If you do stain part of your skin, there are a few ways to remove the Kool-Aid stains.
Note that the colors can appear differently on different hair types and base colors. For instance, grape Kool-Aid will leave a light pinkish violet on light blonde hair when left on for just 30 minutes. [3] X Research source However, grape Kool-Aid will show up as a deep reddish purple on dark brown hair after 1 hour. If you have brown hair, vibrant reds usually show up the best. You can also try deep purple and dark blue! You won’t be able to get a lighter color than your natural shade without first bleaching your hair, though. [4] X Research source
If you’re not sure how your hair will take to the dye, start with just 1 packet. You can always follow up with another dye session using a few more packets to build up the color. If you’re mixing colors, stir together 2 packets. For instance, try black cherry mixed with strawberry for a vibrant red, or strawberry and grape for red-violet. You could also try blue raspberry and lemon-lime to create turquoise. [6] X Research source
A good rule of thumb is to use 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of water per packet of Kool-Aid. Try not to add too much water, or else the mixture will get too runny to paint onto your hair.
The creamy consistency of your dye paste will make the dye easier to handle and apply to your hair. Plus the conditioner will help the dye spread through your hair. [9] X Research source
Also protect your workspace with another towel or garbage bag in case any dye drips onto your chair, the table, or the floor.
Try dividing your hair vertically into left and right segments, and then dividing each of these into 3 horizontal sections (top, middle, and bottom). Alternatively, divide your hair into left, right, and center sections and work your way from side to side. Or, start by exposing the hair at the nape of your neck and piling the rest of your hair up at your crown. Pull out small sections as you work your way from your nape up to your crown.
Tie back each dyed section and proceed until all sections are evenly coated. All of your hair must be saturated with dye otherwise the powder will just wash out, without coloring your hair. If you’re dyeing your own hair, you might want to enlist the help of a friend. It can be hard to evenly coat the hair at the back of your head.
Secure the plastic wrap with tape for extra hold. This step is especially useful if you plan to leave the dye on your hair for a few hours.
If you’ve used more Kool-Aid packets, it’s ok to leave the dye on for a shorter amount of time.
It may take between 10 and 20 minutes to get the water to run clear. Warm or hot water may more quickly wash out some of the pigment from your newly-dyed strands. Don’t use shampoo when you rinse out the dye. This could wash out and fade some of the color. [15] X Research source
To make your temporary color last as long as possible, wash your hair in cold water instead of hot water. [16] X Research source It’s ok to use warm water and heat styling tools, but keep in mind that the heat will cause the dye to fade faster. You may need to experiment with the dye process a few times to get the balance right for your hair color. Just remember that if you have darker hair, the effects will be more subtle.
Think about how many streaks you want to add to your hair, and cut out 1 piece of saran wrap or foil for each streak before you get started. If you’re creating narrow highlights, try picking up and painting a few thin strands on the same piece of saran wrap or foil.
Support the strands from behind with your hand that’s beneath the piece of saran wrap or foil.
If your hair is longer than the piece of wrap or foil, fold up the tips of your hair into a little bundle close to your roots before folding up the foil.
If you’re using saran wrap, try using a hair tie to create little bundles out of each section. [19] X Research source
If you have a lot of streaks, consider wrapping your hair in a plastic bag or with a few long pieces of saran wrap to hold them in place while you wait.
If you want a really saturated hue, leave the dye on for 5 hours. If you have light hair and you just want a light tint, don’t leave the dye on for longer than 1 hour.
Choose whichever Kool-Aid color you want, or mix 2 together for a custom shade. Use more packets for more saturated color, especially if you have dark hair.
Try dipping your hair into the dye bath a few times for a deeper color. This also helps if you want to create a softer division between your dip-dyed ends and the rest of your hair.
Make sure you’re still wearing gloves during this process, as the Kool-Aid can stain your hands.
If you want to leave the dye on for up to 5 hours, the method of painting on a dye paste containing conditioner would be a better choice. Conditioner keeps the dye from drying out, whereas the dye bath liquid will evaporate after a short while.
Once the dye is rinsed off, air-dry or blow-dry your hair to see the final results.
