Thinking about a fun pop of color for your hair without the long-term commitment or high cost of salon dyes? You might be surprised to find a vibrant solution right in your kitchen pantry. Using Kool-Aid to color your hair is a creative and temporary method that has been a favorite for DIY beauty enthusiasts looking for a playful change.
This approach is especially great for highlights, streaks, or even coloring a full head of light blonde or pre-lightened hair. It’s a gentle introduction to the world of colorful hair, letting you test a shade before taking the plunge with permanent dyes. Let’s look at how you can achieve this fun look safely.
Gathering Your Hair Coloring Supplies
Before you begin, you’ll need a few simple items. Grab one or two packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid in your chosen color. Darker shades like cherry red or grape work best. You will also need a small bowl, a tint brush or an old toothbrush, some clips to section your hair, and a shower cap. It’s a good idea to wear old clothes and gloves to protect your skin and fabrics from stains.
A Simple Step-by-Step Coloring Process
Start with clean, damp hair that has been freshly washed and towel-dried. Section your hair into manageable parts, clipping the top layers out of the way. In your bowl, mix the Kool-Aid powder with a very small amount of hot water to create a thick paste. Using your brush, carefully apply the mixture to the strands you want to color, saturating them completely.
Once the strands are covered, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and then cover your entire head with the shower cap. The heat from your head will help the color set. Leave the mixture in for at least an hour, or for more intense color, you can leave it on for several hours.
What to Expect from Your Kool-Aid Color
Kool-Aid acts as a semi-permanent stain. It works best on light blonde or bleached hair, as it may not show up on darker shades. The color is generally quite vibrant but will fade gradually over a few weeks with regular washing. It’s a fantastic way to experiment with bold colors like pink, blue, or purple without the worry of a long-term commitment.
Important Tips for a Safe Experience
While this method is generally considered safe, it’s always wise to do a strand test first to check for color result and any potential reaction. Be very careful to avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. Since Kool-Aid is not formulated for hair, it can be drying, so a deep conditioning treatment afterward is a great idea to restore moisture.
Coloring your hair with Kool-Aid is a fun, affordable, and low-commitment way to play with your look. It’s perfect for a special event, a festival, or just satisfying a spontaneous creative urge. Enjoy your vibrant, temporary new streaks!