"Dyeing extensions or bundles is a difficult job, even for professionals, because every hair type responds differently to the color," says colorist Matt Rez, hair specialist. But take note that it said "hard" rather than "impossible."
Because, while going to a professional is the safest way to change up your hair color, you can DIY your dye job at home if you know what you're doing first. That's where I come in. I spoke with four expert colorists and hair experts to learn how to dye bundles without damaging them.
Step 1: Determine if you are the hair bundle is right
Virgin human hair bundles
The bad news is that if the hair bundles are made of synthetic hair, your at-home dyeing journey will end right here. Despite the fact that synthetic hair is far more advanced today, it is not dyeable.
However, if the hair bundles are made of natural, human hair, then congratulations! You can now proceed to step two.
Step 2: Be aware of your color limits
Colors to pick for your hair bundles
Would you mind exercising some restraint when it comes to at-home color? Choose a subtle shade change, such as a warmer/cooler shade or a bright, unexpected color, rather than a drastic change, which will "help prevent dryness, damage, and possible breakage," according to celebrity hairstylist and wigmaker Kiyah Wright.
So, if you want platinum highlights or go from jet-black to white-blonde in a day, you'll have to go to the salon.
Step 3: Obtain the required supplies
Materials required to dye bundles
Even if your Virgin Remy hair bundles were a rack, you don't have to spend a fortune on your at-home color. Big drugstore dyes like Dark and Lovely, L'Oréal Paris Feria, Clairol Nice'n & Easy, and Garnier Nutrisse, whereas Wright prefers Wella box dyes because they "work best for the consumer."
Whatever dye you choose, make sure you have enough of it—don't try to save money by buying one box and hoping to stretch it out—by purchasing two boxes of dye per bundle. "It's always better to have too much than not enough," Vmir says.
While you're at it, pick up a wide-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, mixing bowl, and dye brush, as well as some extra trash bags to cover floors and surfaces because dying the bundles at home, can get messy.
Step 4: Start Dying the bundles
Start dying the bundles
Wow, you've finally made it to the important part—thanks for sticking with it. But don't start slathering yet. Always perform a quick strand test first to ensure that your virgin human hair bundles do not have an adverse, strange reaction to the dye.
The instructions for conducting a patch test are usually included in the box of dye, but here's a quick reference: In your plastic bowl, combine a spoonful of dye and a spoonful of developer and paint the last few inches of a very small section of hair. Then, just as you would with natural hair, let it sit for the time specified on the box before rinsing, shampooing, conditioning, and drying.
Step 5: Make it last as long as possible
Once you've dyed your virgin hair bundles, you must care for them to keep the color vibrant and the hair healthy. Use a hair moisturizer, as well as weekly or bi-weekly hair masks to strengthen your hair.
"Restoring the health and shine of hair after coloring" products include Moroccan Argan Oil and Silicone Mix, a treatment and shampoo designed to revitalize hair bundles. Use them regularly to keep your hair looking glossy and vibrant long after your dye job is finished.
