In 2020, the global wig market was worth almost USD 2 billion. With many more people owning wigs, there's also more desire to change them up and dye them. So, if you're wondering how to dye a synthetic wig, you've come to the right place.

Dyeing wigs isn't difficult. However, you should take some precautions to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. From the clothes you wear to the quality of the wig itself, ensure you're fully prepped for the dyeing procedure.

Find out everything you need to know about dyeing your synthetic wig below.

Equipment You'll Need

Before you get started dyeing your synthetic wig, you must make sure you have everything you need. Here is a list of equipment you'll need.

• Heat proof wig
• Large Pot
• Synthetic fabric dye
• Boiled water
• Cold water
• Spray bottle
• Papers or newspaper
• Apron or clothing cover
• Plastic gloves

To practice proper wig care, it's very important to make sure your synthetic wig is heat-proof before dyeing it. If not, the boiling water needed to dye it could be very damaging to it. You can check if your wig is heatproof by referring to the packaging it came in or looking your wig type up online.

Protect Your Floor and Clothes

One way or another, dyeing is a messy process. Make sure you're prepared by laying down some newspaper or old papers on the floor around your dyeing space. This prevents any dye from landing on your floor and staining it permanently.

You also need to be mindful of the clothes you are wearing when dyeing your wig. Droplets of dye can splatter even if you're being cautious, so you'll want to wear an apron to protect your clothing. As an extra precaution, where old clothes or garments you don't mind getting dye on.

Dye Your Wig Step By Step

By closely following the steps below, you'll avoid damage to your wig when it comes time to dye it. You'll also ensure that each stage of dyeing is accurately followed so you don't accidentally miss out on an important step.

There are two main ways to dye a synthetic wig. The first is a spray bottle method and the second involves submerging your wig in boiled water. The one you choose will depend on how dark you want the color to be and the quality of the wig.

Boiled Water Method

The boiled water method is convenient if you don't want to go through your wig section by section. However, you do have to be cautious as the color can go very dark very quickly.

Boil Some Water

For one cup of boiled water, you'll require three teaspoons of your chosen dye. Make sure you boil enough water so that your entire wig can be submerged in it. You'll also want to use a large pot so that it can hold your entire wig.

Add Your Dye to the Water

Pour your pre-prepared dye into the pot of boiled water. At this stage, it's a good idea to reduce the water to a simmer to avoid losing any to evaporation.

Slightly Dampen Your Wig

The dye will adhere more easily to your wig if it's slightly damp before you place it in the water. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and spritz your wig, ensuring each section is a little damp.

Place Your Wig in the Pot

Fully submerge your wig in the water-dye mixture using a pair of tongs. Swirl it around several times to ensure the dye gets to each part of your wig.

Never leave your wig when it is in the pot. It can reach your desired color in just a few minutes and you want to avoid accidentally making it too dark. You can remove your wig after several minutes using the tongs if you want to check how dark it is.

Rinse Your Wig in Cold Water

Cold water rinsing stops any further heat damage from occurring. It also maintains the shape of your wig while bonding the color to every strand.

Ensure you've thoroughly rinsed your wig, and even repeat the process if you're unsure. Otherwise, you could be left with darker patches in particular areas of your wig.

Let It Air Dry

By allowing your wig to air dry following a dye application, you'll prevent any further damage due to heat. Allow it to dry out completely before using or trying to style it, as this can result in breakage.

Spray Bottle Method

Dyeing your synthetic wig with a spray bottle offers more precision and accuracy so that you cover every section of the wig. However, it is slightly more time-consuming, so it is best to be fully prepared to dye your wig ahead of time.

Prepare Your Dye

The best way to prepare your dye is to follow the instructions on the dye pack. Prepare it directly in the spray bottle to speed the process up.

Add Your Dye to Your Wig

With your wig set in place (you could use a mannequin headstand) and your clothes covered, begin spraying the dye on your wig. Do this section by section to avoid missing any areas.

The dye is likely to run, so it's a good idea to have tissues or old towels to wipe it away if it begins to pool.

Comb Your Wig

Comb your wig using a wide-tooth comb to ensure every strand of hair has been treated with dye. Combing your wig at this stage will also help it dry in the same shape as it was before dyeing.

Allow to Air Dry

As above, you should let your wig air dry instead of using a hairdryer for optimal wig care. If it's a warm day outside, you can even hang it on a washing line. This will allow excess dye to drip off it while it dries.

Rinse Your Wig in Cold Water

Check that your wig is completely dry by running your fingers through it. Once you're sure it's no longer wet, it's time to rinse it out in cold water. This process also helps to remove any excess dye and can help fix uneven patches.

Possible Problems and What to Do About Them

Dyeing wigs rarely goes perfectly, especially if you've never done it before. If you run into these common problems, follow the recommended solutions to salvage your wig and return it to high quality.

Wig Hair Falling Out

Following a dye job, wig hair can begin to fall out for many reasons. The wrong type of dye may have been used or the heat may have been too much for your wig. However, there are ways to fix a dye-damaged wig, so don't lose hope!

Start by gently thinning out your wig using a pair of thinning scissors. This will rid your wig of any loose hair. Trimming the ends will also help.

Certain products, such as synthetic wig conditioning spray or anti-static spray will also help add strength and shine to your wig. When it comes to styling wigs, these products will also help with heat protection.

Wig Hair Dried Out

The quality of your wig can be majorly affected by dye. Dye is drying in general, but particularly so for synthetic wigs. Take precautions before and after to prevent your wig from drying out.

Leave-in oils and conditioners designed for synthetic wigs will help restore moisture to them. Make sure you don't use too much product, as this will oversaturate your wig and leave it feeling and looking limp.

Color Has Turned Out Wrong

Just like dyeing your real hair, when you dye a wig the end color isn't always what you'd hoped for. The best fix for this problem is to simply re-dye your wig using a lighter or darker color depending on the shade you want.

However, don't immediately re-dye your wig after the initial dye application. Too much dye too soon will damage its shape and structure and could potentially make it unwearable. Wait at least two weeks before re-dyeing it.

Dye on Your Hands

While dye won't stay permanently on your skin, it can last for a few days even after showering. Wear gloves when using any kind of dye to prevent this.

If you already have stubborn dye on your skin, a baking soda solution can help remove it. Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with water and a little dish soap. Thoroughly rub this over your hands, particularly the dyed area.

After a few applications of this solution, the dye should be completely gone from your skin. As the baking soda mixture dries out your skin, ensure you follow it with a moisturizer.

Now You Know How to Dye a Synthetic Wig

While dyeing a synthetic wig can be time-consuming, if you do it right you'll get excellent results. Follow the steps above to dye your wig successfully and combat any problems should they arise.

Now that you know how to dye a synthetic wig, you can experiment with new colors or highlights. Be mindful that dyeing a synthetic wig can damage its shape and structure.

For all wig needs, contact our wig specialists today.