Dye Your Wig at Home to Keep Up with Hair Color Trends in 2024

The world of fashion is ever-changing and keeping up with it can be tough. However, wigs have become a popular and versatile accessory that can help us try new fashion trends more easily. So, by learning how to dye your wig at home properly, you can customize it without spending a lot of time and money. 

In this article, first, we will review the hair color trends in 2024 and then guide you through every step of dyeing a human hair wig and a synthetic wig yourself. Finally, we will answer some of your FAQs about DIY wig dyeing.

Hair Color Trends in 2024: Warm Colors Are in Vogue

From natural blond to warm brown shades, 2024 seems to be the year of natural and warmer hues. The hair color fashion is going toward lower-maintenance hair. That’s why many people are appreciating more natural tones.

So, softer and more natural kinds of blonde (as opposed to the platinum blonde that was trending at the beginning of 2023) are going to be more voguish.

However, classic, traditional, and warm brunettes will be the most popular 2024 hair color trends. Because they are closer to many people’s natural hair color and can enhance it. For example, chestnut brown, cinnamon, and mocha.

In addition, balayage, lowlights, and highlights will be still in fashion. They can add dimension to your hair to achieve a fresher look.

Just remember, the most important thing is what you like, not what fashion dictates. Our hairstyle and color are a way to express ourselves. If you think you are in the mood for ash blonde, go for it.

What Are 2024 Haircut Trends?

Now that we have covered the trending colors, it is good to discuss the upcoming haircut trends in 2024 as well. Spring/summer 2024 runways have highlighted the following hairstyles more than others.

• Dirty and messy hair seems to be in! So, you should not worry about washing and styling your wig frequently.
• Bangs, both blunt and side.
• Slicked back and middle part.
• Long bobs, buzz cuts, and short hair.
• Natural waves and curls.

So, like hair color, haircuts and hairstyles are leaning towards more natural and low-maintenance looks.

Dye Your Wig at Home: A DIY Guide to Customize the Color of Your Wig

Wig wearers may opt to change the color of their wigs for various reasons. For example,

• to customize their wigs for better self-expression or to be more fashionable,
• to match the wig color with their natural hair color for a better blend (those who use hair extensions and toppers),
• to costume and engage in cosplay,
• to refresh the wig’s faded color and restore its original look.

Whatever the reason, you should remember that not all types of wigs can be colored at home. The pre-colored wigs are dyed in the process of wig-making. Therefore, although some wigs are already dyed, you might ruin them if you try to change their color at home.

For example, the hair can go dry and frizzy. Or, if the lace of a lace-front wig is colored during the process, you should say goodbye to its natural effect. At times, the dyeing can go so wrong that you would have to buy yourself another wig.

What Types of Wigs Can Be Dyed at Home?

Before anything, make sure your wig falls in one of the following wig categories.

• Human hair wigs: Human hair wigs are made of real human hair, so it can be colored. However, frequent dyeing can damage the strands. So, more than 3 or 4 times is not recommended.
• Heat-resistant synthetic wigs: Synthetic wigs are made of artificial fibers. So, unless they are not heat-resistant, they cannot tolerate the moderate temperature needed for the dyeing process.
• Heat-friendly synthetic wigs: These wigs can tolerate heat but are not as good as heat-resistant ones. As a result, changing the color of heat-friendly synthetic wigs by yourself can be much more challenging and time-consuming compared to the other two categories.

Aside from the type of wig, every wig comes with clear instructions from the manufacturer on whether it is suitable for dyeing, styling, etc. Therefore, always read the manufacturer’s guidelines before customizing a wig.

Also, please note that the process is different for human hair and synthetic wigs. So, we are going to discuss each separately.

How to Dye a Human Hair Wig Yourself

Most natural hair wigs, as they are made of real hair, are receptive to normal hair dyes. Especially, high-quality human hair wigs can be dyed even more than a couple of times. 

In addition, another factor that affects the dyeing process is whether the wig is pre-colored or uncolored (the natural color of the hair). If it is pre-colored, you may be required to do some additional steps.

In the step-by-step guide below on how to dye your wig at home, we will specify which steps are only for pre-colored human hair wigs.

Step 1: Wig Assessment

First, assess the wig to answer the questions below.

• Is it natural hair? If yes, is it pre-colored or uncolored?
• What is the wig construction?
• What is the condition/quality of the wig?
• If it is pre-colored, is the new color compatible with the current one? Will you achieve your desired shade? Do you need to remove the current color first?
• What is the manufacturer’s instruction regarding dyeing the wig?

Step 2: Choose the Right Dye

The dye you choose must be standard and high-quality to ensure it will not ruin the strands. Avoid using fabric dyes. Only, human hair dyes. Plus, see if the manufacturer’s instructions include any hair dye recommendations to follow.

For pre-colored wigs, it is not a brainer when you want to make them darker, however, if you wish to have a lighter shade, it can be a bit challenging. So, make sure the outcome will be what you desire.

Step 3: Prepare the Wig

Secure the wig on a wig stand or a mannequin head and make sure the wig is tangle-free.

