How To Bleach Synthetic Hair Wigs: A Complete Guide

Natural, effective, and simple tips for coloring your faux hair just the way you want

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog.

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Last Updated on Nov 6, 2024

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Image: Midjourney/ StyleCraze Design Team

Wigs are one of the most convenient ways to upgrade your hairstyle without having to alter your hairstyle.

Moreover, it is easy to bleach synthetic hair wigs and customize the color as per your preference. Synthetic wigs are cheaper than human hair wigs. So, you can easily get multiple wigs and customize them to match your style and stay up-to-date with the hair fashion game. This article will guide you through the step-by-step processes of bleaching synthetic wigs. Keep reading.

Did You Know?

The word wig comes from the French word “perruque.” “Perruque” eventually became “periwig,” which was further shortened to “wig.”

In This Article

Things Required To Bleach A Synthetic Wig

Image: Shutterstock

Bleaching synthetic hair is easy with household products. Here’s what you need for two of the simplest procedures for a near-perfect DIY hair bleach at home.

1 ½ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
2 teaspoons of baking soda
Gloves
A ceramic bowl (for mixing)
A wooden spoon (for mixing)
An applicator brush
Spray bottle
Clips
Aluminum foil wrap
Old newspapers (to cover the floor)
Hair dryer

Follow the steps below to bleach the synthetic wig.

Key Takeaways

Just like your normal hair, synthetic hair wigs can also be colored to upgrade your look in an instant.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used to bleach synthetic wigs.
Air drying the synthetic wig and avoiding heat styling it right after bleaching can make help maintain its shine for longer.

How To Bleach A Synthetic Wig: Step-By-Step Guide

Bleaching kit: What You Need To Bleach Synthetic Hair

Image: Shutterstock

Bleaching your wig need not be an expensive process, as you can create your own bleach at home using everyday products. Check out the following DIY solutions to achieve various levels of bleached hair looks as per your preference.

Bleaching With Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda

What Your Need For Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda Kit

Image: Shutterstock

Clean the wig with a mild shampoo and dry it thoroughly.
Wear your gloves. Spread the newspaper and foil wrap on the floor. The wrap should be big enough to cover the bleached hair section.
Mix the hydrogen peroxide solution and baking soda to form a paste.
Place the wig on the foil wrap and section the strands. Secure the wig with clips.
Apply the mixture to the sections you want to bleach or lighten.
Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the desired intensity.
Wash it off with shampoo and dry it.

You may also use only hydrogen peroxide solution to lighten the synthetic wig to make it easier for hair styling.

Bleaching With Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Image: Shutterstock

Mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide solution and pour it into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the hair sections and saturate thoroughly.
Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.
Wash off the solution with water and dry the wig.

Synthetic wigs need to be appropriately maintained, especially after bleaching. Here are a few tips for synthetic hair maintenance.

Tips For Protecting Bleached Synthetic Hair

Image: Shutterstock

Bleaching your wig is simply the first step of your new, chic makeover. Whether you bleach your natural hair or your wigs, proper maintenance plays a key role in ensuring you can enjoy a top-quality bleached look for a long time. Make a note of the following tips to properly look after your bleached hair and wigs.

After bleaching, do not use heat-styling tools immediately. This can damage the synthetic hair strands.
Wash synthetic hair extensions or wigs regularly. Use hair products like shampoo formulated for synthetic wigs to avoid any dirt buildup.
Do not use hot water on synthetic wigs. Always wash them in cold or room temperature water.
Use a wig brush to detangle the strands, and do not comb wet hair.
Always air-dry the synthetic wig. Avoid using a hair dryer.
Use conditioning sprays meant for synthetic wigs to keep them shiny.
Use only bleaches that are specially designed for synthetic wigs. You may also opt for fabric dyes or synthetic-safe lightening products.
Do the strand test to avoid any damage to the wig hair.
Don’t leave the product on the wig too long; the strands may melt or lose their natural structure.

These wig care tips will help make the synthetic hair color and quality long-lasting. Further, the exposure time to the bleach also impacts the quality of the wig hair. You should learn how long to leave bleach in hair for best results. If you prefer not to use bleach and are seeking alternative ways to get the same results, check out the following section.

Fun Fact

It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were among the first to create wigs to shield hairless or shaved hair from the sun.

Alternative Options For Bleaching Synthetic Hair

Acrylic Paint: Mix acrylic paint with water and apply it to the hair strands for a custom color. Seal the color with hairspray.
Permanent Markers: Use alcohol-based permanent markers to color small sections, then seal with hairspray or clear nail polish.
Colored Hair Sprays: Temporary colored hair sprays allow you to change the color of synthetic hair easily and without damage.
Hair Chalk: Apply hair chalk to create vibrant streaks or highlights. It also washes out easily.
Colored Hair Extensions: Attach colored synthetic hair extensions along with your regular ones to achieve the desired look.
Wigs Or Hairpieces: Consider using wigs or hairpieces in your desired color instead of bleaching synthetic hair.
Colorful Head Wraps Or Scarves: Wrap colorful scarves or head wraps around the synthetic hair to change its appearance without chemical treatment.

Infographic: 2 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Bleach Synthetic Wigs

Bleaching is a messy affair. However, you can bleach synthetic wigs easily, safely, and as per your color preference. We have created a comprehensive infographic on the two ways to bleach your synthetic wig with hydrogen peroxide safely. Scroll down to know more!

2 ways to use hydrogen peroxide to bleach synthetic wigs (infographic)

Bleaching your natural hair leaves it vulnerable to serious damage, like dryness, brittleness, breakage, limpness, and split ends. Instead, bleach synthetic hair wigs to give you the color you desire without putting your real tresses at risk. Synthetic wigs give you the option to play around with colors that you may otherwise be apprehensive to try due to the amount of bleaching your natural hair would require. It also reduces the risk of damage because you can style the wig with heat-styling tools. Instead of straightening your hair with a flat iron or chemical hair treatment, style and color a synthetic wig. But remember to take proper care of your synthetic wig to increase its lifespan and keep it looking healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change the color of a synthetic wig?

Yes, you can change the color of a synthetic wig using bleach or hair dye. You can also use natural ingredients to color this hair accessory.

How can I lighten a wig without bleach?

If the wig is made of natural hair, you can lighten it using natural home remedies. You can try light-colored, semi-permanent hair dyes to lighten synthetic and natural hair wigs.

How long should you leave the bleach on your wig?

You can leave the bleach on your wig (synthetic or natural hair) for about 15-30 minutes.

What is the fastest way to bleach a wig?

Use hair bleach with a strong developer of 30 or 40 volumes for fast results.

Should I wash my wig before bleaching it?

Yes. You should wash your wig before bleaching it to remove any dirt. But, do not condition your wig,

How do you wash a wig after bleaching it?

Wash the wig with lukewarm water to remove any bleach and then leave it to air dry or use a microfiber towel to dab it dry.

Can you bleach a wig twice?

Yes, you can bleach a wig twice. But leave some time between the bleaching sessions; otherwise, the bleach may damage the wig.

Can you bleach a synthetic wig multiple times?

No. Avoid bleaching a synthetic wig multiple times to prevent the melting and warping of the fibers. Instead, purchase wigs in your desired colors.

What are the best products for maintaining bleached synthetic hair?

Some of the best products for maintaining bleached synthetic hair are synthetic-safe shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in conditioning sprays.

Illustration: Can You Bleach Synthetic Hair?

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Uncover the truth about bleaching synthetic weaves with this informative video. Click on it to learn the risks and expert tips to transform and customize your synthetic hair safely and beautifully.

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

Ramona SinhaEditor

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer