The right (and wrong) way to dye extensions while installed
You’ve spent time (and money) getting your extensions just right. They blend beautifully, the length is just right, and the volume? Unreal. But now, a few weeks in, your color isn’t quite as fresh. Maybe your natural roots are showing, maybe you’re itching for a seasonal switch-up, or maybe you just want to enhance what’s already there.
So, the big question: Can you dye hair extensions while they’re still in your head? Technically, yes. But like most things in haircare, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. The type of extensions you have, the color you want to achieve, and how you approach the process all make a huge difference.
Human hair extensions? You’ve got options. Synthetic ones? Forget it. And if you want it to look seamless (and, let’s be real, avoid a hair disaster), you need to know what you’re doing—or leave it to the pros. Let’s break it down.
Can you dye hair extensions while in your head?
As we’ve established, dyeing extensions while they’re installed isn’t impossible, but it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. The process depends on what kind of extensions you have, how they’re attached, and how much of a color change you’re after.
If you’re working with 100% Remy human hair extensions, you have some flexibility. Since they’re made from real hair, they can take color—but keep in mind, they’ve already been processed, so they won’t react the same way as your natural strands. Lightening them? Not recommended. The hair has likely been chemically treated before, meaning bleach could leave it dry, brittle, or even patchy. Opting for a deeper shade or a subtle tone refresh is a safer bet.
Synthetic extensions, on the other hand, are a hard no. The fibers don’t absorb color like human hair, and traditional dyes won’t take. The best you can do is swap them out for a different shade.
And here’s the big one—technique matters. Applying dye too close to tape-in bonds, keratin tips, or sewn wefts can weaken the attachment, leading to slipping or damage. If you want flawless, even color and long-lasting extensions, this is a job best left to a stylist.
The benefits of dyeing extensions while installed
If done correctly (and on the right type of extensions), dyeing your hair extensions while they’re installed can actually be a great idea. It saves time, keeps your color looking seamless, and allows for subtle touch-ups without a full reinstall. While there are risks, there are also some undeniable perks—here’s why some people choose to do it:
A more seamless, blended color
When you dye your extensions while they’re already installed, you can match the color to your natural hair in real-time. This means no guesswork, no weird undertones, and no awkward moments where your extensions and natural hair don’t quite blend. A stylist can carefully apply color where needed, ensuring everything melts together flawlessly.
No need for a full removal and reinstallation
Uninstalling and reinstalling extensions just to refresh the color can be time-consuming and expensive. Dyeing them while they’re still in place means you skip the hassle of taking them out, recoloring, and putting them back in. This is especially useful for sewn-in wefts, bonded extensions, or hand-tied methods where removal can be a process.
Easier root touch-ups
If your natural hair grows out faster than expected (because, let’s be real, roots don’t wait), dyeing your extensions in place allows for easy root blending. Instead of trying to dye around the extensions separately, you can refresh your base color while making sure your extensions transition smoothly from root to tip.
Customizing tone without buying new extensions
Extensions don’t always come in the exact shade you want. Maybe your blonde extensions are a little too warm, or your brunette shade needs a cooler undertone. Instead of buying a whole new set, you can tone or deepen the color of your existing extensions while they’re installed—giving them a refresh without replacing them entirely.
While dyeing installed extensions isn’t always recommended, for small adjustments or touch-ups, it can be a time-saver—as long as it’s done right. Up next: which types of extensions can (and cannot) handle dye.
Types of hair extensions (+ whether they can be dyed)
While some types can handle a color refresh, others absolutely should not come near a dye brush. The key? Knowing which extensions can take color, how they’ll react, and when to leave it to a pro. Here’s what you need to know before you start mixing up dye.
Remy human hair extensions – yes, but be careful
The best option if you must dye extensions. Remy hair extensions are made from 100% human hair with the cuticle intact, meaning it behaves most like your natural strands. You can dye them, but with limits—going darker is fine, but lifting color (bleaching) can cause dryness and damage. Always do a strand test first and use ammonia-free, deposit-only dyes to avoid unnecessary stress on the hair.
Non-Remy human hair extensions – proceed with caution
These are still human hair but not all strands are aligned, meaning they’ve likely undergone heavy processing, silicone treatments, and even chemical coatings to make them appear smooth. This makes dye absorption unpredictable—some sections might take color well, while others turn out blotchy or overly dry. If you’re working with non-Remy extensions, always consult a stylist before attempting to dye them.
