Thinking about adding a pop of color to your hair without the long-term commitment or high cost of salon dyes? You might be surprised to learn that a packet of Kool-Aid can be your ticket to a fun, temporary hair transformation. This creative method has been a favorite for those wanting to experiment with bold shades like pink, purple, or blue on a budget.
Before you get started, it’s important to know that this technique works best on light blonde or bleached hair, as the pigment needs a pale canvas to show up vibrantly. It’s also a completely temporary change, which is perfect for a festival, a costume, or just a weekend of fun.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies is simple. You’ll need several packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid in your chosen color—cherry red and grape purple are popular choices. Avoid any mixes with yellow dye, as they may not show up well. You will also need a small bowl, a tint brush or cotton balls, clips to section your hair, and a shower cap. Wearing old clothes and gloves is a good idea to protect your skin and wardrobe.
Preparing Your Kool-Aid Hair Dye
You won’t need to add much to the powder. Simply pour one or two packets of the unsweetened drink mix into your bowl. The key is to add just a tiny amount of very hot water to create a thick, concentrated paste. You want the consistency to be similar to a thick hair conditioner so it’s easy to apply and won’t drip everywhere.
Applying the Color to Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. Use clips to separate your hair into manageable sections. Wearing gloves, use your tint brush or fingers to thoroughly work the Kool-Aid paste into each strand, starting from the roots and moving to the ends. Once your hair is fully covered, twist it up and cover it completely with a 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.
Rinsing and Seeing Your New Color
When you’re ready, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. You do not need to use shampoo. You’ll see the vibrant color immediately. The dye will last through a few washes, gradually fading each time you shampoo. To make the color last a bit longer, try to wash your hair less frequently and use cool water when you do.
Using Kool-Aid is a fantastic way to play with hair color without any permanent effects. It washes out completely over time, allowing you to change your look as often as you like. Enjoy your colorful new style!