Can You Dye a Synthetic Wig?
Generally, synthetic wigs cannot be dyed with regular hair dye. They are made from fibers like acrylic, polyester, or Kanekalon, which do not absorb traditional dyes. However, you can purchase high-quality and affordable human hair wigs from Megalook. With various color options, you can match your wig to your outfit, and when you want a different look, refer to the guide below on how to dye human hair wigs in different shades!
Generally, synthetic wigs cannot be dyed with regular hair dye. They are made from fibers like acrylic, polyester, or Kanekalon, which do not absorb traditional dyes. However, you can purchase high-quality and affordable human hair wigs from Megalook. With various color options, you can match your wig to your outfit, and when you want a different look, refer to the guide below on how to dye human hair wigs in different shades!
Thinking about changing up your human hair wig's color? You're not alone! Dying a wig is possible and a fantastic way to refresh your look. While techniques exist like watercolor rinses, this beginner-friendly guide focuses on the more permanent and versatile traditional brush application method for how to dye a human hair wig. From preparing your tools and properly cleaning the wig to applying the dye and caring for it afterward, you'll learn everything you need to achieve stunning, salon-quality results in this post. Let's dive in!
Must-Have Essentials for Dying a Human Hair Wig
Although some chemical processes are involved in making human hair wigs, dyeing them is much like dyeing your hair at home. Special care is needed for the lace part of the wig, as dye can stain it. However, this can be easily prevented by applying petroleum jelly or covering it with a protective film, just like protecting your skin. For beginners learning how to dye a human hair wig, it's recommended to start with light-colored wigs, such as blonde or gray, as they take color more easily. For more essential tools and preparation tips, keep reading below.
Tools to Prepare Before Coloring a Wig
How to dye a human hair wig? Successfully coloring a human hair wig starts with having the right tools ready. Here's what you may need:
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Human Hair Wig Dye: Penetrates human hair fibers without excessive damage.
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Developer: Activates the dye. A gentle developer (10 or 20 volumes) is ideal.
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Plastic Mixing Bowl & Applicator Brush: For combining dye and developer and applying the mixture precisely, section by section.
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Wig Stand or Mannequin Head: Securely holds the wig in place, making application even and manageable.
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Plastic Clips: Section clean, dry wig hair neatly for controlled, thorough coverage.
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Disposable Gloves: Protects your hands and skin from stains and chemicals.
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Old Towels/Plastic Cape: Protects your workspace from drips and stains.
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Wide-Tooth Comb: Helps distribute dye gently through sections after application.
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Petroleum jelly or tape: Protects the lace part from staining.
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Color Remover (Optional but Recommended): Corrects mistakes or removes buildup before a new dye human hair wig.
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Shampoo and conditioner: Use color-safe products to keep your hair vibrant after dyeing.
Note: Please adjust the amount of dye according to the wig's density. The higher the density, the more dye you will need.
Properly Clean a Wig Before Dyeing
Before you begin coloring a gray or blonde human hair wig, it's crucial to properly clean the wig. Removing dirt, oils, and styling products ensures the dye absorbs evenly and lasts longer. Here’s a simple three-step cleaning process.
Step 1: Gentle Wash
Wash the wig using a mild shampoo. Gently work it through the hair fibers and avoid vigorous rubbing to remove all styling product residue, oils, and dust that could block the dye. Rinse extremely well under cool water.
Step 2: Condition and Rinse
Apply a moisturizing conditioner to the strands, avoiding the roots if possible. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticles.
Step 3: Dry Wig and Protect Lace
Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel — do not wring the wig. Place the wig on a stand or lay it flat on a dry towel to air dry completely. Afterward, be sure to apply petroleum jelly or cover any exposed lace with a protective film to prevent dye from staining it.
Step-by-Step: How to Dye a Human Hair Wig
Now that your human hair wig is clean and you have all the necessary tools ready, it’s time to dive into the dyeing process. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to dye a human hair wig safely and effectively. Follow these steps to transform your wig!
Step 1: Section the Wig for Even Dyeing
Proper sectioning is crucial for successfully dyeing a wig. It ensures every strand gets coated evenly, preventing patchiness. Here's how:
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Mount Securely: Place the clean, completely dry wig on a stand with the lace protected.
