Not being able to book an appointment with their colorist at the hair salon has some people looking for ways to DIY their color at home. Some are buying boxes of hair color and trying their hand at covering their roots or sporting a new shade, but others are turning to a childhood favorite for a fun new hue: Kool-Aid. Yep, creative types are using the flavored drink mix to give their strands a bright pop of red, blue, green, or whatever shade they’re into.
But is it safe? Cosmetic chemist Ginger King explains that “dying your hair with Kool-Aid is generally safe as it is a temporary colorant with FD&C colors.” Professional hair colorist Barri Gibson warns that “Kool-Aid can possibly be drying to your hair texture,” and suggests using a good moisturizing conditioner afterward. Over time the Kool-Aid color will wash out on its own and the colors will show up best on blonde or light brown hair.
If you want to give it a try, here’s what the pros say you’ll need: Kool-Aid packets, moisturizing conditioner, dye brush, plastic bag or shower cap, bowl or mug.
- Warning - this process can be really messy, so wear an old t-shirt and be careful where you lay your head because it could stain.
- Step 1:Microwave conditioner in bowl or mug for around 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Make a paste out of heated conditioner and several packets of Kool-Aid.
- Step 3: Section off hair you want to color.
- Step 4: Use dye brush or fingers to apply paste to sections of hair.
- Step 5: Cover colored hair with shower cap or plastic bag and leave it on for three to eight hours, depending on how bright you want your hue to be.
- Step 6: Take shower cap or bag off and rinse with cool water.
- Step 7: Style as usual.
Source:Good Morning America