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Changing your wig colour is one of the quickest ways to refresh your look without cutting your natural hair. Whether you want a soft tone change or a bold new shade, there are many easy and safe methods you can try at home. When you’re wearing a human hair wig or a synthetic wig, there are safe and effective methods to transform the colour, add highlights or go bold with something totally new. 

In this guide, we’ll explore easy ways to change your wig’s colour, step-by-step methods, safety tips, maintenance advice, and how to choose the right method depending on your wig type and budget.

Why change your wig’s colour?

Before diving into the how, let’s briefly look at why changing your wig’s colour makes sense:

• Trend-driven styling: The global wig and hair extension market is booming. For example, one report shows the hair wigs & extensions market was valued at USD 7.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12.6 billion by 2034. globenewswire

• Flexibility: Instead of committing to colouring your natural hair (with all the damage risk), a wig lets you experiment with shades safely.
  

• Refreshing your look: A colour change can make an old wig look new, boost your confidence, and match seasonal trends or events.
  

• Covering wear: Over time, wigs (especially human-hair ones) may fade or yellow; colouring can restore vibrancy.
  

Because the market is growing, more people are using wigs not only for hair loss or medical reasons but as fashion/styling accessories. technavio

With that in mind, let’s get into the methods.

1. Identify your wig type (human hair vs synthetic)

Before you start colouring, it's important to understand your wig type. Human-hair wigs and synthetic wigs react very differently to dye.

If you ensure what type of wig you have, you can explore examples in the human-hair-wigs collection here. 

• Human hair wigs: These are real human hair, which means you can treat them much like natural hair: you can dye, bleach, use heat styling etc. They’re more premium and allow more flexibility.
  

• Synthetic wigs: Made of synthetic fibres, these are much more limited in terms of colouring. Standard hair dyes will not work; you’ll need specialized methods (sprays, fabric dyes, or colouring with professional products).
  
  

Why this matters:?

The global wig market shows that human-hair wigs are dominant in many markets due to quality and appearance. For example, one study says the human hair segment held about 62.6% share of the wig & extension market in 2024.gminsights.

Thus, knowing your wig type helps you choose a safe and effective plan.

2. Pre-colour preparation: Clean, secure, test

Before you apply any colour change, you’ll want to prepare your wig properly. These steps ensure your end result looks good and you don’t damage the wig unnecessarily.

• Wash the wig: Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner formulated for wigs or human hair. Remove any product buildup, oils or dust.
  

• Let it dry completely: Colour takes better on clean, dry hair/fibre.
  

• Secure the wig: Set it on a wig stand or a mannequin head, leaving your hands free to style and smooth each strand. 

• Do a strand or patch test: For human hair wigs, try colouring a small strand first and see how it takes the dye. If you’re working with a synthetic wig, try it first on a small hidden strand near the base.
  

• Protect your workspace and yourself: Use gloves, old towels, newspaper, and a well-ventilated space.
  

Doing this preparation is one of the smart steps behind the “easy ways to change your wig’s colour” approach; it reduces surprises and supports better results.

3. Changing the colour of a human-hair wig

Human hair wigs are easiest to colour because you can treat them almost like natural hair. 

a) Use Regular Hair Dye

You can apply a standard hair dye or professional hair dye to a human hair wig.

• Choose a shade close to the current colour for the best result.

• Test first on a small section

• Follow the instructions on the dye kit, but apply carefully to the wig fibres.
  

• Always deep condition afterwards. 

If you want to see natural wig options before dyeing, check out Riona beauty’s human hair collections.

b)  Try Highlights or lowlights

If you don’t want a full colour change, you can add dimension:

• Use small sections or foils to add a lighter or darker shade to some part of the wig..
  

• This gives a subtle effect and is less risky than full colour.
  

• It’s also safer and easier than colouring the entire wig.
  

c) Toners/glazes

If your wig looks too orange, yellow or dull, a toner is the easiest fix.For example, 

• A purple toner removes brassiness in blonde wigs.
  

• This method is gentler and helps maintain the wig’s lifespan.
  
  

D) Important tips for human-hair wigs

• Use high-quality dye and tools (brush, clips, gloves, stand).
  

• Condition heavily after dyeing, as chemical processes can dry the hair.
  

• Avoid frequent dyeing—like natural hair, over-processing shortens the wig’s lifespan.

4. Changing the colour of a synthetic wig

Synthetic wigs require different methods because regular dye will not work. 

a) Spray-on colour or wig-specific dyes

This is the easiest option for beginners. Spray-on colour gives instant results and washes out within a few wears. 

