How to Dye a Human Hair Wig

Searching for the best way to dye a human hair wig? Wigs are one of the best beauty luxury items. Since the 18th century, wigs have been created to allow us to dramatically change up our look with ease in a matter of seconds. Looking for the best tips on how to care for your wig? 

In this article, I’ll teach all you need to know about how to properly dye your human hair wig, including how to darken, lighten, bleach, and highlight it. I’ll even include some of the best tips to keep your wig looking fresh. Grab your beauty tools, and let’s brush up on how to dye a human hair wig.  

Why Choose a Human Hair Wig?

Ok, first things first. 

Why should you choose a human hair wig over cheaper, synthetic wigs? The answer is easy. Human hair wigs offer the most natural feel and a far more realistic look compared to synthetic materials. With proper care, they will last up to 3 years or more. 

So while you’re spending a few more bucks, you’re investing in a better product that will feel more “you.”

Can You Dye a Wig with Hair Color?

Yes, you can absolutely dye a human hair wig with hair color. I did this a few years ago, but I paid a hefty price since I had my salon do this for me. While they did a fabulous job, I had no idea it was so easy to do (and so much cheaper) to do this at home. Human hair wigs hold color far better than synthetic wigs because they are REAL hair.

You can use the same dye and tools to dye your human hair wig as you would with your regular hair. 

How convenient is that? This kind of hair dye wouldn’t work on a synthetic wig. 

But remember, don’t use any kind of fabric dye on your human hair wig, as that will certainly damage it. Stick to the trusty brand that you’d find at your favorite store.  

How to Dye a Human Hair Full Lace Wig?

Full lace wigs are easy to dye. Follow these directions for the ideal results:

1. Wash and dry your wig to remove any styling products.
2. Secure the wig on a mannequin head or something similar.
3. Don your gloves and prepare your hair color product.  
4. Use a plastic covering underneath to catch the droplets in case your wig drips.  
5. Follow the directions on the box of your hair color product. Carefully apply the hair color to the wig and leave it on for the recommended time.

Rinse the wig under lukewarm water with a color-stay shampoo and conditioner. 

1. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Gently pat the wig to take out most of the water. Then let it air dry or blow-dry.  
3. Style and enjoy your new look!

How to Dye My Lace Wig Without Dying the Lace?

To avoid dying the lace while dying your human hair lace wig, you will need a product such as Got to Be Glued by Schwarzkopf (or similar) to cover the lace.

1. Brush all the hair back and pin the wig to your mannequin head.
2. Apply a generous layer of Got To Be Glued to the lace, then allow it to dry under a hairdryer on low heat, or let it air dry.
3. Repeat this step for a second coat. It will take about 30 minutes to dry,  
4. Proceed to dye the hair. The net will not stain because of this product.
5. Wash the wig and then the lace. Your net should not be colored at all.

By following these steps, you should be able to protect your lace in the long run!

How to Dye a Human Hair Wig Black?

Dying your wig black is a much easier task compared to trying to lighten it. To dye your wig black, ensure you have chosen a quality black dye product from the store. Be sure to “test” a strip first to ensure you will achieve the color you want. Then follow the previous steps. Remember, black or darker colors will be less harsh on your wig than trying to lighten it, so it should last longer. (Although it’s going to be challenging to dye it in a lighter shade if you get tired of the black color)

How to Bleach a Human Hair Wig?

Ok, here’s the part where it gets tricky. While dying your wig a darker color will be easy, bleaching it will require you to be extra careful. You know how you can destroy your own hair if you bleach it too much? Welp, you can do the same with your wig. But if you take it slow and steady, you should be able to get great results.

