Wigs are an easy way to change the way your hair looks without having to go through the hassle of hair styling. With wigs, getting a new hairstyle is a matter of wearing a new wig, making it very convenient to boost your looks. Synthetic hair wigs, especially, are a very convenient alternative to styling your natural hair. They are cheaper than human hair wigs and have become increasingly realistic with advancements in technology.
In addition to switching pre-styled wigs to match your preferred look, wigs can also be styled, dyed, or bleached to customize the way they appear.
Bleaching, in particular, is a popular way to change the appearance of your wig. By using bleaching agents and chemicals, you can lighten the color of your wig to a preferred shade. Which begs the question: can you bleach synthetic hair wigs?
The short answer to that is yes, you can bleach synthetic wigs. Although, the process comes with a few technicalities.
The thing is, synthetic wigs are wigs made of artificial fibers like nylon, acrylic, and polyester designed to look and feel like natural hair. They are generally easier to maintain and are more cost-effective. But, when it comes to bleaching, the difference in materials makes itself known.
Traditional hair bleach works by reacting with the melanin in your hair. Since human hair wigs are made of natural hair, this kind of bleach works for them. Synthetic hair wigs, on the other hand, are made of plastic fibers. They do not react to bleach the same way natural hair does. Using traditional bleach might even weaken or melt the fibers of your synthetic wig.
To bleach synthetic wigs, you need special bleaching agents that your synthetic wig can handle.
What do you need to bleach your synthetic wigs?
To bleach your synthetic hair wigs, you need the following materials:
- 1½ teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- A ceramic bowl
- Gloves
- A brush
- Water
- Shampoo
- Towel
- Wig stand
- Aluminum foil wrap
- Old newspaper
How to bleach your synthetic wig
- Clean the wig with shampoo and dry it.
- Spread newspapers on the work surface to prevent bleach spills from staining the area.
- Place the wig on the wig stand.
- Put on your gloves.
- Mix the hydrogen peroxide solution with baking soda to form a paste.
- Divide the wig into sections.
- Apply the mixture to the sections you want to bleach.
- Use the aluminum foil to protect areas you do not want to bleach such as the wig cap.
- Allow the bleach mixture to stay on for 30 to 60 minutes depending on how light you want your wig to get.
- Wash off the bleach from the wig with mild shampoo when you get the desired color.
- Dry the wig with a clean towel while making sure not to squeeze or wring as you do so.
- Place the wig on the wig stand and allow it to air dry.
Conclusion
In all, bleaching synthetic wigs is a very effective way to try out different colors without risking your natural hair. It is important to keep in mind that synthetic wigs require a different bleaching regimen than natural hair or human hair wigs. Remember to take special care of your bleached synthetic wigs to improve their lifespan and healthiness.