Are you considering using synthetic hair to give you a new hairstyle or boost your look? If so, it’s important to know, can you bleach synthetic hair?
I’m going to talk through the types of synthetic hair, and whether they are suitable for bleaching and the safety precautions you should take when doing so. We’ll also provide some tips on how to properly care for and maintain your newly bleached synthetic hair.
Can You Bleach Synthetic Hair?
It is possible to bleach synthetic hair extensions and wigs. Bleaching synthetic hair involves a process that removes color from synthetic fibers.
The ultimate goal of bleaching is to lighten the color of the synthetic hair, allowing you to make it look more like natural hair or create unique color combinations. When bleaching synthetic hair correctly, it can give you beautiful results without damaging the product.
The best way to bleach synthetic hair is using a professional-grade bleaching kit that includes a developer and bleaching powder specifically designed for use with synthetics; these are generally available at specialty beauty stores or online retailers.
It’s important not to use regular, salon-type products on your synthetic pieces, as they may cause damage. Before beginning the process, ensure that all necessary supplies and safety items are ready, including gloves, protective eye wear and an upholstered chair for easy cleanup.
Once everything is in place, mix 1 part peroxide developer with 2 parts powder bleach according to package instructions and blend until free from lumps and consistent in thickness before applying it evenly throughout the piece with an applicator brush or comb; don’t forget to thoroughly saturate root areas for optimal results.
Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water; never hot water as this will cause damage – allowing some time between washes prevents over dyeing, which can leave it looking muddy instead of slowly lightening over time like natural locks would do when exposed gradually to sunlight over months.
Once finished rinsing out completely remove any excess moisture by blotting gently with a towel then either air dry or blow dry on a cool setting until completely dry, follow up with deep conditioning treatments every few days afterward.
Take extra care while styling, if necessary – heat tools should be used sparingly in order not melt away your lighter tones too quickly.
The Risks of Bleaching Synthetic Hair
Bleaching synthetic hair is a popular way to change up your look and mimic the look of more expensive hair types, but it’s important to consider the risks that come along with it.
Bleaching can break down the chemical structure of synthetic hair fibers, leaving them weak and lifeless. As a result, they may become brittle and thin, leading to breakage and fraying.
The chemical processes involved in bleaching synthetic hair can cause discoloration of the fibers, creating an uneven color or causing it to lose its original luster.
The harsh chemicals required for bleaching can strip away the protective coating on the strands, making them more prone to damage from salon treatments like curling or straightening.
Alternatives to Bleaching Synthetic Hair
If you have synthetic hair wigs, extensions or hairpieces, and you want to avoid the risk of bleaching it and potentially damaging it, there are a few alternative options to explore.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to bleach your hair to get the color and look you desire. There are plenty of different styling options that can give you a good look without any risk of damaging your hair.
The first option is to try semi-permanent dyes. This can be especially helpful for those who want the look of light highlights without completely changing the overall color of their hair.
Semi-permanent dyes can also be used to give your synthetic hair a darker shade, depending on the brand you use. These dyes last for about four weeks and can usually be easily washed out with shampoo if you decide you don’t like the new color.
Another option is to try heat-resistant styling products. Many brands offer styling products that can be used to give you a whole new look without having to bleach your hair or use any harsh chemicals.
Products like hair sprays, mousses, gels and waxes can be used to give your synthetic hair different colors and textures, allowing you to experiment and have fun without damaging your hair in or putting it in any danger.
Another alternative to bleaching synthetic hair is to use henna. Henna is a natural dye made from the leaves of the henna plant and has been used for centuries in India and countries in the Middle East for body art, as well as for coloring hair.
Henna offers a vibrant and deep color that lasts for up to 4–6 weeks, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to go bold. Plus, henna conditions your hair as it colors it, giving it a healthy shine and bounce that lasts.
If you’re looking to give your synthetic hair a boost and make it look more natural, you can try a variety of treatments such as deep conditioning, heat treatments, and keratin treatments. These treatments can help add volume and texture to your hair and make it look healthier and more vibrant than ever before.
Why Are Human Hair Extensions And Wigs More Resilient To Bleaching Than Synthetic Hair Extensions And Wigs?
Human hair extensions and human hair wigs are more resilient to bleaching than synthetic hair extensions and synthetic hair wigs because they contain natural proteins that give the strands their strength and elasticity.
Human hairs have a cuticle layer of scales which helps protect the internal cortex and locks in moisture, making it harder for the bleach to penetrate. In comparison, synthetic fibers are often made from chemical-based plastics or acrylics that don’t offer as much protection against high levels of bleach.
The process of bleaching involves stripping away pigments from the outside of each strand to lighten it. This is a very harsh procedure for any material that may cause damage.
