Dying Your Hair (and/or Extensions) Black

One can never go wrong with black hair. It's sexy, classic, and nearly fool-proof to achieve.

Before I start this post I want to mention the fact that if the extensions you purchase are TRULY 100% Virgin they will be "dye-able". The unprocessed hair usually comes in a dark brown "1B" color and can be colored to any color you desire. If you have any trouble dying your hair, request a refund.

Most of my clients love their hair Jet black, but when dealing with extensions I often recommend that you use permanent dye as opposed to semi-permanent dye (or a rinse) to color your hair. This is because human hair needs to be washed very often and with a dye, you will lose some of your color with each wash, causing you re-dye very frequently.

There are two ways you can dye your extensions- Pre Install (before you put your hair in) or Installed (with your hair in)

Either way you will need:

* 2 boxes of hair dye, (depending on how many bundles you are coloring). I prefer Garnier Fructis "Black Licorice" just because I feel like it's a bit more nourishing for the hair.

       - 1 box for up to 2 bundles

       - 2 boxes for 3 or more bundles             

* 1 ziplock freezer bag (for pre-install) OR 4 hair clips (for installed/ natural hair)

* A Comb

* A Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

* Leave-in Conditioner Spray

Method #1 (Pre-Installed)

1.) Lay hair out in the sink and prep the hair color as instructed on the directions. (If you are coloring bundles that are size coded by rubber-bands you may want to keep them on)

2.) Make sure your hands are protected by the plastic gloves provided with the hair dye. Starting with the longest length, begin squirting the color onto your extensions.  Don't worry if the color comes out a little grey-ish at first, it will darken as time passes.

3.) Do this for each of your bundles, making sure to apply even amounts to both front and back.

4.) Work the dye into each bundle with your protected fingers.

5.) Put each bundle into your plastic bag and add a splash of water. Seal the plastic bag squeezing out the excess air. Squish the hair around in the bag. This will help distribute the color more evenly throughout your hair.

6.) Open the bag and gently comb through each bundle. Be sure to start with the ends and work your way up the the hair shaft to avoid breakage.

7.) Put the bundles back in the bag, seal releasing excess air, and let it sit for 45 minutes.

8.) Rinse the hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.

9.) Apply the conditioner provided with the dye, comb through, and let sit for 3-5 minutes

10.) Rinse out the conditioner, shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo, and re-condition with a moisturizing conditioner.

11.) Rinse again apply your leave in conditioning spray. Let it air dry and enjoy your newly colored hair!


Method #2 (Installed)

1.) Start by changing into an old t-shirt that you don't mind getting ruined. Open the box of dye and prep according to the instructions. Don't forget to wear your gloves!

2.) Divide your hair into 4 sections and clip each section up.

3.) Begin applying dye to your hair starting with the ends first, working your way up the shaft. Do this section by section, until you've applied an even amount to your entire head. (I usually start with the back of my head first but you can do it in any order you want).

4.) Go back and apply a splash of water to each section. Comb through (starting with the ends first!)

5.) Clip back up and let it sit for 25 minutes.

6.) Rinse with lukewarm water until water runs clear. Apply the deep conditioner included with the dye and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.

7.) Rinse and apply your leave in conditioner spray. Let it air dry and enjoy your new sexy black hair!

*If your hair was not washed prior to coloring, follow steps 10 and 11 from the pre-install directions.