Can you dye hair extensions, or should you put down the bottle? It's a really popular question that we find ourselves being asked time and time again...so we're here to set the record straight.
There are many reasons why people might want to dye their extensions. Perhaps you've had your set for a long time, and the colour needs a bit of a refresh. Or, you've dyed your natural hair and want your extensions to match but don't want to spend the money on a brand-new set.
Whatever the reason, it's totally understandable that you'd be tempted to reach for a bottle of hair dye and give it a go. But before you do, there are a few things you need to know.
Can You Dye Synthetic Hair Extensions?
We'll keep it short and sweet: no, you should not be dying your synthetic hair extensions.
Synthetic hair is made from different types of fibres, which can be damaged by the dyeing process.
Using hair dye that you'd use on human hair can cause the fibres to break down or become brittle, causing them to look and feel like a tangled mess. You might even experience breakage and shedding.
Some synthetic fibres will actuallyreject and repel dye, so even if you do attempt to dye it, the colour won't take at all.Same goes for synthetic wigs.
They're made from the same man-made fibres as synthetic hair extensions, so the same rules apply.
What About Human Hair Extensions? Can You Dye Those?
You've got a little more wiggle room when it comes to colouring hair extensions made from human hair, but it still needs to be done with care.
Remy human hair extensions are the best type of extensions to dye, as they've been treated and processed to keep their natural integrity.
Read more about Remy hair extensions here!
Because the strands are, well, human, you can typically dye them with the same hair dye you'd use on your own.
We'd recommend getting them dyed professionally and steering clear of drugstore box dyes. That way, you can be sure your extensions won't suffer any damage or lose their quality.
We know you've probably paid a lot of money for those extensions, so, of course, you want to look after them best as possible.
You can also dye non-Remy hair extensions because they're just human hair, too.
But bear in mind that non-Remy hair can be harder to manage and more prone to tangling, so take care when using dye on them – you don't want to apply dye on tangled hair.
Can You Dye Hair Extensions While They're in Your Head?
If you're planning on switching up your natural hair colour, but you have hair extensions installed, you may be wondering if you can dye your hair and extensions at the same time.
The same advice applies as above:if you have synthetic extensions installed, you shouldn't be dying your hair with the extensions in.
If you have Remy human hair extensions in, you can dye your hair and the extensions together, carefully.
It's important that you get your hair dyed by a professional as you want to avoid getting any dye onto the wefts or bonds. This is especially important for semi-permanent hair extensions, like tape-ins, micro-bonds and fusions.
The dye can cause the bonds to weaken, and the extensions could slip out prematurely, and nobody wants that.
But I Want to Change the Colour of My Extensions...What Should I Do?
Whether you're switching up your natural hair colour or just fancy giving your extensions a new look, your best bet is to buy a new set.
While you might not want to splash out on new hair, it's the safest way to ensure that you won't end up with damaged extensions.
Luckily, our RiRi extensions are available at fab prices, so it's not going to cost you the earth when it's time for a change. Plus, we've always got on amazing offers, so you can get even more bang for your buck.
We have synthetic and Remy hair extensions in tons of styles, lengths and colours - you definitely won't be stuck for choice!
Shop RiRi Hair Extensions
RiRi Classic Synthetic Extensions
Our Classic range is our cheapest option, and yet the quality is amazing.
They're priced at £19.99, so you can get your hands on some high-grade extensions without breaking the bank.
They're available in over 30 shades, from light golden blonde to chocolate brown and everything in between.
Whatever colour you need, we've got it!
Shop RiRi Classic Collection
RiRi Deluxe Synthetic Extensions
Our Deluxe range is like our Classic, but even better.
These synthetics use even softer and thicker fibres, resulting in a more realistic look and feel.
They're available in straight, wavy and curly styles, in the same spectrum of hair shades – so you'll find your perfect match.
The price ranges from £34.99 to £59.99, so there'll definitely be a set to fit your budget.
RiRi Remy Human Hair Extensions
For the girls who really want to go all out, we have our Remy human hair extensions.
These extensions use seriously incredible, high-grade human hair, giving you the most natural look and feel.
They're available in straight, wavy and curly styles, both clip-in and tape-in and in a super choice of natural colours.
Our human hair extensions range from £105 to £220, so they're a great option for those looking to make an investment in their hair.
How Do I Match Hair Extensions to My Hair Colour?
With buying a new set of extensions comes the task of matching the shade of extensions to the colour of your natural hair.
You can check out our blog post below for all our expert tips and tricks on matching your extensions to your hair colour.
Hair Extensions Colour Match Made Easy With RiRi
We have a fantastic free colour match service, too, that takes away all the guesswork. All you have to do is send us a photo of your hair in natural daylight, and one of our expert colourists will match the extensions for you.
Super quick and super easy – what's not to love?
Colour Match Your Own hair Here!
What About Other Hair Extensions Do's and Don'ts?
Your set of extensions need some good TLC if you want them to last as long as possible.
As well as avoiding dye, there are other do's and don'ts you'll want to stick to, some of which we've laid out below:
Do's
| Give your extensions a good wash at least once a week using specially formulated hair extensions shampoo and conditioner. |
| Brush your extensions witha hair extensions brush every day to keep them looking sleek and tangle-free. |
| Use a deep conditioning treatment or ourargan oilonce a week to keep your extensions looking silky and smooth. |
Dont's
| Don’t pull your extensions out! You'd be surprised at how many people we get in the salon who've tried to remove their extensions themselves. You can cause damage to your natural hair where the extensions are attached, which you obviously want to avoid. |
| Don't use heat on synthetic extensions. The man-made fibres cannot withstand the heat. |
| Try not to use heat over 180 degrees on Remy hair (but do use a heat protectant when heat styling). |
The Verdict: Can You Dye Hair Extensions?
No...and yes. If you're a wearer of synthetic extensions, you should most definitely stay away from the dye. You risk ruining your extensions altogether, and you'll have to purchase a new set anyway.
For Remy human hair extensions, it 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.
But the best way to switch up your style is to purchase a new set of extensions. You don't have to worry about damaging your extensions, and they'll last you a whole lot longer, too.
Take your pick from our synthetic and human hair RiRi's in tons of shades to match your natural hair for the perfect seamless blend.
Find Your Perfect Hair Today!
FAQs
What Happens If You Put Hair Dye on Extensions?
When you attempt to dye synthetic hair extensions, the dye will either not take to the hair, or it will end up damaging the fibres. Synthetic hair extensions are usually coated with a sealant, like acrylic or nylon, which can repel the dye. The fibres can also become brittle and break off, causing a tangled mess.
Can You Use Hair Dye on Real Hair Extensions?
You can dye Remy human hair extensions, so long as you do it carefully. Make sure not to get any dye on the bonds or wefts - you don't want them to weaken. We'd recommend getting your extensions dyed professionally to avoid any mishaps.
Can I Dye My Roots With Hair Extensions In?
You can definitely dye your natural roots if you're wearing extensions, but it's so important to be careful not to get any dye on the bonds. We'd recommend getting your roots dyed professionally to ensure that everything goes smoothly and no damage is done.
How Do I Colour Match Hair Extensions?
RiRi's free colour match service is the easiest and quickest way to get the perfect shade of extensions. All you have to do is send us a photo of your hair in natural light, and one of our hair extensions experts will be able to match the extensions to your hair.
Nancy Pinder
Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions.
Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!
