Wigs are a lovely way to alter your hairstyle or color easily without tampering with your natural hair permanently. Even though so many colors exist, one may consider bleaching their wig. This may make it appear lighter or used as a base for exciting hues. In case you have asked yourself “how to bleach a wig?” or “can you bleach a wig?” especially when it involves human hair wigs, then this article is for you.
Understanding the Basics: Can You Bleach a Wig?
Before we look at the steps, an important thing to note is that you can actually bleach your wig albeit not all wigs are similar. Synthetic wigs are very distinct from human hair ones. Therefore, it is possible to bleach human hair wigs while bleaching a synthetic one might never work.
When subjected to bleach, synthetic fibers burn and become totally damaged. On the other hand, human hair wigs are quite similar to naturally grown hair and hence can be bleached as well as dyed using the same materials and processes as natural hair. However, it is important that you do so with caution to avoid damaging your wig.
Why Bleach a Human Hair Wig?
If you were looking for reasons as to why one may want their wig bleached, some common ones include:
- Customization: It helps you change hair color accordingly either to match with your skin tone or as an undercoat for various bright colors.
- Natural look: In order for your wig to look natural, you can consider lightening the color especially at the roots or near the bottom.
- Highlights: Bleach parts of the wig so as to bring depth and dimension hence bringing out highlights.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bleach a Human Hair Wig
When you want to learn how to bleach a human hair wig, following the right steps makes sure that the outcome turns out beautiful and without damage. Here is how you do it:
1. Gather Your Materials
Start by making sure that you have everything that is needed which includes:
- Bleach powder: A quality brand meant for hair lightening.
- Developer (20 or 30 volume): How light the hair will be is determined by the developer’s strength. Use 20 volume if you want less lifting power whereas if you need more lift use 30 volume.
- Mixing bowl: Prepare the mixture using a non-metallic container.
- Applicator brush: Ensure uniform application of the bleach on the wig.
- Aluminum foil: This aids in stylistic choices regarding highlights versus sections when fastening the process.
- Neutralizing shampoo: To neutralize the pH of hair that has been bleached.
- Conditioner: For moisture in wigging.
- Gloves: For protecting hands against chemicals used during processing.
- Old towel or apron: Protecting workspaces or skins that may come in contact with solutions spilled accidentally.
- Mannequin head or wig stand: Assistance in staying appropriate during treatment to ensure equal distribution lengthwise from root ends up to tips achieved easier by positioning it on.
2. Prepare the Wig
Before you bleach, ensure your wig is clean and dry. This helps prevent any residues that can interfere with the bleach. The best way to do this is by washing your wig in a mild sulfate-free shampoo. After washing, make sure the wig dries completely. To prevent having uneven results, it is advisable to avoid bleaching wet wigs leading to chemical dilution.
Keep the wig on a mannequin head or wig stand. This makes the bleaching process easier and more precise application of bleach is allowed.
3. Mix the Bleach
Take the developer and bleaching powder and put them together in the mixing bowl following guidelines given by the manufacturer. Generally, one part bleach should be to two parts developer during mixing. Mix until a uniform paste is formed.
If you’re asking yourself, “how do I bleach my human hair wig without ruining it?” Try a 20-volume developer because it is less harsh. Nevertheless, you may want more lift hence go for a 30-volume developer.
4. Apply the Bleach
Gloves should be worn for your protection when applying bleach on the wig. Start from the bottom and use your application brush in order to apply bleach on the wig. You will have to move from bottom towards top but remember not to touch the lace when dealing with those which are lace-front.
If you intend to bleach the entire hairpiece, uniformly apply the bleach over each part of it while for highlights, divide the hair and use aluminum foil so the bleached strands do not mix with the rest of the hairpiece.
5. Let the Bleach Process
Leave the bleach on for 15 to 30 minutes after applying it. It is important to watch the hairpiece carefully at this time. The lightening process will take place over time using bleach; however, when left too long, it can damage your hair unnecessarily.
Pro Tip: The higher the developer (concentration) is, the faster bleach lightens so timing should be adjusted accordingly. If for instance you’re wondering how you can bleach a wig without causing any harm—just keep checking since it may become too light if left for long hours.
6. Rinse and Neutralize
When it has reached the color you desire, simply pour cold water throughout your wig until no more bleach remains in it. You also need to apply a neutralizing shampoo. This prevents the hair from getting too bleached.
7. Condition the Wig
Bleaching might dry out your wig therefore it is important to deep condition it after bleaching. You can leave your hair treatment on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off with water when using lots of hair conditioner.
You can apply a deep conditioning mask or treatment in order to add more moisture and repair the wig making it soft and shiny again.
8. Let the Wig Air Dry
Once you’ve completed conditioning, pat the wig dry gently with a towel—avoid rubbing so as not to create frizz and tangles. Let the wig air dry on a mannequin head or wig stand. Do not use heat tools until your wig is completely dry and you have put on heat protection if styling is your plan.
Final Thoughts
Bleaching should be done when making it your own style shade. It is easy for anyone with the right tools and proper attention to learn how to bleach wigs. Remember to start with quality wig materials first before doing any other step that was mentioned prior and maintaining it will keep it looking great.
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