How Do I Dye a Wig?

Bright colors are created when dyeing a wig with markers.

Dyeing a wig is an exciting way to draw attention to yourself or spice up a certain look. Dyeing a wig can be fairly inexpensive, but it can get quite messy so take the proper precautions. Wigs can be made of human hair or synthetic hair; both can be dyed, but wigs made of human hair tend to be priced much higher. Depending on the type of dye used, it may stain clothing or even skin. The instructions for using hair dye come on each package. If you dye your wig using colored markers, however, you will need some additional information because the process is different.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic cloth
• 6 markers
• 2 pairs of pliers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Garbage bag
• 32-oz. plastic spray bottle
• Hair clips
• Wide tooth comb
• Shampoo
• Detangler

Instructions

1. Cover the things that will be around the work area, because the dye from the markers will stain. Spread out one or two garbage bags to place the wig on to dry once the dyeing process is over. Having a wig stand is helpful in the drying process but it is not necessary. Wear disposable rubber gloves to protect your hands from becoming stained.

2. Remove the cap to the marker, and grip the plastic end with a pair of pliers. Grip the other end at the same time with the second set of pliers. Twist and pull at the same time, attempting to pull the marker apart allowing the dye sponge to be exposed and removed.

3. Remove the dye sponge and dispose of the marker pieces. Squeeze the ink out of the dye sponge using your fingers; make sure all of the ink goes directly into the plastic spray bottle. Drop the dye sponge directly into the plastic spray bottle. Repeat this same process with the remainder of the markers.

4. Fill the 32-ounce spray bottle half full with rubbing alcohol, and the remainder with warm water. Shake thoroughly for three to four minutes, making sure the dye is mixing well with the liquid. Be sure to shake the bottle in various directions to ensure the ink sponges are releasing all of their ink.

5. Clip all of the hair up on top of the wig, including the sides. Pull one section of hair down along the nape of the neck using the wide tooth comb. The section should be the full length of the neck approximately one-half inch in thickness. Thoroughly saturate the section of hair with the dye, making sure to begin at the root area.

6. Massage the colored hair with your fingers to ensure the color is getting through all of the strands of hair. Section another portion of hair off with the wide tooth comb and color using the same process. Color the entire head of hair and place on a garbage bag to dry.

7. Shampoo the wig using warm water. Spray the hair with a detangler and comb through with a wide tooth. Allow the wig to dry and style as desired.

References

• MHRW International: Human Hair Wig Coloring Tips
• Katie Bair: Petting Zoo Wig Design: Now It's Easy to Dye a Wig Like a Pro!
• Cupcakecosplay: How to Dye a Wig "Sharpie Method"