Can You Dye Synthetic Hair? 5 Best Ways

Synthetic wigs have become the reliable alternative among all my fashion-loving fellas who are after a versatile and hassle-free hairstyling solution. Hair extension comes in countless colors and styles, so it’s no wonder they have captured your attention in the first place. 

But what if you have your eye on a synthetic wig that’s perfect in every way except for the color? Or you’ll love doing different colors, or if you are the one who just gets bored of your fake hair and want to give them a new look. 

Can you dye synthetic hair to match your desired shade and take matters into your own hands? Or are you just worried that you can dye a synthetic wig?

Being an expert in the field, I’ll guide you through the process by providing practical tips and advice regarding dyeing a synthetic wig. However, you can find numerous online tutorials for dyeing synthetic wigs in vibrant and unconventional colors like pink or blue. Regardless, today we will learn how to dye synthetic hair in general.

So Gal, if you consider coloring a synthetic wig, this article is a must-read. Let’s prepare to embark on an enlightening ride and explore the exciting possibilities that await you in the realm of wig customization. 

Can you dye a synthetic wig?

Synthetic hair is crafted with a mixture of artificial fibers like nylon, polyester, acrylics, and plastic that imitate human hair by heating and forming it into strands. Therefore, it can get damaged and roughened when exposed to bleach or hair dye and undergo a decrease in quality. 

So like most experts, I also won’t advise dyeing a synthetic wig, especially if it is expensive and you plan to use them for the long run. Because no specific synthetic hair dye brands are available in the market, you have to rely on DIY hair dyes and paints which can degrade the quality of your hairpiece.

Yet I’m pessimistic about telling you that there are certain possible ways to dye your synthetic wig. And they are safe to maintain their longevity and overall appearance while coloring. However, you have to follow certain limitations to achieve your desired outcome without causing any harm. 

Let’s look into the challenges you may face while dying your wigs so you can better prepare for the next step.

Can you dye synthetic hair extensions: Exploring the Complexities 

• Synthetic hair fibers are tricky and pose unique challenges for dyeing compared to natural hair.
• Synthetic wig fibers have limited color absorption capabilities.
• You must be very careful when selecting dyes, as it is crucial for achieving desired results.
• Wrong dyeing techniques can damage your wig’s texture and longevity.
• Taking proper practice and aftercare is essential for successful dyeing.
• Try to understand the composition of your synthetic hair fibers. This will help you to overcome dyeing challenges.
• Careful consideration of color compatibility with the wig’s existing shade is necessary.
• I always recommend testing a small wig section before the complete dye to assess results.
• Seek professional guidance or consult tutorials on dyeing synthetic wigs for best practices.
• Remember that dyeing synthetic wigs may only sometimes yield the desired color outcome due to the fibers’ limitations.

Just a friendly piece of advice! Save your money on buying hair-dying products. At best, they won’t stain your hairpiece. But at worst, they can cause the plastic to melt and leave you with a worthless wig. 

How to dye synthetic hair? 

As I mentioned earlier, synthetic hair fibers are typically made of nylon or acrylic, which means they cannot absorb natural hair dye. However, you can also use fabric dye for synthetic hair.

Here it pertains to mentioning that not all wigs can be dyed with any color, so double-check before you start. And just like with natural hair, you won’t be able to lighten synthetic hair by dyeing it with a lighter color. 

So if you are wondering how to color synthetic hair or can you bleach synthetic hair, don’t worry; below is the list of dyes that works for synthetic fibers. Please note that not all of them are dyes, as some are inks or paints.

1. Alcohol ink 
2. RIT Dye
3. Jacquard iDye Poly 
4. Acrylic paints
5. Food color

Five Effortless Ways and Needed Steps to Dye Synthetic Hair Extensions

If you’re new to wigs and can’t spend hundreds of dollars on a human hair extension but still want to rock a fabulous look, synthetic wigs are a great option. Practice these DIY dying hacks with your cheap and useless hairpiece, and you’ll be a pro with time. Below are five effective methods to master the art.

