Coloring a Human Hair Wig or Bundles: The Do's and Don'ts

One of the best things about human hair is that you can change its color. But a wig or a set of bundles can't grow back, so a coloring mistake is permanent. Here's what you need to know before you reach for the dye.

What can be colored?

• Raw and virgin hair has never been processed, so it takes color best. Many of our natural black (1B) wigs and bundles can be lifted to a #27, a honey blonde.
• Hair that's already been colored or lightened has been processed once. Going darker is usually fine. Lightening it again is risky and best left to a professional.
• Synthetic hair can't be dyed with regular hair color. Buy it in the shade you want instead.

Not sure what your hair is? Check the product page or read hair grades explained.

The do's

• Do a strand test first. Color a small hidden section, like a piece from the back or the end of a weft, and check the result and how the hair feels.
• Go to a professional for big changes. Going from black to blonde takes skill. A colorist can lift it slowly and tone it so it doesn't turn brassy or orange.
• Lift gradually. Several gentle sessions are kinder to the hair than one strong one.
• Deep condition before and after coloring to put moisture back.
• Protect the lace and knots. Keep lightener off the lace unless you're deliberately bleaching the knots, and keep that step short. Too much bleach weakens the knots and the hair starts to shed.
• Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo afterward so the color lasts longer.

The don'ts

• Don't color hair that's already dry or damaged. Condition it and trim the ends first.
• Don't use box dye with high-lift bleach on a wig at home if you've never done it before.
• Don't leave lightener on longer than the instructions say. More time doesn't mean a better lift; it means more damage.
• Don't add heat while color is processing unless the product tells you to.

Keep the color fresh

• Wash less often and in cool water.
• Use a heat protectant like Marée Heat Protection Hair Spray and keep heat low. See our heat styling guide.
• Store it out of direct sunlight, which fades color. Here's how to store your wigs.

Want color without the risk?

Skip the dye and choose a wig that's already been professionally colored. Browse our colored wigs, from warm honey and caramel bobs to blonde lace wigs, or see the hair color trends for fall and winter.