Can You Dye Hair Extensions While They Are In Your Head? A Complete Guide

Hair extensions are a popular way to add length, volume, and style to your natural hair. As your new growth comes in, you may be wondering if you can touch up the color on your extensions while wearing them. Here, we’ll cover whether it’s possible to dye extensions in your hair and tips to get the best results.

Is It Possible To Dye Extensions In Your Hair?

Yes, it is possible to dye the hair extensions that are already installed in your hair. However, there are some challenges to keep in mind:

• The extensions may not take color evenly, resulting in a splotchy or disjointed look.

• If your natural hair shows through the extensions, the two colors may not match afterwards.

• Certain types of extensions, like tape-ins, can be compromised if too much dye seeps into the bonds.

To avoid these issues, most stylists recommend removing extensions prior to dyeing for the most uniform color. But with care, your extensions can be dyed successfully while in your hair.

Tips For Dyeing Extensions In Your Hair

Follow these tips to dye extensions that are already installed:

• Use a professional colorist. Box dyes at home often don’t work well on extensions. Have an experienced stylist do the application.

• Choose a demi-permanent dye. Demi-dyes cause less damage but still last 4-6 weeks on extensions.

• Separate and dye each weft. Carefully separate each weft and use a tinting brush to dye each one thoroughly for an even result.

• Rinse thoroughly. Make sure no residual dye is left on the bonds, tapes, or your natural hair to prevent damage.

• Dry extensions separately. Air dry extensions before blow drying to prevent bonds from loosening when wet.

• Schedule regular touch ups. Expect to need root touch ups and glossing every 4-6 weeks as your natural hair grows in.

Why Dyeing Extensions In Hair Can Be Tricky

There are a few key reasons why at-home dye jobs or sloppy applications on in-hair extensions may not turn out well:

Can’t Dye Them Evenly

When extensions are already installed in your hair, it’s difficult to fully separate and independently color each weft. Dye may pool unevenly, creating a splotchy color result.

Natural Hair Shows Through

If your natural roots are visible through the extensions, your real hair and extensions may end up different colors.

Risk of Damage

Getting dye on the bonds, tapes, or other materials that attach extensions can deteriorate the adhesives before their time.

Color Doesn’t Take the Same

The hair in extensions is often more porous and processed than your real hair. The color may turn out differently even with the same dye.

How To Dye Extensions For The Best Results

To ensure your extensions look vibrant, natural, and seamless, follow these pro tips:

• Have your natural hair colored first before installing extensions for the perfect match.

• Buy extra extension hair specifically for dyeing so you can redo them between installs.

• Dye extension hair separately from your own hair for the most even, consistent color.

• Use a professional permanent or demi-permanent salon-quality dye. Avoid box dyes.

• Carefully apply dye to each weft root-to-tip for complete saturation.

• Rinse, then wash with sulfate-free shampoo and air dry fully before blow drying.

• Book follow up glossing or root touch up appointments every 4-6 weeks.

What To Consider Before Dyeing Extensions In Hair

There are a few factors to consider before attempting to dye extensions while wearing them:

• Condition of extensions – Old, over-processed extensions are more prone to damage.

• Existing color – Dark shades are harder to lighten than light shades.

• Type of extension – Some bonds/tapes may react poorly to dye chemicals.

• Your natural color – A mismatch may occur if your roots show through.

• Experience level – Have a professional do it to avoid mistakes.

• Maintenance needs – Will need frequent touch ups as your hair grows out.

Expert Tips For Maintaining Color On Extensions

To keep your extensions looking freshly dyed and prevent fading between salon visits:

• Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

• Wash extensions less frequently, just 1-2 times per week.

• Rinse with cool water and air dry when possible.

• Apply a weekly nourishing hair mask or deep conditioner.

• Avoid chlorine, salt water, and other chemicals that can strip color.

• Use a colored conditioner or glossing treatment between dye jobs.

• Trim extensions every 6-8 weeks to prevent dryness on the ends.

What To Do If Your Extensions Didn’t Take Color Well

If your extensions end up splotchy, damaged, or an undesired color after dyeing, here are some solutions:

• Try dyeing them again with a protein filler added to even out the porosity.

• Use a clarifying shampoo to remove some of the bad color result.

• Dye over with a darker demi-permanent shade.

• Have a professional color correction service done.

• Remove the extensions and have new custom colored extensions made.

• Switch to clip-ins so you can easily dye hair before putting them in.

Common Questions About Dyeing Extensions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about coloring hair extensions:

Can you use box dye on extensions?

No, box dye is too harsh and often doesn’t take evenly on extensions. Use professional semi- or demi-permanent dye.

Should extensions be dyed before or after installation?

It’s best to dye extensions before installing them for the most seamless, even color result.

How soon can you dye new extensions?

Wait 2 weeks after installation before coloring new extensions to allow bonds to fully set.

Can you bleach extensions lighter?

You can, but bleaching extensions should be done carefully by a professional. Expect damage from lightening dark extensions.

How long does dye last on extensions?

Demi-dye will last 4-6 weeks on extensions. Permanent dye may get you 6-8 weeks between touch ups.

Get Beautiful, Seamless Color With Professionally Dyed Extensions

While it is possible to dye your hair extensions at home, you’ll get the best results by having them colored before installation by a stylist. This allows the color to be evenly applied and matched to your natural shade.

Contact us today at Heather Annz Salon to learn about our custom colored hair extension options to flawlessly match your hair. Our experienced stylists know all the tips and tricks to seamlessly blend your extensions for a beautiful, natural look.