How To Dye Your Hair With Kool Aid – 3 Easy Ways To Follow

Forget those expensive salons and use this beverage to dye your hair in the comfort of your home.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

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Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 8 years

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Experience: 3 years

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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Last Updated on Mar 14, 2024

Image: Shutterstock

Kool-Aid dyeing has taken the internet by storm. If you plan to dye your hair with Kool-Aid, we suggest going through this article. Coloring your hair in vibrant colors can be creative and fun. It can also help you make a fashion statement. It provides confidence to many. But did you ever consider the possibility of using a favorite childhood drink to dye your hair? Well, you are in for a surprise! This vibrantly colored drink can do miracles on your hair. What’s more? Dyeing with Kool-Aid is inexpensive and non-toxic since it does not contain too many harsh chemicals.

Why waste money on salons when you can color your hair in vibrant colors at home with Kool-Aid? Right? But unfortunately, coloring with Kool-Aid is backed only by anecdotal evidence, and scientific research in this regard is limited. Nevertheless, it is considered safe and doesn’t cause any harm to the hair. In this article, we will look at hair dyeing with Kool-Aid through a microscope and answer some pertinent questions. Are you ready to go to the nearby store, pick a Kool-Aid, and start experimenting with your hair? If yes, scroll down!

In This Article

Does Kool-Aid Really Work As A Hair Dye?

Yes. Well, if we are to believe the scores of beauty bloggers and vloggers enthusiasts who cannot stop raving about Kool-Aid hair dye, the answer is a resounding yes! While we do not have and there is no scientific proof of this ubiquitous drink mix working as a hair dye, we do have enough anecdotal evidence to tempt us to try out shows successful this method results at least once.

There are quite a few several ways of using Kool-Aid as a hair dye, and not all have similar success rates. The efficacy of home-made Kool-Aid hair dye depends on the method used and the natural color and texture of your hair. It works on all types of hair, but with varying results. You can experiment with different methods and flavor combinations to arrive at what works best for your hair.

The most exciting part of using Kool-Aid to dye your hair is that you can choose from numerous dyeing styles shades according to your mood! Let’s now look at why you should make Kool-Aid hair dye at home.

If you haven’t guessed already, making Kool-Aid hair dye at home is extremely easy. Kool-Aid drink mixes are available in a variety of flavors (and colors) and come in both liquid and powder forms. While you can use both the liquid and the powder to make hair dyes, most DIY recipes use the powder form due to its versatility. The resultant hair dye can be either in a liquid or a cream form.

Note: On light colored hair, like blonde hair, kool aid may penetrate the strands and color hair. This shade can be dark and permanent.

The best thing about dyeing your hair with Kool-Aid is that you can experiment with different color combinations and dyeing styles. From bright red to pale pink to lime green to turquoise, there are unlimited color options you can make by using different flavors of Kool-Aid! Once you have decided your desired shade, you can choose to achieve all-over color, paint streaks of color into your hair, or just dip-dye your tips.

Did You Know?

People have been using Kool-Aid as a dye to color their hair since the 1980s. It is easy to apply, more affordable than regular hair dye, and a better alternative.

In the section below, we will discuss three fun ways to dye your hair with Kool-Aid.

Three 3 Ways Of Coloring Your Hair With Kool-Aid

1. Achieve An Overall Color

Image: Shutterstock

To get an overall color, you first need to make a hair dye paste.

You Will Need

5-7 packets of Kool-Aid unsweetened powder (use any or a combination of flavors)
1/2 – 3/4 cup of hair conditioner (depending on the length and thickness of your hair (use any brand)

Directions

1. Microwave the conditioner in a heat-proof bowl for 20-25 seconds.
2. Add the contents of the Kool-Aid sachets to the warm conditioner and mix well until combined properly to form a smooth paste.
3. Apply this paste to your hair with a hair dye brush, covering each strand from the root to the tip.
4. Leave it on for around 8 hours. You can also leave it on overnight if you wish. Use a shower cap to keep from smearing color all over your house and pillow cases. We want to stain only the hair, not anything else.
5. Rinse off the Kool-Aid paste from your hair with water. Do not use shampoo.
6. Towel dry your hair and flaunt your new look!

2. Get Colorful Streaks

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

2-3 packets of Kool-Aid unsweetened powder
2-3 tablespoons of hair conditioner (depending on how many streaks you want)

Directions

Microwave the conditioner for 20-25 seconds until warm.
Mix the Kool-Aid powder with the conditioner and form a smooth paste.
Dip a hair dye brush into the paste and make as many streaks as you want on your hair.
Cover each steak with aluminum foil to prevent the color from spreading.
Leave it on for 8 hours or overnight.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Do not use shampoo.
Let your hair dry naturally, or use a blow dryer

Note: When washing hair right after coloring it, your hair may bleed color. Do not worry, this is normal.

3. Dip-Dye Your Tips

You Will Need

2 packets of Kool-Aid unsweetened powder
2 cups of water

Directions:

Mix the water and Kool-Aid powder in a saucepan.
Bring the liquid to a boil. Let it simmer for two minutes.
Pour the concoction into a bowl and allow it to cool.
Tie your hair into a ponytail. Dip the ends into the concoction and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
Squeeze out the excess Kool-Aid liquid from your hair and rinse with water.
Towel dry your hair and style it as usual. Avoid shampooing for the next 24-30 hours.

