How to Dye Hair Extensions
Want to know how to dye hair extensions? Then sit back as we talk you through how to get your perfect hair shade with our complete guide on how to dye hair extensions successfully.
But before you reach for the nearest dye bottle and hastily paint your clip in hair extensions a different colour, there are a couple of things you should consider when dyeing hair extensions.
1.) Do not use more than 20 volume peroxide. As hair extensions are usually drier than our own growing locks, we recommend using a dye that’s no more than 20 volume peroxide, to stop the extensions from drying out further. Also, its best to use a cream based dye, as this is much gentler to use and dye hair extensions with.
2.) You should ALWAYS perform a strand test before dyeing your hair extensions. To do this, mix some of the dye into a bowl and apply it to one small clip-in weft. Once the dye has developed, you can then see if the dye is the right shade and determine whether you want to proceed to use the dye on the rest of your hair extensions.
Got that? OK, we can now get on with showing you how to dye hair extensions!
How to Dye Hair Extensions Ombre
Ombre hair has been THE hair shade of the year but achieving perfectly, dip-dyed hair extensions? Well, that’s another thing. Buying ready made ombre hair extensions don’t always look as natural as ombreing your own natural locks, and that’s why we can’t recommend enough that you dye hair extensions ombre yourself, especially when you have the Dirty Looks Ombre Kit to help you! (There’s whole post on this here). The secret to how to dye hair extensions ombre is to dye the top halves of the wefts darker to match the rest of your natural, own growing hair (this is because hair extensions can only be dyed one or two shades darker). This means choosing a set of hair extensions that resemble the ends of your chosen ombre look. To dye your hair extensions ombre, you’ll need:
- A mixing bowl
- A tint brush
- Hair dye kit
- Shampoo
- Leave-in conditioner
Once you have all your tools at the ready, you can then proceed to dye your hair extensions ombre.
Step One
Start by applying the dye to the top of your extensions. Then, with a tint brush, gently stroke the dye into the top halves of the wefts, making sure to go in between each strand.
Step Two
After painting your hair extensions, leave the dye to develop and follow the instructions for the recommended time.
Step Three
Before washing your hair extensions, apply conditioner to the ends of the extensions- this will help prevent the dye from running to the non-dyed parts of the wefts. Then, continue to wash your ombre locks with our washing, drying and styling guide here.
How to Dye Hair Extensions Lighter
The answer to ‘how to dye hair extensions lighter’ is simple- you can’t. As our clip in hair extensions have already been through a chemical process, we advise NOT to dye your hair extensions lighter or bleach them. Instead, if you want to lighten your hair extensions, we suggest using a toner rather than a semi or permanent hair dye. A toner allows the natural hair colour to come through and simply, add ‘tones’ to your hair extensions. Although it might only give a subtle change in hair colour, it is much more kinder to use than bleaching your hair extensions!
How to Dye Hair Extensions Darker
Our final guide on how to dye hair extensions, is dyeing them darker. Our clip in hair extensions can only be dyed one to two shades darker, again, this is because they have already been through a chemical process, so bleach is a no go! But if you can’t quite find your perfect hair shade, then we suggest buying a set of hair extensions that are lighter so that they can be dyed darker to your desired shade. To dye hair extensions darker, you will need:
- Hair dye kit
- Mixing bowl
- Gloves
- Tint brush
- Shampoo and conditioner
Step One
Start by applying the dye to each individual weft. Then use your tint brush to smudge in the dye, making sure that every strand is covered.
Step Two
Leave the dye on for the recommended time given on the instructions.
Step Three
Once the dye has developed and you have followed the dyeing instructions provided, you can then proceed to wash your hair extensions. To do this, hold your extensions at the top of the weft and rinse under warm water. Then lather shampoo into the extensions and rinse away before repeating with a second shampoo. Once you have finished shampooing and rinsing the extensions, apply a small amount of conditioner and leave on for a few moments and rinse away.
Step Four
Complete our guide on how to dye hair extensions by leaving the extensions to air dry flat on a dry towel. Avoid brushing at this stage as brushing will only cause the extensions to shred. Instead, leave until the next morning and comb once they are thoroughly dry.
So, there you have it- a complete guide on how to dye hair extensions! Whether it’s dyeing your hair darker or getting the ombre look, whatever hair shade you’re wishing for, make sure to follow these tips for a perfect dye job! What hair shade are you coveting right now?
