Synthetic hair like wigs and hair extensions can add instant volume and length to your look. These wiggy wonders are perfect if you’re just experimenting with a new style or trying out something different before making any big changes. But can you dye synthetic hair?
Dyeing your hair can be expensive, and it’s also damaging to your natural hair.
Hairpieces are the perfect way to show off and try out all sorts of temporary looks. And they’re affordable and easy to use.
But what happens when you get bored of your wig hair colour?
Is there a new trend you’ve got your eye on? What do you do if you want to go from a colour like chestnut brown to midnight blue?
Let’s find out!
This article is for people who love to change their hair colour, but don’t want to damage their natural locks.
Contents
- 1 What is synthetic hair?
- 2 Synthetic hair is great for:
- 3 Can you dye synthetic hair?
- 4 How to dye synthetic hair.
- 5 Watch and learn: How to dye synthetic hair step-by-step.
- 6 What’s the difference between human hair and synthetic hair?
- 7 Is human hair or synthetic better?
- 8 Can you dye hair extensions?
- 9 Can you dye synthetic hair with semi permanent hair dye?
- 10 Can you use acrylic paint to dye a synthetic wig?
- 11 Can you use temporary hair dye on synthetic hair?
- 12 How long does synthetic hair last?
- 13 Parting words.
What is synthetic hair?
Synthetic hair is made from polymers and other man-made materials.
It comes in various forms of extensions, hairpieces, weaves and wigs. Synthetic dreadlocks are always fab for the grunge look! And have you seen hair tinsel?
These are great alternatives to real human locks.
If you’re not ready to cut your own tresses, but want the long-lasting style of extensions, or just something different for a night out with friends, then this kind of fake hair can be an excellent option.
Synthetic hair is great for:
- Adding volume and length with hair extensions.
- Wear a new look for a big occasion.
- Try out a new hairstyle or colour.
- Easy to style and care for.
- Returns to shape after it gets wet.
- Less expensive than human hair wigs.
- Cooler to wear than human hair wigs.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
Can you dye synthetic hair?
There’s one question we’re often asked when it comes to styling fake tresses – can you dye them?
The answer is yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it!
Synthetic wigs are made from such materials as nylon or polyester, which means they will not react to dyes in the same way as human hair.
The ammonia and bleach used in dyes will just destroy the texture and material of the wig or hair extension and damage them beyond repair.
If you’re tired of the colour of your wig and fancy a change, it’s far better and simpler to just buy a wig in the new colour your heart desires!
How to dye synthetic hair.
We don’t recommend dyeing your synthetic wig or hair extension, but if you’re determined to go ahead with it, here’s a few tips on how to do so.
It’s always best to use a semi-permanent dye as these are less harsh than permanent dyes.
Permanent dyes will damage the wig beyond repair, so it’s not worth taking the risk!
First things first, you’ll need to gather your supplies.
For this project you’ll need: hair dye, gloves, a bowl, a brush, cling film and some old towels.
Once you have everything, it’s time to get started!
- Step one: Put on your gloves to avoid staining your hands. Next, mix the hair dye according to the instructions on the box.
- Step two: Once it’s ready, use the brush to apply the dye evenly to your synthetic hair. Be sure to saturate the strands completely – you don’t want any patches of un-dyed hair!
- Step three: Wrap the wig in cling film and wait for the dye to set. Depending on the type of dye you’re using, this could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
- Step four: Just rinse out the dye with shampoo and conditioner, and enjoy your new look!
You now have a dyed synthetic wig!
Just remember, if you’re not happy with the colour, it’s far easier (and cheaper!) to just buy a new wig, weave or hair piece in the shade you want.
Watch and learn: How to dye synthetic hair step-by-step.
Here’s a great film that tests RIT, Adore, Arctic Fox, Toner, and Box Haircolor to see which can dye a synthetic wig hte best!
What’s the difference between human hair and synthetic hair?
What’s the difference between human hair and synthetic? We’re going to break it down for you.
Human hair is made from real hair, while synthetic is manufactured in a lab.
Synthetic hair can be used as a cheaper alternative to human hair, but it also has some disadvantages.
