Best Dye for Human Hair Wigs: Easy DIY Options
Dyeing a human hair wig—especially one that’s already colored—might seem intimidating at first. But with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, it can turn into an enjoyable and rewarding experience. At Unihairvn, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to care for and customize your wigs with confidence. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dye for human hair wigs and walk you through the process of dyeing them the right way.
Can You Dye Human Hair Wigs?
A common question many people have is whether human hair wigs can be colored and the answer is yes! Unlike synthetic wigs, which don’t absorb dye well and can be easily damaged, human hair wigs can be dyed, bleached, or highlighted much like your own hair.
However, coloring a wig requires a more delicate approach. Wig strands often undergo multiple processing steps before they reach you, and features like lace fronts or hand-tied caps can be sensitive to harsh treatments.
Because of this, it’s highly recommended to have high-quality human hair wigs professionally colored. This ensures an even, vibrant result while protecting the structure and longevity of the wig.
Can You Dye a Human Hair Wig with Regular Hair Dye?
If your wig is made of 100% human hair, you can use regular hair dye, just like you would for your natural hair.
How to Pick Your Wig Color
Consider your skin tone, eye color, and personal style when choosing the perfect wig color. To help maintain the wig’s brightness and eliminate unwanted hues, consider using purple shampoo.
Pick a color that complements your complexion and enhances your features. Warm browns and reds can add radiance, while cool tones like ash blonde or black offer a sleek, modern look.
Don’t hesitate to try out different shades until you find one that suits you best. Choosing the right hair color can elevate your overall appearance significantly. If you have warm undertones, rich browns, golden blondes, and copper hues tend to be the most flattering. For cooler undertones, consider shades like ashy blonde, platinum, or cool brown tones.
There are plenty of resources online to help you identify your undertones and guide you toward colors that will enhance your natural beauty.
How to Dye a Human Hair Wig
Before discovering the best dye for human hair wigs, let’s see the process on how to dye a human hair wig.
Since natural hair wigs are made from real human hair, they generally respond well to traditional hair dyes. High-quality human hair wigs can often be colored multiple times without significant damage.
Another important consideration is whether the wig has been pre-dyed or remains in its natural, unprocessed state. Pre-colored wigs may require extra care or steps during the coloring process. In the instructions below, we’ll point out any special steps for pre-colored wigs.
Step 1: Choose the right dye
Select a high-quality dye made specifically for human hair. Avoid fabric dyes or low-grade alternatives, as they can damage the hair fibers. Check the wig manufacturer’s instructions. Some may recommend specific dye brands or formulas.
For wigs that have already been colored, darkening them is usually straightforward. However, going lighter can be more difficult and may not always yield the desired result, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Step 2: Prepare the wig
Place the wig on a mannequin head or wig stand securely. Detangle the strands gently to ensure an even application.
Step 3: Perform a strand test
Test a small section by applying the dye as instructed before coloring the entire wig. This will help you see how the color develops and allow for adjustments if needed.
Optional step: Remove existing color
If your wig is pre-colored and you want to achieve a significantly lighter shade, a color remover may be necessary. Use a product designed for human hair and follow the package directions.
Always test it on a small strand first to assess how it affects the hair before proceeding with dye.
Step 4: Mix and apply the dye
Follow the instructions provided with the hair dye to prepare the formula, including how much developer to use. Always wear gloves when mixing and applying the dye.
Begin at the roots and work the dye through to the ends using your hands or a dye brush. Divide the hair into smaller sections using clips to ensure full coverage. Be careful not to stain the wig cap or lace.
Step 5: Let the color develop
Wrap the hair in plastic or a cap, then let the dye sit for the recommended processing time as per the instructions.
Step 6: Rinse, condition, and dry
Use lukewarm water to rinse the wig thoroughly to remove the dye. Wash it using a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and follow up with conditioner.
Gently squeeze out excess water, then place the wig back on the stand to air dry. Wait until it’s fully dry before using heat styling tools.
If you’re ever unsure during any part of the process, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional wig stylist to avoid mistakes and maintain the integrity of your wig.
Best Dye for Human Hair Wigs at Home
So what dye is good for human hair wigs? Here is our list of the best dye for human hair wigs that you may need.
