Buzz
If you're eager to experiment with a new hair color without committing to a long-term change, Kool-Aid drink mix powder could be the perfect solution! Simply mix hair conditioner with unsweetened Kool-Aid powder and hot water to create a paste-like hair dye. You can apply the mixture to your hair for an all-over color or paint streaks for a bold look. For dip-dyeing the ends, prepare a liquid dye using Kool-Aid powder. Keep in mind that different colors and amounts of Kool-Aid powder will yield varying results. Don’t forget to wear gloves to avoid staining your hands during the process!
Steps
Prepare the Kool-Aid Dye Mixture
Wear disposable gloves to avoid staining your hands. If you're not careful, you might end up with hands that match your hair color! To prevent this, use disposable latex gloves or kitchen rubber gloves to keep the dye from soaking into your skin.
- If you accidentally stain your hands, there are a few methods to remove Kool-Aid stains from your skin.
Select the Kool-Aid color you prefer. Choose a Kool-Aid powder packet in your favorite shade or mix two colors to create a unique hue. Grape flavor produces a soft purple, while Tropical punch results in a vibrant red, and cherry offers a deeper crimson. For cooler tones, blue raspberry yields a bright blue, and lime creates a vivid green. Mixed berry can give a light sky-blue tint.
- Note that different hair types may yield varying results. For instance, grape Kool-Aid may leave a light pinkish-purple tint on blonde hair after 30 minutes, but it will turn into a deep reddish-purple on dark brown hair after an hour.
- If you have brown hair, vibrant reds will look stunning. You can also experiment with deep purples and dark blues! However, you won’t be able to achieve a lighter shade than your natural hair tone without bleaching first.
Pour one or more unsweetened Kool-Aid packets into a small bowl. If you have very long hair or want an intense color, use two or more packets. Unsweetened Kool-Aid is less sticky than the sweetened variety, making it easier to apply the dye evenly and smoothly.
- If you're unsure how your hair will take the color, start with one packet. You can always add more later for a deeper shade.
- To mix colors, stir two packets together. For example, try combining black cherry and strawberry for a fiery red, or mix strawberry and grape for a reddish-purple. You can also blend blue raspberry and lime for a turquoise effect.
Add hot water and stir until the powder dissolves. Pour 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of hot water into the bowl. Mix the powder with water, stirring continuously with a spoon until fully dissolved.
- A general rule is to use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water per Kool-Aid packet.
- Avoid adding too much water, as it can make the mixture too runny and difficult to apply.
Mix in hair conditioner to create a smooth paste. Once the Kool-Aid powder is fully dissolved, add conditioner to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Start with ¼ cup (60 ml) of conditioner and adjust until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency.
- The creamy texture makes the dye easier to apply and spread evenly. The conditioner helps distribute the color throughout your hair.
Drape an old towel over your shoulders and protect your workspace. The dye can stain clothing, so use an old towel or wear a shirt you don’t mind getting dirty. You can also wrap a large trash bag around your shoulders and secure it to prevent leaks.
- Protect your work area with another old towel or a trash bag to catch any drips on tables, chairs, or floors.
Dye Your Entire Hair
Divide your hair into 3 to 6 sections. Start with clean, dry hair and use clips or hair ties to secure each section. For even color application, split your hair into smaller sections.
- Try dividing your hair vertically into left and right sections, then split each horizontally into three parts (top, middle, and bottom).
- Alternatively, separate your hair into left, right, and middle sections, applying the dye from one side to the other.
- You can also start by leaving the lower back section and clipping the rest on top. Release small sections as you dye.
Apply the Kool-Aid mixture to each section, from roots to tips. Use gloved hands or a dye brush to spread the color. Work the mixture into the roots, then smooth it down to the ends, ensuring full coverage.
- Tie up each dyed section and continue until all hair is evenly coated.
- Your hair should be saturated; otherwise, the color may wash out without leaving a noticeable tint.
- If dyeing your own hair, you might need assistance. The back sections can be tricky to cover evenly.
Wrap your hair in plastic wrap. Secure the hair on top of your head with clips. Wrap plastic wrap around your hair several times to keep it in place and prevent it from touching your face or shoulders. You can also use a grocery bag or food-safe plastic bag. The wrap will lock in moisture and prevent dye from dripping.
- Use tape to secure the plastic wrap for added stability.
- This step is especially helpful if you plan to leave the dye on for several hours.
Wait between 15 minutes and 5 hours for the desired color intensity. For fine, light hair with a subtle tint, leave the dye on for 15-20 minutes. For dark or thick hair, or if you want a vibrant result, wait a few hours before rinsing.
- If using multiple Kool-Aid packets, you may need less time for the color to develop.
Rinse the Kool-Aid mixture from your hair under cold water. Remove the plastic wrap and turn on cold water in the shower or sink. Rinse your hair thoroughly from roots to tips until the mixture is completely washed out. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear (or only a faint tint remains).
- This process may take 10-20 minutes to achieve clear water.
- Warm or hot water can cause the dye to fade more quickly.
- Avoid using shampoo during this rinse, as it can strip away some of the color.
Dry your hair to see the final result. Use a blow dryer or let your hair air dry naturally. Once completely dry, you’ll see the full effect of the Kool-Aid dye! Now you can style your hair and enjoy your new look!
