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Fashion trends of hair are always changing forms. Wigs have become a fashionable hair statement or accessory in today’s world. It can transform hair look instantly. Natural hair contains pigments that respond to bleach, synthetic fibers lack this quality which makes these a bit challenging to bleach. For that, unlike natural hair, synthetic wigs demand special attention. A synthetic wig is a unique hairpiece made from artificial fibers, designed to resemble natural human hair. The wig frames your face shape and creates a balance in look highlighting the best features of yours.
If you are someone who loves experimenting with different looks or someone who relies on wigs, the question of whether you can bleach a synthetic wig naturally crosses your mind. So, Can You Bleach A Synthetic Wig? I will help you to find out the answer along with do’s and don’ts of synthetic wig bleaching, offering instructions. This article will introduce you to safe and alternative methods to achieve lighter shades that are less damaging to hair.
Can You Bleach A Synthetic Wig?
People want to change the color of their synthetic wigs where the need for bleaching comes. Bleaching is the process of color removal from synthetic fibers. It is possible to get lighter tones through bleaching, and bleaching can also serve as a blank canvas for colorful dyeing. When the original wig’s color does not complement the desired look, this method becomes necessary.
The process of bleaching synthetic wigs is different from that of bleaching natural hair. You cannot bleach synthetic wigs with minimal damage, unlike natural hair. Due to the thin plastic fibers that make up synthetic hair, the heat produced during the bleaching process will damage the hair and not be able to remove any pigment to lighten it.
It is convenient to bleach synthetic hair wigs and customize colors according to your preference. You just need to be very careful while bleaching and use special products and techniques to get the result. But as bleach contains harmful chemicals, it has the chance to be very damaging to the delicate synthetic wig fibers. It may alter the color of your wig to a great extent by giving yellow or orange wigs. However, there are alternative solutions like bleach baths for that.
5 Reasons Why You Bleach Bath A Synthetic Wig
A bleach bath is a great alternative to pure bleach which you can go for. The used shampoo in the bleach bath by diluting the bleach is gentle for the hair fibers. Following are 5 reasons why you should bleach bath a synthetic wig.
1. Gives Natural Looking Shade
You should bleach bath a synthetic wig as it gives a natural-looking shade to your hair without causing any damage to the synthetic wig fibers.
2. Strips Away Buildup
Due to the frequent use of styling products, buildup can show up on the hair giving it a lifeless look. While with a bleach bath, the synthetic wig strips away the buildup from the wig.
3. Revive Natural Sheen
When the synthetic wig looks dull and tired, a bleach bath will help to revive the natural sheen of the wig.
4. Lighten The Old Dyed Wigs
You may have an overdyed wig which can be lightened through a bleach bath giving a more natural color of the wig.
5. Achieve Fine Highlights
If you want to achieve fine highlights rather than plain synthetic wigs, a bleach bath would be an excellent way to do that.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Bleaching Synthetic Wig
Bleaching a synthetic wig can give it a lighter color, but there are both benefits and drawbacks of bleaching synthetic wigs that you need to consider.
Benefits
The following are the benefits of bleaching synthetic wigs:
- Easy Process: Bleaching is a comparatively easier process that is possible to carry out at home without causing any damage to the synthetic wig.
- Achieve Desired Color, Style, And Lightening: Bleaching synthetic wigs can help you achieve the desired color and style. It also helps you to achieve the desired level of lightening which starts from subtle highlights to a complete transformation.
- Results In Temporary Customization: Synthetic wig offers a canvas that doesn’t hold long-lasting customization. The temporary nature of synthetic wigs ensures that you are not forced to maintain one appearance for a very long period if you are dissatisfied with the bleached result or simply want to try a new color. It gives freedom to experiment without being concerned about long-term effects on their hair.
- Resistant To Environmental Factors: Synthetic hair’s resistance to environmental factors is one of its benefits. The synthetic wig is mostly unaffected by environmental factors, such as UV light or moisture that could degrade natural hair after being bleached to the desired color. It reflects fewer touch-ups and a consistent appearance for a longer period.
Drawbacks
The following are the drawbacks of bleaching synthetic wigs:
- Weaken The Chemical Structure of Wig Fibers: Synthetic hair fibers may become weak and lifeless after being bleached since it can destroy their chemical structure. As a result, the wig might get thin and brittle, which could cause breakage and unraveling.
- Result in Discolored and Less Durable Wigs: Synthetic wig has limited options of color, unlike natural hair. You may not always be successful in getting the desired color of your synthetic wig. The wigs can become discolored during the chemical processes of bleaching developing a patchy color or even losing the original sheen. Bleaching gradually makes the wig less durable.
- Removes The Protective Layer of Strands: Sometimes the harmful chemicals used in bleaching can remove the protective layer of strands. It makes those more subject to harm from salon services like curling or straightening.
- Irreversible Property: Having an irreversible property is a major drawback of bleaching synthetic wigs. It is not possible to correct it using toners or recoloring, unlike natural hair. So, once you bleach a synthetic wig, it is impossible to reverse it to its original color. If any mistakes occur, it stay permanently until you get to fix it with a darker hair color.
Dos and Don’ts of Bleaching Synthetic Wig
It is necessary to follow these dos and don’ts of bleaching synthetic wigs to ensure a better experience of bleaching a synthetic wig.
Dos
Try to follow these for bleaching synthetic wigs.
- For dyeing a synthetic wig, use a mild oil-based agent which gives hydration as well as protection.
