Dyeing hair extensions allows you to experiment with new colors and styles without damaging your natural hair. However, it’s important to dye hair extensions properly to ensure the best results. Follow this step-by-step guide for tips on preparing, dyeing, and caring for your extensions.

Table of Contents

Preparing Your Hair Extensions for Dyeing

Before dyeing your extensions, you’ll need to:

Detangle and Clean the Hair

Carefully brush through the hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles.
Wash extensions with sulfate-free shampoo to remove dirt and oils that could interfere with dye absorption.
Rinse well and allow to air dry completely.

Select the Right Texture of Extensions

Pick 100% human hair extensions for dyeing, as synthetic hair can’t be dyed.
Choose Remy or virgin hair extensions for maximum dye absorption and vibrancy.
Avoid pre-colored, over-processed, or blended hair types.

Strand Test with Dye

Do a strand test with the dye you’ll use to check for possible reactions.
Dye a few strands, then wait 24-48 hours. If the strands feel damaged, try a gentler dye.

Choosing the Right Hair Dye for Your Extensions

Permanent vs Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Permanent dyes last longer but can damage hair. Use on virgin or minimally processed hair.
Semi-permanent dyes are gentler but don’t last as long. Great for pre-colored or processed hair.

Developer Volume

10 volume developer is ideal for delicate extensions. Avoid higher volumes, like 30 or 40.
For darker colors, try a demi-permanent dye without developer.

Brand and Formula

Choose a professional, salon-quality brand like Wella, Goldwell, or Joico. Avoid box dyes.
Pick an enriched formula with oils, keratin, or conditioners to maintain hair health.

Gathering the Necessary Supplies

Dye bowl and brush
Protective gloves
Petroleum jelly to protect hairline and skin
Wide-tooth comb
Hair clips
Color-safe shampoo and conditioner
Hydrating hair mask or treatment

Mixing and Applying the Hair Dye

Mixing the Dye

Put on gloves and pour dye into bowl. Add developers according to brand instructions.
Whisk together thoroughly until consistency is smooth and uniform.

Sectioning the Hair

Section clean, dry extensions into four quadrants using clips. Work on one section at a time.

Applying the Dye

Use tint brush to paint dye onto hair from roots to ends, saturating fully.
Ensure dye penetrates every strand. Re-apply as needed.

Letting it Process

Cover hair with plastic wrap and allow dye to process for full time listed on brand’s instructions.
Check frequently to see if you’ve achieved your desired shade. Rinse once ready.

Waiting and Rinsing Out the Dye

Waiting Period

Leave dye on for at least 30 minutes for vibrant, long-lasting color.
For semi-permanent dyes with no developer, leave on for 1-2 hours.
Check hair periodically to avoid overprocessing. Rinse when ready.

Rinsing

Rinse the dye thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo if needed to fully remove the dye.
Avoid hot water, as this can cause color to fade prematurely.

Final Rinse

Do a final rinse with cool water to seal hair cuticles and lock in color.
Towels dry gently. Avoid rubbing hair vigorously.

Caring for Your Newly Dyed Hair Extensions

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Apply a hydrating mask or treatment, and let sit for 30+ minutes after dyeing.
Rinse out and air your hair. This helps restore moisture.

Purple Shampoo for Blondes

Use a purple shampoo once a week to keep blonde extensions bright and free of brassiness.

Sulfate-Free Products

Stick to sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos, and conditioners to extend the life of dye.

Protect from Heat Styling

Allow hair to air dry when possible. If using heat tools, apply a heat protector.

Gloss Treatments

Get a clear, semi-permanent gloss treatment every 4-6 weeks to refresh faded color.

Tips and Tricks for a Successful Dye Job

Always do a strand test to check the dye reaction before committing to full head.
Use a 10 or 20-volume developer to minimize damage to extensions.
Apply petroleum jelly along the hairline and skin to avoid staining.
Section hair neatly and systematically to ensure thorough, even dye coverage.
Wear gloves to keep your hands from getting stained during application.
Process for full-time recommended by brand for longest-lasting color.
Rinse with cool water and use a sulfate-free shampoo to extend the color life.
Get regular trims to maintain the health of dyed extensions.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Dyeing Hair Extensions

Choosing the Wrong Dye Type

Don’t use semi-permanent dye for lightening extensions, as it won’t sufficiently lift hair. Use high-lift permanent dye.
Skip temporary and progressive hair dyes, which wash out quickly and unevenly on extensions.

