Can You Bleach Synthetic Hair? Here Are Your Answers!

In the past decade, like many other things in the fashion game, hair styling has achieved new crazy levels. Earlier we only saw people with no hair or less hair wearing wigs. However now, synthetic hair, wigs, or hair extensions are used for increasing volume, styling, or simply to get a new look. Some also use synthetic hair wigs for experiments with bleach, color, and other styling methods, so that their natural hair is not damaged in the process. So, by now you know the answer to “Can you bleach synthetic hair at home?” The simple answer is, Yes! Let’s see how. But first…

What Is Synthetic Hair?

Some hair wigs use natural hair. Synthetic hair wigs have synthetic hair made of polymers like polyester or nylon. They are created to look and feel exactly like natural hair. They are also used to make hair extensions for short hair and thin hair.

Can You Bleach Synthetic Hair Wig?

Sure, why not? If you want to bleach your synthetic hair you can bleach it. However, the products to be used for synthetic hair are different from the products for natural hair. The plastic fibers of synthetic wigs need to be handled with much care so that their texture doesn’t change.

The Risks And Challenges Of Bleaching Synthetic Hair

Bleaching synthetic hair can help you get a variety of hair color options. However, there are still some risks and challenges associated with it. 

• You may not be able to achieve the exact desired hair color if you are bleaching synthetic hair. The final look may differ from what you thought. This is due to the different kinds of materials that the hair is made of.
• The risk of damage is high. Bleaching can make the hair frizzy and tangled and increase the chances of breakage(1).
• In most cases, the result is irreversible. This means that once you have bleached your synthetic hair, you cannot go back to the original tone.
• Extra care is required to improve the longevity of the bleach and maintain the nature of the synthetic hair.

Things You Need To Bleach A Synthetic Wig

Are you ready to bleach your synthetic wig? Make sure you have all these items before you start.

1. Bleach for synthetic wig: You can buy it from a store or make it at home using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Wondering how to bleach synthetic hair with peroxide? More about this a little later.
2. A ceramic bowl to mix.
3. Spoons or measuring cups.
4. A brush to apply the bleach.
5. A mannequin head or a suitable holder to keep the wig in place while applying the bleach.
6. Gloves to protect your hands and eyewear to protect your eyes.
7. Aluminum foil to separate the areas that need not be bleached.
8. A sheet of cloth or old paper to protect the floor or surface underneath from any drops or spills.
9. Cold or room temperature water to rinse and a towel to dry the wig.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Bleaching Your Synthetic Hair

For bleaching your synthetic hair, it is very important to strictly follow the instructions given on the bleach packet and ensure your safety by wearing gloves and eyewear. Read on to understand how to bleach hair at home.

• Place the synthetic hair wig on the mannequin head and spread a sheet underneath to protect the floor.
• Make sure you have worn all protective gear.
• Use the store-bought bleach in the prescribed quantity or use the measuring cups to make a mixture of your own in the ceramic bowl. Mix 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda each to form a smooth paste that can be applied to the synthetic hair.
• If you need to separate any part of the wig that need not be bleached, use aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover that portion of hair.
• With utmost patience, separate the hair strands and gradually apply the bleach on each set of strands using a brush. Not the time when you begin to apply so that you don’t let the bleach stay too long on the wig.
• After leaving the bleach for the recommended time, rinse it with cold water and a light shampoo. Don’t forget to use your gloves.
• Use a synthetic hair conditioner to soften the hair and rinse the hair thoroughly once again.
• Dry the hair gently using a dry towel and let the hair dry completely naturally.
• Once it is fully dry you may use a hair dryer or styling iron to style your hair. However, it is best to avoid excessive heat on bleached synthetic hair.

How To Protect Bleached Synthetic Hair?

You need to take good care of bleached hair.

• To begin with, don’t wash it too often. Unlike your natural hair, synthetic hair doesn’t need cleaning every other day. Washing the bleached synthetic hair frequently can alter its color as well as texture. And, whenever you do, use cold water to rinse.
• Minimize heat treatments as much as possible. Always let the wig dry naturally or under a fan rather than with a dryer. Even when you must style it, use the least possible heat level to do so.
• Use special shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free and are designed for synthetic hair. It helps prevent frizz and brittleness.
• Handle with care. Just because the hair is artificial, doesn’t mean it can be handled roughly. The gentler you are while bleaching, combing, washing, etc., the longer it will “live”.

Alternative Options For Bleaching Synthetic Hair

Bleaching is a tedious job and requires a lot of patience. If you don’t have the time for all this, here are some temporary alternatives to bleaching synthetic hair or coloring hair without bleach.

• Use colored hair extensions. This is the easiest way out. If you already use synthetic hair, find highlighted hair extensions to attach to your wig for a new look. You can achieve a money-piece hair with this easy method.
• There are colored hair sprays available in the market which can be used to temporarily color your hair. The result may not last long but surely doesn’t take long to get on.
• Since you are dealing with synthetic hair you can try markers or acrylic paint on sections of hair and use hair spray to set it for a while.

FAQ

Conclusion

So, can you bleach synthetic hair with hair bleach? Yes! Bleaching, coloring, or any other styling of synthetic hair has fewer risks and is cheaper than doing the same on natural hair. After all, if you mess up, all you must do is to trash it and get a new one. So don’t be hesitant to try bleaching your synthetic hair. Use caution and everything that we mentioned in this article to get a perfect tone on your synthetic hair.