Clairol Professional Natural Instincts
Clairol Professional Natural Instincts is one of the best hair dye for human hair wigs. This semi-permanent hair dye is a popular choice for extensions thanks to its gentle, ammonia-free formula. Available in a variety of shades, it helps maintain a healthy, shiny finish without compromising hair quality.
Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent
Loved by stylists, this demi-permanent dye delivers rich, fade-resistant color without the use of ammonia. It’s ideal for enhancing human hair extensions with subtle, long-lasting tones.
Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask
Perfect for refreshing or changing the tone of your extensions, this color-depositing mask is designed for weekly treatments. It works in just 10 minutes to nourish and hydrate while boosting vibrancy, leaving the hair silky and smooth.
Crazy Color Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
If you’re after bold, vibrant tones for your human hair extensions, Crazy Color is a standout choice. Its strong pigmentation and gentle formula make it perfect for those wanting dramatic results without harsh chemicals.
Neal & Wolf Blonde Purple Shampoo
This purple shampoo brightens and maintains blonde or lightened extensions. It helps neutralize brassiness while gently cleansing, keeping your extensions fresh and vibrant.
L’Oréal Magic Retouch
Another best dye for wigs is L’Oréal Magic Retouch. For a temporary touch-up, L’Oréal Magic Retouch offers a lightweight, easy-to-apply spray that washes out with shampoo. It’s safe for both synthetic and human hair extensions, making it a convenient option for quick color fixes.
How to Select a Wig that Holds Color
Choosing a wig that holds color well
For best dyeing results, go with high-quality human hair wigs or extensions that still have their cuticles intact. Remy human hair is an especially reliable option, as it retains color well and is less likely to fade over time.
Lighter hair textures, such as straight or loose waves, typically absorb color more evenly and hold it longer.
To extend the life of your wig’s color, always use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and limit heat styling whenever possible.
Virgin human hair wigs
Virgin human hair wigs are one of the top choices for coloring, particularly for people with darker hair tones. Since they haven’t been chemically altered, they maintain their natural structure and resilience, making them ideal for vibrant, even dyeing.
Wigs made from 613 blonde virgin hair or natural black virgin hair tend to take on new color shades beautifully. With preserved and aligned cuticles, these wigs allow for better pigment absorption, resulting in more vibrant and lasting color.
For optimal dye outcomes, always choose virgin hair from trusted and reputable sources.
Synthetic wigs and dyeing limitations
The type of wig you choose greatly impacts how well it takes and retains dye. Virgin human hair remains the best option for achieving vivid, durable color because of its unprocessed state.
In contrast, non-virgin hair may have undergone previous treatments, which can affect how it reacts to dye and require more careful handling.
Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are usually not suitable for dyeing, as their artificial fibers don’t absorb color like natural hair does. If coloring proves too difficult, it may be more practical to purchase a new wig in your desired shade.
Consider your goals and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with when deciding on a wig for dyeing.
DIY Vs Professional Wig Coloring: What You Need to Know
Thinking about coloring your human hair wig at home? While it can be an appealing option, there are several important things to weigh before diving into a DIY dye project.
Wigs, especially those made from real human hair, don’t react to dye the same way natural hair does. They’re more prone to color fading and can become damaged easily if the wrong products or methods are used.
Using standard box dye or applying uneven techniques may result in blotchy color, dryness, or even a compromised hair texture.
Additionally, dyeing a wig successfully often requires specialized tools and products meant for already-processed hair, which aren’t typically found in everyday hair dye kits.
Without proper knowledge and preparation, you risk shortening your wig’s lifespan or creating a look that doesn’t turn out as expected.
A professional wig stylist has the experience to avoid issues like streaky color, damage to the wig cap, or staining the lace – mistakes that can permanently affect the appearance and quality of your wig.
Let’s find out the best dye for human hair wigs in the next section of the article.
Conclusion
In summary, coloring a human hair wig at home is a manageable task when done carefully. By following the proper steps and using the best dye for human hair wigs, you can give your wig a fresh, vibrant look without harming the hair fibers. With consistent care and the right products, your colored wig can maintain its beauty for months, helping you stay confident and stylish.
