Using Kool-Aid is a fun, inexpensive, and easy way to color the ends of your hair! Start by preparing 2-3 packs of Kool-Aid with the color of your choice. Mix the powder with the water, and bring the mixture to a boil on the stove. After a minute, remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Dip the ends of your hair in “paint” for 15-25 minutes to color it! This Kool-Aid color will last on your hair for a few days to weeks.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing Color and Preparing Hair
Step 1. Select 2-3 packs of Kool-Aid according to the color of your choice
If you're blonde, you'll likely need 2 packs of Kool-Aid. If your hair color is darker, use 3 packs. You can choose the color you want! People usually wear red, blue, and purple because they look great on all hair colors. You can also mix your own colors!
- For example, try mixing 2 packs of grape Kool-Aid and 1 pack of cherry Kool-Aid for an intense burgundy color.
- If you have dark hair, don't use yellow or orange. Try green, but you might get better results with a more saturated color, such as purple or blue.
Step 2. Put on an old T-shirt and plastic gloves to prevent stains
Kool-Aid is sure to leave a stain on everything it touches! So, wear an old t-shirt and cover the work surface with newspapers or a large plastic trash bag so the room doesn't get dirty. It's also a good idea to wear plastic gloves to prevent Kool-Aid from staining your skin.
Step 3. Place some used towels within reach of the work surface
You'll need to squeeze any excess dye out of your hair as soon as you remove it from the paint bowl so make sure you have some used towels within reach! Otherwise, Kool Aid in your hair can drip and contaminate furniture and floors.
Keep in mind that Kool-Aid stains on towels will not go away. So, you should use an old towel
Step 4. Comb dry hair so it doesn't tangle
Kool-Aid paint works best on dry, freshly shampooed hair. If your hair is still damp, blow it out or use a blow dryer to dry before starting to color it. Use a wide-toothed comb to carefully detangle your hair, starting from the tips of your hair to the roots.
You can dye your hair with Kool-Aid if you haven't shampooed your hair recently, but your hair must be dry for the Kool-Aid to absorb effectively
Tip:
This technique is best suited for hair that is at least shoulder height. You will put your hair in hot water and hold it in that position for a few minutes. If you have short hair, your face will be too close to the hot water.
Step 5. Style your hair into pigtails or low ponytails
You don't have to, but this hairstyle will make the process much easier, especially if your hair is very long. Use an elastic band to divide your hair into 2 pigtails and let it hang over your shoulders. If your hair is not too thick, a low ponytail will suffice. If there's a section of hair that you don't want to dye, collect it and pin it back so it doesn't get in the way.
For example, if you only want to color the lower part of your hair, pull the top half of your hair and secure it with a clip
Part 2 of 3: Dipping Hair in Kool-Aid Sauce
Step 1. Pour the Kool-Aid powder into a large saucepan
Open all packs of Kool-Aid and put the contents in a large saucepan. Choose a pan that makes it easy for you to dip your hair into it! Then, put and cook the pot on the stove.
Step 2. Add about 2 cups (470 ml) of water to the pot
The exact amount of water used is not standard. The less water you use, the lighter the final color will be. If you just want a light shade, use more water. You also need to use enough water according to the length of the colored hair. If you're not sure, try using about 2 cups (470 ml) of water.
For example, if you want to dye a few inches at the ends of your hair, the water must be deep enough to allow you to dye your hair that length
Step 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat for 1 minute
When the mixture heats up, stir with a wooden spoon until the Kool-Aid is completely dissolved. If the water is boiling, immediately pay attention to the timer (timer) or clock. The mixture should only simmer for 60 seconds before it is ready to use.
Keep in mind that the Kool-Aid color on your spatula will be permanent
Step 4. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof bowl
Turn off the heat and carefully pour the mixture into the bowl. Make sure you do this carefully because the water is very hot and can burn you. If you style your hair into a long ponytail, it's best to use two bowls.
- If the pan is too hot to touch, put on oven mitts before removing the pan.
- If you are using 2 separate bowls, be sure to pour the Kool-Aid mixture into each.
Step 5. Dip the ends of your hair into the Kool-Aid broth to the desired depth
Sit at the table and place the bowl of Kool-Aid gravy in front of you. Then, position the hair into the bowl to the desired length. You need to know that Kool-Aid dye will soak up your hair by about 1 cm, so consider dyeing your ends.
Make sure your face is not exposed to the hot steam from the bowl
Step 6. Leave hair in the Kool-Aid broth for 15-25 minutes
If you have light brown hair, 15 minutes should be enough. If you are blonde, your hair only needs to be dyed for 5 minutes. For dark hair, wait 20-25 minutes. Timing also determines the level of color saturation to be achieved. The longer your hair stays in the water, the brighter the color will be.
- Keep track of the clock or set a timer so you don't miss the time.
- Try not to move too much while soaking your hair. If the hair shifts, the result may not look even.
Part 3 of 3: Preserving Color
Step 1. Remove the ends of the hair from the water and absorb the remaining Kool-Aid paint on the hair using an old towel
When the time comes, take the used towel that was previously prepared to wring out the ends of your hair. Continue squeezing until there is no more water left in the hair. Your hair should be damp, but not dripping.
Tip:
Make sure the towels used in this process are washed separately so that the Kool-Aid color doesn't run off onto other clothes.
Step 2. Dry your hair as usual
Take a paddle comb and hairdryer to dry your hair completely. The heat from the hairdryer will set the color so don't skip this step. Your hair should also be perfectly dry.
When your hair is damp, the color will seep into your clothes and pillows
Step 3. Use a hair straightener to further set the color
This step is not mandatory, but it will really help lock the color into your hair even more. Work in small sections and quickly pull the iron straight through the hair. Then, you can style your hair as usual.
- If you have curly hair, please skip this step.
- Be sure to wipe the vise plate with a thick towel or oven mitt when it has cooled to remove any paint residue.
Step 4. Less shampooing to retain the color as long as possible
Kool-Aid is a temporary paint. Depending on hair color and texture, Kool-Aid color can last from a few days to weeks. Kool-Aid color will fade naturally every time you wash it so reduce it so that the color of your hair dye lasts longer.
- You can use a shower cap to protect your hair from water when you shower.
- Swimming will also make the color fade faster. Every time your hair gets wet, the Kool-Aid color will fade even more.
Step 5. Use a clarifying shampoo or baking soda to remove color from your hair
Washing your hair several times with a clarifying shampoo will lighten the color of the Kool-Aid. Depending on the brightness of the Kool-Aid colors, you may need to take drastic steps. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of baking soda. Then, dip your hair in water for 30 seconds. The Kool-Aid color will fade in no time! You will need to dye your hair several times until the Kool-Aid color is completely gone.
- Shampoo hair as usual when the Kool-Aid color is gone, to rinse off the baking soda.
- Be sure to deep condition your hair thoroughly as scraping off the Kool-Aid color will dry out the ends.
