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Using hair dye and Kool-Aid to safely dye your pubic hair
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Maybe your pubic hair is turning gray, or you want to spice things up. Either way, dyeing your hair down there is a great way to amp up your look and feel more confident. Dyeing pubic hair is a piece of cake, and all you need is regular hair dye or Kool-Aid to do so. In this article, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step to help you safely dye your pubic hair.
Can you dye pubic hair?
Yes, you can dye your pubic hair! Be sure to use ammonia- and paraben-free hair dye and only focus the dye on the hair on your pubic bone to protect your sensitive skin and areas. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your labia, vulva, penis, or scrotum before dyeing the hair also helps with protection.
Steps
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Choose a hair dye without ammonia or parabens. Your pubic area is very sensitive and vulnerable to harsh chemicals. Read the ingredients list on the back of the box of hair dye to make sure it doesn’t contain ammonia or parabens that could irritate your skin. [1] X Research source
- Look for a dye that’s labeled “chemical-free,” “organic,” or “all-natural.”
- Use any color dye you’d like! Pick a color that matches your hair or, for a playful look, pick a bright color like pink or blue. Just keep in mind that if you have darker pubic hair, lighter dye colors likely won’t show.
- Never use bleach to lighten your pubic hair, as bleach can damage this tender, sensitive area of the body.
- We recommend using a semi-permanent hair dye to dye your pubic hair. This way, you can easily change up your look again in the future.
- Consider purchasing pubic hair dye if you’re worried about regular hair dye being irritating on sensitive skin. These products are designed to use on your pubic region, and some even include a safe pre-lightener. [2] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
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Apply petroleum jelly to the most sensitive areas to protect them. Petroleum jelly acts like a barrier between your skin and the dye, so it doesn’t stain or irritate certain spots. Rub a thin layer onto your labia, vulva, penis, or scrotum. [3] X Research source
- Avoid getting petroleum jelly on the hair you want to dye since the jelly blocks the dye.
- Alternatively, you can also use olive oil if you don’t have petroleum jelly.
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Put on plastic gloves and mix the hair dye according to the directions. Your box of hair dye will contain instructions on how to prepare the dye. It should also include plastic gloves. Place them on your hands before you begin working with the dye to protect your skin. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
- If your hair dye doesn’t come with gloves, you can buy them at any beauty store, grocery store, or online retailer.
- Test a small amount of dye on your skin before applying all over to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
How to Perform a Skin Patch Test for Hair Dye
1. Dab a small amount of the dye on your skin with a cotton swab. Any area of skin will work, like the back of your hand or your inner thigh.
2. Let it sit for 48 hours.
3. Check the area. If it’s irritated, burning, or red, don’t use that dye. [6] X Research source
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Stir an equal amount of moisturizing shampoo into the dye. This dilutes the dye so it isn’t as harsh on your pubic area. Pour the same amount of shampoo as there is dye into the dye itself. Mix the 2 together with a spoon until thoroughly combined. [7] X Research source
- The exact amount of hair dye should be listed on the front of the box. Use that measurement for your shampoo.
- For example, if you have 3 ounces (85 g) of hair color, you’ll add 3 ounces (85 g) of shampoo.
- Choose a shampoo with hydrating ingredients, like argan oil, vitamin E, or Moroccan oil. Avoid one that has parabens, which will irritate your skin.
- This diluting technique works best when using semi-permanent hair dye.
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Brush the dye onto your pubic hair. Use the hair dye applicator brush to gently apply the dye, making sure to completely saturate all of the hair. Avoid rubbing the dye or letting it get into any super sensitive places, like inside your vagina. [8] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
- Most boxed hair dye will come with an applicator brush. If yours doesn’t, buy one from a beauty store or an online retailer.
- You can also use a small paintbrush with bristles or a toothbrush instead of a hair dye brush. [9] X Research source
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Let the dye sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the color to fully soak into your pubic hair. Check the directions provided with the hair dye to find the exact processing time for that specific brand and type. [10] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source Some dyes may be closer to 20 minutes.
- Wash off the dye immediately if you experience any burning or painful tingling sensations. [11] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
- Set a timer or use the clock app on your phone to keep track of the time.
- Don’t leave the dye on longer than the recommended time, or you could damage your pubic hair and skin.
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Rinse off the dye with warm water and a washcloth. Stand under the shower so the water runs over the dye, removing it from your pubic hair. Gently rub the area with a clean washcloth to get rid of any excess dye or petroleum jelly.
- Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. [12] X Research source
- If there’s any dye left on your skin after you dry off, dab the area with a cotton ball dipped in astringent or witch hazel to remove it.
