Hairpieces offer the perfect opportunity to experiment with a new look without damaging your natural hair with excessive dying and straightening. Though, if you wear your hair system on a daily basis, it’s only natural to want a change from time to time. If expanding your assortment of hairpieces isn’t on the cards, you’re probably looking for an alternative, low-cost solution to zhuzh up your current wig. But before you reach for the scissors and hair dye, you should know a couple of things, so listen!

The short answer is, ‘yes, but it depends on the hair type, and we wouldn’t recommend it.’ By hair type, we mean whether your hair system is made of synthetic hair or human hair. Natural human hair wigs are easier to dye than synthetic wigs. While we’re not endorsing you to dye either of them, the risks of ruining a synthetic wig are significantly higher! 

Synthetic wigs are made of processed fibers like polyester, acrylic, and polyvinyl. Regular hair dyes don’t work on synthetic materials because, unlike human hair, which absorbs chemicals and pigments into its shafts, the dye’s pigments can’t penetrate synthetic fibers. In fact, the chemicals from the dye can actually ruin the hairpiece. Instead, synthetic hair requires a specific fabric dye designed for synthetic materials. Synthetic wigs can’t be bleached either, so if you decide to risk it with a synthetic wig, whatever dye you’re using must be darker than the original hair color. 

Synthetic wigs are more affordable than natural human hair and often come in various fun and classic colors. So, if you’re getting bored with your current hairstyle, your best and safest option is to purchase a new wig in your desired color and style.

How to Dye a Natural Human Hair Wig at Home

If you have an old hairpiece that you want to revive and are willing to risk its demise, then read on. Otherwise, we strongly recommend taking your hair system to a professional so that you can get the best results! The salons are well-versed in hair coloring and know how to create the perfect color and achieve a natural and even look while causing as little damage to your hair as possible. That said, we can see you’re determined to try it yourself, so here are some tips! 

For the best shot at a successful home hair system dying sesh, we suggest starting with a light blonde, white, or silver human hair wig. And, if it’s your first time, it’s best to use a color-depositing dye, aka semi-permanent hair color, rather than permanent. Remember, it’s always easier to go darker than lighter, so we suggest leaving all bleaching and highlighting to the experts!

Top Wig Dying Tips

• Wash your hair system: The first step when dying anything, from clothes to hair systems, is to wash it first. This will remove any excess dirt or hair product, allowing for seamless color.
• Prep the work area: Prevent any accidental mess and permanent stains by prepping the place where you plan to dye your hair system. Cover the area with a plastic sheet and make sure you have everything you need to hand. Use latex gloves to protect your hands.
• Protect the base and lace front: To prevent the base and lace front from staining, coat the inside of the wig with heavy-duty hairspray, allowing it time to dry and harden before proceeding with the dye. You can also use hair gel and vaseline.
• Do a test strand: Test the dye on a discreet, small section of hair near the nape of the neck first before committing to the entire head. That way, you can check the reaction of the hair to the dye and ensure the color is to your liking before it’s too late! 
• Remove any yellow tinges:  Some blonde wigs have a slight yellow tinge, which will influence the color you put on top. You can remove the yellow by rinsing the hair system with purple shampoo and allowing it to dry before dying.

What’s the best hair dye for a natural human hair wig?

To prevent the hair from being damaged by harsh chemicals, always choose a hair dye free of toxins like ammonia, paraben, sulfates, and silicone. Here are some of our top toxin-free hair dye picks to get you started:

• Clairol Natural Instincts: This semi-permanent hair dye is toxin-free and contains coconut oil and keratin to nourish your strands.
• Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color Creme: This hair dye simultaneously colors and conditions your hair with natural products to give it a silky soft sheen.
• L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying: This hair dye does what it says on the tin; it provides long-lasting color.
• Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream: Achieve a vibrant color that lasts up to 9 weeks with this hair dye. 

Check out our website and blog for everything you need to know about hair systems. Or, if you can’t find answers to your questions there, have a chat with one of our hair replacement system experts. They will be delighted to point you in the right direction for hair systems for men and women.