Dye Hair Extensions Lighter
A: That depends on the type of extensions.
First, it is important to understand that standard hair dye only deposits color. It cannot lighten hair that has already been dyed. To make hair extensions lighter, you must use a lightener or bleach.
How Hair Extensions Respond to Bleaching
How the hair extensions respond to bleaching depends heavily on their composition:• Human Hair Extensions: If the extensions are made from natural human hair, you may be able to lighten them, provided they have not been excessively processed before being incorporated into extension wefts. Human hair extensions that have been dyed multiple times, chemically treated, or coated during manufacturing are often much more difficult to lighten than untreated hair. Bleaching or using high-lift color on already processed extensions can lead to extreme dryness, breakage, tangling, or uneven color results.
• Synthetic and Animal Fibers: Extensions made with synthetic fibers generally cannot be lightened or colored successfully. Synthetic materials do not react to hair color or bleach the same way natural hair does, and attempting to lighten them will melt or permanently ruin the fibers. Extensions made from animal fibers (which are generally yak hair) may or may not be successfully and safely lightened; in many cases, the results are unpredictable and can leave the extensions looking dull or damaged.
Quality of Human Hair Extensions
The quality of the extensions - and of the hair used to make them - often parallels the level of adaptability the extensions offer:• High-End / Virgin Hair: High-end extensions, such as those made from virgin human hair, can often be treated much like your own hair. They are generally more durable and can tolerate coloring or lightening better than lower-quality options.
• Low-End / Non-Remy Hair: By contrast, the least expensive human hair extensions are seldom useful except in the state in which they come. Lower-quality human hair extensions are often heavily processed and coated in factory silicone to achieve a smooth appearance. Lightening or bleaching these extensions strips away that silicone layer, exposing damaged cuticles and causing immediate, irreversible matting.
If You Decide to Lighten Them Anyway
Because extensions lack the natural scalp oils and heat that natural hair receives to aid processing, extra care must be taken during any chemical process:• Work in Gentle Stages: Always use a low-volume developer to minimize structural damage. High-volume developers can easily fry extension hair.
• Always Strand Test: If you decide to lighten human hair extensions, test a small hidden section first. This allows you to see how the hair responds before treating the entire set.
• Follow Up with Aftercare: Using professional-quality lighteners, bond builders, deep conditioning treatments, and proper aftercare can help preserve the softness and longevity of the extensions.
As a golden rule among hair professionals, it is always safer to purchase extensions a shade or two lighter than your target color and deposit a darker dye or toner down to match. Depositing color is far gentler on extension hair than stripping pigment out.
That being said, most extension lines offer such a wide range of colors that you can often find the exact shade you want without needing to lighten the extensions at all. Purchasing extensions in your desired color is usually the safest option, as it helps maintain the integrity of the hair and ensures the most consistent results.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
How to dye hair
Is it ok to dye hair extensions?
Why am I not allowed to color this type of hair extensions?