- Do a stand test before you start to bleach the synthetic wig to make sure the bleach doesn’t damage or melt the fibers.
- Dilute the bleach according to the instructions to avoid excessive damage.
- Use a gentle hand when applying the bleach to avoid tangling or damaging the wig.
- Monitor the bleaching process closely to achieve the desired color and avoid over-processing.
Don’ts
Try to avoid the following things for bleaching synthetic wigs.
- Don’t use regular hair bleach meant for natural hair, as it can damage synthetic fibers.
- Don’t use high concentrations of bleach, as it can cause the wig to become brittle or discolored.
- Don’t leave the bleach on for too long, as it can weaken the fibers and cause breakage.
- Don’t use heat tools like hair dryers or straighteners on the wig during or after bleaching, as synthetic fibers are sensitive to heat.
- Don’t rub the wig excessively while you bleach to prevent tangling.
Alternatives to Bleaching A Synthetic Wig
As there are some potential drawbacks of bleaching synthetic wigs, you can go for some safer alternatives that do not cause any hair damage. Let’s learn about those!
1. Semi-Permanent Hair Colors
Semi-permanent hair colors are a good option for those who prefer light highlights that won’t change the overall hair color. It can also give a darker shade to the synthetic hair. Another good side of using it is that it is easy to wash away with shampoo when you want.
2. Heat-Resistant Styling Products
There are different brands of heat-resistant styling products that change the hair look without bleaching hair or using any harmful chemicals.
3. Temporary Hair Color Sprays
Temporary hair color sprays provide a temporary solution to bleach synthetic wigs. Both the application process and washing process are very easy and give you options to experiment with various shades.
4. Fabric Colors
Fabric colors are a popular as well as safer option for synthetic wigs. The colors can work well in combination with synthetic hair. You just need to abide by the instructions of the fabric color packaging.
5. Henna
Henna is an excellent option for anyone who wants to make a dramatic statement of hair. It provides a deep, brilliant color that can stay for up to 4 to 6 weeks. Henna also nourishes hair while coloring it by providing a long-lasting healthy shine and bounce.
6. Special Treatments
Go for some special treatments, like deep conditioning, heat treatments, and keratin treatments, to boost your synthetic hair and give it a more natural look. It can also help add volume and texture to the hair. The hair may turn out to be healthier and more colorful than ever with the help of these special treatments.
FAQs
Yes. You can color a synthetic wig. But still, it is not recommended especially if you intend to maintain the wig for a long period. The different synthetic or natural polymers, acrylic, and plastics (PVC, polyester) that make up the hair strands of synthetic wigs react with bleach or hair dye to result in coarse and of lower quality wigs.
Ensure bleaching the front hairline of the wig when removing knots from it. To prevent it from leaking into the roots, you have to gently brush the mixture into the knots. Leaving for 30 minutes, wrap aluminum foil around the bleached knots. Regularly check out the hair because certain wigs may get bleached in a matter of 15 minutes.
Since synthetic hair strands are often made of nylon or acrylic, these cannot be dyed with regular hair dye. So, you must use dyes designed for fabrics. While it is not allowed to use any color on any wigs. You cannot dye hair a lighter shade than it is similar to natural hair.
Yes. Synthetic hair can get wet. It won’t get damaged by cold water. With synthetic hair, the style is baked in and the hair will instantly return to its normal shape after drying. After the hair gets wet, you must reset the style on human hair wigs.
Some people who wear wigs use apple cider vinegar to minimize the sheen of their artificial hair. Each hair strand’s outer layer is worn away by apple cider vinegar’s abrasive properties, making your wig look less synthetic and giving it a more natural appearance.
Final Thoughts
Wigs can transform you with a younger and more trendy hair look. You can bleach a synthetic wig. But for bleaching, it is necessary to take proper care of synthetic wigs care and learn how to maintain the luster and texture that initially captivated you. Since bleaching synthetic wigs have some drawbacks, you may go for alternative solutions like bleach baths. Bleach baths give natural-looking shade, strip away buildup, revive natural sheen, lighten the old dyed wigs, and help to achieve fine highlights. Bleaching synthetic wigs is an easy process that results in temporary customization and gives resistance to environmental factors. You can achieve the desired color, style, and lightening through it. You must do a stand test before you start to bleach the synthetic wig to make sure the bleach doesn’t damage or melt the fibers. There are also other amazing alternatives that you can look for that won’t cause any hair damage.
Key Points
- Synthetic wigs are more affordable than human hair wigs, although these may have a less natural look and feel.
- You can bleach a synthetic wig although you cannot do it with minimal damage, unlike natural hair. Due to the thin plastic fibers of synthetic hair, the heat produced during the bleaching process will damage the hair and not be able to remove any pigment to lighten it.
- Go for bleach baths as they give natural-looking shade, strip away buildup, revive natural sheen, lighten the old dyed wigs, and help to achieve fine highlights.
- Bleaching synthetic wigs can weaken the chemical structure of wig fibers, and remove their protective layer. it has irreversible properties and can also result in discolored and less durable wigs.
- Don’t use heat tools like hair dryers or straighteners on the wig during or after bleaching, as synthetic fibers are sensitive to heat.
- Some wonderful and safer alternatives to bleaching a synthetic wig are semi-permanent hair colors, heat-resistant Styling Products, temporary Hair Color Sprays, fabric colors, henna, and special treatments.
