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When you have a whim to switch the hue of your hair from your daily shade to something fun and funky, don't plunk down your cash on commercial products. Instead, turn to Kool-Aid to lend some serious color to your mane. The powerful powdered drink mix, coupled with conditioner, makes a concoction that can cause a dramatic change to lighter-colored locks or a terrific tint to darker strands.
1.
Slip into an old T-shirt before beginning to avoid serious staining on your clothing. Wet your hair under running water, then squeeze gently to remove excess drips.
2.
Slather petroleum jelly all around your hairline and on your ears to keep them from succumbing to the Kool-Aid colorant.
3.
Pour 2 to 4 packets of your desired color of Kool-Aid into a bowl. The more you use, the stronger the mixture.
4.
Add 2 to 4 teaspoons of conditioner to the powder and mix well. Pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of white vinegar into the bowl and continue to mix until all the grit is gone and it looks smooth. The vinegar helps the dye have sticking power. Add a few drops of water if the paste seems too thick. Add another teaspoon of conditioner if it seems too gritty.
5.
Don some plastic gloves to keep your hands dye-free. Work the colorful paste into your hair until every strand is coated. Try to keep the dye away from your scalp -- unless you want it to change color too.
6.
Pile your Kool-Aid-coated locks on top of your head and slip on a shower cap. Or wrap plastic wrap over the pile of hair and secure with tape.
7.
Leave the dye on for at least 3 hours or up to all night long. The longer you leave it in your locks, the more colorful your hair will become. Remove the cap or plastic wrap, and rinse out your hair until you no longer see colored dye running down the drain. Add styling products and style as usual.
Things You'll Need
1.Old T-shirt
3.Petroleum jelly
5.2 to 4 packets unsweetened Kool-Aid
7.1 to 2 teaspoon white vinegar
9.Plastic gloves
11.Tape
2.Water
4.Bowl
6.2 to 4 teaspoons of conditioner
8.Spoon
10.Plastic shower cap or plastic wrap
12.Old towel
Tips & Tricks
The dye job should last for several hair washings.
Don't use the sugar-sweetened version of Kool-Aid or your hair will attract buzzing insects when you step outside.
Related Videos
References
"The Double-Daring Book for Girls"; Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam Peskowitz; 2009
Worsley School; Dyeing Your Hair With Kool-Aid; Bill Willis
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