Whether you can dye a colored short curly wig still hinges on its hair material (the most critical factor) and the existing color—since the starting shade will impact the final dye result. Below’s a detailed, material-specific guide to help you decide safely:
1. First Rule: Confirm the Wig’s Material (Non-Negotiable)
Just like with uncolored wigs, only 100% human hair colored wigs can be dyed without irreversible damage. Synthetic or blended wigs still pose high risks, even if they’re pre-colored.
Scenario 1: Your Colored Wig Is 100% Human Hair (Yes, You Can Dye It—but Plan for the Existing Color)
Colored human hair wigs (e.g., a pre-dyed chestnut curly bob, a blonde one with bangs) can be re-dyed, but the existing color will heavily influence the outcome. You’ll need to adjust your dye choice to avoid unevenness, brittleness, or unwanted tones—especially for the delicate curls and bangs.
Key Considerations for Dyeing a Pre-Colored Human Hair Wig:
Stick to “darker or same-tone” changes first (low risk):If your short curly wig is already a medium shade (e.g., light brown, auburn), dyeing it darker (e.g., chocolate brown, black) is the safest option. Darker dyes cover existing color easily, require less processing, and minimize damage to the curls (which can lose bounce if over-processed).
Example: A pre-dyed blonde curly bob can be dyed light brown, but avoid jumping straight to black (this may look unnatural, especially on bangs, which are thinner and absorb color faster).
Lightening a pre-colored wig is high-risk (avoid unless experienced):If your wig is dark (e.g., black, dark brown) and you want to lighten it (e.g., to caramel, blonde), you’ll need to use bleach—which strips the existing color and moisture from human hair. This is risky for curly textures (it can make curls frizzy, stringy, or break) and bangs (thin strands are more prone to snapping).
If you must lighten: Use a gentle, low-volume developer (10–20 volume) and test on a hidden strand first (e.g., the inner layer of the bob, not the bangs). Never bleach a wig that’s already dry or has frizzy curls—this will worsen damage.
Neutralize unwanted undertones (for toning, not full dye):If your pre-colored wig has brassy or orange tones (common in blonde or light brown wigs), use a toner (not full dye) to correct it. Toners are gentler, deposit only small amounts of color, and won’t disrupt the curl pattern or damage bangs. For example: A brassy blonde curly bob can be toned with a purple-based toner to achieve a cooler, ashy shade.
Protect the curls and bangs during application:
Detangle first: Gently comb the short curly wig with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends of the curls up to the bangs—tangled hair leads to uneven dye absorption.
Avoid the cap/lace: If it’s a lace-front wig, keep dye off the lace (it stains permanently) and focus only on the hair fibers. For bangs, apply dye lightly—they’re thin and will pick up color faster than the rest of the bob (over-saturating causes dark spots).
Condition immediately: After rinsing dye, use a deep, color-safe conditioner for 5–10 minutes to restore moisture—pre-colored hair is already processed, so extra hydration keeps curls bouncy.
Scenario 2: Your Colored Wig Is Synthetic (No, Do NOT Dye It—Even More Risky)
Synthetic wigs (even pre-colored ones) are made of plastic-based fibers (e.g., polyester) that cannot absorb hair dye. The existing color is “baked into” the fibers during manufacturing, so adding new dye will:
Sit on top of the fibers, creating a sticky, patchy mess (e.g., a pre-pink synthetic bob may turn muddy if you try to dye it purple).
Break down the fibers, causing curls to frizz, mat, or lose shape—and bangs (delicate and visible) will fray or discolor permanently.
Safe Alternatives for Color Changes:
If you dislike the pre-colored shade of a synthetic wig, use temporary, synthetic-specific products:
Washable color sprays (formulated for synthetics) or semi-permanent synthetic hair dyes (check labels for “synthetic-safe”). These coat the fibers temporarily and wash out without damaging curls or bangs.
Scenario 3: Your Colored Wig Is a Human Hair/Synthetic Blend (Not Recommended)
Blended wigs (e.g., 70% human + 30% synthetic) will have uneven results: The human hair strands will absorb the new dye, while the synthetic fibers will resist it—leaving the curly bob splotchy (e.g., some curls look dyed, others stay the original color). Bangs, being thin, will show this unevenness even more. Dyeing blends is not worth the risk of ruining the wig’s appearance.
2. Post-Dye Care for Pre-Colored Human Hair Wigs (Preserve Curls & Bangs)
Pre-colored human hair is already processed, so it needs extra care after re-dyeing to avoid fading or damage:
Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo/conditioner: Sulfates strip both the original and new dye, causing fast fading—especially for vibrant shades (e.g., red, purple).
Wash less often: Clean the short curly wig every 8–10 wears (instead of 6–8) to extend color life.
Protect bangs from heat: If styling bangs, use a low-heat tool (≤300°F/150°C) with a heat protectant—dyed bangs are more brittle and prone to breakage.
Refresh curls weekly: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining cream to keep the bob’s texture bouncy (dyed hair dries out faster, which can flatten curls).
Final Tips to Avoid Mistakes
Patch test first: Always dye a tiny, hidden strand (e.g., under the bob) before applying to the entire wig—this checks for color match, texture damage, and uneven absorption (critical for pre-colored hair).
Skip dyeing if the short curly wig is already damaged: If your pre-colored wig has frizzy curls, split ends, or frayed bangs, dye will worsen these issues—replace the wig instead.
Consult a pro for complex changes: If you want to lighten a dark pre-colored wig or switch to a drastically different shade (e.g., black to blonde), hire a hairstylist with wig-dye experience—they’ll minimize damage to the curls and bangs.
In summary: Only re-dye 100% human hair colored short curly wig, prioritize darker/same-tone changes to protect texture, and always test first. Synthetic or blended colored wigs should never be dyed.