How to Dye (Not Fry) Your Hair Extensions
Posted on July 07 2016
Our
RC Pure, ProLine and HeavenlyLengths extensions are all available in a
gorgeous, naturally-occurring dark brown that hasn’t been enhanced with dye.
Many of our customers love this look, but they also choose us because they can
change their hair color on a whim with Remy
virgin hair extensions. Since we select strong, durable hair for our
extensions and never subject the hair to harsh chemical processing, Remy
Capillus hair can withstand bleaching and dyeing just like natural hair. And just as with your natural tresses,
there’s a right way and a wrong way to dye them, so follow this guide to avoid
the “cotton candy” effect and keep your Remy
extensions strong and healthy.
Step 1: Lighten
Unless you’re dyeing your hair extensions the darkest blue-black possible,
you’ll have to bleach them—or “lift” the color, in stylists’ terms—before
adding the desire shade. You can purchase developer and powder kits at your
local beauty supply store. Use 30 volume lightener for medium shades, and 40
volume for the palest blonde.
Next, assemble your workstation. Spread out the extensions on an old towel or
tarp, mix the bleach according to the instructions and put on plastic gloves to
protect your hands. Using a tint brush, apply the mixture evenly along the
extensions, being sure to saturate them fully. Then, let the bleach sit,
checking the extensions every ten minutes as they progress from brown to red to
orange to yellow. The shade you need depends on your end result—stopping at
orange is fine for dark colors, but if you’re transitioning to honey blonde or
pale pink your extensions should be bleached to a pale yellow (which resembles
the inside of a banana).
Step 2: Wash (Rinse, Repeat)
Once you reach the desired shade, wash your extensions with a pH balancing
shampoo and conditioner. (You may want to shampoo them twice.) If you haven’t
reached the desired shade yet, re-bleach them, using a stronger volume if
needed. Be careful to check their texture, however. If your extensions start to
feel gummy, you may be damaging them, and you’ll have to wash them right away.
Step 3: Dye or Toner?
Now comes the fun part: dyeing your extensions a new shade. You can use toner
or dye to achieve a new color. A purple toner will cancel out yellow tones to
create a cool platinum blonde, while blue toner will result in a silvery hue.
We recommend purple toner if you’re transitioning to a blonde shade, but if
you’re choosing a darker color you can skip this step.
Use a semi-permanent dye, free from harsh chemicals like ammonia. These colors
are gentler than permanent dye and will cause less damage to your extensions.
Semi-permanent dye comes in a rainbow of shades, from natural colors like brunette
or strawberry blond, to bright colors like violet, blue and green. Follow the dye
manufacturer’s instructions for color application, and never leave the dye on
for longer than the instructions tell you to. Once the color has set, wash your
extensions again with balancing shampoo until the water runs clear, and lay
them out to dry.
Step 4: Aftercare
Remember that bleached hair is more fragile than untreated hair (that’s why our
virgin extensions are free from coloring in the first place). To keep your
extensions in the best shape, use a moisturizing shampoo and apply a nourishing
hair mask regularly. Heat-style on low settings, and use heat-protectant
products to prevent damaging your locks. With proper care, you can wear any
style you want and still have a full, healthy, touchable head of hair.