- To prolong the temporary color, rinse your hair with cold water instead of hot.
- You can use warm water or heat styling tools, but keep in mind that heat may cause the color to fade faster.
- It may take a few tries to find the perfect formula for your hair. Remember, darker hair may result in a more subtle tint.
Add Colored Streaks to Your Hair
Place a piece of plastic wrap or foil behind a section of hair. Start with clean, dry hair. Lift a small section and place a rectangular piece of plastic wrap or foil behind it. Position it at the roots and hold it in place with your hand.
- Decide how many streaks you want and cut a piece of plastic wrap or foil for each one.
- For thin highlights, apply the dye to a few strands on the same piece of wrap or foil.
Use a highlighting brush to apply the Kool-Aid mixture to a 2.5 cm section of hair. Dip the brush into the prepared Kool-Aid mixture and apply it to the hair. Work from roots to tips, ensuring full coverage.
- Hold the back of the hair section and the wrap or foil underneath for support.
Wrap the plastic wrap or foil tightly around the dyed hair section. To prevent the dye from transferring to other sections, securely fold the wrap or foil around each dyed portion.
- If your hair is longer than the wrap or foil, twist the ends into a small bun near the roots before folding.
Secure each section with a clip or hair tie. Once the dye is applied and wrapped, lift the section away from the rest of your hair. Use a duckbill clip to pin the dyed section to the top of your head.
- If using plastic wrap, try securing small buns with hair ties.
Continue applying dye to small sections until all streaks are complete. Start from the top and work your way down, clipping each wrapped section as you go. Once all desired streaks are done, double-check that each section is securely fastened.
- For multiple streaks, consider wrapping your hair in a plastic bag or long strips of plastic wrap to hold everything in place while the dye sets.
Leave the dye on for 15 minutes to 5 hours. Depending on your hair thickness, natural color, and desired intensity, adjust the time accordingly.
- For a bold, vibrant result, leave the dye on for 5 hours.
- For light hair and a subtle tint, don’t leave the dye on for more than an hour.
Rinse the dye out under cold water. When it’s time to rinse, wear gloves and remove the wrap or foil from each section. Rinse your hair under cool water until the water runs clear.
Dip-Dye Hair Ends with Liquid Dye
Dissolve 3-4 packets of Kool-Aid powder in 2 cups (480 ml) of hot water. Instead of creating a paste, you’ll prepare a liquid dye for dip-dyeing. Pour the Kool-Aid packets into a bowl of hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Choose your preferred Kool-Aid color or mix two shades to achieve your desired hue.
- Use more packets for a deeper color, especially if you have dark hair.
Part your hair down the middle to create two low ponytails. Ensure your hair is clean and dry before dyeing. While waiting for the dye to cool, divide your hair into left and right sections. Pull each section over your shoulders and secure them into low ponytails.
Dip the ends of each ponytail into the dye. Submerge the tips in the Kool-Aid dye for 15-30 minutes. For dark hair or a more intense color, leave the ends in longer. Fine or light hair may only need 15 minutes for a vibrant result.
- Try dipping the hair multiple times for a richer color. This also helps create a softer transition between the dyed ends and the rest of your hair.
Squeeze excess dye from the damp hair using paper towels. After the soaking time, lift the ponytails out of the dye and let the excess liquid drip back into the bowl. Use paper towels to blot the remaining moisture.
- Keep gloves on during this step, as the Kool-Aid dye can still stain your hands.
Wrap your hair in a plastic bag if you want to leave the dye on longer. For a deeper color or if you have darker hair, let the dye soak in for an extended period. Use a hair tie to secure the plastic bag or wrap around the dyed ends. This will retain moisture while the dye sets. Leave it on for up to 2 hours or until your hair dries.
- If you want to leave the dye on for up to 5 hours, the conditioner-based paste method is a better option.
- Conditioner prevents the dye from drying out, while the liquid dye may evaporate quickly.
Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Wash out the dye under cool water without using shampoo. Continue rinsing for 10-20 minutes until the water is clear or nearly transparent.
- Once the dye is rinsed out, you can blow-dry or air-dry your hair to see the final result.
Tips
- Before dyeing, apply Vaseline around your hairline to protect your skin.
- If you have light hair, avoid attempting light blue or dark blue, as it may turn green.
- Kool-Aid dye adheres strongly to chemically treated hair. Note that Kool-Aid-dyed hair may last as long as temporary dye if your hair is particularly porous or damaged.
Warnings
- Some red shades are quite durable, so be cautious to avoid spills on fabric or carpets, as they can leave stubborn stains.
- This dyeing method may not be suitable for sensitive scalps. Test a small area first to check for allergic reactions to Kool-Aid's ingredients.
- Kool-Aid can temporarily stain certain types of bathtubs.
- Kool-Aid may leave a noticeable scent on your hair, especially if you use sweetened powder.
- Avoid water exposure after dyeing with Kool-Aid. Rain can cause the dye to run and stain your clothes!
What You'll Need
- Towels
- Disposable gloves
- Hair ties
- Hair clips
- 1 or more unsweetened Kool-Aid packets
- Hot water
- Hair conditioner
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Dye brush (optional)
- Plastic wrap or bag
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Tape (optional)
- Paper towels (optional)
