Buzz
If you're bored with your everyday hairstyle or planning to dress up as a character with vibrant hair, you might consider dyeing your wig. While regular hair dye won't work on wigs, it's entirely possible to achieve a new look. First, you'll prepare the dye, then apply it and rinse thoroughly. Soon, you'll have a fresh and exciting appearance.
Steps
Prepare the Dye
Mix alcohol-based ink with water in a 1:1 ratio. Purchase alcohol-based ink from a local craft store in the color you desire. Pour the entire bottle of ink into a spray bottle. Then, add an equal amount of water, secure the lid, and shake well to mix the two components.
- For a standard wig, use one 30 ml bottle of ink. For a very long and/or thick wig, use two 30 ml bottles.
Add water to create a pastel shade. A 1:1 ratio will produce a vibrant, opaque color similar to the ink you selected. If you prefer a translucent pastel shade like mint green, purchase a brighter green ink and dilute the bottle with approximately 8 cups (2 liters) of water.
Use Sharpie marker ink as an alternative to alcohol-based ink. If you don’t want to buy alcohol-based ink and already have a Sharpie marker in your desired color, you can repurpose it. Remove the cap and disassemble the marker using pliers. Extract the ink tube inside and carefully cut it open. Place the tube in a spray bottle, add enough water, and let it soak overnight.
Begin Dyeing the Wig
Use a light-colored synthetic wig. Choose any wig you like, as long as it’s light-colored, such as white, light blonde, silver, or pastel. This ensures you start with a blank canvas, allowing you to achieve your desired dye result.
- You cannot lighten a wig with bleach as you would with natural hair.
Set up your workspace. First, choose an outdoor location for dyeing the wig. The process can be messy, so avoid areas near valuable items. Place a table in the chosen spot and cover it with old newspapers or a tablecloth. Finally, place the wig on a stand and position it on the table.
- If outdoor dyeing isn’t possible, use a garage or basement instead.
Wear old clothes and latex gloves. Choose an outfit you don’t mind getting stained by the dye. Put on latex gloves before handling the dye to keep your hands clean and minimize mess.
Spray dye onto a section of hair and smooth it with your hands. Start with the top layer of hair, separating a natural section. Spray 3-5 times onto a 5-8 cm wide section. Run your fingers through to the roots, working the dye evenly into the strands. Repeat 2-3 times to ensure full coverage.
Repeat the process for each section. After finishing the first section, move to the next 5-8 cm wide section, spray the dye, and smooth it with your hands. Continue around the head, focusing on the roots and upper strands. Flip the top layers as you go to dye the lower sections thoroughly.
Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the dye. After spraying and smoothing the dye, the color might still be uneven. To ensure even coverage, comb the wig from roots to ends using a wide-tooth comb.
Dye the wig by placing it and the dye in a plastic bag. If you’re short on time or want to avoid a mess, pour the dye and water into a plastic bag, like a trash bag. Insert the wig, seal the bag, and shake it for a few minutes for vibrant color. For a pastel shade, let the wig soak for about 5 minutes.
- Consider double-bagging to reduce the risk of spills.
Rinse and Style the Wig
Dry the wig outdoors. After dyeing, let the wig dry completely under the sun. This usually takes about an hour, but it may take longer for very long or thick wigs.
- If you’re unsure whether the wig is fully dry, check by running your fingers through it. If dye transfers to your hands, it needs more drying time.
Rinse the wig until the water runs clear. Once the wig is completely dry, place it in a sink and run water through it. Continue rinsing until the water is clear and no traces of dye remain.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Place the wig on a stand or your head. Spray wig conditioner, available at beauty supply stores, onto the wig. Separate small sections and gently comb from roots to ends using a wide-tooth comb. Repeat until the entire wig is tangle-free.
- Avoid using regular hairbrushes on wigs to prevent damage.
Set styling tools to the lowest heat setting. Use the “cool” setting if drying with a hairdryer. If using other heat styling tools, ensure the wig is completely dry and set the tool to the lowest temperature. For curling irons and flat irons, keep the maximum temperature between 95-120°C.
Finished.
Warnings
- Ensure the wig is free from oils or other hair products, as they can interfere with the dyeing process.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid excessive exposure to fumes from alcohol-based ink.
What You'll Need
Prepare the Dye
- Alcohol-based ink
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Sharpie marker (optional)
- Pliers (optional)
- Knife (optional)
Begin Dyeing the Wig
- Light-colored synthetic wig
- Table
- Newspaper or tablecloth
- Wig stand
- Old clothes
- Latex gloves
- Dye spray bottle
- Wide-tooth comb
Rinse and Style the Wig
- Sink
- Wig stand (optional)
- Wig conditioner
- Wide-tooth comb
- Heat styling tools (optional)
