21 May
In and of themselves, hair extensions are transformative. They add volume, layers, and an all-around “oomph” to any hairstyle. Throw some color into the mix? The hair creation possibilities multiply to infinity! That’s right, you can (and should) color your hair extensions! It’s totally safe, and with features like Donna Bella Hair Insure, awesome coloring jobs are guaranteed if you follow our instructed methods. Here’s our quick and easy bullet list of best practices for coloring hair extensions. Be sure to follow these basic tips before you begin your color journey.
Always Conduct a Strand Test First!
No matter what color results you anticipate, ALWAYS do a strand test before coloring a full set of extensions. To strand test, mix some of the color you’ll be using into a bowl and apply it to a small section of the hair extensions. Once the color has fully developed, you can determine if it will be the right shade and can color the rest of the extensions, or make adjustments to the formula or processing time as deemed necessary.
Deposit Color, Never Lift
When coloring extensions, always aim to color the hair darker to suit your needs, rather than lifting color to make it lighter. Donna Bella 100% Remy human hair extensions have already gone through a gentle coloring process, and attempting to lift the color will actually damage the hair!
Stay Within 2 Shades
Our best recommendation for safe coloring practice is to work with extensions a shade or two lighter than what you need and then deposit color for your custom color. If you find (via your strand test) that you wish to color a particular extension more than 2 shades darker than its original shade, exchange that extension for one that’s a shade or two darker, so you’ll be starting off closer to the 2-shade threshold for coloring (unless you're coloring #60 extensions, that is).
Color the Extensions Before Installing Them
Always color hair extensions before you install them into the hair. Not only will they be easier to work with when they’re not attached to the client's head, it will save you (the stylist) time in the long run! Plus, it’s easier on the extension bonds and means your client can spend less time in the chair.
Use Semi- or Demi- Color only
Permanent color puts a lot of strain on the hair, and literally dehydrates it. This is especially true of extensions. Using direct, demi- or semi-permanent colors will achieve the same color-centric effect of a permanent without putting the hair through the chemical wear and tear of permanent color.
Treat the Extensions With Love
Donna Bella extensions are Remy human hair and must be maintained as such! Treat them just as you would your own natural color-treated hair. Don’t wash color-treated extensions for the first 24 hours after they’ve been installed. Keep them hydrated, wash them with sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and styling products, and strictly avoid chlorinated water.
Follow these basic maintenance tips (and your creative spirit!) and you’re sure to have a safe and successful custom coloring experience. Be sure to stay tuned to the Donna Bella Color Takeover Portal for more hair tips and tricks!
