Guide to coloring (or NOT coloring!) your hair extensions. Can extensions be dyed or bleached? We want to explain what can harm your extensions and how it could work.
You want to feel happy and comfortable with your hair, which is why you've chosen extensions. Usually, our wide range of shades and tones guarantees a perfect match between the extensions and your natural hair color. However, there may be situations where you consider dyeing your extensions – for example, if you prefer a different hair color. In our extensions guide, we explain what you should definitely consider when dyeing extensions and what mistakes to avoid.
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1. Never do this: Dyeing synthetic hair extensions
First and foremost, any attempt to transform the original color of synthetic hair extensions into another naturally appearing hair color is doomed to fail. The material of the hair extension is resistant to typical hair dye formulations because it lacks a natural cuticle layer that could absorb the color particles. The same applies to standard quality extensions: During the coloring process of these real hair extensions, the natural cuticle layer is removed before the hair is sealed. Therefore, it is absolutely not recommended to dye standard quality extensions as there is a great risk of only damaging the smooth, glossy surface. If you want to dye your extensions and not be disappointed with the result, they must be premium quality hair.
2. Dyeing extensions: Before installation or after?
Although it is technically possible to dye real hair extensions, experts advise against it. This is mainly because common hair dyes contain a lot of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to roughen up the cuticle layer of the hair. Through this "chemical attack," there is always a risk of making the hair extensions brittle and fragile – regardless of whether they are tape extensions, bonding extensions or clip-in extensions. If you still want to dye your extensions, it is best to consult your hairdresser for suitable products. Alternatively, follow our advice: Only dye extensions at the hairdresser!
3. Dyeing extensions: Before installation or after?
In general, it is recommended to dye extensions before they are installed. The chemicals in hair dyes can attack the bonding points and make them brittle. In the worst case, when dyeing hair with extensions, the glue can dissolve or at least its effectiveness can be greatly impaired. Dyeing the bondings before they are applied also has the advantage of achieving a uniform and clean result. The same applies if you want to dye tape extensions. However, keep in mind that the intensity of the color on the extensions may turn out differently than on your hair. Testing with a sample strand before dyeing the extensions prevents disappointment later on.
4. Dyeing extensions: Always from light to dark – not the other way around
A general rule of thumb when dyeing your extensions: It only works from light to dark. Just like with your natural hair, light-colored hair reacts more easily to dyes and absorbs the color better and more evenly. To dye dark extensions so that they appear lighter later on, you would have to bleach them beforehand. And that is an absolute no-go, just like the plan to bleach extensions. The aggressive hydrogen peroxide required in both cases ruthlessly attacks the cuticle layer of the hair, leaving behind microscopic holes in the surface structure. The result of such dyeing of extensions is dry and brittle hair. So, if you want significantly lighter hair than before, it's best to opt for new extensions directly. You can easily keep your current hair extensions for future use.
5. Toning extensions: The gentle alternative to dyeing
If you want to change the shade of your extensions by a few nuances, opt for toning instead of dyeing the extensions. Unlike the aggressive approach required to dye real hair extensions, toning does not "damage" the cuticle layer of the hair. The toner coats the hair extensions like a shield and does not affect the smooth surface. It is also perfect for adding highlights to extensions. Naturally, the "durability" of toning is not as long-lasting as with dyeing – but your extensions will remain supple and shiny for a longer period.
6. Root touch-up with extensions: Job for a professional
In principle, coloring the roots is not a problem when you wear extensions. However, it is crucial to ensure that the dye does not come into contact with the bonding points. Otherwise, there is a risk – as mentioned above – of damaging or even disabling them. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a competent hairdresser who will carefully cover the bonding points with cotton or aluminum foil. Clip-in extensions can be easily removed when dyeing.
Our advice: Stay away from silver shampoos. Instead, use a nourishing treatment for the lengths and ends.
7. Dyeing extensions: There's always some risk
In principle, we advise against dyeing extensions. Our hair extensions are processed in a way that protects them from harmful external influences and allows them to maintain their elasticity and suppleness for a long time. The intention to dye extensions destroys a part of this protection. Nevertheless, we receive reports from customers who have successfully dyed their extensions. However, there is no guarantee of a positive outcome.
Learn how to apply tape extensions how to remove them, how to reuse them and how to care for them. Find information on how long it takes and also how much hairstylists charge.
