Everything You Need To Know About Dyeing A Wig

It's why wearing a wig is a game changer - especially if you like to experiment with hair color. Whether you're rocking a hairpiece for just one night at a costume party or every day at the office, the commitment isn't permanent. So, if you've been dying to try blonde hair, but fear damaging your natural strands, a wig is a great way to take a new color for a test run.

A developer is a hydrogen peroxide formula that opens up the cuticle of your hair so it can make your strands lighter. The number 20 indicates the percentage of peroxide in the developer (the higher the number, the lighter the hair will get). Starting at a 20-volume developer is an easy way to make sure you don't drastically lift the extensions' color too quickly.

Wright advises against dyeing a synthetic wig. "Because the hair is synthetic, the dye won't properly penetrate the fibers and it could ruin your wig," she says.

What if I want to dye my wig a bright color?

If you want to go beyond browns, blondes, and red, you can still achieve a vibrant hair color at home. "Your wig should be bleached to a blonde shade before attempting to achieve a bright color," Spence explains. "I prefer to start with a blonde wig for these colors, so the result is as vibrant as possible." According to Wright, your wig should be at a minimum of level 12 - icy, platinum blonde - with the least amount of yellow before putting a bright color on top. You can also start with a blonde wig if you want to avoid the bleaching process altogether.

After letting your hair process for 20 minutes - or more depending on your goals - Spence says rinsing out the developer thoroughly is essential. "If there's any excess bleach left in the hair, it can become damaged and impact the longevity of your wig," he explains.

Both Wright and Spence agree that it's totally safe to use box dye on your unit, depending on the results you are seeking. "If the process of mixing color and developer is intimidating, there's no harm in using box dye," Spence explains. Wright notes that box dye isn't as potent as professional-grade color, so if you're seeking a complex dye job, drugstore dye might be too subtle. "Extension hair is, usually, in its most natural pigment, so it's harder to lift the color with box dye," she says. "In that case, a professional color might be more effective."

The bottom line is: Coloring your wig at home doesn't have to be complicated, and it can be fun to do. However, one wrong move can compromise the quality of your hair, and a good wig is an investment, so color with caution.