Hair Bleaching: How to Bleach Your Wig or Hair Extensions – Beginners Guide

Bleaching wigs and hair extensions is a popular way to achieve a customized, lighter, or more vibrant color, whether you want platinum blonde locks or just want to lighten the hair for further coloring.

While the process may seem daunting, learning how to properly bleach hair extensions or wigs can save you a lot of money and ensure that your hair pieces last longer. This article will walk you through the steps, provide valuable DOs and DON’Ts, and offer some insights into the costs and effects of bleaching, including data and statistics on common practices.

Why Bleach Your Wig or Hair Extensions?

Before diving into the bleaching process, it’s important to understand why people bleach their wigs or extensions:

1. Customization: Bleaching allows you to achieve specific tones and shades, from icy platinum to light browns. Once bleached, the hair can also be toned or dyed into a wide array of shades.
2. Flexibility: Lighter wigs and extensions offer more versatility for creating highlights, lowlights, or pastel shades.
3. Blending: Bleaching helps extensions or wigs blend more seamlessly with natural hair, especially if your natural hair is lighter.

However, bleaching wigs or extensions can be challenging, especially since these hairpieces no longer receive the natural oils and nutrients that would normally come from the scalp. Over-processing can lead to dryness, shedding, or breakage if not done properly. That’s why it’s essential to follow a proper method.

Hair Types: Synthetic vs. Human Hair Wigs

Not all wigs and extensions can be bleached. Before beginning, it’s essential to determine if your wig or extensions are made of human hair or synthetic fibers.

• Human Hair Wigs/Extensions: These can typically be bleached because they behave similarly to natural hair. Human hair wigs vary in price but typically cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on the length, density, and hair quality. Bleaching human hair, however, weakens the cuticle, so post-bleach care is crucial.
• Synthetic Wigs/Extensions: These cannot be bleached. Synthetic fibers will not react to bleach in the same way natural hair does. Bleach can actually damage synthetic hair, causing it to melt or become unusable. Synthetic wigs usually range in price from $50 to $300, depending on the fiber quality and style.

How to Bleach Your Wig or Hair Extensions: Step-by-Step Guide

Supplies Needed:

1. Bleach Powder – Widely available in beauty supply stores and online for around $5–$20 depending on the brand.
2. Developer – Choose a developer strength based on how light you want the hair to be. A 20- or 30-volume developer is typically used for extensions. Prices range from $5 to $15.
3. Mixing Bowl and Brush – A non-metal bowl is essential to mix bleach. These can be purchased for around $5–$10.
4. Gloves – To protect your hands from the chemicals.
5. Aluminum Foil – For isolating sections of hair while bleaching.
6. Neutralizing Shampoo – Helps stop the bleaching process once desired lightness is achieved.
7. Toner (optional) – To remove brassiness after bleaching.
8. Deep Conditioner – Post-bleach treatment to restore moisture to the hair.

Step-by-Step Bleaching Process:

1. Prepare the Hair:
   • If you are bleaching extensions, lay them flat on a towel or mannequin head. If bleaching a wig, place it on a wig stand or mannequin for stability.
   • Ensure the hair is dry and free of product buildup. Do not bleach hair that is freshly washed.
2. Mix the Bleach:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine bleach powder with developer. A 1:2 ratio of bleach powder to developer is standard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
3. Section the Hair:
   • Divide the hair into small, manageable sections. This ensures that the bleach is applied evenly throughout the hair.
   • For wigs, start bleaching from the ends first since they process slower than the roots. For extensions, work from the top down.
4. Apply the Bleach:
   • Using a brush, apply bleach to the hair, coating each section thoroughly. Be sure to saturate the hair to avoid uneven patches.
   • If you’re aiming for a higher lift, use foil to wrap each section of hair, which can help intensify the bleaching process.

