How to Color Hair Bundles at Home: Safe, Salon-Quality Results

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first time isn't flawless.

Coloring your own hair bundles at home can save you time, money, and stress—if you do it right. Whether you’re refreshing your look or going bold, this guide walks you through everything from pre-dye prep to aftercare. No guesswork, no surprises. Just gorgeous color, at an affordable price.

Preparation

Customizing your human hair bundles, or human hair extensions, with a new hair color allows for countless options to express yourself. While visiting a hair salon is always ideal, learning the art of coloring hair bundles at home can save you time and money while giving you full control over your desired color. 

Before starting your DIY dye job, proper preparation is essential for the best results.

Choosing the right hair dye

Selecting the appropriate hair dye is more important than most think. For a human hair weave or other virgin human hair, opt for professional-grade dyes that are gentle yet effective. Avoid using dyes meant for synthetic hair, as these can damage natural hair fibers.

Gathering necessary tools and materials

Here's a checklist of items you'll need:

• Hair dye kit

• Plastic bowl for mixing

• Application brush

• Plastic wrap

• Gloves

• Old towels

• Wide-tooth comb

• Heat protectant spray

• Leave-in conditioner

Preparing your workspace

Set up in a well-ventilated area with good lighting. Cover surfaces to protect against stains, and wear old clothes you don't mind getting dye on.

A step-by-step guide to coloring hair bundles

Now comes the fun part: Dyeing your hair. We checked out a few Youtube tutorials to see some different approaches. And, if you’re looking to go “dark ash,” Sophiology has you covered.

That color is hot. Now, let’s get started.

Precoloring treatment

1. Gently wash hair bundles with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup.

2. Towel-dry the hair until it's damp but not soaking wet.

3. Apply a heat protectant spray to shield the hair from potential damage while blow drying. Do not dye your hair while it’s wet to avoid uneven color, dilution, or damage.

Mixing the dye

Follow the instructions provided with your chosen dye kit. Typically, you'll mix the color with a developer in a plastic bowl. For first time users, start with a 20 volume developer for a gentler process.

Applying the color

1. Section the hair into manageable parts.

2. Starting from the ends of the hair, apply the dye mixture using the application brush.

3. Work your way up, ensuring even coverage.

4. For lace closure wigs or frontal closure pieces, be extra careful around the lace to avoid staining.

Processing time

Once all hair is covered, gather it and wrap in plastic wrap to keep the dye moist. Follow the processing time recommended by the dye manufacturer, typically 30-45 minutes.

For a more intense color, you may leave it on longer, but avoid exceeding the maximum time to prevent damage.

Rinsing and aftercare

1. Rinse the hair with cool warm water until the water runs clear.

2. Apply a color-safe conditioner and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

3. Gently squeeze out excess water and air dry or use blow dryers on a low, cool setting.

Tips for different hair types and textures

Different hair textures may require specific considerations:

 

Achieving specific color results

Some colors require specific approaches.

Going lighter: Blonde bundles and platinum highlights

Lightening hair requires extra care to avoid damage:

• Always perform a strand test first.

• Use a lower volume developer and increase processing time if needed.

• Consider using a toner to achieve your desired shade of blonde.

Rich hues: Chocolate brown and other dark shades

Darker colors are generally easier to achieve and maintain:

• For a chocolate brown shade, look for dyes with warm undertones.

• Apply color from roots to tips for even coverage.

Bright color and pastel colors

For vibrant or pastel colors:

• Pre-lighten the hair if starting with a dark base.

• Use specialized, bright-colored dyes for the most vivid results.

• Mix pastel shades with a white toner to achieve the desired intensity of these different shades.

How to maintain your newly colored bundles

Proper hair care is essential for preserving your color:

1. Wait 48 hours before washing newly colored hair.

2. Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.

3. Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep hair moisturized.

4. Limit the use of heat tools, such as curling irons and blow dryers.

5. When styling, always use a heat-protectant spray.

Troubleshooting common issues

The following tips can help overcome typical concerns.

Uneven color

If you notice patchy or uneven results:

• Wait at least two weeks before recoloring.

• Focus on the uneven areas during your next step in coloring.

• Consider using a color-depositing conditioner for temporary touch-ups.

