Can I dye my hair with extensions in?
If you’re going to spend hundreds of pounds on hair extensions, you want to know that you can do the most with them.
So, if you’re wondering, “Can I dye my hair with extensions in?”, then we’re here to tell you that it’s absolutely possible. However, you’ll need to invest in good-quality real human hair extensions for it to work.
Whether you want to touch up your roots or you just want to switch it up, you don’t have to wait till your extensions are removed to colour your hair. And to prove how easy it is, our team at I’m So Pretty has created a guide to achieving your dream look at home.
Why should you consider dyeing your hair extensions?
Sometimes, you don’t want to wait long to make a change. If you’ve just had nano-tip extensions or weft hair extensions installed, why wait months until they’re removed to add some colour?
Whether that’s an adventurous colour like pink or blue, or a natural brown or blonde, it’s entirely possible to switch up your look without the hassle. But it’s not as simple as adding hair dye and hoping for the best (although we wish it were).
You should keep a few things in mind: what your extensions are made of, how they’re attached, and the kind of colour change you’re after. Remember that extensions can be an investment in both money and hair goals, and you want to protect that investment.
If you’re thinking, “Why not just remove the extensions, dye my hair, and then put them back?” then that can be the best approach—sometimes. But there are plenty of reasons to colour your hair without taking extensions out:
Root touch-ups and colour refreshes
If you constantly touch up your hair to prevent greys or your natural colour from coming through, you’ll be happy to know you can keep this up with extensions.
Keeping them in means you can colour everything in one go for a uniform look, without the hassle of removing and reapplying the extensions.
Matching extensions to your hair
Maybe you dyed your natural hair a new shade, and now your extensions are a slightly different tone.
Rather than buying a whole new set of extensions, you might try dyeing the extensions (and your hair) to match, which will save you money.
Convenience
Let’s face it, removing extensions (especially semi-permanent types like tape-ins or bonded extensions) can be time-consuming and require a salon visit.
If you like to change hair colours frequently, you might prefer the convenience of doing it all at once without removal.
Don’t dye synthetic extensions!
If your extensions are real human hair, like the premium hair extensions we sell at I’m So Pretty, they will take colour just as well as your natural strands— especially when going darker or adding tint!
However, synthetic extensions cannot be dyed with regular hair colour. This is because the fibres don’t have the natural pigments or structure for hair dye to latch onto, resulting in a mess.
Preparation: do a strand test
Before being impulsive and lathering your hair and extensions in hair dye, complete a strand test first!
This will save you from wasted money and inevitable heartbreak if you don’t check how good the dye is first.
- Take a hidden piece of your natural hair and a piece of your hair extensions.
- Mix a small amount of hair dye according to the instructions.
- Apply the colour to each test strand and leave it for the recommended time.
- Check the result: is it what you expected? Does it appear dry or splotchy?
- Tug on the coloured hair after it's dry to test whether it feels strong or brittle.
If you notice any warning signs, it’s best to choose a different hair colour brand or colour. It’s better than ending up with a major hair disaster, girls!
Don’t dye your hair with extensions from home!
What better way to achieve added length, volume, and a new hair colour than by dyeing your hair with extensions in?
However, we need to stress that you shouldn’t dye real human hair extensions at home; always go to a professional salon!
Dyeing hair extensions is more complicated than dyeing your own hair, and paying for a professional to do it will save you from damaging your beautiful locks.
We also don’t advise bleaching extensions at home, as this can cause breakage! For aftercare, have sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner on hand, such as the Pretty Aftercare Shampoo and Conditioner.
Going darker vs. going lighter (bleaching)
Going darker is typically straightforward. You can change your natural hair and real human extensions from a light blonde to chocolate brown in one simple process.
You’re depositing pigment, which is less damaging than lifting colour out, and human hair extensions can usually handle being dyed a shade or two darker (although we do suggest using an ammonia-free formula).
Bleaching or lightening is where we issue a big warning. Lightening your hair extensions is risky business, as bleach is a harsh chemical that can wreak havoc on extensions and the bonds.
Most extension experts do not recommend bleaching extensions at all—unless you want extremely dry, frizzy, or broken extensions. Our advice? Avoid bleaching extension hair and instead add highlights with new extensions (e.g., mix in a few lighter wefts) rather than bleaching.
Your extensions will thank you by staying silky and intact!
Find your colour with I’m So Pretty
Before doing anything, we suggest taking a look at the extension colours already out there.
You might find the perfect colour extensions that require no dyeing at all! We offer a bespoke colour match service at I’m So Pretty.
Our team will help you find extensions that blend with your current or desired hair colour, so you don’t have to reach for the dye every time!