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FireLilyCosplay β Sharpie Wig Dyeing Tutorial
Published: 2010-03-04 07:24:05 +0000 UTC; Views: 240032; Favourites: 4075; Downloads: 1570
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Description
I know there are a few others out there, but here is my tutorial for Sharpie dyeing a wig! This works best with Kanekalon and other premium synthetic wigs. Eleora and cheaper synthetic wigs may not dye evenly. Make sure to check your wig fiber content before attempting to dye!I've had a lot of practice with this method, and this is the formula that works best for me, so I hope it can help you dye your wig the custom color you are looking for!
Many thanks to my friend Envel who helped me with my first Sharpie dyeing experience. Tutorial and all images therein are Copyright Fire Lily and FireLilyCosplay.com.
EDIT: Since so many people ask this question, I'm addressing it here. "How do I dye a wig black?" Since Black Sharpies are concentrated purple, you will have to use FW Ink, India Ink, or another Artists Ink and follow the FW Ink Dyeing Method: [link]
Another method is to color/sharpie the wig by hand using a black Sharpie. This will give it a slightly purple sheen, but it will come out black.
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Comments: 1392
I realize that this is an old post (thank you, by the way! It's just what I need for a future project!), but I have a question... I would like to sharpie-dye the roots of a Kenma wig. Do you suggest using bottled solution or simply marker-colouring the areas at the top of the wig, where the base colour is shining through?
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I'd personally use a bottle to spray the roots and let them dry, then rinse it all in cold water. Hand marketing will take a longer time, but may give you more control. I just prefer quicker methods
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Thank you for your swift reply!
If I were to hand marker it, would it still be advised to rinse it out afterwards, or should I simply let dry? Thanks again!
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Let it dry, then rinse it out to prevent residue and bleeding.
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How would you suggest dyeing a wig to a lighter colour at the tips? Specifically I'm referring to Princess Midna's hair, which has a noticeable yellow hint at the tips. Thank you!
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You can't. You have to get a lighter wig and darken the top. Or you can get extension hair of the lighter color, darken the top, and sew them in.
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Ah, I see! Thank you very much, this was a big help. ^^
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What would you suggest if I am starting with a teal blue and I want to dye a purple ombre? Β Should I get a pink or purple sharpie?
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Hello I have a wig that is a mix of human and synthetic hair , it's a pastel purple I was wondering if I could dye it red using this method ? And if so how many markers would I need , it's past shoulder length , and will it damage my wig ? Thank you
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I don't know - you'll have to test it. You may need at least 5 markers or more. Once you dye it, it will be permanently colored, so keep that in mind.
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Can you wash the wig without it bleeding onto other parts of the wig? I need to dye a few sections a dark gray and the main color of the wig is white.
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As long as you start with cold water, it should be OK. Just don't let the wig sit in the water.
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is it recommended to curl a sharpie dyed wig???
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Sure, you can.
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hi do you have advice for newbie in conventions? i plan to go to a convention for april and i have no idea what to bring honestly T^T
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Costumes, sewing emergency kit, regular clothes, comfy shoes, your own pillow, ear plugs, toiletries, food, water, Advil, and good friends
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got it :3 thank you!
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I'm planning on buying a wig that is half light-ish pink, and half medium brown. However, I want the pink to be a bit darker, and less bright, and I want the brown to be much darker, as I am cosplaying Neo from RWBY. Β Is this method of dying still applicable, even though the colors in the wig are already fairly dark? Β
Thanks for your time!
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Sure, as long as the ink you are using is darker than the original colors.
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I have a very bright red wig that I was hoping I could darken to a more maroon colour (Rin Matsuoka hair). There's a maroon sharpie colour that I can easily get my hands on at the art store close by, but I was wondering how to avoid making a huge mess.
I live with my parents, you see, and dying a sink maroon red would get me killed >.< (they already get angry if I simply wash paints in the sink..)
Is it something I could do outside? Would I dye stuff outside too?Β
And if I'm going to do this, how many sharpies would you recommend? I'm thinking three, as the wig is already red, but if I'm trying to darken it...
Idk
Sorry for so many questions, and thanks in advance!!
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Sure! Just take a bucket or large container and soak it outside, then let it dry on a tarp or plastic sheet.
The number of Sharpies depends on how long the wig is. Short wig - 3 or 4. Medium - 7 or 8. Long - 9 or more.
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Does the dye dye the porcelain sink ? What produce do you need to remove it?
And are you obliged to use permanent marker from the sharpie brand?
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Yes. Bleach. And, no, as long as it's permanent like Copic, Prismacolor, etc, it's fine.
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Thank you! I couldn't picture myself colouring my wig piece by piece with a marker
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Thank you so much for sharing this.
It work perfectly for me!
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you have many pages of comments and i can't seem to sort them all.. but i i were to use this method to dye faux fur swell, how long would i leave that in there? I found thisΒ fursuit.livejournal.com/282610β¦ but they only left it in for a few minutes, I'm just unsure because I'm wanting to get a wig to match a fur color. I am trying to get the color of thisΒ img1.goodfon.su/wallpaper/big/β¦
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Just follow the same method here. It may be easier to spray the dye solution on rather than soak it.
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Well if i do the spray method, i might do it for both so i can more carefully monitor the color with the amount of coats per each, any advice for getting that color of orangishbrownish color?
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Just experiment, there's really no color guide to follow.
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I was thinking of using the metallic bronze sharpie, since the shiny metal parts would float to the top. Would this still be a good idea? Or would it bleed off to much on clothing? Also is there any way to help prevent the bleeding, I'm wearing a light colored shirt.
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Can I use the same method as dying the wig, but just the ends? I want to dye a white wig with purple ends
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Sure! It'll work.
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Can you do this with doll wigs such as LIV?
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I don't see why not. Ink will stain any plastic fiber.
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Thanks 
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Relatively permanent. Will come off with rubbing alcohol or alcohol based hair products. Red-based colors will rub off onto fabrics.
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Does this also work well this Sharpie highlighters?Β I'm trying to do a female Jak (from Jak II) cosplay and I found a blonde wig, but it's not electric yellow enough for me.Β I'm considering making the same alcohol solution but using Sharpie Highlighter yellow.Β Will this work?
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No. Highlighters don't provide enough solid color; more of a wash, really. You can try adding it to regular yellow Sharpie ink to make that yellow a bit hotter, but I'd recommend just buying a yellow wig.
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If I dye strands of my wig and wash it after, would the dye bleed onto undyed strands?
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It shouldn't, as long as you don't touch them a lot or apply a lot of alcohol-based styling products. There may be a slight rub off, but it won't be very noticeable.
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Hm okay thanks, also, what would be a good way to wash/rinse a wig? I'm new to the dying and washing
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