When it comes to enhancing your look with hair extensions, raw Indian hair is often considered one of the best options. Its natural shine, thickness, and texture make it incredibly versatile and beautiful. However, to keep these extensions looking their best, you need to know how to color and style them properly without damaging their natural qualities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for coloring and styling raw Indian hair extensions, ensuring your locks stay luscious and vibrant.
What Makes Raw Indian Hair Extensions Special?
Raw Indian hair extensions are unprocessed and 100% natural, which means the hair retains its cuticle layer. This makes it stronger, shinier, and more durable compared to processed hair. Additionally, raw Indian hair comes in natural textures like straight, wavy, and curly, making it an ideal choice for versatile styling.
Because it hasn’t been chemically treated, raw Indian hair can be dyed, curled, straightened, or styled just like your own hair, giving you the freedom to experiment with different looks without worrying about damaging the extensions. To learn more about why raw Indian hair is so popular, visit Why Raw Indian Hair Is So Popular?.
Since this hair hasn’t been chemically treated, it’s more resilient and can be dyed, curled, straightened, or styled just like your own hair, giving you the freedom to experiment with different looks.
Preparing Your Raw Indian Hair Extensions for Coloring
Before diving into coloring your raw Indian hair extensions, it’s important to prepare the hair properly to achieve the best results.
1. Wash and Detangle the Hair
Always start by washing the extensions with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove any dirt, oils, or residue. This ensures that the dye is applied evenly and doesn’t get blocked by any build-up. After washing, carefully detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid breakage.
2. Test a Small Strand
It’s a good idea to test the dye on a small section of hair before applying it to the entire set of extensions. This gives you an idea of how the hair will react to the color and helps you avoid any unexpected results.
Coloring Raw Indian Hair Extensions: Step-by-Step
1. Choose the Right Dye
For coloring raw Indian hair extensions, it’s essential to choose ammonia-free, semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes. These types of dyes are gentler and help maintain the natural texture and shine of the hair.
As celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson advises, “When coloring raw Indian hair extensions, it’s crucial to use high-quality, ammonia-free dyes to maintain the hair’s natural luster and strength” (Vogue).
2. Apply Dye Evenly
When applying the dye, make sure to distribute it evenly across the extensions. Use a dye brush and work in small sections, ensuring that all strands are covered. After applying the dye, use your fingers to gently massage the dye into the hair, making sure it penetrates all layers.
3. Avoid Over-Processing
Raw Indian hair is naturally more delicate than treated hair. Leaving the dye on for too long can damage the extensions and strip them of their moisture. Follow the instructions on the dye packaging carefully, and always check the color periodically while processing.
4. Rinse and Condition
After you’ve achieved your desired color, rinse the extensions thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Then, apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture to the hair and maintain its softness and shine.
Tracey Cunningham, a celebrity colorist, suggests that “regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to keep the hair hydrated and prevent breakage” (Allure). This step is especially important after coloring, as dye can dry out the hair.
Styling Raw Indian Hair Extensions: Best Practices
Now that your extensions are freshly colored, it’s time to style them to create the perfect look. Here are some tips for styling raw Indian hair extensions while keeping them healthy and full of life.
1. Heat Styling with Caution
Raw Indian hair extensions can be heat-styled, but it’s important to use a heat protectant spray before using any tools like straighteners or curling irons. This helps prevent heat damage, which can cause the extensions to become brittle over time.
Jen Atkin, a celebrity hair stylist, recommends, “Always use a heat protectant to prevent damage when styling with heat tools” (Harper’s Bazaar). Keep the temperature on your styling tools at a moderate level to avoid frying the hair.
2. Embrace Natural Textures
One of the best features of raw Indian hair is its natural texture, whether that’s straight, wavy, or curly. You don’t always need to rely on heat styling to achieve a polished look. Instead, work with the hair’s natural movement by applying a light leave-in conditioner or curl cream to enhance its natural wave or curl pattern.
Chris Appleton, a renowned hairstylist, advises, “The beauty of raw Indian hair is its natural texture and thickness. When styling, less is more. Opt for loose waves or natural curls to enhance its innate beauty” (Elle).
3. Create Volume with Light Layers
If you want to add volume to your style, consider getting your extensions trimmed into light layers. Layering the extensions adds body and movement to the hair, creating a fuller, more voluminous look. When styled with loose curls or beachy waves, this technique can make your hair appear thicker and more dynamic.
4. Try Protective Styles
If you want to give your hair a break from heat styling, opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or buns. These styles not only look chic but also help preserve the health of your extensions by reducing exposure to environmental damage and friction.
5. Texturizing Sprays for a Fuller Look
For added volume, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots. This can give the hair a lift without making it greasy or weighed down. These products work well for adding texture and a fuller appearance, especially for thinner hair.
Sam McKnight, a hairstylist, suggests using “texturizing sprays and dry shampoos to give your hair that extra oomph without making it greasy” (Elle).
Caring for Your Raw Indian Hair Extensions
To keep your raw Indian hair extensions looking their best, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are some top tips for caring for your extensions long-term.
1. Wash Extensions Sparingly
While you should keep your extensions clean, over-washing them can strip them of their natural oils and cause them to dry out. Aim to wash your extensions every two weeks, or whenever you notice product build-up. Use sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners to keep the hair soft and manageable.
2. Detangle Gently
Before washing or styling, always detangle your extensions gently with a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start from the tips and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling or breaking the hair.
3. Store Extensions Properly
When not in use, store your extensions in a silk or satin bag to prevent tangling and frizz. These materials reduce friction, keeping your hair extensions smooth and tangle-free.
Conclusion
Coloring and styling raw Indian hair extensions is an exciting way to express yourself, whether you’re going for a subtle change or a bold new look. By following the right techniques, you can color your extensions without damaging their natural quality, and style them to suit any occasion.
Remember to choose ammonia-free dyes, use heat protectant sprays, and embrace the natural texture of the hair to keep it healthy and vibrant. Whether you prefer loose waves, sleek straight styles, or voluminous curls, the versatility of raw Indian hair extensions makes it easy to create your dream look.
When cared for properly, these extensions will not only enhance your beauty but also last for years to come. So, dive into the world of styling with confidence and show off those stunning, voluminous locks!
