Can You Dye Your Hair with Hair Tinsel in It? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Hair tinsel is a fun and effortless way to add color and sparkle to your hair. But what happens when you want to switch up and dye your entire hair? If you already have hair tinsel installed, the thought of removing the carefully placed strands before dying your hair and then attaching them again can be frustrating. A major question for people who love to dye their hair is: Can I dye my hair with hair tinsel in it?

The short answer is yes, you can dye your hair with hair tinsel in it. However, it is not as simple as applying dye as you normally do. Some types of hair dye can damage your tinsel or cause it to lose its shine. There are others, however, that will not affect it at all. If you have hair tinsel and would like to dye your hair, understand which dyes are safe and how to apply them carefully without staining or ruining your hair tinsel. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right dye to protecting your hair tinsel during the coloring process. Keep reading to learn more.

Does hair dye affect hair tinsel?

One of the biggest concerns you may have when dying your hair is if the hair dye will stain or change the color of your hair tinsel. In most cases, the hair dye will not change the color of the hair tinsel, though this depends on the type of hair tinsel you have.

• High-quality polyester hair tinsel: This type of hair tinsel resists common hair treatments, including mild dyes. High-quality polyester hair tinsel is smooth and has a non-porous surface, preventing most color pigments from bonding. This means your hair tinsel will retain its original color and shine.
• Metallic or heat-sensitive hair tinsel: This hair tinsel type is more vulnerable to harsh dyes. Certain dyes can strip away its metallic coating, leaving the tinsel strands discolored or dull.
• Lighter-colored hair tinsel: Hair tinsel in silver or pastel shades can pick up subtle stains from dark or vibrant dyes.
• If you want to change your hair dramatically, buy high-quality polyester hair tinsel. This tinsel does not absorb hair dye or change color when you dye your hair.

What about bleach?

Sometimes, you have to bleach your hair before applying hair dye. Unfortunately, bleach does not work well with hair tinsel. The harsh chemicals damage the polyester structure and can cause discoloration and warping. If you must bleach your hair before applying the hair dye, remove the hair tinsel first.

Choosing the right hair dye for hair with tinsel in it

The right type of dye can make a huge difference when coloring your hair with tinsel installed. Some hair dyes are safer than others, while other application techniques minimize the risk of damage. Here’s a breakdown of the common hair dye types and their impact on hair tinsel:

How to dye your hair without removing the hair tinsel

There are steps you must follow when dying your hair with the tinsel still in place. These steps reduce the risk of damage and staining. They are:

Step 1: Section your hair to protect the hair tinsel

Start by dividing your hair into sections. Look for strands that have hair tinsel attached and clip them away from the rest of your hair. Isolate these sections to make the dying process easier and safer. For extra protection, wrap the hair and hair tinsel in aluminum foil. This creates a secure barrier that prevents the dye from accidentally coating your hair tinsel.

Step 2: Apply the dye

After protecting the hair tinsel, use a brush to apply the dye to your roots and untreated hair first. Apply the hair dye in small and controlled strokes. Do not drag the dye directly over the hair tinsel. With semi-permanent dyes, you can apply the product more freely. However, be careful and keep dye away from your hair tinsel.

Step 3: Rinse your hair

When rinsing your hair, tilt your head backward so the water flows away from any tinsel-covered sections. This prevents the dye from trickling down and staining your hair tinsel. Use lukewarm water to rinse your hair, as excessive heat can weaken certain types of hair tinsel.

Step 4: Condition and detangle gently

After rinsing your hair, apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture. Use a soft brush or wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair, paying attention near the tinsel to avoid loosening or pulling the strands.

When should you remove hair tinsel before dyeing?

While removing hair tinsel before dyeing and then reapplying it can feel like a chore, it is sometimes necessary. There are certain situations where removing hair tinsel is strongly recommended. They include:

1.    When using bleach or high-lift dyes

Bleach is an aggressive chemical that can weaken or discolor hair tinsel, even if you try to protect it. High-lift dyes contain potent lightening agents that can discolor your hair tinsel. If you want a lighter color and your stylist recommends using bleach, you must remove your hair tinsel first. After dyeing your hair, you can reinstall fresh tinsel to give your look a hint of sparkle.

2.    If your hair tinsel is metallic or heat-sensitive

Hair tinsel with metallic coating is more vulnerable to damage. The strands are less flexible and will lose their shine when exposed to chemicals. Dyes, especially those that require heat activation, may cause metallic hair tinsel to become brittle and lose its shine.

3.    If your hair tinsel is attached with beads

If you used the microbeads method to secure the hair tinsel to your hair, you must remove it before applying hair dye. The silicone microbead can trap hair dye, weakening the beads and resulting in damaged or loose hair tinsel.

4.    If you plan to go several shades darker

Darker dyes with intense pigments, like reds, vibrant blues, and blacks, are more likely to stain lighter-colored hair tinsel. If you have hair tinsel in a pastel shade and want to dye your hair blue or brown, it is advisable to remove the hair tinsel first to avoid discoloration.

Post-dye care for hair tinsel

Proper care and maintenance do not stop after you dye your hair. The hair tinsel needs extra care to remain vibrant and damage-free after you dye your hair.

Tips for maintaining hair tinsel after dyeing

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid buildup that can dull your hair tinsel’s shine.
• Limit heat styling. Even heat-resistant hair tinsels can weaken when exposed to hot tools frequently.
• After showering and washing your hair, pat it dry with a towel instead of rubbing it aggressively. This prevents loosening and snagging.
• Do not apply heavy oils onto your hair tinsel, as this can leave a greasy and dull film.

How long can hair tinsel last after dyeing your hair?

If you have dyed your hair successfully and the hair tinsel still looks vibrant and colorful, you may wonder how long it will last before you remove it. On average, well-maintained hair tinsel should last between 3 and 6 weeks. However, the longevity of hair tinsel in color-treated or dyed hair depends on several factors:

• Hair tinsel quality: the quality of hair tinsel determines how long it will last after you dye your hair. Get high-quality polyester hair tinsel, as it is more durable and resilient.
• Post-dye care: Wash your hair properly to remove all the dye. Use conditioners regularly and limit the use of hot tools to extend the lifespan of your hair tinsel.
• Hair growth: Hair grows naturally, shifting tinsel strands down the hair shaft. After a while, the hair tinsel must be removed or reinstalled.

Alternative solutions for coloring your hair with hair tinsel

If, after reading this, you are nervous about dyeing your hair with tinsel in it, there are safer steps you can take:

• Dye your hair first, then add hair tinsel: Installing hair tinsel after dyeing your hair eliminates the risk of damage altogether.
• Use clip-in extensions: If you plan on dyeing your hair, opt for clip-in extensions that are easy to remove. You can remove them while dyeing your hair and reinstall them afterward.
• Use temporary color sprays: Temporary sprays offer a short-term color boost. However, they don’t have harsh chemicals found in permanent dyes. Therefore, you can color your hair without damaging your tinsel.

Conclusion

You can dye your hair with hair tinsel in it, but success depends on the right dye, the application process, and the proper post-dye care. If you follow the right approach, you can refresh your hair color without damaging the shine or vibrancy of your tinsel. If you wish to dye your hair, consider getting our premium hair tinsel kit. Made from high-quality polyester, it has a smooth, non-porous surface that does not absorb dyes.