Trivia

Wash your hair with cold water instead of hot water to make your temporary hair color last as long as possible.

Jade, a blogger, recalls her personal experience of dip-dying her hair and how it turned out for her. She dipped her hair in the Kool-Aid dye and water mixture for about 30 minutes followed by a good rinse; the resultant hue on the tips looked wonderful. As an additional technique for getting a long-lasting spread, she added, “I had someone ask me if they can boil the kool aid. You can. In fact, it will make the color last longer (i).”

So, this is how to dye your hair with Kool-Aid. But how long does it stay in your hair? Well, several factors determine how long Kool-Aid hair dye stays in your hair.

How Long Does Kool-Aid Hair Dye Stay In Your Hair?

Kool-Aid hair dye can last between two to six weeks. If you keep it on your hair for a long time, the color will take longer to fade. Kool-Aid stains your hair, and your washing frequency affects the longevity of the color. If you wash your hair daily, swim in chlorinated water, or use heat-styling tools, the Kool-Aid dye is likely to disappear sooner.

Kool-Aid hair dyes stay on blonde and light-colored hair for a longer time than dark hair. Also, dark shades, such as red and purple, tend to last longer than pastel pinks and light blue. However, note that blue shades can fade into greener shades, which may last longer.

Most recipes call for the Kool-Aid powder as it yields the best results. But is it possible to use liquid Kool-Aid to color your hair? Read on to explore more about it.

Can You Use Liquid Kool-Aid To Dye Your Hair?

Image: Shutterstock

Yes, you can use liquid Kool-Aid to color your hair. However, it is better suited for dip-dyeing than achieving an overall color or streaks. Here’s how you do it.

You Will Need

• 1 bottle of Kool-Aid liquid concentrate
• 2 cups of water

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and stir well.
2. Simmer the liquid for two minutes. Let it cool and transfer the liquid to a bowl.
3. Tie your hair into a ponytail and dip the ends into the Kool-Aid concoction.
4. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
5. Squeeze out the excess liquid.
6. Rinse with water without using shampoo and air dry your hair.

As with any other hair treatment, Kool-Aid hair dye comes with its benefits and demerits. Still, wondering whether to color your hair with Kool-Aid or not? The following list will help you decide.

Pros And Cons Of Kool-Aid Hair Dye

Image: Shutterstock

Pros

Comes in a variety of bright colors
A simple and budget-friendly way of coloring your hair
Leaves your hair smelling fruity and fragrant
Contains no harsh chemicals, unlike traditional hair dyes

Cons

Might be difficult to remove the stain
Can dry out your hair
Looks unpleasant when the color begins to fade, which can be difficult to fix or hide even with professional help.
Messy application

How Do You Remove Kool-Aid Dye From The Hair?

Baking soda and shampoo to remove Kool-Aid dye

Image: Shutterstock

Kool-Aid hair dye stays on your hair for a few weeks. The color gets lighter with each wash and fades away completely over time. However, if you want to get rid of the color quickly, switch to a clarifying shampoo. A mixture of shampoo and baking soda helps remove the color easily. Follow up with a deep conditioner after the process, as baking soda can make your hair extremely dry.

Infographic: 10 Kool Aid Hair Color Ideas

Kool Aid is an easy way of dyeing your hair at home without having to spend a fortune at the salon. There are a few color ideas that you can experiment with. Check out the infographic below to know more.

10 kool aid hair color ideas (infographic)

Kool-Aid isn’t just a tasty drink but also a playful hair dye. It is a simple way to brighten your hair in brilliant colors without splurging at the hairdresser. You can dye your hair with Kool-Aid by applying it to hair tips, making colorful streaks, or dip-dye the ends of your strands. While this beverage does not harm the hair, it may be a messy affair and produce unsightly stains on your mane. Overall, it could be a fun experience to dye your hair with Kool-Aid. However, repeated attempts or overuse are not recommended as safety standards have not been determined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dyeing your hair with Kool-Aid damage your hair?

No. Kool-Aid does not have the potential to damage the hair structure. It can only stain your hair temporarily.

What color Kool-Aid work on dark hair?

Hairstyle influencers swear by the effects of blue, purple, and pink Kool-Aid shades for dark hair.

Does your hair have to be dry to dye it with Kool-Aid?

Yes. Hair color enthusiasts claim that Kool-Aid works best on freshly washed dry hair.

What Kool-Aid flavor is blue?

The Blue Raspberry Lemonade unsweetened mix is blue.

Is there green Kool-Aid?

Yes. The Green Apple unsweetened mix is green.

Key Takeaways

Kool-aid dyeing is suitable for all, but the results may vary depending on the hair type.
There is no scientific evidence of Kool-aid usage as a hair dye, but beauty bloggers swear by it.
The color may stay on for six to eight weeks, depending on the frequency of hair washing.
However, clarifying shampoos and baking soda can fade the color quickly.

Illustration: How To Dye Your Hair With Kool Aid - 3 Easy Ways To Follow

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to dye your hair with Kool-Aid in this video! Get step-by-step instructions on how to create a vibrant, long-lasting color for your hair.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Blue Hair Dye at Home For 20¢ (Koolaid)https://koolaidhair.blogspot.com/2012/07/blue-hair-dye-at-home-for-20.html

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ramona SinhaEditor

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer