Thinking about adding a pop of color to your hair without the commitment or cost of traditional dye? You might be surprised to learn that a packet of Kool-Aid can do the trick. This fun, temporary method has been a favorite for creative hair experiments, especially for festival looks or just a weekend change.
Before you start, it’s important to know that this works best on light blonde or bleached hair. The pigments in the drink mix won’t show up on dark hair. It’s also a semi-permanent color that will fade over a few weeks, so you can enjoy the vibrancy without a long-term promise.
Gathering Your Kool-Aid Hair Dye Supplies
You won’t need much to get started. Grab a few packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid in your chosen colors. Vibrant shades like cherry, grape, and blue raspberry are popular choices. You’ll also need a small bowl, a tint brush or cotton balls, some clips to section your hair, and plastic gloves to protect your hands from staining.
The Simple Step-by-Step Coloring Process
Start with clean, dry hair. Don’t use conditioner, as it can create a barrier that prevents the color from sticking. Put on your gloves and pour the Kool-Aid powder into your bowl. Add just a tiny amount of hot water to create a thick paste; you don’t want it to be runny.
Section your hair and use your brush or cotton ball to apply the paste directly to the strands you want to color. Work it in thoroughly, as if you’re painting your hair. Once a section is fully saturated, you can twist it up and clip it out of the way.
Setting the Color for Lasting Vibrancy
After all your sections are covered, the key step is to add heat. You can sit in the sun for about an hour or use a hairdryer on a warm setting for 15-30 minutes. The heat helps the color set into the hair shaft. Once the time is up, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing for at least 24 hours to let the color fully settle.
A Few Friendly Tips and Cautions
Remember that this is a staining process. Wear old clothes and use towels you don’t mind getting colorful. Be careful around your skinline and forehead, as the dye can temporarily tint skin. While Kool-Aid is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to do a strand test first to check for the color result and any potential reaction.
Dyeing your hair with Kool-Aid is a fantastic way to experiment with bold color in a low-risk way. It washes out gradually, allowing you to try new shades without the permanence of chemical dyes. So have fun with it and express your colorful side.