To avoid pulling a Katy Perry (but hey, she still pulled off the look), be sure to follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry your wig to remove any styling products.
2. Secure the wig on a mannequin head or something similar.
3. Don your gloves and prepare your hair bleach product.  
4. Dab the bleach product gently onto the lace.
5. Cover all the knots with the bleach product, then cover lace in foil.
6. When the knots turn blonde, it’s time to rinse! Rinse the lace upside down.
7. Wash the lace with neutralizing shampoo, then condition.  
8. Allow lace to dry naturally. Do not use heat!
9. Now that the lace is taken care of apply your bleach product to the hair of the wig.
10. You may need to use several passes with the bleach to achieve the color you want. This will take patience, but it’s worth it! The darker the hair, the more passes you’ll need to bring that color out. 
11. Follow product directions carefully, and treat the wig hair as you would your own. Pay attention to the time limits!
12. After washing the bleach product out, use a towel to gently pat excess water out of the wig, then allow it to dry naturally or use very low heat to style.  

Tips:

1. Ensure all the bleach is out, otherwise say goodbye to those locks.  
2. Try using a 20-volume crème developer with bleach to slowly achieve the color without over-processing your wig -resulting in broken strands (and dreams).
3. Bleaching your wig may result in less longevity of it. But beauty sometimes comes with a price.
4. Bleaching the knots will result in a more natural look; however, it can damage the hair by weakening the roots and the lace.  

How to Lighten a Human Hair Wig?

The good news is, lightening your human hair wig is an excellent middle ground between dying it black and bleaching it. Choose a quality hair dye product and follow the same steps as outlined. Be sure to perform that test strip to ensure you have your desired color. If you wish to bleach or lighten the lace and knots for a more natural look, go for it! Just be gentle.  

How to Highlight a Human Hair Wig?

Here we enter the tricky area again. Much like the bleaching process, you’ll want to take this slow to avoid over-processing. For best results, use a wig that already has lighter color. Then, comb in the color of your choice. And for more “depth” to your highlights, you can add two or more colors. Remember, the darker the wig, the bigger the risk. When I bought my wig, it was already highlighted. It saved me time and effort, and it was easier to go darker from there when I wanted to change up the color (to dye it black).  

Why Won’t My Human Hair Wig Dye?

Check the authenticity of your human hair wig. Make sure it is human hair (especially before you purchase). Sometimes the wig will use hair from multiple sources. Also, be sure it is “virgin” hair, meaning it has never been colored before. Look for “100% Virgin” on the back of the hair products. 

If your product isn’t 100% virgin human hair, return it ASAP. Don’t waste your time with anything else. You’re a goddess, and you’re worth it!

Wig Care Tips

To help your wig last as long as possible, here are a few tried and true tips to help your wig last longer than your last relationship.

1. ALWAYS use color-safe shampoo and conditioner when washing your wig.  
2. Use low heat to blow dry, straighten, and curl it. Try to stay away from the roots.  
3. Use the same styling products as you would on your own hair.
4. Never crumple it up. Utilize a mannequin if possible, and keep it away from heat and humidity for best results. 
5. Wash it, but not all the time. You should be getting at least 7-10 wears out of it before it desperately needs its next wash.  

Be gentle! 

1. When detangling and brushing your wig, use high-quality brushes and be patient and gentle while brushing. The harder you are on the roots, the more hair you will lose.  
2. Buy more than one and rotate wigs to make them longer lasting. You’ll also have more flexibility to change up your look this way. Life is short, so enjoy your style!
3. Use a deep conditioning treatment on the wig at least a week before you dye it, so it is moisturized and ready to hold color!
4. Always do a small “test” patch on your human hair wig first to make sure that it is the color you want!
5. Remember, if the wig goes below your shoulders, be sure to purchase two boxes of dye, just in case!

If you’re super nervous about coloring your wig, you can always visit a stylist first. After watching them do it first-hand, you’re sure to be more confident about it next time! Quality wigs are expensive, and you want that to last! 

The best part about wigs is that you can be bolder with the color since it isn’t your real hair. Dare to dream, beauty queen!  

Thanks for stopping by! 

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