Your new hair extensions just arrived – yay! Congratulations on your adventure to longer, fuller locks. But wait – they’re the wrong color. Nightmares ensue. You’re stricken with panic. What’s a girl to do?
Don’t worry, hon. You didn’t just waste your money. You will, however, need to spend a little extra on some hair coloring. That’s right – you can easily dye your hair extensions right from your own bathroom, and there is no experience required.
If you’re in a color crisis and need help, keep reading. I’m sharing the quick and easy steps to dying hair extensions!
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How to Dye Hair Extensions
I’ll start by saying dying hair extensions is so much easier than trying to bleach them. Working with bleach can be tricky, and any screw-ups can damage your locks. That said, this blog is reserved for those that are trying to darken the color, not lighten.
All you’re going to need to dye your hair extensions is the color and developer. Try to find a 20 volume developer. This is the lucky number that’s not too slow but not so fast that you could damage your extensions.
You will also need the applicator brush, a long strip of foil, and a pair of gloves. When you’re all set, it’s time for action!
Step 1. Thoroughly Brush the Mane
Have you ever tried to apply dye to messy, matted hair? If you haven’t, don’t try it. That’s a recipe for disaster. That said, avoid anything standing in your way from glamorous hair by thoroughly brushing out your hair extensions.
Make sure you’re going easy with the brush, though. If you pull out strands from your extensions, they won’t grow back. Also, you don’t want to damage the adhesive, whether it’s clips, a wire, tape, etc.
Once thoroughly brushed, place the extensions on top of a long piece of foil. The hair should not be overlapping on top of each other or hanging off of the foil.
Step 2. Mix and Apply
It’s time to start mixing! Start by putting your gloves on. This could get messy. Then, get your preferred coloring product and developer. Place equal parts into a mixing bowl. Use the mixing brush to mix the two products thoroughly.
When everything looks thoroughly mixed, it’s time to start applying the dye to the hair extensions. Here are a few tips:
- Always go from root to tip – Trying to start at the bottom can lead to tangles and other mishaps that can lead to streaky, spotted hair. No, thanks!
- Saturate the hair on both sides – Do not be stingy with the coloring product. Too little product will lead to a streaky, deformed mess. You can never have too much dye, so saturate the hair entirely on both sides.
Step 3. Cover and Wait
Do a double, triple, and quadruple check over the hair to ensure every strand of hair is heavily coated in the dye. Remember – the last thing you want to do is end up with mismatched color. A heavy application will work wonders.
All set? Then it’s time to cover the hair and wait. You can use plastic wrap so you can keep an eye on the color or go for more tin foil if that’s all you have. Covering the hair tightly will ensure that the color seeps into the hair without losing heat or moisture.
How long should you wait? Well, it depends on the hair and the color. For most women, 30 minutes is the typical amount of time to wait. However, sometimes it can happen as early as 15 to 20 minutes or as late as 40 minutes.
The type of developer chosen will also play a significant role. Ten and twenty developers work at a slower rate, but there is less chance of damage. Thirty and forty work quickly, but if you’re not experienced, you can damage the hair. Keep that in mind while you’re waiting!
Step 4. Rinse and Enjoy
Satisfied with the color? Now it’s time to simply rinse and enjoy! When you’re rinsing the hair extensions, make sure that the water runs down the extension from root to tip. Again, that’s just to ensure the color is where it’s supposed to be.
When you’re done thoroughly rinsing the hair, set the extensions on a towel or let them hang and air dry. Air drying will make sure that the hair doesn’t get tousled or dried out right after dying.
Now you can relax with your favorite drink of choice and style your new, gorgeous hair.
Final Thoughts
I know what you’re thinking – it’s that easy to dye hair extensions? Yes, babe, it is! Now, you no longer have to fear ending up with the wrong hair extension shade. You know how to handle any mishaps and end up with Instagram-worthy hair that all of your gal pals will be envious of.