So, when it comes to human hair extensions and wigs, you can be sure you have some degree of protection since these products are naturally more resistant to chemical treatments like bleaching due to having cuticles on them.
Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, usually lack such protective layers, so they cannot stand up against strong chemicals used during bleaching processes; hence why it’s not recommended to apply this same method on them when trying to lighten their color.
Can You Use Regular Hair Dye On Synthetic Hair?
Regular hair dye can be used on synthetic hair, as long as you follow the instructions correctly. You should take special care when using regular hair dye on synthetic hair due to its delicate nature, as it is more prone to damage from heat and chemical exposure than natural human hair.
Synthetic hair does not have the same porosity levels as human hair, so it may not accept the full range of colors available in traditional dyes. Applying too much color or leaving it on for too long could result in permanent damage to your synthetic locks.
Therefore, if bleaching is too damaging for your synthetic strands, then regular hair dye is a safer option that will help maintain the integrity of the fibers while coloring them.
However, before you get started, it’s important to do a strand test first if your particular type of synthetic hair has never been dyed before, and you’re unsure about how well your chosen color will show up or how safe it is for your specific types of faux tresses.
If everything checks out after this initial trial run, then go ahead and apply the regular dye using a brush designed specifically for synthetic wigs and extensions, working from root to tip until all of the desired shade has been achieved.
Afterward, rinse thoroughly with cool water, followed by an application of good quality conditioning treatment to keep your man-made strands beautiful for longer.
Tips for Maintaining Synthetic Hair After Bleaching
Maintaining the vibrancy and softness of synthetic hair after bleaching may seem like a daunting task, but there are many tips and tricks to help keep your hair looking and feeling its best, and make it look like normal hair. Here are some top tips for maintaining synthetic hair after bleaching:
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week: Conditioning is key to maintaining the health of your synthetic hair after bleaching. Use a deep conditioning mask or treatment each week to nourish your locks and keep them silky smooth.
- Avoid heat styling: After bleaching, it’s important to avoid heat styling and the hair dryer as much as possible, as this can cause further damage, just like your real hair. Try to air dry your hair as often as you can, or use low-heat settings if you must blow-dry with a hair dryer.
- Don’t brush too much: It’s important to keep brushing to a minimum when it comes to synthetic hair, as this can cause frizz and damage the fibers, especially with wet hair. If you do brush, make sure to use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends of your hair and lightly work your way up. Spritz water from a spray bottle onto the strands, rather than fully soaking the synthetic fibers.
- Avoid harsh products: Make sure to avoid products containing alcohol, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals as these can strip the color from your hair and cause further damage. Stick to products designed specifically for synthetic hair, and always do an allergy test before using a new product.
- Trim regularly: Another great way to keep your synthetic hair in tip-top shape is to get regular trims. Aim for every 3–4 weeks, or whenever you notice split ends starting to form. This will help keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Can I Dye My Synthetic Hair After Bleaching It?
While it’s possible to dye synthetic hair after bleaching it, keep in mind that bleach can change the hair fiber’s properties, which can affect how the hair takes dye. It’s best to conduct a strand test before dyeing the entire wig or extension to see how the hair responds.
Can I Bleach Synthetic Hair Extensions?
If you want to bleach your synthetic hair extensions, it is possible. However, you should exercise caution because the chemicals used in bleaching can cause severe damage to both real and fake hair.
Before dyeing or bleaching a synthetic wig, be sure that it is made from heat-resistant fibers suitable for dying and bleaching.
You also want to make sure you have all of the necessary materials like rubber gloves, a protective lip balm, conditioner and shampoo, a plastic bowl for mixing the bleach and developer together as well as something to stir with.
It is highly recommended that you consult a professional about bleaching if this is your first time trying it or if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself.
After bleaching your hair, look for signs of discoloration within the synthetic strands which indicates that further processing could easily damage them, leading to breakage.
To protect your newly bleached hair, avoid brushing or styling tools and use color-safe shampoos specifically formulated for synthetics only when washing your wig.
If done correctly, bleached hair can offer an amazing color changing experience, allowing you to brighten up the original color of a synthetic wig much more than before while still maintaining healthy looking locks with natural shine—all while avoiding any serious damage occurring in the process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about trying out a new look with synthetic hair, it’s important to know whether you can bleach it. While bleaching is an option for synthetic hair, it does come with risks of damage and unnatural looking colors.
Therefore it’s best to try alternative methods such as using semi-permanent dyes or heat-resistant styling products to get the look you want without risking permanent damage.
If you do decide to carry out a bleaching process, make sure that all necessary safety items are in place, and there are plenty of tips on how to properly care for your newly bleached synthetic hair included above.