Damage prevention

To minimize damage from coloring:

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach too frequently.

• Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your routine.

• Consider using a bond-building treatment during the coloring process.

Change up your look anytime

Being able to color your hair bundles at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to fully customize your look, and often for less. By following these steps, tips, and taking proper precautions, you can achieve professional-looking results that rival any hair salon. 

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first time isn't flawless. With patience and care, you'll soon be an at-home hair designer able to change up your look anytime.

Welcome to Bundle Factory, your one-stop shop

Bundle Factory makes it easy to find everything related to hair! We offer an extensive range of

human hair bundles and multipacks, lace wigs, and human hair extensions in various textures like body wave, deep wave, and curly hair. Our virgin hair is perfect for coloring hair bundles at home, whether you're aiming for blonde bundles or a rich chocolate brown. 

Bundle Factory has unbeatable prices that, more often than not, beat any sale price or regular price you'll find elsewhere. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $149 in the United States, and earn 2% cashback on all purchases through our BFF rewards program. New customers, don't miss out on an instant 10% discount when you subscribe to our mailing list. Share the love and earn more – refer a friend, and when they make a purchase of $100 or more, you'll receive a $10 bonus, while they'll receive a $5 welcome gift.

From a glueless wig to lace frontal wigs, we have everything you need to create your perfect look. Don't wait—start your color styling today with Bundle Factory's premium hair products!

If you’re still choosing a bundle, check out our best inexpensive human hair bundles for salon-quality results on any budget.

Ready to try it yourself? Explore our full collection of unprocessed virgin Remi human hair bundles, perfect for custom coloring.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to dye my hair extensions?

Before you open the dye, gather these essentials to avoid mid-process scrambling:

• Hair dye (semi-permanent or permanent, depending on your goals)
• Developer (20–30 volume for subtle to moderate lift)
• Mixing bowl + tinting brush
• Gloves
• Wide-tooth comb
• Clips for sectioning
• Clarifying shampoo
• Towel or foil for surface protection
• Deep conditioner or treatment mask

Optional: Bleach (for bright colors or going lighter), toner, color remover (for stubborn previous dye).

Pro tip: Always test a small hair strand before full application to preview the result.

Can I dye my bundles while installed?

Technically, yes—but we don’t recommend it. Coloring bundles while installed can lead to uneven results, scalp irritation, and missed spots. For best results, remove the bundles and lay them flat before dyeing.

How long can you leave hair dye on bundles?

For most dyes, 30–45 minutes works well. Check a strand every 10 minutes after 30 minutes have passed. Avoid going past 60 minutes, especially with bleach or high-lift colors.

Do you wash bundles before dying?

Yes. Washing with a clarifying shampoo helps remove product buildup and allows the dye to absorb evenly. Dry the hair fully before applying color.

What is the hardest hair color to cover?

Vibrant tones like red, deep black, and dark blue are notoriously stubborn. If you’re switching shades drastically, use a color remover first or consult a professional for guidance.

Step-by-step: How to dye your hair bundles at home

Here's a quick rundown on how to dye your bundles in the comfort of your home:

1. Wash the bundles: Use a clarifying shampoo to strip oils, product, and buildup.
2. Dry completely: Air-dry or use a blow-dryer. Dye won’t absorb well on damp hair.
3. Prepare the dye mixture: Mix your dye and developer according to the instructions. Wear gloves.
4. Section and saturate: Lay the bundles on foil or a towel. Use a tinting brush to coat each section thoroughly.
5. Wait and watch: Let the dye process for 30–45 minutes, checking every 10 minutes after the half-hour mark.
6. Rinse with cold water: Gently rinse until the water runs clear. Avoid shampoo for the first 24–48 hours.
7. Deep condition: Use a nourishing conditioner or mask to restore moisture and shine.

Quick reference: Aftercare tips to keep your color fresh

Once you dye your bundles, make sure to give them proper care.

1. Use sulfate-free shampoo to prevent fading
2. Wash in cold water to lock in pigment
3. Limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant
4. Deep condition weekly to keep bundles soft and vibrant
5. Store bundles properly (braided, dry, and protected from sunlight)

Bonus: Refresh your semi-permanent color every 4–6 weeks with a color-depositing conditioner.