5. Monitor the Process:

   • Check the hair every 10–15 minutes to see how it’s lightening. Bleaching time depends on the original color of the hair and the level of lift you desire.
   • Human hair extensions or wigs typically take 20–45 minutes to process. However, never leave the bleach on for longer than 45 minutes, as it can lead to severe damage.
6. Rinse and Shampoo:
   • Once the hair has reached the desired shade, rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove the bleach.
   • Follow up with a neutralizing shampoo, which stops the chemical process and helps restore the pH balance of the hair.
7. Tone the Hair (Optional):
   • If your hair has yellow or orange undertones, you can use a toner (like Wella Color Charm, which costs around $8–$10) to neutralize brassiness. Mix the toner with a developer and apply it for 10-20 minutes, depending on the instructions.
8. Deep Condition:
   • After bleaching, the hair needs moisture. Apply a deep conditioner or a protein treatment to restore softness and minimize damage. Conditioning treatments, like Olaplex No. 3, can be priced around $30 and are highly effective at repairing bleached hair.

DOs and DON’Ts of Bleaching Your Wig or Extensions

To minimize damage and ensure the best results, follow these DOs and DON’Ts:

DOs:

1. DO deep condition before bleaching:
   • Preparing your wig or extensions with moisture treatments beforehand will reduce the risk of dryness and breakage during the bleaching process.
2. DO perform a strand test:
   • Before bleaching the entire wig or set of extensions, test a small section to see how the hair reacts to the bleach. This will give you an idea of how long to leave the bleach on and whether the hair can handle the process.
3. DO use a 20 or 30-volume developer:
   • Higher-volume developers (above 30) can cause significant damage, especially on wigs or extensions, which are already more vulnerable to chemical processes.
4. DO keep an eye on the process:
   • Hair can process faster than you think, so it’s essential to check it every 10-15 minutes to avoid over-processing.
5. DO tone after bleaching:
   • If your wig or extensions turn brassy or yellow, use a purple or blue toner to neutralize the tones.
6. DO handle the hair gently after bleaching:
   • Bleached hair is more fragile, so avoid excessive brushing or pulling. Air dry if possible or use a low-heat setting on blow dryers.

DON’Ts:

1. DON’T bleach synthetic wigs or extensions:
   • As mentioned, synthetic fibers will not react to bleach like human hair. Attempting to bleach synthetic hair can result in irreparable damage.
2. DON’T use metal bowls or tools:
   • Metal can react with bleach, causing the mixture to oxidize, which reduces its effectiveness and can change the color.
3. DON’T leave bleach on for more than 45 minutes:
   • Prolonging the process won’t necessarily make the hair lighter but can severely damage the wig or extensions, leading to breakage and a shorter lifespan.
4. DON’T bleach hair that is already damaged:
   • If the hair is already dry, brittle, or has been previously processed, bleaching can exacerbate the damage. You may want to rethink the process if the hair isn’t in good condition.
5. DON’T bleach without gloves:
   • Bleach can irritate and damage the skin. Always wear gloves to protect your hands.
6. DON’T over-process the same wig or set of extensions:
   • Repeated bleaching can drastically shorten the lifespan of your wig or extensions. If you’re trying to go from dark to light, consider doing it in stages or consulting a professional.

The Cost of Bleaching Hair, Wigs and Extensions

The cost of bleaching a wig or extensions at home can vary depending on the products you use. Here’s a rough estimate:

• Bleach Powder: $5–$20
• Developer: $5–$15
• Toner: $8–$10
• Deep Conditioner: $10–$30
• Gloves, Mixing Bowl, Foil: $10–$20

If you take your wig or extensions to a professional salon, bleaching can cost anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on the complexity of the job and the quality of the hair.

Data and Statistics on Bleaching Hair Extensions

• According to a 2020 survey by the Professional Beauty Association, 57% of women who wear wigs or extensions customize their color at least once a year.
• Around 35% of wig users opt for lighter shades through bleaching or toning.
• A 2021 market report by Statista estimated the global hair extension market at $2.35 billion, with wigs and extensions used for color customization growing at a rate of 6% annually.

Final Thoughts on Hair Bleaching

Bleaching your wig or hair extensions at home can be a cost-effective way to achieve the look you desire, but it requires careful attention to detail and proper aftercare. Always assess the condition of your hairpieces, perform a strand test, and use high-quality products.

By following the steps and guidelines outlined in this article, you can lighten your wig or extensions while minimizing damage, ensuring they remain beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.