Ask Inanch: Should I Colour My Hair Before or After Getting Hair Extensions?

Q: I colour my hair regularly but I'm thinking about getting hair extensions. Should I colour before the hair extensions go in or after? And once I have them, can I still colour my hair as usual?

A: This is such a common question – and I'm so glad you asked! If you're someone who colours their hair and is now thinking of adding hair extensions into the mix (especially luxury extensions like our Gold Class range), then planning the order of things is really important. Let me talk you through it...

Colour Your Hair Before Your Extensions Are Fitted

We always recommend you colour your natural hair first – ideally, at least a week before your extension fitting. Why? Because the tone of your hair needs to settle before we colour-match your extensions.

Hair colour can slightly shift in the few days after dyeing, especially if you've gone for something like a rich brunette or a vibrant blonde. By doing it a week before, your colour will have time to oxidise and settle into its true shade – perfect for that flawless colour match we're known for at Gold Class.

Why This Orders Matters So Much

During your Gold Class consultation, we'll match your hair extensions exactly to your hair. We work with over 30 beautiful, multi-tonal shades and often mix 2–3 colours together to mimic your natural highlights and dimension. But to get it just right, we need to match your extensions to your final hair colour – not the other way around.

Trying to colour your hair after extensions are fitted can get tricky. The dye can behave differently on your natural hair versus the extensions, leading to uneven colour. And that's the last thing we want!

Can I Still Colour My Hair With Extensions?

Absolutely, yes - but with a few caveats.

You'll want to stick to root touch-ups only and leave the lengths of your extensions untouched. The goal is to keep any colouring product well away from the bonds and the extension hair itself.

Here's what I always tell my clients:

• Colour your roots only. Your stylist should focus on the regrowth and steer clear of the bonds and the extension hair. We don't want dye affecting the bonds or drying out the extension strands.

• Avoid bleach or high-lift colours. Bleach is very harsh and can damage extensions quickly. If you're planning to go significantly lighter, it's better to remove the extensions, lighten your natural hair, then re-fit extensions matched to your new hair colour.

• Always go to a professional. Please, no box dyes or DIY colouring kits at home. They're unpredictable and can cause patchy colour, especially with extensions in. A professional will know how to section and protect the hair correctly.

• Don't colour the extensions themselves. The hair in Gold Class extensions has already been gently coloured and treated, so dyeing it again can lead to dryness, damage, and a shorter lifespan. If you need a tonal tweak, speak to your stylist about replacing a few strands instead – it's much safer.

Top Tip: Communication is Key

Be open with your colourist and your extensionist. If you're thinking of switching up your shade or adding highlights, we can often achieve the look with custom-blended extension strands – without needing to colour your hair at all. That way, you protect the health of your natural hair and your extensions.

Final Thoughts

So to recap;

✔️ Yes, colour your hair before you get your extensions fitted - preferably a week before.

✔️ Yes, you can continue colouring your hair with extensions in - but keep it professional, careful and only at the roots.

❌ No, don't bleach your hair or try to dye the extension hair once they're in.

If you follow those steps, your extensions will last beautifully, your colour will stay fresh, and your hair will continue looking healthy and polished - exactly what Gold Class is all about.

If you're ever unsure, speak to your stylist or book a consultation with one of our Gold Class-approved salons. We're here to help guide you, match your colour to perfection, and make sure your extensions enhance your hair, not complicate it.

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Want to book a colour consultation and extension match?

Head to www.goldclasshair.com and find your nearest Gold Class specialist. We'll help you plan your colour, protect your extensions, and get you that flawless, natural look you're dreaming of.