Coloring raw Cambodian hair with bleach application by stylist.

Do’s and Don’ts When Coloring Raw Cambodian Hair

Posted by SB Boutique | Hair Education Series

If you’ve ever ordered our Raw Cambodian Bundles, you already know — the quality is unmatched. Thick. Full. Long-lasting. But one wrong move with bleach, and all that beauty can break down fast.

Coloring raw Cambodian hair is absolutely possible, but there’s a right way to do it — and a lot of wrong ways that’ll leave you with fried strands and regrets. Whether you're going blonde, red, or jet black, this guide breaks down exactly how to get the color you want without damaging the cuticle.

But before we dive into the do’s and don’ts, let’s talk about why this matters. Raw hair is different. It hasn’t been chemically processed or coated with silicones like many store-bought bundles. That means it reacts like real hair—because it is. It’ll lift beautifully if treated right, but if you go in without a plan? You could end up with dry, brittle, or even unusable bundles.

At SB Boutique, our mission isn’t just to sell luxury raw hair—it’s to help you protect your investment. Whether you’re coloring for the first time or looking to perfect your technique, this blog will guide you step-by-step so you can slay your color without sacrificing the integrity of your bundles.

Let’s get into it.


✅ Do’s When Coloring Raw Cambodian Hair

DO Test a Strand First

Even though raw Cambodian hair is unprocessed, each donor's hair lifts a little differently. Always test a strand before applying bleach or dye to the whole bundle.

SB Tip: Start with a small section and only lift a couple of levels to see how the hair reacts.

DO Use a Professional Developer

Skip the box dye. You need a salon-grade developer (10 to 30 volume max — never 40) when coloring raw Cambodian hair. This protects the cuticle and gives you a more even, controlled lift.

  • Brands we trust: Wella, L’Oréal Professional, Schwarzkopf

DO Use a Toner

Raw Cambodian hair tends to lift warm. A toner helps neutralize orange or red undertones, so your color comes out clean and rich.

DO Deep Condition After Coloring Raw Cambodian Hair 

Lifting opens up the cuticle. Conditioning brings the moisture and strength back in.

  • Recommended: Olaplex No. 3, Mizani Moisture Fusion

DO Work With a Pro

If you're not 100% confident in your coloring raw Cambodian hair, trust a stylist who specializes in raw textures. Raw Cambodian hair is thicker and reacts differently — it’s not the same as coloring beauty supply bundles.

Not sure who to go to? We always recommend working with a licensed stylist who has experience with raw, unprocessed textures like Cambodian hair. If you're unsure, email us — we're happy to point you in the right direction.


❌ Don’ts When Coloring Raw Cambodian Hair

DON’T Use Box Dye

We’ll say it again: box dye is a no. It’s too harsh, often loaded with metallic salts, and will destroy the raw cuticle structure.

DON’T Skip Detangling

Coloring matted or tangled hair leads to uneven lift and breakage. Always detangle before applying anything.

DON’T Use High Heat Right After

Give the hair a break. After coloring, lay off the flat irons and curlers for a few days. And always use heat protectant moving forward.

DON’T Rush the Process

Raw Cambodian hair lifts slower than other textures because of its density. Be patient when coloring raw Cambodian hair — trying to rush it with higher volume developer is how you get damage.

DON’T Treat All Hair the Same

Every hair type reacts differently to bleach and dye. Just because your Brazilian bundles lifted fast doesn’t mean these will. Adjust your approach accordingly.


SB Boutique Hair in Real Life

Coloring SB Boutique Bundles

Our raw Cambodian hair is 100% unprocessed — no coatings, no shortcuts. What you see is what you get: thick strands, natural shine, and cuticles fully intact. That’s why it matters how you lift and color. When treated right, our bundles can take color like your real hair — and still bounce back strong.


Want More SB Boutique Education?

We keep it real around here — if you’re learning how to care for or color your raw hair, we’ve got more resources ready for you.

Check out our other blogs:

And if you want to see what our raw Cambodian hair looks like click the link below. 
👉Raw Cambodian Hair Bundles 


Final Thoughts

Coloring raw Cambodian hair doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does require respect. Follow the right steps, use salon-grade products, and protect your investment. At SB Boutique, our raw bundles are built to last. Treat them right, and they’ll stay flawless through every color transformation.

Need help? DM us, email us, or hit our care guide. We’re here to help you get it right — every time.


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