The Ultimate Guide to Coloring Your Hair Bundles at Home

A gorgeous Black model with long, straight fire engine red hair

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

Coloring hair bundles is a simple way to refresh their style without breaking the bank. Whether you're aiming for a subtle shade change or a bold transformation, there are a few simple steps to follow to achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home.

 

Table of Contents

    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 diving into your DIY dye job, proper preparation is key to achieving 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:

     

    Hair type

    Texture

    Virgin hair

    Most receptive to color; start with a lower volume developer

    Curly hair

    Use extra conditioning treatments before and after coloring

    Deep wave

    Apply color in sections to ensure even distribution

    Body wave

    Be gentle to maintain the wave pattern during application

    Loose wave

    Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute color evenly

    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 color 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 use of heat tools like a curling iron 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.

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    Bundle Factory makes it easy to find all things 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. 

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    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!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I dye my bundles while installed?

    While it's possible to color hair bundles while installed, it's not recommended for several reasons:

    1. Uneven application: It's challenging to ensure even color distribution when the bundles are already in place.

    2. Potential skin irritation: The dye may come into contact with your scalp, causing irritation or allergic reactions.

    3. Difficulty in processing: It's harder to monitor the processing time and rinse thoroughly when the hair is installed.

    4. Risk of damaging your own hair: The chemicals may affect your natural hair underneath.

    For best results, it's advisable to color your bundles before installation. If you must color installed hair, consider seeking professional help at a hair salon to minimize risks.

    How long can you leave hair dye on bundles?

    The duration for leaving hair dye on bundles depends on several factors:

    1. Hair type: Virgin hair typically processes color faster than previously treated hair.

    2. Desired color intensity: Darker shades may require less time than lighter ones.

    3. Dye brand instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

    Generally, you can leave hair dye on bundles for 30-45 minutes. However, for bright colors or significant lightening, you might need up to 60 minutes. It's crucial not to exceed the maximum time stated in the instructions to prevent damage. Always perform a strand test first and check the color's development every 10 minutes after the initial 30 minutes to achieve your desired color without over-processing.

    Do you wash bundles before dying?

    Yes, it's recommended to wash your bundles before dyeing for several reasons:

    1. Remove any residue: Washing helps remove any oils, dirt, or styling products that could interfere with the coloring process.

    2. Even color absorption: Clean hair absorbs dye more evenly, resulting in a more uniform dye job.

    3. Assess hair condition: Washing allows you to evaluate the hair's health and determine if it's strong enough for coloring.

    Follow these steps:

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

    2. Condition lightly to avoid over-moisturizing, which can affect color absorption.

    3. Air dry or use blow dryers on a cool setting until the hair is slightly damp.

    4. Proceed with the coloring process as outlined in the main guide.

    What is the hardest hair color to cover?

    The most challenging hair colors to cover are typically:

    1. Red: Red pigments are larger and harder to remove from the hair shaft.

    2. Black: Very dark colors require significant lightening before applying a new shade.

    3. Blue: Like red, blue pigments are stubborn and can affect the outcome of new colors.

    4. Unnatural colors: A vivid bright color like purple or green can be difficult to neutralize.

    When covering these colors, consider the following tips:

    • Use a color remover before applying a new shade.

    • For dark colors, gradually lighten the hair over multiple sessions to minimize damage.

    • Use a color corrector to neutralize unwanted tones before applying your desired color.

    • Consider seeking professional help for complex color corrections to achieve the best results and minimize damage to your human hair extensions or bundles.

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