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Emily Jackson has been helping women with cancer look and feel their best at Headcovers for almost 10 years. As a 3rd generation embodiment of our spirit, she brings a fresh perspective to our custom designs. Emily is a certified wig expert and a fashion guru. The daughter of Danielle Yates and the granddaughter of Carol Galland, the visionaries behind our company, she has a passion for serving others, a gift for creative design and an eye for innovation.

(read more) Subscribe Receive our latest blog posts directly to your inbox!Subscribe Can You Dye Synthetic Hair? Posted: November 16, 2018 Categories: Wig Wearing Tips, Beauty &Makeup Tips, View All Blog Posts Comments: 2 Author: Emily Jackson

From neutral to neon, color has the power to dramatically change the way something looks—especially when you're talking about hair color. One thing some people love about their locks is the ability to mix things up every now and again with hair dye. It's fun. It's new. It's a little bit adventurous. What's not to love? If you love experimenting with hair color but need to switch to wigs due to chemotherapy treatments, general hair loss, or alopecia, it's a totally different story. Many people choose synthetic wigs due to expense and the high quality material—but can you dye synthetic hair to update your look? Should you dye your synthetic wig?

So, can you dye synthetic hair or not?

Our consensus: Don’t chance it.

Have you ever tried to dye your hair at home and had it go horribly, horribly wrong? Maybe you ended up with an awful color, or your hair completely dried out, or you got streaky skunk highlights a la Cruella de Vil. Trying to dye synthetic hair will yield similar results, but way worse.

High quality synthetic wigs from well-known designers are not made to be dyed and and will more-than-likely be damaged in the process. In fact, they will probably be ruined and rendered unwearable.

"But," you may be thinking, "Google says I can dye synthetic hair!"

Yes, it's true. A simple Google search will provide you with many methods for dying synthetic hair, including (but not limited to) acrylic paint, fabric dye, and even sharpies. In reality, these items should be used on arts and crafts—not on a high quality synthetic wig with a price tag upwards of $100. These DIY dying methods are, at the end of the day, risky science experiments that will significantly shorten the lifespan of your wig. I mean, do you really want to be a wig murderer? Do you really want that on your conscience?

If you must dye your synthetic hair, only try it on cheaper, costume style wigs, or old wigs that you're already planning on replacing. As mentioned, there is a high likelihood that the wig will be ruined.

Can you dye human hair wigs?

Some people lean more towards human hair wigs as human hair can technically be dyed. This process is not necessarily recommended as the hair must be dyed by a professional in order to not damage the cap, and can potentially affect the quality of the wig. In other words, proceed with caution.

What are my options?

Ultimately, you shouldn't dye synthetic hair. So what can you do? Your best bet is choosing the right color when you initially purchase your wig. Keep in mind that the lifespan of a synthetic wig is typically 6 months. After that, you should replace it. If you like to change up your hair with dye, this is a great time to try out a new color! Shopping online will give you more style and color options, as well as a cheaper price.

Here are some tips for helping you choose the right color when purchasing a wig from an online retailer:

Check and Double-Check those Swatches

When checking out a wig, try to narrow down your color options via the swatches available on the website. Keep in mind your screen resolution may affect the color swatch. Depending on your situation, you may even consider ordering a color ring from a specific designer for a more precise idea of your color options. If you are not sure which color to choose, consider trying the following options.

Check Into Color Services Offered

If you are unsure of which color would match your biological locks, some online retailers do provide color consultations. Find out if this service is offered by contacting the company or reading through the wig guidelines.

Send in the Deets

Consider sending in (by email or snail mail) a picture of yourself or (even better) mailing in a hair swatch for a more precise match. This can help a color consultant more easily find your color match.

To reiterate, dying a synthetic wig is a huge NO as it can completely ruin the wig. If you need help choosing a color, try exploring your options. We offer free color consultations to help you choose the right color for you. Check out our selection of wigs here!

*Featured Wig: Camilla by Jon Renau

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2 Comment(s) Submit Sandra Schreiner I had bought a topper but the color was orange and I should have requested color samples first. But I kept it and never used it. But I read something about changing the color darker using tea and coffee. And it worked!! It’s perfect now!Reply Jun 25, 2020 16:38 Jeanne HuttonI would like to see your blonde wigs you have for sale. I had short hair, thank youReply Jun 29, 2019 14:46 Cancel Submit Copyright© 1994-2025, Headcovers Unlimited, Inc.

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