Can You Color Your Hair Extensions?

Can I color my hair extensions? We hear this question ever so often. The short answer is yes; you can color your hair extensions. But there are many factors you have to consider before deciding to dye your hair extensions.

ZALA extensions are made of 100 percent Remy human hair. And unlike synthetic extensions, human hair extensions can be colored.

Most women want to color their extensions because they don’t find a shade that matches their natural hair perfectly. While many customers color their extensions without any problems, it’s important to note that this radical change will void your hair extensions’ warranty and return policy. 

The good news is that ZALA extensions are available in over 26 shades. That means you’re less likely to come across the need to dye your wefts in the first place. Also, you can swap colors for free within 60 days of purchasing your extensions (for the US and Australian customers only). Just return the extension set with the black and blue seal intact, and we’ll swap it with your chosen color (if available).

How Will Dyeing Affect Your Extensions

Remember that not all hair extensions are created equal. The results and effects of dyeing differ from one brand to another. At ZALA, we don’t take responsibility for any problems you might run into during or after coloring your extensions. To lower your risks, be sure to test your hair color on a small part of one weft. The outcome will help you determine whether it is a good idea to color the remaining pieces of extensions. 

Also, hair colors/dyes/tones contain harsh chemicals. These can create adverse effects on your extensions' texture, feel, look, and lifespan. The chemicals could even lead to dryness, matted or tangled hair, and hair breakage. 

How to Color Your Hair Extensions

In any case, if you want to go ahead with coloring your extensions, here are the steps to follow:

1. Pick a Color and Gather Your Supplies

First, decide what color you want to wear. Do you want a closer match to your natural hair’s shade? Or maybe you want to make a more drastic change. Consider your desired color carefully before committing. 

Next, choose a high-quality hair color from a developer line instead of picking one from a drugstore. You’re free to choose between a 10-volume or 20-volume developer line. But don’t buy 30 or 40 volume developers because they’re too harsh for hair extensions. 

Other things you’ll need:

• A bowl and brush
• Gloves for hair color
• Plastic wrap
• Wide-toothed comb 

2. Prepare the Color

Now, it’s time to prepare your color. Make sure to mix the developer and color in the bowl as per the instructions written on the box or package. Most people require three to five ounces of mixture for their hair extensions. But how much you’ll need exactly depends on the length and volume of your hair extensions. Be sure to brush your wefts before starting the coloring process.  

3. Apply the Hair Color

Wear the coloring gloves, take the color brush, and gently apply the color to all areas of your extensions. Make sure the extensions are completely dry before applying the color. The color must cover the extensions completely, including both sides and from the base of the extensions to the ends. It’s a good idea to begin at the top and work your way downwards. 

4. Allow the Color to Absorb into the Hair

Cover them with plastic wrap once you’ve applied the color to your hair extensions. This will help the color properly absorb into the hair. Leave the extensions at the normal room temperature for 20 to 40 minutes or as directed by the manufacturer. 

5. Rinse the Extensions

After the color is properly absorbed into the hair, you can rinse the excess color from your extensions with cool water at low pressure. Let the water flow from the top towards the end of the extensions. It can take 10 to 15 minutes for a complete rinsing process. Next, wash your hair extensions with a gentle, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free shampoo.  

6. Comb Your Extensions and Let Them Dry Out

After washing your extensions, let them dry out. Once dry, sprinkle them with some leave-in conditioner and use your wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles or knots. Avoid blow-drying or using any heat tools. Instead, allow them to air-dry. Once they’re fully dry, you can apply the extensions to your hair and pull them into your favorite hairstyle.

What if You Want to Remove Toner From Your Hair?

A demi-permanent or semi-permanent dye, such as a hair toner, allows you to adjust your hair color instead of changing it completely. It helps improve your extensions by enhancing the shade or counterbalancing the undertones. 

But you may also find yourself asking: Can I remove toner from hair? Yes, we all want to remove unwanted toner from our hair at times. And the good news is that you can use a clarifying shampoo to eliminate undesired toner from your hair without damaging your extensions. Just be sure to use the clarifying shampoo over time to gradually rid your extensions of the toner instead of trying to eliminate it all at once. 

With such a wide range of hair extensions to choose from, you’re likely to find an exact match or one that’s virtually undetectable from your natural hair with ZALA. Use our free color match service to find the best shade for your extensions.