Want to add a vibrant splash of color to your hair? Kool-Aid offers a fun, budget-friendly, and simple way to temporarily dye the ends of your hair. Just follow these steps to achieve the trendy dip-dye look.
Steps
Preparing Your Hair

Ensure your hair is completely dry. For the best results, wash your hair the day before. Hair that is too dirty or damp won't absorb the color effectively.

Remove all tangles from your hair. Use a brush or a regular comb to detangle your hair, and ensure there are no hair products (gel, hairspray, etc.) left on your hair before dyeing.
Dyeing Your Hair
Repeat this section twice.

Add two packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid and two cups of water (about 480ml) into a pot. Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil.
- Kool-Aid comes in various colors. Try red (cherry), pink (raspberry), blue (mixed berries), and purple (grape). For a more subtle shade, add more water to the mixture. For a vibrant color, use less water and/or more Kool-Aid.

Remove the pot from the stove. Pour the Kool-Aid into a cup or bowl. Dip the ends of your hair into the solution. Hold for 3 to 5 minutes, or up to 10 minutes if your hair is very thick. This allows the color to set.
- Decide how much hair you want to dye. If you only want to dye the tips, dip about 3-5 cm of hair into the solution. For a bolder look, try dipping 10-12 cm of hair.

Remove your hair from the solution and pat it dry. You can use a paper towel or cloth towel if you don’t mind potential staining (the color may transfer to the towel).

Let your hair dry completely before washing. Enjoy your new look!
- Remember that some Kool-Aid varieties contain sugar, so wash your hair immediately after it dries to avoid stickiness and prevent attracting insects.
Maintaining Hair Color

Avoid frequent hair washing. The dye will fade over time, depending on how often you wash your hair. You can slow this process by washing your hair less frequently.

Switch your shampoo. Use a shampoo specifically designed for colored hair or switch to a natural, sulfate-free shampoo that won’t harm your hair or accelerate color fading.

Use sun protection products. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your hair color to fade faster. Protect your hair from the sun by using UV-protective products, wearing a hat, or covering it with a scarf.
Removing Hair Color
If you no longer like your dyed hair color, here are some methods you can use to remove it.

Wash your hair more frequently. Kool-Aid dye can take one to three months to fade completely, depending on your natural hair color. You can speed up this process by washing your hair more often, using any type of shampoo.

For long hair, you can use baking soda. Take a large pot of water, enough to submerge the dyed ends of your hair. When the water boils, add one tablespoon of baking soda. Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully dip the dyed ends into the pot and remove them, repeating this for about a minute. Be cautious to avoid burning your hands, arms, scalp, or face (from boiling water and steam).
- The water will bubble, and the color from your hair will transfer into the water. This method will almost completely remove the dye in just a few minutes.
- Discard the water and wash your hair immediately. Be sure to use conditioner to restore moisture to your hair.

Use vinegar. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of warm water (about 240 ml). Pour this mixture over your hair while standing under the shower, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.
Tips
- If your hair is dark, soak it in the dye for a longer time.
- The dye may stain your hands, so wear rubber gloves or plastic gloves. Alternatively, try washing your hands with toothpaste or shaving cream to remove stains.
- Red (cherry) works well on dark or dark blonde hair.
- Ensure the Kool-Aid packets are powdered and sugar-free. Otherwise, your hair might attract insects like ants.
- If your hair is thick, try dyeing it in sections.
- If you're unsure about the color or intensity, test it on a few strands first to see how it turns out.
- Avoid using soap on the dyed section if you want the color to last longer.
- Kool-Aid can stain clothes and towels, so wear a shirt you don’t mind discarding. Alternatively, wrap a plastic trash bag around your neck and shoulders to protect your clothes.
- The more water you use, the lighter the color will be.
What You'll Need
- 2 packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid (any flavor)
- A pot
- Paper towels or a cloth towel
- Water