Dying synthetic hair extensions is a question recently asked by a dear friend and client. She had purchased a pricey, blonde hair extension at a mall kiosk a few years back and wanted to make it brunette.
Happy Hump Day! Whoop, Whoop! The holiday weekend threw me and I thought yesterday was Monday! Oops, blonde moment. A dear friend that also happens to be a client asked today’s Ask the Pro Stylist query of me. She wanted to know if dying synthetic hair extensions is possible? The synthetic blonde piece was almost $100 six years ago, and she assumed it was real hair because of the price. She dyed it and it didn’t take.
Synthetic hair is basically manmade fibers simulated to appear like real hair: the more expensive the brand, the more realistic the piece. Synthetic hair could be heat styled at a moderate temperature (each brand differs, but is within the same range), however dying synthetic hair extensions is not possible because there is no cuticle to be absorb hair color. A box brand with a mild developer will not make a hair color dent in a synthetic hairpiece.
Natural hair extensions are pricier because it is more difficult to acquire real hair. Although natural hair extensions could also be dyed, it is best to purchase the colors you want, whether natural or synthetic. There are less expensive alternatives for those who like to change up the color because dying synthetic hair extensions is not optimal. However, if you want to color natural hair extensions, it is best to take it to the salon rather than risk ruining an expensive acquisition.
Now, I have bleached synthetic hair extensions with a strong developer and they did get somewhat lighter, but this is not recommended, although the integrity of the hair remained intact. My friend attempted RIT fabric dye in her quest to color her hair extension, but as expected the color didn’t budge, the hair isn’t porous as material, it behaves more like a plastic, which requires acrylic paint or alcohol ink as in the linked video. However, dying synthetic hair extensions this way is not recommended unless the pieces were not costly or it is an old piece, and you don’t mind if it gets ruined, as in the case of my friend.
Next Wednesday’s Q&A is back to nail gel allergies. If you have a question similar to today’s query about dying natural hair extensions, please email me at DeirdreAHaggerty@gmail.com.
©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior written permission and consent from the author.
A writer, author, NY State licensed cosmetologist, beauty educator and Executive Director, Deirdre Haggerty has been actively involved in the hair and beauty industry in New York for over 30 years. Feel free to ask any question relating to hair care, beauty and skincare! Send Deirdre an email 