- Once the hair dries, if you aren't satisfied with the color, wait at least 4 weeks before re-dyeing so you don't damage your hair. [13] X Research source
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Mix 2 packets of Kool-Aid with 2 cups (470 ml) of water in a saucepan. Pour the water in first. Then, add the contents of both Kool-Aid packets . Use a spoon to stir them together until thoroughly combined. [14] X Research source
- Choose Kool-Aid that has powder the color that you want your pubic hair to be. For example, cherry Kool-Aid will result in red hair.
- Try mixing packets for different colors, but keep in mind that lighter dye colors likely won’t show on darker hair.
Kool-Aid Colors for Pubic Hair
Purple: Blue Raspberry + Cherry
Bright red: Cherry
Green: Lemon-Lime + Blue Raspberry
Brown: Lemonade + Orange + Grape
Pink: Pink Lemonade
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Boil the liquid for 1 to 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Place the saucepan on the stove and bring the water and Kool-Aid to a boil. Stir it while it boils so the powder doesn’t settle at the bottom. [15] X Research source
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Remove the pan from the heat and pour the liquid into a bowl. Don’t leave the mixture in the hot pan, or it will continue to cook, which can affect the strength of the color. Transfer it to a bowl immediately. [16] X Research source
- A cup or basin will work if you don’t have a bowl.
- If you use a plastic container, the Kool-Aid could stain it.
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Use a hair applicator brush to apply the mixture to your pubic hair. Dip the brush into the bowl to soak up the liquid. Then, brush it over your hair, making sure to coat every strand with color. Avoid putting the Kool-Aid mixture on super-sensitive spots of your pubic area. [17] X Research source
- Do this over an old towel if you don’t want to get Kool-Aid stains on the floor.
- If you don’t have a brush applicator, use a paintbrush with soft bristles instead.
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Let the Kool-Aid mixture sit on your pubic hair for 15 to 30 minutes. Lighter hair, like blonde or gray, will absorb the color faster. However, darker brown or black hair will take at least 30 minutes to change color. [18] X Research source
- To keep track of the time, use your phone’s clock app or set a timer.
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Rinse the mixture off your pubic hair with warm water and a washcloth. Run water over your pubic hair to remove the Kool-Aid. Gently scrub the area with a washcloth, too, to get rid of any extra color that may be on your skin. [19] X Research source
- Once the water runs clear, all of the Kool-Aid mixture is gone.
- If you want a deeper color, repeat the process once your pubic hair dries.
- The color will last 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how often you shower.
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Things You’ll Need
Using Hair Dye
- Hair dye
- Hair color applicator brush
- Plastic gloves
- Petroleum jelly
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Washcloth
- Astringent or witch hazel (optional)
- Cotton balls (optional)
Dyeing with Kool-Aid
- 2 packets of Kool-Aid
- 2 cups (470 ml) of water
- Saucepan
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Hair color applicator brush or paintbrush
- Washcloth
Tips
- Try using henna to dye your pubic hair if you’re concerned about using chemical hair dye. But, be sure to do a patch test first, as some people can have allergic reactions to henna even in its purest form.Thanks
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Warnings
- Never put bleach or other chemicals on sensitive areas of your genitals, like inside your vagina or on your scrotum.Thanks
- If you feel any painful burning or irritation, wash the dye off immediately. [20] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/coloring-hair-safe/
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/coloring-pubic-hair/
- ↑ https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/coloring-hair-safe/
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a33504/hair-dye-allergy-patch-test/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu4zckin68c
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/coloring-pubic-hair/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/MQEleVguGU8?t=155
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes
- ↑ https://youtu.be/MQEleVguGU8?t=223
- ↑ https://www.schwarzkopf.com/article-overview/haircolor/color-hair-how-often.html
- ↑ https://chaoticallyyours.com/kool-aid-hair-dye/
- ↑ https://chaoticallyyours.com/kool-aid-hair-dye/
- ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/kool-aid-as-hair-dye
- ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/kool-aid-as-hair-dye
- ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/kool-aid-as-hair-dye
- ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/kool-aid-as-hair-dye
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you want to dye your pubic hair, look for a dye that’s labeled “Chemical-free,” “Organic,” or “All-natural.” Non-natural dyes have strong chemicals in them that you don’t want anywhere near your genitals. Even the natural, organic dyes can still irritate your genital region, so protect yourself by rubbing petroleum jelly on your penis or labia. Follow the instructions on the box for preparing and using your dye. This will probably involve mixing the dye into shampoo and applying it to your hair. After you dye your hair, leave it in for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse it out with warm water and a washcloth. For more tips, including how to temporarily dye your pubic hair using Kool-aid, read on!
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