Types of Hair Extensions You Can Colour
There are various types of hair extension products available on the market. These include virgin hair, Remy hair, human hair, and synthetic hair. Each type of hair is graded differently, with some having their cuticles removed, while others retain their cuticles. Some extensions are heat-resistant, while others are not as they are synthetic. Therefore, before colouring your hair extensions, it is crucial to determine if they are of high-grade Remy quality. Remy extensions are sourced from multiple human hair donors, making them sit as close as possible to natural hair. North Professional Tape hair extensions are the highest grade of Remy hair and are safe to colour. As a result, such hair can be chemically treated with professional hair dye. However, if your hair extensions are synthetic and made of fibres, it is better to purchase new extensions that match the colour you want to achieve. All grades of Remy/human hair can be coloured, but the higher the grade, the better the colour results and longevity.
It is essential to identify the type of hair extensions you have before colouring them. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully to achieve optimal results.
As shown in the image below, hair extensions can cause colour fading over time, which is why it is recommended to colour high-quality human hair.
Can You Dye Permanent Hair Extensions Whilst They Are In Your Hair?
Yes, you can colour professionally fitted hair extensions such as tape-ins, micro rings or weft while wearing them. However, I would not recommend colouring human hair extensions that are clipped in as they may slide out and cause damage while washing the colour off, resulting in unnecessary weight and damage to the natural hair. If you are colouring extensions that are permanently fitted in the hair such as weft or tapes it is best to avoid any attachments with permanent hair dye to prevent slipping.
Best Tips To Follow While Dyeing Your Hair Extensions
Prepare your workspace by setting up a clean and organized area before starting to colour your tape in hair extensions. Make sure all the necessary tools and materials are laid out and ready to use.
To prepare hair extensions for a colour service, make sure that the hair is clean and has no product build-up. You can use Malibu Undo Goo shampoo for this purpose. If the colour of tape hair extensions has faded from dark brown to orange due to excessive heat, you can use permanent colour to darken them. However, if you want to add gloss or tone to the extensions, it is best to slightly dampen them to allow the product to glaze and blend. When colouring, always use a rack like the hairmade easi or colouring capes if you're not wearing the tapes to help with any colour transferring onto workspaces. To avoid patches and uneven results whilst colouring the hair extensions, comb the colour through thoroughly. I recommend using a Denman Be-Bop brush for this purpose. Remember to turn the hair extensions over and apply the product to both sides. As hair extensions are a raw material, they tend to absorb plenty of product. Therefore, apply plenty of products. Before using your target shade, do a strand test on a small section.
How to Color Your Hair Extensions?
To set up your colouring area, you will need a colour rack, colouring capes or wraps, a tint brush, bowls, and a blending brush. When choosing your target shade, it is essential to apply your general colouring theory knowledge. However, hair extensions undergo a rigorous stripping process, and many cool tones are used. Therefore, it is best to opt for a gold or natural target shade when colouring brunette extensions, such as 6/0 and 6/3. It is also advisable to avoid any violet-based colours when colouring blonde extensions, as it may activate the underlying pink tone used to remove any yellow. In this case, it is best to choose ash or natural shades, for example, 10/1 and 10/0.
Ensure that your extensions are clean, untangled, and laid out on your colour rack or colouring wraps.
Firstly, mix your desired hair colour and make sure you have enough product to saturate the hair extensions fully. You may want to slightly dampen the extensions to ensure even blending of the colour.
Secondly, apply the colour to the damp hair extensions using a good detangling brush. I recommend the Demon Bebop brush. Apply the colour and comb through each section to avoid any patches.
Thirdly, flip the extensions over and repeat the process on the same side.
Fourthly, let the extensions develop for your chosen time. I suggest less time compared to what you would use on a client since extensions are likely to absorb more depth due to being dryer than human hair.
Fifthly, rinse the extensions using cool water. Shampoo with sulfate-free products and use a conditioner meant for hair extensions. Remove any excess water before applying silicone-free products.
Finally, apply any styling products to your hair extensions and use a bristle brush to blow-dry them at a low heat. To prepare for fitting on your client, make sure to remove any old tape and dry the tape attachment area thoroughly before applying fresh North professional hair tape tabs. This will ensure a secure and long-lasting hold.
Can You Dye Permanent Hair Extensions Whilst They Are In Your Hair?
Yes, tape-in hair extensions can be coloured while the client is wearing them, but there is a risk of the colour affecting the tape attachment. However, it is unlikely to dissolve the attachments and cause the hair to become loose. It is safer to remove the extensions first before colouring in case the colour doesn't turn out as expected or starts to irritate the client around the attachments. But it is possible to colour the hair extensions while wearing them.
We agree that clients can have their hair colored while wearing tapes. For example, if they have regular grey root touch-ups at 3 weeks and extensions maintained at 8 weeks, you can touch up their grey regrowth while wearing extensions. The same goes for clients needing blonde highlights and roots filling. You can highlight around the tapes, touching up the client's new hair regrowth while avoiding the tape extensions.
What Is The Difference Between Toning And Dyeing?
The difference between toning and dying is determined by the strength of the product used. Hair dye will deposit colour molecules further into the cortex of the hair, making it last longer for the client. Toning, on the other hand, is a quicker service that uses a softer colour product where the molecules enter the hair's cuticle and outer layers, which means it will release faster when shampooing. One option for toning would be to mix the blonde shampoo with water in a basin and submerge the extensions into the mixture for 10 minutes to remove any yellow tones. Another option would be to use a product like a Wella colour fresh mask after shampooing extensions, which doesn't enter the cuticle but rests on top of the cuticle and is released faster after washing, can also be done by the client at home safely.
Can You Bleach Hair Extensions?
If you're wondering whether it's safe to bleach or lighten your human hair extensions, the answer is a definite no. This is because hair extensions are already a delicate product that requires a lot of moisture and care. If you use bleach or lightener on them, you risk causing breakage and shedding. Furthermore, the chemical process that the extensions went through before reaching you may have left unwanted tones, which could make it difficult to achieve the desired results. In addition, you may struggle to rectify and counteract these tones, which could be frustrating for both you and your client.
How Many Times Can You Dye Hair Extensions?
The lifespan of Tape hair extensions usually falls between 6 to 12 months. This duration can vary depending on the client's lifestyle and the quality of the products used. Glossing and toning of the extensions can be done every 8 weeks to add shine, tone, and depth to them. However, if you use permanent hair colour on the extensions, may last longer and may only require colouring up to two times during their lifespan.
Conclusion
Yes, you can colour human hair extensions. It is safe to do so while the client is wearing tape-in hair extensions or when they are removed from the client's hair. However, it is important to use your general hairdressing colour theory knowledge to choose your target shade, taking into account the underlying factors of the process of human hair extensions. Always remember to do a strand test before committing to colouring the whole head of the client's tapes. This will help you ensure that the final result meets the client's expectations and avoids any unwanted consequences.
