If you like experimenting with a different hair color, but don't want a long-term commitment or don't want to use harmful chemicals, there are some 'home remedies' that are right for you. This article will show you how to dye your hair with this DIY remedy, the Kool-Aid powdered drink. The color will last a couple of weeks, and you won't damage your hair with chemicals used in temporary dyes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Put on gloves to avoid staining yourself
If you prefer not to wear gloves, be aware that your skin may get stained.
Step 2. Add the Kool-Aid sachets to a small bowl
Make sure you use the sugar-free version to avoid sticking your hair. Also, don't use the artificially sweetened version, as the chemicals it contains may irritate your eyes. You may need to use more packs than those indicated here, depending on the length of your hair and the desired color intensity. The following are the color shades corresponding to some Koo-Aid flavors:
- The Tropical Fruits flavor is great for a brighter red
- Cherry flavor for a darker red
- The Amarena taste mixed with Strawberry for a bright red
- A blend of Raspberry and Grape gives a purplish red
- Experiment with variations with your favorite Kool-Aid colors
Step 3. Add a few drops of hair conditioner to make the Kool-Aid powder penetrate better
Adding some conditioner helps create a paste that is easier to handle.
Step 4. Blend 3 to 6 sachets of Kool-Aid, water and conditioner together until you have a smooth paste
Keep stirring to get rid of the lumps; the dough must be totally free of lumps before use.
Step 5. Wrap your shoulders with a towel (or a garbage bag holding it firmly with a clip) to avoid staining yourself
Remember that the Kool-Aid can stain fabrics, so use an old towel or tea towel.
Method 2 of 3: Dye All Hair
Step 1. Work the Kool-Aid paste along the entire length of the hair, starting at the roots
This is the fun part, but you will definitely need a helping hand to dye your hair.
Step 2. Continue by adding the Kool-Aid paste in the middle of the hair
Step 3. Work the Kool-Aid paste up to the tips
Step 4. Divide your hair into sections and lift them up to make sure you dye the lower layers as well
Step 5. Wrap the hair in several strips of cling film
You'll have to sleep in it, so do a good job! This step is important not only to protect your pillows and sheets, but because it will allow moisture to be trapped, resulting in a more intense color change. It would be a good idea to wrap your pillow with an old towel in case the cling film slips while you sleep.
As a precaution you can secure the transparent film with adhesive tape
Step 6. After a good sleep, remove the cling film
Don't be frightened by the hideous color spots on your skin - you will be able to remove them all!
Step 7. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water
Don't shampoo! If you use shampoo, the color will be washed off. Apply conditioner if desired, then rinse. Finally, comb your hair and wait for it to dry. The final color will appear less bright with wet hair.
Step 8. Vibrate your new Kool-Aid color
Darker hair will only change hue, while lighter hair can change radically! You may have to experiment a bit before getting the right color for your hair - remember that the darker your natural hair, the less vivid the result will be.
Method 3 of 3: Make Hair Streaks
Step 1. If you want to dye the tips or do the highlights, use a pipe cleaner and wrap the sections of dyed hair in aluminum foil
Step 2. Cover the entire head (or as many highlights as you want) with aluminum foil, and then pin it on the hair
Make sure the foil is firmly attached.
Step 3. Follow the instructions above to wrap your hair in cling film overnight, and rinse the next day
Remember, this is not a permanent hair dye.
Warnings
- If you have sensitive skin, this remedy may not be suitable for you; test a small area first to see if you have any reactions.
- The Kool-Aid Cherry flavor agent is permanent, so do not spill the product on the carpet, otherwise the stain will never come off. Any red coloring agent can be quickly faded with ultraviolet light, but this would damage or fade the fabrics as well.
- The red dye mixture tends to stain some bathtubs when you shower (the best way to remove stains is to use Mastro Clean stain remover or a similar product).
- Do not wet your hair before dyeing it. Your hair will look oily and damp until the dye is washed off.
- Kool-Aid has excellent grip on treated hair, that is, permed, bleached, or chemically straightened hair. Be careful when dyeing them, and know that the dye could last as long as a semi-permanent dye if your hats are particularly porous and damaged.
- It is best to proceed on a sink so that you can wash away the splashes right away.
- Of course, commercial dyes are available, both temporary and semi-permanent. While you may be more satisfied with the results of a commercial product, many people don't like the chemical formulation of such products, which is why this remedy could be a viable alternative.
- The color will go away completely after a few washes.
* Your hair will smell peculiar; the smell is often quite strong if you don't use the sugar-free version.