• These are great if you want a bold, fun colour for a one-time look.

• Perfect for parties, photoshoots, or trying a fun shade before making a big change. 

• Rinse carefully if labelled as “temporary”.
  
  

b) Fabric dye or RIT dye

This method works well for darkening synthetic fibres. 

• Mix a small amount of fabric dye with hot water

• Dip the wig slowly

• Check the color every minute.
  

c) Wig cap and overlays

If you’re unsure about damaging the wig, an easier alternative is to add a coloured wig cap or an overlay/clip-in of a different colour. This gives the effect of colour without changing the wig itself.

• Especially useful if you like changing colours often (for events/Instagram) but don’t want to modify the wig permanently.
  

• One of the most “easy ways to change your wig’s colour” in terms of low risk.
  
  

d) Important tips for synthetic wigs

• Avoid high-heat styling unless the wig is heat-safe (e.g., heat-resistant synthetic).
  

• Serve short-term styles. Synthetic wigs dyed may have a shorter lifespan than untouched ones.
  

• Always store properly after colouring to maintain shape and texture.
  
  

5. Choosing colours and style ideas

When thinking about colour change, it helps to match your style, skin tone, and occasion. Here are some ideas:

• Natural shades: Chestnut brown, honey blonde, and ash brown — shades that slip easily into your daily routine, like sunlight catching in your hair. 

• Trend shades: Pastel pink, lavender, rose gold, turquoise — fun for fashion wigs.
  

• Highlights/ombre: Caramel streaks catch the light, bronze tones deepen underneath, and the color melts gently from a dark root to a sunlit tip. 

• Customer-specific use:For weddings or photo shoots, you might go for metallic shades or bold colors—a flash of gold or a deep cobalt can really stand out. 

6. Tips to Protect Your Wig After Colouring

To keep your wig healthy and soft:

• Use wig-safe shampoo

• Avoid too much heat styling

• Store your wig on a stand 

• Wash only when needed

• Deep condition human hair wigs regularly.

If you're unsure how to care for your wig after colouring, book a Free Consultation to get professional advice tailored to your wig type at  /free-booking. 

7. Cost and effort comparison at a glance

Here’s a simple comparison table to help you decide which easy way to change your wig’s colour method suits you.

Costs vary greatly by region, product quality, and whether you use a professional instead of DIY.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are important things to avoid when coloring your wig. 

• Don't bleach synthetic wigs, they will melt

• Don’t overwash dyed wigs

• Don’t use harsh chemicals on delicate lace

• Don’t skip strand testing.

If the wig you want to colour is expensive or custom-made, professional help is the safest choice.

FAQs

1. Can I dye any wig?

Not all wigs can be dyed. Human-hair wigs can be dyed much like natural hair, while synthetic wigs require special dyes or colour sprays. Regular box dye will NOT work on synthetic fibres.

2. Can I lighten a dark wig?

Human-hair wigs can be lightened carefully, but doing so repeatedly may damage the fibres. Synthetic wigs cannot be lightened—you can only go darker or use overlays.

3. What is the safest way to colour a synthetic wig?

The safest methods include spray-on wig colour, wig-safe markers, or fabric dyebaths (with caution). Always test a small strand first.

4. How long does wig colour last?

• Human-hair dye: several months with proper care
  
  

• Synthetic colour sprays: 1–5 washes
  
  

• Synthetic fabric dyebath: semi-permanent, but prone to fading
  
  

5. How do I stop wig colour from fading?

Use colour-safe shampoo, reduce sun exposure, avoid heat styling, and store your wig properly. These steps help extend the life of any newly applied colour.

6. Should I dye my wig myself or go to a professional?

DIY is great for small changes, toning, or synthetic sprays. For dramatic changes, especially on expensive human-hair wigs, a professional colourist is recommended.

7. Will dyeing damage my wig?

Any chemical or heat process can reduce wig lifespan—especially human-hair wigs. Synthetic wigs may get dry or stiff if overheated. Using proper products reduces risk.

Conclusion

Switching up your wig’s colour can be a blast and totally safe—you just have to use the right technique for its type, like choosing dye that won’t damage the fibres. Human-hair wigs let you style freely—curl, straighten, toss them in a loose bun, while synthetic ones are fun for short-term looks and bold colors you can change on a whim. Whether you’re after a gentle shift in tone, a splash of bright highlights, or a bold color overhaul, this guide walks you through each step so you can dive in with confidence.

If you ever feel unsure or want expert help choosing the right wig to colour, Riona Beauty is ready to support you.