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Can you dye Hair Extensions?

The short answer is Yes, however there are some points to note when looking to change the colour of your Hair Extensions. Dyeing human hair extensions can be a tempting DIY project, but it's crucial to understand the risks involved and why trusting a professional is the best choice. In this article, we'll explore the key reasons why attempting to dye hair extensions yourself with box dyes or toners can lead to damage and disappointment.

Why You Shouldn't Dye Hair Extensions Yourself:

  1. Risk of Damage: Human hair extensions are delicate and require careful handling during the dyeing process. Using box dyes or toners meant for home use can contain harsh chemicals that may damage the hair fibers and structure, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. It is essential to choose a colouring professional (who has experience with dying hair extensions) to select gentle, high-quality chemicals that won't compromise the integrity of your extensions.
  2. Limited Colour Options: Unlike natural hair, human hair extensions cannot be lightened without causing significant damage. Therefore, colour change should be limited to darker shades only. Attempting to lighten extensions can lead to irreversible damage, such as dryness, frizz, and weakening of the hair structure. A professional colourist can assess your extensions and recommend suitable darker shades that complement your natural hair colour without compromising its health.
  3. Attachment Bond Considerations: In some extension attachment methods, such as tape-ins, fusion bonds and nanos, the attachment points cannot be coloured. If you're transitioning from very light to dark colours, the contrast between the attachment bonds and the dyed hair may be noticeable, resulting in an unnatural appearance. We can assist in the retipping of your hair extensions after the dying process should there be a noticeable contrast.
  4. Uneven Colour Results: Achieving consistent and even colour results with hair extensions requires precision and expertise. DIY dyeing can result in patchy or uneven colour distribution, especially if the extensions have varying porosity levels, a mix of multiple donor’s hair or have had previous colour or toner treatments. A professional colourist has the skill and experience to ensure uniform colour absorption and seamless blending for a flawless finish.

While the allure of DIY hair dyeing may be tempting, it's essential to recognise the limitations and risks involved, especially when it comes to human hair extensions. Trusting a professional hairstylist to dye your extensions ensures that the process is done correctly, using high-quality products and techniques tailored to your specific needs. By choosing professional expertise over DIY experimentation, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting colour results while preserving the health and integrity of your hair extensions.

Need a recommendation? Get In touch, we work closely with an amazing colourist who can help with your desired change.

For more information, give us a call!