Q&A for How to Dye a Synthetic Wig

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  • Question
    How do you dye a human hair wig?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Read the instructions on the dye and follow them carefully—you'll want to dilute the dye down if your wig is very curly, as curled hair can absorb the colorant more easily. Then, apply the dye evenly across the hair so you don't end up with darker patches. Make sure to leave enough product to cover the whole wig so you don't run out at the ends!
  • Question
    What do you do with the alcohol? It doesn't state it in your instructions.
    Community Answer
    You mix it with the water and then you put the ink inside the water with the alcohol. Then it should work better.
  • Question
    Can I dye a blonde wig to be platinum white?
    Community Answer
    No. You only can dye light wigs to a darker color. You cannot dye it to a lighter color.
  • Question
    I want to temporarily dye the ends of my blonde wig pink and blue, what can I use for the color to work but then fade out? And what will help the color fade back to the original color?
    Community Answer
    The colored hair spray works great for a temporary fix. I did a Harley Quinn blue and red wig for Halloween.
  • Question
    Can I dye a dark brown wig to a honey blonde color?
    Community Answer
    You can lighten the brown of the wig, but it's probably too dark to achieve a honey blonde.
  • Question
    Is it difficult to dye a wig multiple colors?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Use heat-resistant synthetic wigs and the same brand of dye throughout all of your colors. You can either [1] separate them for bold streaks or [2] blend the colors so they appear softer. [1] Use foil to separate colors and divide the hair into equal sections. The colors will not mix with one another. Use a hair dryer on low heat as often as you can. Take the foil out after 3 days, then dry. [2] You want the colors to blend into each other, but not your desired color to change. Add a light coat, just enough to see the colors clearly. Let it dry for 1 day (shouldn't be completely dry). Add a coat, dry 1 day, repeat.
  • Question
    After dyeing the wig, will the color rub off on clothing?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the ink, alcohol, and the wig itself. Usually, if you don't rinse your wig, it will stain anything as soon as it gets wet. The downside of rinsing the wig is it might lose color a bit and you would have to recolor it. However, that is better than ruining your clothes and cosplays.
  • Question
    Can I dye a red wig partly green?
    Community Answer
    No, because of how color mixing works, the green portion would turn brown. I would suggest getting a platinum blond or white wig and dyeing that red and green.
  • Question
    Can I use a Sharpie to color a wig?
    Community Answer
    Sharpie has a terrible smell that does not go away. Also, since it's an alcohol-based marker, it will destroy your sponge.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a head stand in Queens, NY?
    Community Answer
    Check at your local beauty supply stores for head stands. If they do not carry them, they might be able to order you one or you can order one online.
  • Question
    Is it possible to dye a lilac purple wig, pastel pink?
    Community Answer
    No, the color you want to dye it must be lighter than the color it is already.
  • Question
    I have a short, light brown wig and I want to dye it pastel pink. Do you know if it'll work?
    TsunXi
    Community Answer
    It probably wouldn't work well with that color, due to color mixing. I suggest getting a white or light blonde wig and dyeing it pastel pink.
  • Question
    My wig is too red. I want it to be more brown. Am I better off using a brown or a green color to achieve the effect I want?
    TsunXi
    Community Answer
    If the green ink is lighter, you're likely to get brown. But if you're using brown, you should mix some red with it.
  • Question
    Can I use regular hair dye to color the wig?
    Community Answer
    No. Using regular hair dye can cause the wig to bleed the color onto your clothes.
  • Question
    Can you dye a gray synthetic wig to be a white/gray mix?
    TsunXi
    Community Answer
    No. Lighter colored inks do not work with darker colored wigs. I suggest getting a white wig, then grab some gray ink to achieve this appearance.
  • Question
    What kind of dye tray is recommended?
    Community Answer
    A paint palette with deep trays would work. As an alternative, you could also use pie pans. (It really depends on the dye amount though.)
  • Question
    Is it possible to dye a two-colored wig black?
    Community Answer
    Yes, since both colors are lighter than black, it will make no difference in how it looks once done.
  • Question
    How can I dye a wig that is very bright pink to black?
    Community Answer
    Start with first applying a light/translucent layer of dark green and allowing the wig to dry. Next add multiple layers of black, making sure to let the wig dry between each layer.
  • Question
    Can a temporary color be applied to lighten a synthetic piece?
    Community Answer
    Temporary colors are for human hair, it will just slide off of synthetic hair because temporary color doesn't actually stain like alcohol based ink does.
  • Question
    Can I dye my silver synthetic wig black?
    Community Answer
    Yes, with the proper dye.
  • Question
    Can I dye a brown/orange wig blonde?
    Community Answer
    You can't lighten a synthetic wig. Only darker colors, since bleach only removes the color of natural fiber (real hair, like sheepskin or human hair).
  • Question
    I'm not asking for much, but is it possible lighten a blue wig to a slightly lighter white/blue?
    Community Answer
    Probably not. You can usually only stain synthetic hair to be darker shades. A white synthetic wig can be stained to be almost any shade/color desired, as it is quite literally a blank canvas to work with. It'd be best to either buy a wig in the shade you want, or get a white one and dye it with the method shown above.
  • Question
    Can I dye a white wig light ash blonde?
    Community Answer
    It's possible, but it might not turn out exactly the way you want depending on the material of the wig or the way it's been treated.
  • Question
    Could I dye a silver/grey wig into a dark brown/black?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you use the proper type of dye.
  • Question
    Can I dye a brown wig silver?
    Community Answer
    If it is natural hair, then you can bleach it, then re-dye it a silver color. If it is purely synthetic, then no, you can only color it a darker color (since bleach will either be absolutely useless, or destroy the synthetic fibers).
  • Question
    Can I wash a wig after I have dyed it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the color might fade. You can always update the color to make it bolder as needed, but don't overdye or wash it.
  • Question
    Can I dye a blonde wig red?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can, if you use a nice wig that is not cheap and plastic it will dye. If you also have a nice vibrant dye it will work much better. The longer you leave the dye on your wig the better the color will be seen.
  • Question
    Can I dye a black wig blue or purple?
    Community Answer
    Not if it's synthetic, but you can if it's real.
  • Question
    What color should I use to dye a brown wig to dark brown?
    Community Answer
    If you are using this method, use brown ink mixed with little bit of black ink to make it darker. Be careful with the black ink, though, so it won't end to be too black. I would recommend either trying the dye on small piece of the wig that is hidden to see what it looks like or buying clip-on synthetic hair highlights of same color as your wig to test the color on.
  • Question
    Can I dye an orange wig red?
    Acedia Venentrum
    Community Answer
    It's possible, since orange is lighter than red. It depends on the shade of the orange color but if you're okay to give it a go with the possibility it won't work, then give it a try.
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