Synthetic hair or wigs (in layman’s terms) have solidly impacted the hair accessories market. These hair accessories are known for providing a wide range of styling options and easy application. That is why these hairs are quickly emerging as the fan-favourite of fashion enthusiasts.

People with synthetic hair often prefer to dye those wigs to redefine their style. 

The need to dye synthetic hair can be because you must attend a theme party or you are tired of the wig’s color and want to reuse it for a different look. So, It is a probable thing to do, and today, we will tell you how to dye synthetic hair with different types of dyes. If you have any other questions about improving synthetic locks, contact us at Dreadlocks Wig. 

Methods to Dye Synthetic Hair 

There are many methods to dye synthetic hair. The required materials for each of these processes differ based on the characteristics of the dye which you are using. 

1. Acrylic Paint 

Materials 

• Rubbing alcohol
• Acrylic color
• Plastic bowl
• Spray bottle 
• Gloves

Procedure 

Take the wig that you wish to dye. Wash it correctly before the procedure. Take a plastic bowl and add the acrylic color of your choice. Now, add some rubbing alcohol to adjust the shade. 

If you want a darker shade, add more color and less alcohol, and vice versa. Shift this material to a spraying bottle. 

Place your wig on a solid support and spray the paint mixture thoroughly. Remember to comb the hair to ensure the dye settles on the wig. 

Let the synthetic hair dry out for 1-2 hours. 

Once dried, rinse it with ice-cold water. Then again, dry it. 

Now, you can style the dyed wig according to your event. 

2. Sharpie Ink 

Materials 

• Sharpie ink markers
• Pliers
• Rubbing alcohol 
• Spray bottle
• Gloves 
• Scissors, cutters 

Procedure 

Despite popular belief, you are not coloring your wig with a Sharpie pen (eye rolls). 

Instead, take a bowl and cut the ink tube in half with a scissor or any other sharp object. You can use more than one Sharpie pen to get the right shade of color. Add some rubbing alcohol to dilute the color. 

Wait for 5 to 10 minutes so that the material can evenly dissolve. 

Shift the material into a spray bottle. Spray that material on the wig and use your hands to even out the color (do wear gloves). 

Let the synthetic hair dry out. Once dried, run the wig through ice-cold water for a better finish. 

Dry again and then style it flawlessly. 

3. Alcohol-Based Ink 

Materials 

• Alcohol-based ink
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Plastic bowl 
• Gloves 

Procedure 

Take a spray bottle and add alcohol, ink, and water to it. Shake the bottle so that the mixture blends well. For a lighter shade, add in more water and vice versa. 

Spray the mixture on synthetic hair. For a smooth dyeing experience, use a comb. 

Once you are done with the dyeing, let the wig dry. 

Then rinse it with ice-cold water. The water will ensure that the dye sticks well to the wig. 

4. Rit Dye 

Materials 

There are two types of rit dye available in the market. One is an all-purpose dye that is better suited for natural fabrics. The other is Rit dye, often used for coloring synthetic hair. 

• Rit dye more
• Stove 
• Tongs
• Water 
• Gloves 

Procedure 

Heat the water in a pot on the stove. Once the water simmers, add the right amount of dye. The darker the shade you want, the more rit dyemore you must add. 

Spray some water on the synthetic hair so that they are a little damp. 

Now, add the dampened wig to the heated water. Place it there for 15 minutes. 

Use the tongs and take out the dyed synthetic hair from the pot. Rinse the extra dye layer by running some cold water through the hair. 

5. Fabric Dye 

Materials 

• Fabric dye (powder or liquid) 
• Pot (large enough to fit the wig)
• Stove 
• Water 
• Tongs 

Procedure 

Boil water on the stove. The fabric dye-to-water ratio should be 3:1 (3 tablespoons of dye for 1 cup of water). Once the water starts to change color, lower the heat. 

Ensure that the synthetic hair is wet before adding it to the pot. Stir the hair inside with the help of the tongs. 

Track the timings with a timer. Pull out the wig after 15 minutes. If you leave the hair inside the water longer, the heat will damage the locks. 

Rinse the wig with some cold water to remove any extra layer of color. Cold water will provide a better finish for the wig. 

Airdry the wig before using it to style your hair.

How to Prepare to Dye Synthetic Hair? 

Before drying the hair, you should know some preparation tips. 

Wash the Synthetic Hair 

Before applying any dye to the hair, wash the hair with a mild shampoo. 

Please do not use a harsh shampoo because it will damage the polyester of the strands. 

Remove any dirt, dust, or other pollutants from the synthetic hair. Rinse the shampoo properly from the hair. 

You can also use a fabric softener to ensure the synthetic hair is not dehydrated or rough. 

Dry the Synthetic Hair 

Do not, under any compulsion, apply dye to wet hair. First, make sure to dry the hair completely. 

Avoid using any machinery to dry out the hair. Just pat the hair gently with a towel or let the air do its magic. 

Detangle Synthetic Hair 

Once dried, detangle the strands with an appropriate comb. 

Be gentle. Do not rush the process. Otherwise, you will end up with unexpected breakage of the strands. 

Differences Between Dyeing Synthetic Hair and Natural Hair 

Natural hair contains keratin, while synthetic hair contains acrylic or nylon. You can bleach your natural hair but not apply bleach to synthetic hair. Otherwise, the bleach will destroy the material. 

Furthermore, it is impossible to convert dark shades of wigs into lighter shades by deying them. You can dye a purple color wig into a black, but you cannot reverse the process. 

Therefore, if you are thinking of bleaching your darker color wig into a lighter shade, we suggest you buy a new one. 

Precautions for Dyeing Synthetic Hair

Whether you are dyeing synthetic or natural hair, there are some things that you need to be cautious about: 

Use a fabric to cover the place where you will be working. This step will save you the hassle of cleaning the place for dye stains. 

Do not apply any dye on the synthetic hair with bare hands. Always use gloves, either rubber or latex. 

Use wide tooth combs to detach the wig. Fine-toothed combs can create a mess by damaging the strands. 

When soaking the synthetic hair in the dye solution, use a timer to track the time. 

Do not soak the wig for more than 15 minutes. If you soak the wig for a more extended period, it will cause the wig to become rough. 

For more detailed information about wig maintenance and so much more, reach out to specialists at Deadlocks. Wig. 

FAQs

Can you use henna to dye synthetic hair? 

No, you cannot use henna to dye synthetic hair. Henna is better suited for dyeing natural hair. 

Which type of wig should I use to dye? 

Soon to discard wigs, cheap wigs. Avoid dyeing expensive wigs with darker shades because you can’t reverse the shade. 

Which dye is better – acrylic paint or fabric dye? 

It depends on the type of look you are going for and the material available.