How to Dye a Human Hair Wig at Home: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Coloring a human hair wig lets you try a new shade without touching your own hair. The key is starting with the right base color and protecting the lace. This guide covers what you need, how to dye a wig step by step and how to keep the color looking fresh.

Start with the right base color

• Going light or bright (blonde, pink, copper, ombre): start with a pre-lightened #613 blonde unit. The hair is already lifted, so color goes on evenly and you skip bleaching. Shop 613 blonde lace wigs.
• Going darker or adding a rich tone (brown, burgundy, deep red): a natural black #1B unit works. Dark dye deposits easily on dark hair.
• Lifting dark hair to blonde yourself: not recommended at home. Bleaching dark hair weakens it, can turn it brassy and can damage the lace. Use a professional colorist.

Only human hair can be colored with regular hair dye. Synthetic wigs don't take hair color.

What you need

• Hair dye: semi-permanent for a temporary change, permanent for longer-lasting color
• 20 volume developer if you use permanent dye
• Mixing bowl, tint brush and gloves
• Wide-tooth comb and clips
• Wig stand or mannequin head and T-pins
• Plastic wrap or a processing cap
• Petroleum jelly or a lace protector
• Sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and a deep conditioner

Step by step: how to dye a wig

1. Wash and dry. Wash the wig to remove product buildup and let it dry about 80–90%.
2. Protect the lace. Pin the wig to a stand and spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly or lace protector along the lace edges so dye doesn't stain the lace or knots.
3. Do a strand test. Color a small hidden section first to check the shade and timing.
4. Mix the color as the dye instructions say. For most permanent dyes that's 1 part color to 1 part developer.
5. Section and apply. Clip the hair into four sections and apply color with a brush from about half an inch away from the lace down to the ends, in thin slices so every strand is covered.
6. Process. Cover with plastic wrap and leave it for the time on the box, usually 30–40 minutes. Go by your strand test.
7. Rinse cool, then condition. Rinse until the water runs clear, shampoo once with a color-safe shampoo and leave a deep conditioner on for 10–20 minutes.
8. Air dry on the stand. Keep heat low for the first few washes.

Toning blonde wigs

If your #613 looks too yellow, a purple shampoo or a demi-permanent toner neutralizes the brassiness. Use it a few minutes at a time and check often. For shade ideas, see ash blonde vs platinum blonde.

Aftercare for colored wigs

• Wash with cool water and a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo.
• Deep condition every wash, because colored hair dries out faster.
• Use heat protectant and low heat.
• Store away from sunlight to slow fading.

More in our lace wig care guide.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the strand test
• Getting dye or bleach on the lace and knots
• Using a stronger developer to speed things up
• Leaving color on longer than recommended
• Skipping the conditioner afterward

Before you color

Coloring is permanent, and hair that has been dyed or bleached can't be returned. Check our refund policy, and if you'd rather have a pro do it, find a stylist near Chicago.

FAQ

Can you dye a 613 wig darker?

Yes. 613 takes color well, including darker shades. Pre-lightened hair can grab color fast and very dark shades can come out uneven, so start with a strand test and a shorter processing time.

Can you use box dye on a wig?

Yes, on human hair wigs. Follow the box timing and protect the lace.

How long does wig color last?

Semi-permanent color fades over several washes. Permanent color lasts much longer with color-safe care.

Does dyeing affect the knots?

Dark dye on the knots makes them more visible. Keep color away from the lace, and if you want a scalp-like part, read how to bleach knots safely.