Skipping Strand Test

Always do a strand test before dyeing the full head of extensions to check for reactions.

Applying Dye Unevenly

Work in neat sections, fully saturating each strand to ensure uniform, flawless results.

Overprocessing the Dye

Follow exact timing directions to avoid overprocessing, which causes damage and color fade.

Using Hot Water to Rinse

Rinse with lukewarm water. Hot water opens cuticles, causing the color to escape.

Rough Drying and Styling

Gently towel dry. Let air dry when possible. Use heat protectant if heat styling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dyeing Hair Extensions

What’s the best way to dye clip-in extensions?

Detangle and wash the hair, then lay it flat and use a tint brush to apply dye from roots to ends. Cover with plastic wrap while processing.

How light can you dye dark hair extensions?

It’s difficult to achieve more than 2-3 shades of lift on dark hair. Use a high-lift blonde dye to lighten dark extensions safely. Avoid bleach.

How soon can you wash dyed extensions?

Wait 48 hours after dyeing extensions before washing to allow the cuticle to fully close and seal in color. Use a sulfate-free shampoo.

How often should you dye your extensions?

Plan to refresh your extensions’ color every 6-8 weeks. Using a gloss treatment in between full dye jobs helps maintain vibrancy.

Final Thoughts: Achieving Beautifully Dyed Hair Extensions

Dyeing hair extensions allows you to experiment with fun colors while protecting your natural hair. With the proper preparation, supplies, techniques, and aftercare, you can achieve stunning, lasting results. Always do a strand test first and use gentle permanent or semi-permanent dyes and low-volume developers. Work in sections for even application and process according to packaging directions. Rinse with cool water, condition well, and use color-safe products to extend the life of your new shade. Follow these tips and enjoy your beautifully dyed hair extensions!

Where can I buy hair extensions?

There are many options for purchasing quality hair extensions online and in stores. Here are two of the top retailers to consider:

Yoghair, the Top Vietnamese Hair Factory

Overview

Leading manufacturer specializing in Vietnamese hair extensions and wigs
Sells lace closures, frontals, bulk hair, clip-ins, taped hair and more
Offers raw, natural colors as well as pre-colored hair

Quality

Uses 100% Vietnamese virgin human hair that’s chemical-free
Hair goes through stringent quality control checks
Known for thick, durable and tangle-free hair products

Customization

Custom coloring and bleaching services are available
Bulk hair can be made into wigs or extensions
Accepts custom orders for unique styles and pieces

Pricing

Higher-end pricing is competitive for the premium quality
The price reflects the virgin grade and durability of the hair
Custom styling and coloring cost extra

Why choose Yoghair?

a reputable company with years of experience and expertise
Specializes exclusively in high-quality Vietnamese hair
A great selection of hair textures, lengths, and styles
Customization options make finding the perfect hair easy

Govihair, a Leading Vietnamese Hair Supplier

Overview

A premier Vietnamese hair company with a strong global presence
A wide selection of hair extensions, closures, fronts, wigs and weaves
Raw, natural hair colors as well as hand-dyed options

Quality

Uses 100% pure Vietnamese virgin Remy human hair
No chemical processing or harsh treatments
An extensive quality control program ensures consistency

Customization

We will customize bulk hair orders to specific needs
Lengths, textures, colors and styles can be tailored
Offer professional custom dye coloring services

Pricing

Known for fair and reasonable pricing, given the premium grades used
Customization and express shipping cost extra
Price reflects unprocessed, virgin hair used

Why choose Govihair?

One of the top importers of Vietnamese hair globally
Longstanding reputation for consistent quality and service
Massive hair inventory and full customization services
An excellent option for high-quality, unique extensions

Conclusion

Dyeing hair extensions opens up a fun and easy way to experiment with new hair colors without damaging your natural locks. With the right preparation, tools, techniques, and aftercare, you can achieve stunning, long-lasting results on your extensions. Do your research to find a reputable supplier of high-quality human hair extensions that can be readily dyed to transform your look. Take care to select the proper type of dye and developer for the hair texture. Work slowly and systematically when applying the dye. Follow the timing directions closely, and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Nourish hair post-dyeing with treatments and use color-safe products to extend the vibrancy. With a careful approach and the tips provided, you can dye hair extensions successfully for beautiful, head-turning hair!