How to Dye a Synthetic Wig

4 comments by The Wig Company

VIBRANT by Fashion Club

If youā€™re running out of closet space to store new wigs or looking to refresh an old synthetic wig, you may have considered dying your wig. Before you start, thereā€™s a few things you need to know:

Can You Dye Synthetic Wigs?

Yes, you can technically dye your synthetic wigs, but we do not recommend dying synthetic wigs as you run the risk of completing ruining your wig. Some wigs are easier to dye than others like wigs made with human hair. Learn more about the different types of hair fibers you can find in wigs.

Synthetic wigs are more affordable than real human hair wigs and often come in a variety of fun colors and classic colors. The best thing to do when youā€™re getting bored of your current collection is to purchase a new wig in your desired color. But if youā€™re looking for a quick DIY project and willing to risk an aging wig, then read on!

Challenges of Dying Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic wigs are created from processed fibers such as polyester, acrylic, and polyvinyl which makes them difficult to dye. These synthetic materials donā€™t have the natural pigments that real human hair does, which means that regular hair dyes wonā€™t work on synthetic wigs. Instead, we recommended using fabric dyes that are specifically made for polyester and synthetic materials.

Youā€™re also probably wondering how to dye a synthetic wig a lighter color, unfortunately synthetic wigs canā€™t be bleached. This means that whatever dye youā€™re using has to be a darker color than the wig youā€™re dying. White wigs, silver wigs, and pastel wigs are usually the easiest to dye.

What You Need

To dye a synthetic wig, youā€™ll need:

  • 1 heat-resistant synthetic wig

  • 1 bottle of fabric dye (for polyester and synthetic materials)

  • 1 large pot

  • A stove

  • Water

  • Newspapers

  • Disposable Gloves

We also recommend wearing old clothes that you donā€™t mind getting dye on or an old apron to protect your clothes. Also, make sure that the wig youā€™re dying is heat-resistant.

Steps to Dying Your Wig

Hereā€™s how to dye a synthetic wig:

  1. Take protective measures. Throw on some old clothes or an apron and put on a pair of disposable gloves to avoid getting dye on your favorite shirt or on your hands. If the dye gets on your hands, you can wash it off with soap and water or a mix of baking soda and water. Otherwise, itā€™ll shed on its on in one to two weeks. We also recommend laying down newspapers around your workspace to avoid damaging your floors.

  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. You want the pot to be large enough to fit the wig youā€™re dying. Be sure to measure the amount of water youā€™re boiling, for every 1 cup of water, youā€™ll want to add about 3 teaspoons of fabric dye.

  3. Add in the dye. Once the water has boiled, add the fabric dye and reduce the water to a simmer.

  4. Rinse your wig with water. Before you add the wig to the pot, youā€™ll want to make sure itā€™s a little damp so it is easier to dye.

  5. Add the wig to the pot. The longer you leave your wig in the pot, the darker it will be. Keep a close eye on the wig and remove it when it has achieved your desired color. Getting the perfect color can take anywhere from just a few seconds to a few minutes, so donā€™t walk away from your wig!

  6. Remove your wig from the pot and rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear.

  7. Place the wig on a wig stand and allow it to air dry.

Dying a synthetic wig is a tricky process and it doesnā€™t always go as planned. We do not recommend dying synthetic wigs, even though the results can be very rewarding. Before you risk your wig, we recommend browsing the Fantasy Color Wigs by Hairdo collection. You might just come across the perfect new addition to your wig collection (and get to keep your old wig too)!

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