Dyeing a synthetic wig with alcohol ink

Things you’ll need:

• Spray bottle
• Alcohol-based ink (shade of your choice) 
• Rubbing alcohol

Method

Take a spray bottle, fill it with 7 ounces of rubbing alcohol, depending on the length of the hair, and mix the alcohol-based ink at least eight drops or according to how rich the color you’re aiming to. 

Keep in mind that a more concentrated mixture means your shade is going to be richer. So, if you need lighter color, dilute the alcohol further and use it. 

Now thoroughly brush your synthetic extension and spray the solution on your wig. Make sure you won’t leave any strands or patches.

Pro Tip

You can add a few drops of black ink to the solution for richer color. And add a few drops of white ink into the solution if you desire a pastel shade.

Dyeing a synthetic wig with RIT Dye

Things you’ll need:

• Hot water
• Rit dye more (color of your choice) 
• Dish soap 

Method

Take approximately 14 cups of water in a saucepan, put it on a medium flame, and bring it to a boil. Now shake the Rit dye well and pour a cup and a half into the hot boiling water. Mix it well. Put the wig in the hot water and leave it there for about 15 minutes. Make sure you flip the wig into the water for about 5 minutes before leaving it in the hot water for ten more minutes. Remove the wig, rinse it with fresh tap water, and let it dry.

Pro Tip

Put the hairpiece in the fabric conditioner for 5 minutes after the final rinse for super soft and shiny hair.   

Dyeing a synthetic wig with Jacquard iDye Poly 

Things you need:

• Hot water
• iDye Poly

Method

iDye Poly is a hassle-free dye that comes in a dissolvable packet. This dye is designed explicitly for synthetic materials like plastics, nylon, and polyester, and it works exceptionally well on synthetic wigs.

The process is super easy. Take a pot filled with water and bring it to a boil. Mix the dye packet in hot water, and dunk your wig. Leave it there for 15 minutes, rinse it with tap water, and you are done.

Caution

Please note that this dying process involves hot water. Therefore, if your wig has any curl or texture, you’ll have to re-set it after dyeing as the heat will remove the curl from it. 

Dyeing a synthetic wig with Acrylic paints

Things you’ll need

• Medium and large size paintbrushes
• A bottle of acrylic paint
• A crystal jar or glass 
• Water 

Method

Take a jar and pour half of the acrylic paint into it. Now add water according to your need, like more water for a lighter shade and less water for a darker shade, and mix thoroughly. Divide your hair and start painting it layer by layer with the paintbrush while combing thoroughly to spread the color evenly. Make sure you cover the wig entirely. Let it dry for 15 minutes, and comb your wig nicely to see the result.

Pro tip

• You can dip the tips directly into the jar for darker shades at the ends of your wig. Use a paintbrush to achieve lighter hues on the wig’s upper part. 
• For a faster application, dilute the solution and use a spray bottle.

Dyeing a synthetic wig with Food color

Can you dye synthetic hair extensions with a food color? If this is what you want, be my guest because our last method is about dying synthetic wigs with food color.

Things you’ll need

• A bowl
• Dying brush
• Water 
• Conditioner
• Food color of your choice.

Method

In a bowl, take half a cup of water and half a cup of fabric conditioner and mix it well. Now add the food coloring; begin with a small amount and adjust the quantity accordingly to get the desired shade. Use a dyeing brush to apply the mixture to your wig and distribute the color evenly with a comb. Leave your wig on the stand for 10 minutes. Rinse the shade and let it dry completely.

Pro Tip

You always use a paintbrush if you don’t get the roots to stay the same color. Just carefully run the brush into the color mixture and apply it to the desired patch.

Important Considerations to Keep in Mind

1. Wear hand gloves when dying your synthetic hair.
2. To save your favourite clothes, wear old clothing or an apron.
3. If the dye stains your hands, wash them immediately with soap and water or a mixture of baking soda and water. 
4. After dyeing, always rinse your wig thoroughly until the water runs clear to ensure all excess dye vanishes.
5. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the wig after dyeing.
6. Before dying, always ensure the wig is free from dirt, debris, and other hair products because this can prevent the color from distributing evenly.