Natural hair wigs, especially real hair wigs, offer incredible versatility for those seeking to switch up their style without committing to permanent changes. Whether you’re rocking real human hair wigs or human hair afro wigs, bleaching and coloring can transform your wig into a vibrant, personalized masterpiece. However, the process requires care to maintain the wig’s quality and achieve stunning results. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential do’s and don’ts of bleaching and coloring natural hair wigs to ensure your real hair wigs stay healthy, shiny, and vibrant.
Understanding Natural Hair Wigs and Their Unique Needs
Natural hair wigs, particularly real human hair wigs, are made from 100% human hair, making them ideal for dyeing and bleaching because they respond similarly to your own hair. Human hair afro wigs, with their textured curls and volume, are especially popular for bold, colorful looks like pastel pinks or fiery reds. However, unlike synthetic wigs, real hair wigs require careful handling to prevent damage during chemical processes. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural pigment, while coloring adds new hues, and both can stress the hair if done incorrectly. Let’s dive into the best practices to keep your natural hair wigs looking flawless.
Do’s of Bleaching and Coloring Natural Hair Wigs
1. Choose High-Quality Products
When bleaching or coloring real human hair wigs, invest in professional-grade products. Use a developer with a low volume (10 or 20 vol) for bleaching to minimize damage, and opt for ammonia-free or semi-permanent dyes for vibrant, less harsh results. For human hair afro wigs, choose dyes formulated for textured hair to ensure even color distribution. Brands like Wella or Clairol Professional are reliable choices for natural hair wigs.
2. Perform a Strand Test
Before applying bleach or color to the entire wig, conduct a strand test. Clip a small section from an inconspicuous area of your real hair wigs and apply the bleach or dye. This helps you gauge processing time and check for unexpected results, especially with human hair afro wigs, where texture can affect color uptake. A strand test ensures your desired shade—whether platinum blonde or deep burgundy—turns out as expected.
3. Prep the Wig Properly
Cleanse your natural hair wigs with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup before bleaching or coloring. This ensures even application. Do not apply conditioner to real human hair wigs before coloring, as it can form a coating that prevents the dye from fully absorbing. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, especially for human hair afro wigs, to prevent breakage during the process.
4. Protect the Lace and Knots
When working with lace-front real hair wigs, protect the lace base by applying a barrier cream or petroleum jelly along the hairline. This prevents bleach or dye from seeping into the lace, which can weaken it or cause discoloration. For human hair afro wigs, ensure the knots (where hair is tied to the lace) are not over-bleached, as this can lead to shedding.
5. Follow Up with Deep Conditioning
After bleaching or coloring, restore moisture to your natural hair wigs with a deep conditioning treatment. Use a product designed for color-treated hair to lock in hydration and maintain vibrancy. For human hair afro wigs, opt for a nourishing mask with shea butter or argan oil to keep curls defined and bouncy. This stage is essential to keep real human hair wigs from becoming dry and fragile.
Don’ts of Bleaching and Coloring Natural Hair Wigs
1. Don’t Rush the Bleaching Process
Bleaching real hair wigs too quickly or with high-volume developers (e.g., 40 vol) can cause severe damage, especially to human hair afro wigs, which are prone to dryness. Never leave bleach on longer than recommended—typically 20–30 minutes—depending on the desired lift. Over-bleaching can lead to breakage, making your natural hair wigs look frizzy and lifeless.
2. Don’t Skip Patch Testing for Allergies
Chemical products can cause skin irritation, even when applied to real human hair wigs. Prior to applying bleach or dye, apply a small patch on your skin—like behind the ear or on your wrist—to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. This is especially important if you’re installing the wig with adhesive, as chemicals can interact with your scalp.
3. Don’t Overlap Bleach or Color
When touching up color on natural hair wigs, avoid applying bleach or dye to previously processed hair. Overlapping can weaken the hair strands, leading to breakage or uneven tones. For human hair afro wigs, section the hair carefully and apply color only to new growth or unprocessed areas to maintain texture and health.
4. Don’t Use Box Dyes Without Caution
Although convenient, drugstore box dyes often include strong chemicals that can harm real human hair wigs. If you must use them, dilute the dye with a conditioner for a gentler effect, especially on human hair afro wigs, which require extra care to preserve curl patterns. Always check the ingredients to avoid high ammonia content.
5. Don’t Neglect Aftercare
Post-coloring maintenance is critical for natural hair wigs. Avoid washing your real human hair wigs too soon after coloring—wait at least 48 hours to let the color set. Use sulfate-free shampoos and avoid excessive heat styling, which can fade vibrant hues. For human hair afro wigs, limit sun exposure, as UV rays can dull colors and dry out textured hair.
Additional Tips for Vibrant Results
- Timing Matters: Process bleach or dye in a well-ventilated area and follow the product’s timing instructions precisely. For real hair wigs, check progress every 5–10 minutes to avoid over-processing.
- Tone After Bleaching: If you’re going for a bright or pastel shade on natural hair wigs, use a toner after bleaching to neutralize brassy tones. This is especially important for clean blondes or silvers on human hair afro wigs.
- Store Properly: After coloring, store your real human hair wigs on a wig stand in a cool, dry place to maintain shape and color vibrancy. Steer clear of plastic bags, as they can hold in moisture and lead to color fading.
Conclusion
Bleaching and coloring natural hair wigs can elevate your style, whether you’re refreshing real hair wigs or experimenting with human hair afro wigs. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll achieve vibrant, long-lasting results without compromising the quality of your real human hair wigs. Take your time, use quality products, and prioritize aftercare to keep your wigs looking stunning. With proper care, your natural hair wigs will remain a versatile canvas for endless colorful looks in 2025 and beyond!
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