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Divide Horizontally: Use plastic clips to create horizontal layers. Clip the top layers up, and leave the bottom layer loose.
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Work in Subsections: Within each layer, split hair into 1-2 inch wide vertical subsections. Clip the adjacent hair away.
Step 2: Apply the Dye on the Wig
Mastering the application is key to how to dye a human hair wig successfully. Follow this technique:
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Load Your Brush: Dip the applicator brush fully into the dye mixture in your bowl. Tap lightly to remove excess drips.
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Start Mid-Length: Apply dye first to the middle of a subsection, brushing downward toward the ends. Avoid starting directly at the roots/base initially.
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Work Upwards Carefully: Once mid-lengths/ends are saturated, gently brush the dye upward toward the roots, stopping about ½ inch from the lace. This prevents base staining.
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Ensure Full Saturation: Use the brush and wide-tooth comb to gently work the dye through the entire subsection until every strand glistens evenly.
Step 3: Monitor Processing Time Closely
Patience and precision during processing ensure ideal results in coloring a human hair wig. Please follow:
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Start Your Timer: Begin timing as soon as the last section is fully coated.
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Process Fully: Leave the dye undisturbed for the full duration recommended by your dye brand (typically 30-45 minutes). Avoid touching or combing.
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Apply to Roots Last: At the 10-minute mark, carefully apply the remaining dye mixture to the root area, keeping ½ inch from the base. This prevents "hot roots" (overly bright roots).
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Check Development: Near the end, wipe a small strand with a paper towel. Rinse it under water to check if the color matches your goal.
Step 4: Rinse Gently and Condition
Proper rinsing seals your how to dye a human hair wig and prevents damage:
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Cool Water Rinse: Rinse under cool running water until it runs completely clear. Hot water opens cuticles and fades color.
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Shampoo Carefully: Apply shampoo only to the hair fibers. Gently lather while avoiding rubbing the lace.
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Deep Condition: Apply a rich moisturizing mask from mid-lengths to ends. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Bonus: How to Care for a Human Hair Wig After Dying
Dyeing is only part of the journey — proper aftercare keeps your wig beautiful for months. Whether you've just learned how to dye a human hair wig or are experienced in coloring a human hair wig, these tips will help you protect its color, texture, and longevity.
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Washing Frequency: Clean the wig every 8–10 wears using sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo.
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Conditioning Routine: Deep condition regularly to restore moisture lost during dyeing.
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Drying Method: Pat dry with a towel and let it air-dry on a wig stand; avoid high heat.
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Storage: Store on a stand or mannequin head away from sunlight to prevent fading.
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Detangling: Gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends upward.
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Touch-Ups: Refresh color only when necessary to avoid over-processing the hair.
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Heat Styling: If styling tools are necessary, use low heat with a heat protectant spray.
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Shield from UV: Use UV-protectant hair sprays or wear hats or scarves outdoors.
FAQs About How to Dye a Human Hair Wig
How to dye a human hair wig without staining lace?
To prevent lace from getting stained when dyeing a human hair wig, coat it with a protective layer such as petroleum jelly or styling gel before starting. Divide the hair into sections for even color coverage and to keep the dye off the lace. Once the coloring is complete, rinse thoroughly and style the wig as you normally would.
How to dye a human hair wig with highlights?
To dye a human hair wig with highlights, start by choosing a lighter or contrasting shade for the highlight color. Use foil strips to separate small sections you want to highlight, placing the foil under each section before applying the dye, then fold the foil to secure it. For a brightening effect, focus the highlights around the face, or scatter them throughout for an all-over dimensional look. Let the dye process according to the instructions, then rinse carefully to avoid bleeding into the surrounding hair.
Why won't my human hair wig dye?
Common reasons why your human hair wig won’t take dye include:
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Non-virgin hair: The hair has been previously dyed, bleached, or processed at the factory.
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Silicone or protective coating: These block dye penetration.
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Mixed fibers: The wig contains undyeable synthetic fibers.
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Dye mismatch: Regular hair dye cannot color synthetic fibers.
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Damaged hair quality: Excessive processing causes uneven dye absorption.