In general, human hair is more durable and realistic looking than man-made hair. It mimics natural body movement better.
But if you have an allergy or sensitivity to animal products, synthetics are your best bet!
Is human hair or synthetic better?
Hair is a part of our identity and it’s important for us to wear the hair that we feel most confident in.
But, there are many different things to consider when deciding if synthetic or human hair is best.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of hair.
Some people don’t like the plasticky look of synthetic strands while others can’t afford human hair because of the high cost.
Which type you choose will depend on your personal preference as well as what you need from your wig (or extensions) such as volume, colour and length.
If you want to regularly dye your wig or extensions then human hair will be better for you.
It’s more durable and lasts longer, but it does take more upkeep.
They are both great options that have advantages and disadvantages.
The best thing you can do is try out different hairpieces for yourself and find the right one for your look and lifestyle.
Can you dye hair extensions?
Hair extensions are a great way to get the fullness and length of your desired hairstyle without having to wait for your natural hair to grow.
But can you dye synthetic ones? Again, the answer is yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it! The colour in regular hair dye just won’t penetrate the synthetic fibres.
You’ll just end up with raggedy, ruined extensions so don’t try it! Far better to invest in some more hair extensions coloured how you like.
Start a collection! Who doesn’t need to change up their look once in a while!
Fake hair extensions are also fabulous for adding a pop of colour or coloured hair streaks to your look.
And they work so well if you want to experiment with underneath hair colour or peekaboo styles without the commitment of dyeing your hair.
Can you dye synthetic hair with semi permanent hair dye?
You might think that using a strong dye like a permanent hair dye might coat your wig in colour – wrong!
Hair dye needs to be able to penetrate the hair to change it’s colour. It can’t penetrate synthetic fibres.
Even semi-permanent hair dye still needs to penetrate the hair cuticle to change the colour of the hair strand – and this can’t happen with man-made materials!
Can you use acrylic paint to dye a synthetic wig?
If you are feeling artistic, you can use acrylic paints and sharpie pens to permanently change the colour of your wig.
This works best if you have a light coloured wig like blonde or platinum.
Be warned, this is a messy job! And if you don’t get it right, it will ruin your wig.
Here’s a great video that shows you the process if you’re feeling brave enough!
Can you use temporary hair dye on synthetic hair?
Now, here is where you might have some success. Using temporary hair dye can work if you use it wisely.
Temporary hair colours come in the form of hair chalk, hair make-up sprays and temporary dyes. You can even use tissue paper! (but this method won’t work well on synthetic materials!).
They work by coating the hair with colour and can be easily washed off.
They won’t permanently alter the colour of your fake hair, but there are ways to use it to spice things up.
We wouldn’t recommend trying to change the all-over colour of your hairpiece, extensions, weave or wig with temporary hair colour.
But you can play around with adding highlights, streaks, dipped ends or ombre looks for sure.
Try face-framing highlights around your fringe and hairline.
Natural colours will be hard to get right and look natural. Use bright pops of colour to make it fun.
How long does synthetic hair last?
How long do synthetic wigs last? The lifespan of a wig depends largely on how often you wear it and the quality of the material it’s made from.
A good synthetic wig can comfortably last between 4-6 months when worn every day, while bad ones might only survive 1 to 2 weeks with regular use before starting to fray and look tattered!
One common problem associated with these types of weaves is tangling which affects their daily resilience.
Combing them out before, during and after you use them really helps to keep their shape.
They tend have a shorter lifespan than human hair wigs as they are prone to tangling after some time.
Parting words.
Regardless of whether you are looking to experiment with a new style or just want some extra volume, synthetic hair is an easy and affordable way to get the look that you desire.
The great thing about wigs is that they’re easy enough to take on and off when experimenting with different looks.
You can use them as wigs, clip-ins, and more. But before you go out of your way to buy some fun and funky wigs online, make sure they have been tested for safety first!
While it’s rare that anyone has an allergic reaction to these materials, there’s always a chance they could not agree with you!
We hope we’ve helped answer some questions about how synthetic material behaves. Now go out there and get experimenting! Good luck!