So, you’d like to change your hair color but you’re not ready to change your natural hair color, but you have a wig! Or perhaps you wear a wig for convenience or medical purposes, and you want a change. Can you bleach a synthetic wig?
This is a question that wig owners often ask. Is synthetic hair bleachable? Yes, technically you can however, there are some conditions. Bleaching synthetic hair is not the same as bleaching natural human hair.
Table of Contents
What Is a Synthetic Wig Made of?
Synthetic wigs are formed using man-made fibers. Several materials may be used to create individual hair strands that are used in extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. Often some form of plastic is used, but nylon, polyester, and acrylic are often found.
Manufacturing technology has advanced to the point that these materials can be created to feel and look like real hair. Synthetic wigs do not have the same durability as wigs created with real human hair.
Wigs made with human hair are significantly more costly than those made from synthetic hair. Cost is most likely the principal reason for the popularity of synthetic wigs.
Can a Synthetic Wig Be Bleached?
Yes, a synthetic wig can technically be bleached, however, manufacturers recommend against doing so. Damage to the synthetic fibers can result from bleaching and ruin the synthetic hair strands leaving them at risk for breakage.
Synthetic hair strands, unlike real hair, are not porous. This makes it difficult for the bleach to penetrate the hair strands and will merely coat the external part of the synthetic fibers.
Another significant difficulty is that the bleach makes the hair strands so brittle that they break much more easily. This is because the bleaching chemicals will break down the synthetic fibers’ chains of plastic polymer. The hair shaft will consequently lose its shape and frizz.
The harsh chemicals used in bleaching treatments tend to harm synthetic hair. Nonetheless, if you want to bleach your synthetic wig despite the risks, there is a way to remove the color from the fibers.
When purchasing your beaching kit, make sure that the kit is for gentle bleaching, and always do a patch test on a small hair section to see how the synthetic fibers react.
Do I Need a Bleaching Kit?
You can bleach your synthetic wig to be a lighter shade of the same color by blending baking soda and peroxide. In a bowl, blend equal amounts of these two ingredients.
Continue blending until all the baking soda has dissolved. There should be no clumps and the formula should be nice and smooth.
Begin by wetting the wig thoroughly. Using a paintbrush, distribute the bleach and peroxide mixture onto the wig beginning at the roots to the synthetic hair tips.
Spread the formula evenly onto your wig and leave the formula on for a half hour. Then wash the wig well and apply a conditioner. You can attempt to repeat this procedure. Repeating can aid in achieving a lighter color.
How Can I Protect My Synthetic Wig from Damage After Bleaching?
If you have successfully bleached your synthetic wig, you already are aware of the damage that bleaching procures. The wig hair’s texture may feel drier and appear to be more brittle.
This means the wig hair will have an increased risk of breakage. There are several things that you can protect your wig from further damage and extend its lifespan.
When it’s time to wash your wig, use the gentlest of shampoos and conditioners. You may want to use a shampoo and conditioner that have been specifically formulated for hair that has been damaged or bleached. Do not use shampoos containing sulfates or any kind of harsh chemical.
Styling tools using heat can also damage a synthetic wig, especially when damaged through bleaching. Apply a heat protector to your wig as you would to your hair, and make sure that your iron or blow dryer is set on the lowest heat setting. If you can, allow your synthetic wig to air dry.
When styling your newly bleached synthetic wig, be very gentle during both combing and brushing. To comb, use a wide-tooth comb for detangling particularly when wet to prevent breakage. Begin combing at the bottom of the wig and gradually move upward.
Can My Synthetic Wig Be Dyed?
Yes, a synthetic wig can be dyed but it is not advisable. Choose the dye you prefer with a gentle bleaching agent. Mix the dye formula following the instructions. Using a paintbrush, begin painting the synthetic hair fibers with the dye.
Do one section at a time and make sure that the hair dye is applied evenly on the entire wig. Once the entire wig has been painted with the dye, leave the dye on for the recommended amount of time on the dye package.
When the time has expired, use cool water to rinse your synthetic wig well and remove any excess water. Place your wig on a head mold or towel for air drying. Once dry, your wig will be ready for wear!
What Is a Way to Change My Wig’s Color?
The easiest way is to buy a second wig in another color. If you are convinced to want to dye a synthetic wig a specific color, buy a wig that is a light color like a pastel, white, or even silver wig. It is much easier to take a light-colored wig and dye it a darker shade.
Other methods used for dyeing synthetic wigs include spraying on acrylic color, alcohol-based inks, and fabric dye.
Does Clorox Bleach Work on Synthetic Wigs?
No, it does not. Clorox is a bleach used for cleaning and disinfecting. Never apply Clorox bleach to your synthetic wig.
The Bottom Line
Bleaching a synthetic wig is just as damaging to the synthetic hair shafts as it would be if you were bleaching your natural hair. The risk is that the bleaching and dyeing chemicals will burn synthetic hair strands reducing them to a shriveled mess.
Synthetic wig manufacturers recommend against bleaching your synthetic wig. Still, if you just want to lighten the color a bit, you can attempt to do so with baking soda and peroxide or dye the wig using one of several other methods.
