Your client wants to go darker—but they already have tape-ins installed. Now you’re asking: can I dye them without ruining the adhesive or the hair?
Yes, U can dye high-quality human tape in hair extensions, especially if they’re made with full cuticle, single-donor Remy hair. But it must be done carefully—preferably by a professional—and the adhesive strip must be protected at all times.
Before you break out the bowl and brush, read this full guide. It could save your extensions—and your client’s trust.
Can You Dye Tape In Hair Extensions?
Color correction or a tone-down is common in salons. But extensions? That’s another level of risk.
Yes, you can dye tape in extensions if they’re made from 100% human hair with intact cuticles. However, you should only dye them to a darker shade and avoid the tape area completely.
Why You Shouldn’t Bleach Tape-Ins
Bleach lifts the cuticle, which can cause severe damage—even more so on processed hair. Even with full cuticle hair, bleaching tape-ins can shorten lifespan dramatically and dry them out beyond repair.
Avoid the Tape Area
Color can weaken the adhesive or cause slippage. Any moisture that seeps into the tape tab may interfere with its hold.
Better in a Professional Setting
Stylists have better tools, technique, and products to ensure that the coloring process does not affect the extension bonds. Clients attempting this at home can cause more damage than good.
Invisible tape cannot be dyed
If you dye the hair ends or the middle and lower part of the invisible tape in, it is fine, but you cannot dye the part near the top of the tape because it is injection technology, which imitates the way human hair grows from the scalp. Therefore, it is very dangerous to dye the roots because it is in direct contact with the tape, so it better not to be dyed.
Summary Table
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 100% human, full cuticle hair | ✅ Safe to dye darker |
| Synthetic or mixed fiber | ❌ Do not dye |
| Bleaching | ❌ Not recommended |
| Dyeing lighter | ❌ Avoid |
| Tape contact with dye | ❌ Avoid |
| Done at home | ⚠️ Risky without guidance |
How to Dye Tape In Hair Extensions?
You’ve confirmed they’re full cuticle, high-quality human hair. You’re ready to dye. Here’s how to do it right—step by step.
What You’ll Need
- Semi-permanent or professional-grade permanent dye
- Tint brush and gloves
- Sectioning clips
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Protective cream (optional)
- Clarifying shampoo (for pre-wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pre-Wash the Hair
Use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to remove any oils or silicone coatings that may interfere with dye absorption. Air dry or blow dry fully.And it is best to dye the color before installing the tape in hair.
Step 2: Protect the Tape Tabs
Use plastic wrap, foil, or painter’s tape to shield the tape area. Make sure no color reaches the adhesive.
Step 3: Apply Dye to Mid-Lengths and Ends
Use a tint brush to apply the color starting 1–2 cm below the tape. Work downward gently. Do not rub or twist the hair.
Step 4: Process According to Dye Instructions
Leave the dye in for the time recommended on the box. Check mid-way to monitor tone development. Cover each section with foil to keep things clean.
Step 5: Rinse and Deep Condition
Rinse thoroughly using lukewarm water. Apply conditioner or a deep treatment mask to the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the tape area completely.
Step 6: Dry and Style
Use a microfiber towel to blot the hair. Do not twist. Blow dry gently and restyle.
| Step | Important Tip |
|---|---|
| Pre-wash | Removes buildup for even color |
| Shield tapes | Tape loses hold if exposed to dye |
| Application | Always dye darker—not lighter |
| Rinse | No conditioner near the roots/tabs |
Can You Dye Hair Extensions While In Your Head?
You’ve got tape-ins installed and the roots need a refresh—or maybe your client wants an overall deeper tone.
Yes, you can dye hair extensions while installed, but the same rules apply: no bleach, no contact with tape, and a darker tone only.
But it does require very careful work and is best done by a professional hairstylist.
Key Points
- Use a brush to apply color gently starting below the tape.
- Use foil or fingers to lift the extensions and work around the scalp.
- Protect the bond area at all times.
Who Should Do It?
A trained stylist. If the dye bleeds onto the tapes, the bond may weaken and extensions can fall out prematurely.
Safe Zones
- Mid to lower lengths = ✅
- Tape tab = ❌
- Scalp = ⚠️ (only if using root color, proceed carefully)
Can I Dye My Roots With Tape In Extensions In?
This is one of the most common questions. Root growth can be distracting, especially if the extensions are still in great shape.
Yes, you can dye your roots with tape-in extensions, but you need to avoid overlapping onto the adhesive areas.It does require very careful work and is best done by a professional hairstylist.
How to Do It
- Section hair carefully
- Apply color only on the exposed roots—not on the tapes
- Use a fine tint brush for control
Use Foil Barriers
Place a strip of foil under each section of hair with tape-ins to prevent the dye from touching the top adhesive tab. Always work gently.
Can You Dye Your Hair With Tape In Extensions In At Home?
Technically, yes. Realistically, it’s risky without a stylist’s experience.
Dyeing hair with tape-ins at home can cause slippage, discoloration, and permanent damage to both the extension and natural hair.
What Can Go Wrong
- Dye touches the tape, loosening the bond
- Uneven application causes patchy results
- Overlapping toner or dye can cause dryness and tangling
Best Advice
If you really want to do it at home:
- Only tone darker shades
- Do not bleach or lighten
- Focus color from mid-shaft down
- Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute product
My Opinion
I’ve worked with professional stylists for over 15 years, and one thing’s clear: tape-ins are only as strong as their maintenance.
Dyeing them is absolutely possible—but only with full cuticle hair, salon-grade dye, and the proper prep. Most issues come from improper handling, not the product itself.
If your tape-in supplier guarantees 100% full cuticle human hair, like we do at Hibiscus Hair, the strands can hold color beautifully. But always avoid bleach and never let dye touch the tape area.
Educating clients on this process builds trust—and helps you protect your brand’s reputation in the long run.
FAQ
Q: Can you bleach tape in hair extensions?
A: No. Bleaching weakens the cuticle and dries out the hair, reducing lifespan significantly. It also risks damaging the bond.
Q: What happens if dye gets on the tape?
A: It can cause the adhesive to weaken, leading to slippage or full detachment.
Q: Can I use box dye on tape in extensions?
A: Not recommended. Use salon-grade dyes formulated for processed human hair for better, safer results.
Q: What if I already dyed the tape tabs by mistake?
A: Remove and reinstall the extensions with new tape. Do not rely on compromised adhesive.
Q: Can I tone my tape-in extensions?
A: Yes, using demi-permanent toners and only if hair is full cuticle human hair. Avoid toning near the root.
Q: Will dyeing extensions void the guarantee?
A: Many suppliers void quality guarantees after dyeing. Always check with your supplier first.
Q: How long after dyeing should I wash my hair?
A: Wait 48 hours to allow the pigment to settle fully.
Q: What shampoo should I use after dyeing?
A: Sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo only. Avoid any product that could strip the pigment.
Q: Can I curl or style dyed tape-ins?
A: Yes, but always use a heat protectant and avoid high temperatures near the tape.
Q: How often can I dye tape-ins?
A: We recommend coloring only once per wear cycle. Repeated dyeing weakens even full cuticle hair.
Conclusion
Yes, you can dye tape-in hair extensions—but only if you follow the rules. Start with high-quality, full cuticle hair, go darker, and protect the tape. When in doubt, leave it to the pros.
where to buy tape in hair extensions
Hibiscus Hair Manufacturer has been dedicated to producing high-quality tape in hair extensions for 25 years and is a recognized leader in the industry. If you are interested in finding a reliable hair extensions supplier and wholesale for your brand, please visit our website for more information:
TAPE IN HAIR
