Can You Dye Synthetic Braiding Hair? This Is The Right Way To Do It!
Synthetic hair is no longer too unfamiliar to us. It is a useful way to change our appearance quickly without causing damage.
Surely, you also had the idea of refreshing your synthetic hair by braiding it in many styles. Is that all you can do?
Now, with progress, people are not afraid to test dyes on them. In this post, we provide some tutorials on how to safely dye synthetic braiding hair.
However, before you scroll down to take a look, there will be some quick facts about dying synthetic hair that you should be aware of.
See also: Can you dye synthetic hair with semi-permanent?
What is synthetic braiding hair made of?
Synthetic hair as well as synthetic braiding hair are composed of fine plastic fibers and look very much like real human hair.
In its basic form, it is made from low-grade acrylic and undergoes heating and strung to form individual hair fibers. Then, the strands are laced or tied into extensions and hairpieces.
In the past, these synthetic hairs were less elaborate and were used in wigs so there was no movement and texture of real hair.
In addition, today more complex synthetic hair form has a texture and luster, similar to human hair.
To create these hair strands, these artificial hair makers have applied polymer science.
What happens if you dye synthetic hair?
Although there are many new advancements when it comes to synthetic hair, at least for now you cannot color any kind of synthetics.
Simply because most hair dyes contain ammonia or bleach, your synthetic hair will either be destroyed or not delivering a good result at all.
Because synthetic hair is not made to be dyed with available hair dyes, it usually comes in a wide variety of shades.
You tend to stick with the color you bought, or buy as many sets in different colors as you need.
Can you dye synthetic braiding hair?
As we mentioned above, synthetic hair dye is impossible. However, rejoice that it can still happen with a synthetic braid.
You are required to have the patience to use techniques and to know how to dye your hair.
You can only darken synthetic braids. However, if you prefer a bold and vibrant color, you can try bleach blonde, gray or white.
In particular, you can use untraditional coloring agents like Fabric dye or cream color dye to dye braiding hair.
Related: How to bleach synthetic hair?
How to dye synthetic braiding hair?
In this section, we will present how to dye synthetic braids with 3 effective dyeing synthetic braiding hair methods.
Method 1: Dyeing synthetic hair with a spray bottle
Things you’ll need:
- 70% rubbing alcohol or more
- Acrylic ink
- Aerosol
- Gloves
- Newspaper, plastic, or old towels
Instructions:
- Step 1: Mix 3 parts 70% rubbing alcohol or more and 1 part acrylic ink of your favorite color into a clean spray bottle. Shake gently so that the ink and alcohol mix. Various sprays can be used to create a variety of colors.
- Step 2: Put on gloves and place braids on a flat surface lined with newspaper, plastic, or old towels.
- Step 3: Spray the ink mixture on all or parts of the hair you want to dye.
- Step 4: Let hair incubate for about 12-24 hours.
- Step 5: Rinse braids with cold water. Then, hang them out flat to air dry for 3 – 4 hours or so to let them dry completely.
Method 2: Dyeing synthetic braids in multiple colors
Things you’ll need
- Water
- Large plastic bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Ink
- Rubber band
Instructions:
- Step 1: Mix about one cup (236 mL) of water into a large plastic bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon. Repeat the process with a different bowl and different ink colors. Note, you can mix inks to create your own color.
- Step 2: Fold the braids in half and fix them with a rubber band.
- Step 3: Dip the middle part or the end of the hair into a plastic bowl. Then let stand for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Dip the other end of the braids in another bowl. After 15 minutes, you can remove the braids from the first color. Do the same with other colored bowls.
- Step 5: Rinse the braids under cold, running water, and hold until the water is clear. Let them dry for 3 – 4 hours to dry or longer.
Method 3: Dye natural braids with hair dye
Things you’ll need:
- Boxed colors
- Hair clips/ties
- Brush
- Bottle
- Conditioner
Instructions:
- Step 1: Buy boxed colors that match your hair type. Alternatively, you can mix the colors if you are not satisfied with the color in the bottle.
- Step 2: Use a clip or a hair tie to separate the hair into 4 parts (front 2 and back 2).
- Step 3: Paint with a brush. Spray some dye onto the applicator brush. Start applying the dye to the first part of your hair. Repeat the process for the next three sections.
- Step 4: Leave on for 10-15 minutes
- Step 5: Rinse off the dye under the shower. Do not wash your hair but should incubate it with conditioner. Then, blow dry or air dry your hair to see the results.
- Step 6: Braid your hair any way you want.
Conclusion
Of course, home-based synthetic hair dye is completely possible, but it takes patience and a lot of time.
Start refreshing your synthetic braids with a more sought-after color scheme through the 3 methods we provide above. They are sure to bring you a good mood every day and make you stand out more than ever.
You May Also Like:
- 8 steps to keep synthetic hair from frizzing
- 5 methods to curl synthetic hair extensions
- 3 methods to straighten synthetic hair
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!