Synthetic hair extensions – absolutely not
If your extensions are synthetic, step away from the dye. Unlike human hair, synthetic fibers do not absorb color the same way. Traditional hair dyes won’t work at all, and even fabric dyes or temporary sprays can leave them patchy, stiff, or ruined. The only way to switch up the color? Buy a new set in the shade you want.
Pre-colored hair extensions – best left alone
Most extensions (even high-quality human hair ones) come pre-dyed, meaning they’ve already been through chemical processing to achieve their shade. Dyeing over them—especially with permanent or lifting colors—can cause unpredictable fading, uneven tones, or extra dryness. If you need a tone adjustment, a color-depositing shampoo or gloss is usually a safer bet.
Tape-in or bonded extensions – technically yes, but risky
You can dye tape-ins and bonded extensions, but you have to avoid the adhesive or keratin bonds at all costs. Hair dye (especially anything containing alcohol or ammonia) can break down the glue, causing slippage or fallout. If you’re coloring them, keep dye away from the roots and focus on mid-lengths to ends. Or better yet? Have a stylist do it.
How to dye your hair extensions at home
Look, we’ll always recommend seeing a stylist—because dyeing extensions (especially while installed) is tricky business. They don’t absorb color the same way as your natural hair, and one wrong move could leave them patchy, dry, or damaged beyond repair. But if you’re set on doing it yourself, there’s a right way to go about it. Here’s how to minimize damage, avoid disaster, and get the best possible results.
Step 1: Choose the right dye and developer
Extensions are already processed, meaning they’re more fragile than your natural hair. Avoid permanent dyes, bleach, or anything with high ammonia. Instead, opt for:
✔ Semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye (gentler on hair)
✔ Deposit-only color (ideal for darkening or toning)
✔ A low-volume developer (10 or 20 vol) if you’re using a permanent formula
Pro tip: If you’re not sure, always go darker. Lightening extensions is risky and can lead to breakage.
Step 2: Do a strand test first
Don’t skip this step. Since extensions take color differently, testing a small section first will save you from a full-head disaster. Apply the dye to one weft or a hidden section and check the results after processing. If it looks good, you’re good to go. If not? Adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Apply dye in thin, even sections
Extensions don’t have the same natural oils as your real hair, so they soak up dye differently. Work in thin sections, fully saturating the strands to avoid streaky or uneven color. If the extensions are installed, keep dye away from the bonds, tapes, or keratin tips—chemical exposure can break them down, leading to slipping or fallout.
Step 4: Monitor processing time carefully
Extensions process faster than natural hair, so check the color every 5-10 minutes. Leaving dye on too long can dry out the hair and cause uneven absorption. If you’re toning or darkening, you may not need the full processing time listed on the box.
Step 5: Rinse and deep condition
Once the color is set, rinse with lukewarm water until it runs clear—no harsh scrubbing, just gentle rinsing. Follow up with a deep conditioning mask to restore hydration. Extensions don’t regenerate moisture like real hair, so this step is crucial for keeping them soft and healthy.
Don’t make these mistakes…
Dyeing your extensions at home is risky enough—don’t make it worse by falling into these common traps.
✗ Skip the strand test
Extensions don’t take color evenly, and different brands react in different ways. If you skip this step, you’re rolling the dice on patchy, uneven color that might not be fixable.
✗ Try to lighten or bleach extensions
We get it—you want a fresh blonde or caramel balayage moment. But extensions have already been chemically processed, and trying to lighten them further can leave them dry, brittle, and beyond repair. If you must go lighter, see a stylist.
✗ Use drugstore box dye
Box dyes are packed with harsh chemicals and high-volume developers, which are too aggressive for extensions. Professional, gentle deposit-only colors are the way to go.
✗ Over-saturate the bonds
Applying dye to tape, keratin, or sewn-in wefts weakens the attachment and can cause slipping, shedding, or damage to your natural hair. Always keep dye away from the bonds—coloring from mid-lengths to ends is the safest bet.
✗ Skip the deep conditioning step
Extensions don’t get natural scalp oils, so they need extra moisture after dyeing. Skipping a deep conditioning treatment will leave them dry, dull, and frizzy. Post-color hydration is non-negotiable.
Circling back: Can you dye hair extensions while in your head?
Yes, but only if you know what you’re doing. If you’re working with high-quality Remy human hair extensions, you have some room to tweak the color—but lightening is risky, synthetic extensions are a no-go, and avoiding the bonds is a must. If you want flawless, long-lasting color that won’t wreck your extensions, a pro is your safest bet.
Need expert-approved extensions that can handle color and styling? The Lauren Ashtyn Collection has you covered—because the best extensions start with the best hair.
