How to Kool Aid Dye Black Hair

Co-authored by Karen Leight

Last Updated: September 23, 2024 References

Kool Aid is a great way to dye hair without doing anything permanent. It lasts longer than hair chalk, and it isn't as chunky as colored hair spray. Best of it, it is cheap to use! While it works best on those with blond or light brown hair, it is possible to dye dark or black hair with it too. Keep in mind that your results will not be as bright or vibrant, however.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dip Dyeing Your Hair

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1
Know what to expect. Dye is translucent. This means that the original color will show through. Because your hair is so dark, the dye will come out dark as well.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Karen Leight
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.} Lighter colors, such as yellow or lime green, won't be visible.
- If you want a bright, vibrant color, consider bleaching your hair first.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Karen Leight
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.} Keep in mind that the bleach will be permanent while the dye won't.
Even though Kool Aid is not permanent like regular hair dye, it will still stain. Cover your work surface with some newspaper, a trash bag, or a cheap, plastic, tablecloth. Put on an old shirt and a pair of plastic, disposable gloves as well.

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Pour 3 cups (700 milliliters) of water into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.^{[3]
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Add 4 to 5 packets of unsweetened Kool Aid. Whisk the two together until the Kool Aid dissolves completely.^{[4]
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Research source} You can use all the same flavor of Kool Aid, or you can mix flavors to create a unique shade.
- Make sure that you are using unsweetened Kool Aid. If you use the sweetened kind, your hair will get sticky.^{[5]
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Make sure that the containers are deep enough for you to dip the ends of your hair into. If the Kool Aid is very hot, let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes.^{[6]
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Part your hair straight down the middle. Wrap a hair tie around each half of your hair, right at the nape of your neck. Drape the left pigtail over your left shoulder, and the right pigtail over your right shoulder. This will make it easier to dip dye.^{[7]
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Dip your hair into the Kool Aid. Leave it there for at least 30 minutes. This may seem like a long time, but it takes longer for color to appear on dark hair than on light-colored hair.^{[8]
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- Read a book, watch a show or movie, listen to music, chat with friends, or play on your phone during this time so you don't get bored.
Once the time is up, pull your hair out of the dye. Gently squeeze out the excess dye, then rinse your hair under cold water. Do not use warm water or shampoo, or the color will come out.^{[9]
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Dry and style your hair. You can dry your hair with a hairdryer or you can let it air dry. Some of the Kool Aid may come off at first, so be careful!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Dyeing All of Your Hair

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1
Understand what to expect. Dye is translucent, so it will mix with whatever color is underneath it. When used on top of black hair, dye appears much darker. Lighter colors, such as yellow, may not be visible at all.
- If you want a bright, vibrant color, you might want to bleach your hair first. Be aware that while the Kool Aid won't be permanent, the bleach will.
2
Cover your workspace and hands. Cover the counter or table you will be working on with some newspaper. A trash bag or a cheap, plastic, tablecloth will also do. Put on an old shirt you won't mind staining, and a pair of plastic, disposable gloves.
- Consider covering the skin around your hairline with petroleum jelly. This will help protect your skin against stains.
3
Pour white conditioner into a container. You will need to use enough conditioner to completely cover and saturate your hair. This will make the dye easier to apply. It will also deep-condition your hair.^{[10]
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- Avoid using colored conditioner, as it may affect the final color of the dye.
4
Stir in 4 to 5 packets of unsweetened Kool Aid. Keep stirring until the Kool Aid has dissolved, and the texture and color are consistent. You can use all one flavor, or combine flavors to create a unique color.^{[11]
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- You want the texture to be thick and gloopy. If it is too thin, add more Kool Aid.
- Make sure that the Kool Aid you are using us unsweetened, otherwise your hair will get sticky.
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Apply the mixture to your hair. Work the mixture into your hair, starting from the roots. If you want to, you can divide your hair into sections first. Make sure that you completely cover and saturate your hair with the mixture.^{[12]
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- If you want to do streaks instead, apply the mixture to the desired area instead. Use a tinting brush for a more precise application.
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Tuck your hair under a plastic shower cap. This will keep your clothing and surroundings clean. It will also keep the dye damp and trap the heat from your head, which will make the dye more effective.^{[13]
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- If you added streaks, wrap them in plastic wrap instead. This will prevent the dye from staining the rest of your hair.
You can leave the dye on for several hours, but it would be better if you left it on overnight instead.^{[14]
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Research source} Another option would be to dye your hair in the morning, and leave it on during the day, or for about 8 to 9 hours.
Use the coldest temperature you can withstand, and avoid using warm water or shampoo. If you use warm water or shampoo, the color may come out.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I change my hair color every week?

Karen Leight
Professional Hair Stylist
Karen Leight is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Karen Renee Hair, a private salon suite inside the Salon Republic Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Karen is a licensed cosmetologist specializing in hair color, balayage technique, and women’s and men’s precision haircuts.

Karen Leight

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You shouldn't do that. Unfortunately, we're living in the world of digital influencers that make it seem feasible to change your hair color frequently, but that is achieved mostly through wigs. Dyeing your hair is not magic.

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Question

How do you stop hair dye from bleeding?

Karen Leight
Professional Hair Stylist
Karen Leight is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Karen Renee Hair, a private salon suite inside the Salon Republic Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Karen is a licensed cosmetologist specializing in hair color, balayage technique, and women’s and men’s precision haircuts.

Karen Leight

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

The crazy candy colors that are currently trending bleed easy, and that's part of the deal. The best thing to avoid bleeding is to use a color save shampoo and conditioner, rinsing with cool water and towel blotting so it doesn't drip when wet.

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Question

I have black hair, what colors or flavors of Kool Aid should I use?

Community Answer

You should use red or blue. Or maybe make it a light brown.

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Tips

If you got food coloring on your hands, you can clean it off with toothpaste.^{[15]
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It is best to work on freshly-washed, product-free hair. Any oils or creams may prevent the color from taking.^{[16]
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The color should stay in your hair for 2 to 4 weeks.^{[17]
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