Step 4: Strand Test

Take a small lock of the hair and apply the dye on it according to the instructions on its packaging. This test will show you if the color is what you expect. If not, you can make some changes to the dye mixture to achieve the desirable tone.

Optional Step: Remove the Current Color

In case the wig is pre-colored and/or you want to make the wig go much lighter, you will usually have to use a color remover (like the ones used on your own natural hair) by following the instructions on its packaging.

Do not forget to perform a strand test to see how it affects the hair strands. Then use the same lock to test the color.

Step 5: Prepare the Dye and Apply it

To prepare the dye mixture, follow the hair dye instructions. See how much and what kind of developer you should add. Use gloves.

When the mixture is ready, start applying the dye on the hair with your gloved hands or a dye brush. Start from the roots and work your way downward. Make sure all the strands are soaked and saturated.

In addition, to make it easier, you can use hair clips to divide the hair into smaller sections.

And, avoid staining the wig cap and lace.

Step 6: Let the Dye Set

The hair dye instructions usually recommend a certain processing time. Cover the hair with plastic and let the dye set for the recommended duration. 

Step 7: Rinse, Condition, and Air Dry

Remove the plastic and rinse the hair under lukewarm water to get rid of the dye mixture. Then, use a color-friendly sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and wash the wig as you normally do.

After gently squeezing the excess water, put the wig on the stand and let it dry. Do not use a hair dryer until it is completely dry. Then you can style it. (See How to Wash, Style, and Store Wigs)

If you are uncertain what to do in any of the steps above, consult with a professional wig stylist.

How to Dye a Synthetic Wig at Home

Now, dying a synthetic wig can be more challenging because the fibers are not receptive to human hair dyes.

Since some of the steps are the same as human hair wigs discussed above, we only explain the differences.

Step 1: Assessing the Wig

Ensure the wig is heat-resistant or heat-friendly. Plus, read the manufacturer’s guidelines on dyeing the wig.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Dye

Choose a synthetic wig dye or a fabric dye that is suitable for synthetic fibers. Do not use human hair dyes. They usually do not work on synthetic fibers and may ruin the strands or the color.

Step 3: Preparing the Wig

(See the previous section)

Step 4: Performing a Strand Test 

(See the previous section)

Step 5: Preparing the Dye

Follow the instructions on the dye packaging. You are usually required to dilute the dye in water, alcohol, or some other solution.

Step 6: Applying the Dye

There are two different methods when it comes to applying dye on synthetic wigs.

For heat-resistant wigs, you can use a simpler method. Prepare the dye solution in a bowl or a basin. Then, immerse the wig in the dye and swish it gently to make sure every strand is soaked. Also, the dye should be evenly distributed to ensure the color will be the same for every part of the wig.

In addition, if you want to protect the lace of the wig from staining, you can hold it in your hand and only immerse the strands in the dye (up to 3 centimeters from the roots).

For heat-friendly wigs, you should apply the dye with a brush. You can start from the ends and work your way up towards the roots. Make sure the lace is not stained.

Step 7: Rinse, Condition, and Air Dry

This step is also like rinsing, conditioning, and drying the human hair wigs. Only make sure to rinse the synthetic wig with cool water and use appropriate shampoo and conditioner. Then let it air dry on a wig stand.

FAQs about DIY Wig Dyeing

Let’s answer some of our customers’ questions about how to dye your wig at home.

Does the Wig Lose Its Style After Dyeing?

The dyeing process may compromise the style to some extent. However, if you follow the instructions and do it gently, you can minimize the risk. However, for more complicated styles, like updos or curls, it is recommended to ask a professional wig stylist for color personalization.

Is It Possible to Bleach a Wig?

For human hair and heat-resistant synthetic wigs bleaching is possible. However, it is a complicated process and needs experience to avoid damaging the strands. So, if you wish to dye your wig at home and you do not have the experience, it is better to follow a simpler process.

Can Dyeing a Wig Shorten Its Lifespan?

Dyeing a wig is a risky process and might compromise the quality of the wig and its construction, especially for synthetic wigs. However, by following the instructions carefully, the risk of damaging the wig will be significantly reduced.

Should I Use a Normal Natural Hair Dye and Developer on a Wig?

For human hair wigs, yes. But for synthetic wigs, the answer is no. You can use synthetic wig dyes or fabric dyes. Also, these dyes do not need to be mixed with a developer.

Get the Best Custom Human Hair Wigs in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego

We have tried to provide a simple step-by-step guide on how to dye your wig at home. We also answered some common questions about DIY wig dyeing techniques to help you avoid damaging your human hair or synthetic wig in the process.

However, the best thing to do is to get a wig that is 100% what you desire so that you would not have to make your wig go through this risky process just because it is not what you need or want.

To help you make the right decision, you can get a 30-minute free consultation session with one of our wig experts in our wig stores. You will also get to see different kinds of wigs that we offer and try them on to see which is the right one.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 310-991-0087 (Los Angeles), 949-322-9555 (Orange), and 949-640-4247 (Sand Diego).