How do you use Kool-Aid as a hair dye?

Question

I know this has been around forever, but I've never done it. Now my daughter is asking about it--
can you tell me how to mix it, any tips, ect?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

It's easy to do, but it's really rough on the hair, and it doesn't stay in very long. I would strongly recommend a vegetable dye like Manic Panic instead, or henna if she wants to go red. Kool-Aid will only work on light hair - if her hair is dark or is red, it will need to be bleached first.

But if you decide to let her try it, the basic recipe we used "back in the day" was 2 packets of unsweeted Kool-Aid (that's important! You don't want the sugar stuff or the Nutrasweet stuff!) mixed with a palmful (maybe 2-3 Tablespoons) of conditioner. Wet the hair with water first, then work in the conditioner/Kool Aid, either in streaks or all over. Wrap her head in plastic wrap (or just sacrifice a cheap plastic shower cap) and leave it on as long as she can stand it - all day if possible. Then rinse in the shower - so much easier than bending over the sink!