We live in a colorful world. And, naturally, we all want to use those colors to elevate our style, whether it’s sporting a traditional, patterned Ankara bonnet or accessorizing with brightly colored jewelry. But why should we end our color exploration with our clothes when our hair is a regular blank canvas?
But while it’s easy to dye human hair or human hair wigs, it’s easy to wonder whether the same is true for a synthetic wig. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can dye a synthetic hair wig or if you should, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.
Can You Dye Synthetic Hair?
Yes, it’s possible to dye synthetic hair, just like it’s possible to dye fabric, food, and other things in your house. However, the question you should be asking isn’t whether you can dye your synthetic wig but whether you should. Dyeing a synthetic wig can damage it. Even if you’re good at dyeing hair, you could still decrease your wig’s lifespan. And if you’re inexperienced in the art of dyeing a wig, you could ruin it completely.
If you’re OK with your wig not lasting as long, then there’s nothing wrong with dyeing it. However, you will want to know how to navigate some of the challenges of this kind of project.
Challenges of Dyeing Synthetic Hair
Synthetic hair fibers are usually nylon or acrylic, meaning that they can’t absorb normal hair dye. So you’ll have to use dyes made for fabrics.
But you can’t use any color on any wig. Just like normal hair, you can’t dye hair a lighter color than it is. It’s possible to bleach a synthetic wig using a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. But if you’re inexperienced in dyeing hair, you may want to consider choosing a light-colored wig to dye to skip this step completely.
How To Dye Synthetic Hair
When you have your fabric dye of choice, fill a pot with water and heat it to a boil. Make sure this pot is large enough to fit your wig. Once the pot is boiling, it’s time to add your dye. Check your manufacturer’s instructions on how much dye to add to your pot, but typically, it will be around three teaspoons for every cup. Then, reduce the heat.
From here, slightly dampen your wig before submerging it in the water. The longer you leave the wig in the water, the deeper the color will be. However, you won’t want to leave the wig in the water for longer than a few minutes. Once the wig has reached the desired color, remove it and allow it to dry. Then, rinse out the ink under cold water until it runs clear and allow it to dry again.
Remember that heat can damage synthetic hair. You should consider this when determining the temperature of the water and the duration of the hair treatment.
We don’t recommend dyeing your synthetic braided wig, so if you need a braided wig, check out the over 20 hair colors we offer for most of our custom wigs. Then, select your preferred color from the color swatches.
Whether you want to wear a vibrant hair color or something a little more natural, Instant Arewa Hair has the colors and looks to help elevate your style today.
FAQs
Synthetic hair fibers are usually nylon or acrylic, meaning that they can't absorb normal hair dye. So you'll have to use dyes made for fabrics. But you can't use any color on any wig. Just like normal hair, you can't dye hair a lighter color than it is.
Can synthetic hair wigs be dyed? ›
If you're getting bored with your everyday hairstyle or you're planning to dress up as a character with vibrant hair, you may be thinking about dyeing a synthetic wig. While it may seem confusing because you can't dye a synthetic wig with regular hair dye, it's completely doable.
What is the best hair dye for synthetic wigs? ›
BTW: Using Rit Dye is the best method for dying wigs in my opinion. It's longer lasting, doesn't fade, and once it's rinsed out and dried it doesn't bleed.
What should you not do with a synthetic wig? ›
Never squeeze, rub or wring your wig while drying. Remove from towel. TIP: Do not brush the wig while it is wet or damp, or use dryers as it will damage the synthetic fibres. However, you can absolutely comb when wet, as long as it is with a long tooth plastic comb, ends to roots through.
How do you dye a synthetic wig without hair dye? ›
You can use acrylic paint to dye your light-colored wig without damaging its fibers. A little bit of acrylic mixed with rubbing alcohol makes an effective dye that will leave your wig looking vibrant and new. Use a spray bottle to quickly and easily apply the paint to your wig.
How to change the color of a synthetic wig? ›
Steps to Dying Your Wig
- Take protective measures. ...
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. ...
- Add in the dye. ...
- Rinse your wig with water. ...
- Add the wig to the pot. ...
- Remove your wig from the pot and rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Place the wig on a wig stand and allow it to air dry.
Mix the dye and developer together in a plastic bowl before you apply them to the wig. Paint the hair dye into the wig in sections, or soak the wig in the hair dye, and let the color set for 30-40 minutes. Wash the wig with wig shampoo and conditioner, then pat it dry and finish drying it with a blow dryer.
What's the best hair dye to cover grey? ›
Neutral shades like soft blonde, mushroom brown, light copper, and caramel blonde balayage are the easiest to blend gray into (and maintain over time without wanting to shave your hair off).
What is the lifespan of a synthetic wig? ›
Synthetic wigs can comfortably last between 4 to 6 months with daily use, and a little longer when worn less regularly, where at this point, it might not look quite as fresh as it first did. However, the longevity of your wig can be affected by different factors, predominantly coming down to the way you care for it.
What are the disadvantages of synthetic hair wigs? ›
Disadvantages of synthetic hair:
- Not heat resistant – In most cases you can't use any heated appliances or the wig may melt.
- Prone to frizz – Static builds up in the hair and causes ends to frizz – the hair can tangle and become unmanageable.
- Not flexible – You can't change the texture or style.
Synthetic wigs can be more limited than natural human hair wigs. The chemicals used in traditional hair dyes don't work on synthetic fibers and may even damage them. Synthetic fibers are also sensitive to heat, so they can't be heat styled and often have an unnatural shine.
Why is my synthetic wig not taking dye? ›
Synthetic hair fibers are usually nylon or acrylic, meaning that they can't absorb normal hair dye. So you'll have to use dyes made for fabrics. But you can't use any color on any wig. Just like normal hair, you can't dye hair a lighter color than it is.
What hair dye can you use on synthetic wigs? ›
If you're set on dying your synthetic wig, here's how:
For every 1 cup of water, add 3 teaspoons of synthetic fabric dye. Regular fabric or hair dyes will not work.
Does Splat hair dye work on synthetic hair? ›
Splat is a stain, not a color, which is why it works. Any regular haircolor, even with a high volume developer, will not work on synthetic hair.
Can you dye a wig while it's on your head? ›
if you have a wig that's human hair then you definitely can. but if it's a synthetic wig then you can't.
How to dye synthetic hair with Sharpie? ›
The best way to do this is to take a little piece of your wig and spray or dip it in the dye. If you are satisfied with the color you can go ahead and keep going. If it's too light or too dark you can adjust the color by adding more ink wells or more rubbing alcohol to strengthen or dilute the color.
Can you dye synthetic fur with hair dye? ›
Regular dye may not absorb into the synthetic fibers, or may result in patchy coloring. You can find synthetic dye in craft and fabric stores as well as online. Protect yourself and your workspace. Dye can easily stain your skin and the surfaces in your home.
