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 be your ticket to a temporary, vibrant hairstyle. This fun, DIY method has been a favorite for creative expression for years, offering a surprisingly effective way to test out a new look.
Before you start, it’s important to know that this technique works best on light blonde or bleached hair, as the pigments need a pale canvas to show up. It’s also a semi-permanent color that will fade over several washes, making it a low-risk adventure. Let’s walk through how to bring this colorful idea to life.
Gathering Your Hair Dyeing Supplies
You won’t need much to get started. Gather a few packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid in your chosen colors—cherry red and grape purple are popular for their strong pigments. You’ll also need a tint brush or an old toothbrush, some clips to section your hair, a bowl, conditioner, plastic wrap or a shower cap, and gloves to protect your hands from staining.
Preparing Your Kool-Aid Color Mixture
Skip the sugar and water recipe! For hair dye, you’ll mix the unsweetened Kool-Aid powder with a generous amount of white conditioner. This creates a thick paste that’s easy to apply and is much gentler on your hair than mixing with water. The conditioner helps the color adhere and makes the process less messy. Aim for a consistency similar to thick yogurt.
Applying the Color to Your Hair
Start with dry, unwashed hair, as the natural oils can help protect your scalp. Section your hair into manageable parts with clips. Wearing your gloves, use the tint brush to carefully apply the paste to each section, making sure to saturate the hair completely from root to tip. For an all-over color, cover every section. For streaks, only apply to the strands you want to color.
Letting the Color Develop and Rinsing
Once your hair is fully covered, twist it up and cover it with plastic wrap or a shower cap. The heat from your head will help the color set. Leave the mixture in for at least an hour—some people even leave it on for several hours for more intense color. When you’re ready, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing for at least 24 hours to let the color set.
Caring for Your Kool-Aid Colored Hair
Your new color will be vibrant at first but will gradually fade with each wash. To make it last longer, wash your hair less frequently and use cool water when you do. Because this is a direct dye, it can stain towels and pillowcases, so be cautious for the first few days.
Kool-Aid dye is a fantastic way to experiment with bold color in a temporary and affordable way. It’s a project that’s as fun to do as it is to show off. Just remember to do a strand test first to ensure you love the color, and then enjoy your colorful new look!