may result in dry hair, so hair conditioning treatments are pivotal.

Changing the color without damaging the hair extensions

If you've decided to change the color of your extensions, there are safe ways to go about it. First, remember the cardinal rule – Never attempt to lighten your extensions! Always color them into a darker shade. To change the color, strip off the existing color using a color remover and follow up with the coloring process explained earlier in this blog. 

To tone down too-bright colors, use a brunette or dark-colored dye over it. Remember to condition the extensions after every process to counteract potential dryness and texture changes. A color-safe conditioning mask or treatment can be particularly beneficial at this point.

You can also read when to use an artificial color remover. 

How do you fix common hair extension coloring issues?

Even an experienced DIY colorist might occasionally encounter common problems like uneven color or hair extension damage. It's vital to understand that these instances are quite normal and remediable. 

With these few professional tips and controlling techniques, you could successfully eliminate these issues and restore the world of beautifully-colored extensions: 

Uneven color

Uneven color normally results from incorrect application of the dye. If patches of the extensions absorb more color than others or there are areas untouched by the dye, the result is likely to be patchy or uneven. In this case, a solution would be to apply more dye to the lighter areas to even out the shades. 

Going forward, section your extensions carefully during application to ensure that every strand is adequately saturated with dye. Using a wide-toothed comb to distribute color evenly through the extensions could also prevent such unevenness.

Hair extension damage

Seeing your shiny, expensive extensions turn dry, dull, frizzy, or tangled post-coloring can be disheartening. Factors like lightening the extensions, over-processing, or neglecting to condition them could lead to this. Moisturizing treatments are key to reviving damaged hair extensions. 

These treatments could range from deep-conditioning masks to hot oil treatments and protein-infused serums. Persistence pays off with these treatments – you can't expect a difference with just one use. Continued nourishment can gradually restore the health and shine of your extensions.

Visit Noelle Salon

Ready to elevate your style? At Noelle Salon, we specialize in transforming your look with our expert services. From adding volume with gorgeous hair extensions to refreshing your color and achieving sleek perfection with professional straightening, our team is experienced in several areas. 

Can you color your hair extensions? Absolutely! Our color experts are here to guide you through the process and ensure your extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair. 

Book your appointment today, and let us help you achieve the perfect look!

Conclusion

Coloring your hair extensions can yield a breathtaking transformation, but it’s essential to approach it with care and precision. Missteps during the coloring process can result in irreversible damage to your extensions, making it crucial to understand the do’s and don’ts for achieving stunning results without compromising their integrity. Start by selecting the right type of extensions for coloring—human hair extensions generally offer better results compared to synthetic options. 

Thoroughly wash and dry your extensions to remove coatings that impede color absorption. Choosing the right shade is equally important; opting for a color darker than your desired hue is safer and easier to manage than attempting to lighten extensions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I color my synthetic hair extensions?

No, dyeing Synthetic Hair Extensions isn't advisable as the artificial fibers can’t absorb the color and even undergo damage. Always opt for Human Hair Extensions for coloring.

How long should I wait before washing my colored hair extensions?

A waiting period of 72 hours or three days is generally recommended before washing your freshly colored hair extensions. This allows the hair cuticle enough time to close, which helps retain the new color.

Can I color hair extensions while they're installed in my hair?

While you can dye your natural hair with Hair Extensions installed, remember that the dye must not touch the extensions, particularly their bonds, as it may weaken them or cause premature shedding.

How do I maintain the color and quality of my hair extensions?

To uphold the color and quality of your hair extensions, adopt a hair care routine involving gentle, color-safe, sulfate-free products. Regular conditioning, heat protection during styling, and minimally frequent washing can also help maintain your extensions' color and overall health.