How to Dye Your Hair With Kool-Aid

The tasty drink mix can also color hair.

Kool-Aid is more than a tasty drink. It also makes a colorful temporary hair dye. The brightness of the color depends on the flavor you choose, the number of packs you mix and your original hair color. Whether you go for cherry red locks or a subtle grape purple tint, you'll discover Kool-Aid is safer than chemical dyes and costs a lot less. In most cases, the color should wash out after a few shampoos.

Things You'll Need

• 3 packs unsweetened Kool-Aid, "color" of choice
• Conditioner
• Small bowl
• Petroleum jelly
• Protective gloves (optional)
• Plastic wrap
• Tape

Instructions

1. Take a good look at the condition and color of your hair. If your hair is healthy, Kool-Aid tints only the outside of the hair shaft. The more damaged your hair, the more it will absorb color. You'll also get brighter results if your hair is light-colored, and you may find the dye job lasts a lot longer than you want it to. If your hair is very dark, the Kool-Aid color may not show up at all. Be prepared to accept the results -- there's no turning back once the job is finished.

2. Pour three packs of unsweetened Kool-Aid into a bowl. Adjust the number of packs depending on the depth of color you want and the length of your hair. Add a few drops of water to the dry Kool-Aid, just enough to make a paste.

3. Add a few drops of conditioner to the Kool-Aid paste. Mix well until there are no lumps and the paste is smooth. Conditioner helps the Kool-Aid "dye" spread through your hair and penetrate better.

4. Apply petroleum jelly all along your hairline. Put extra on your ears. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier so the Kool-Aid doesn't stain your skin.

5. Do a test strand if you're concerned about how the color will look. Apply the colored paste to a strand of your hair. Allow it to sit on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the paste away. Towel-dry the strand to see if the final tint is what you want. The color is more subtle on dry hair. It also becomes darker the longer the paste sits on your hair.

6. Apply the Kool-Aid paste to your dry hair. Do not wet your hair first. Work the paste into your hair, but don't rub into your scalp. Wear gloves if you want to avoid staining your hands.

7. Wrap your paste-filled hair completely with lengths of plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with tape. Wear your plastic turban overnight so the dye can work on your hair while you sleep. Place an old towel over your pillow if you're concerned about stains.

8. Remove the plastic wrap in the morning. Wash your hair thoroughly, apply conditioner, then wash your hair again. Don't forget to scrub away any Kool-Aid stains on your skin. Towel-dry your hair and style as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that Kool-Aid could stain anything: hair, skin, clothes and towels. Take precautions so your pajamas or pillowcase don't end up the same color as your hair.

• If your hair is longer, you may need more packs of Kool-Aid to create enough paste.

• Be very careful if your hair is bleached or a light shade. The color change could be dramatic and linger for weeks.

• Avoid pre-sweetened Kool-Aid; the chemicals could irritate your eyes.

• If your hair is red, remember that adding blue to it will make it purple, not blue. Adding green may make it brown, not green. If your hair is golden blond, adding blue may turn it green. When in doubt, do a test strand and look at it in the sunshine to be sure you like the results.

References

• Worsley School: Chemistry -- Dyeing Your Hair With Kool-Aid
• Hair Care Wonders: How to Dye Your Hair With Kool-Aid; April 2011
• Skin Care Recipes and Remedies: Coloring Hair With Kool-Aid -- The Coolest Kool-Aid Hair Dye Recipe