Terms of UseHow to Dye Kids Hair Reviewed by Jasmin Todd
Last Updated: June 6, 2025 References
Adding Streaks with Hair Chalk
|
Dip-Dyeing with Kool-Aid
|
Finding Alternatives
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 41,431 times.
Coloring a child's hair is a great way to upgrade a costume or try out a new look over the summer. Regular hair dye is out of the question when it comes to kid's hair, however, because it contains too many harsh chemicals. Fortunately, there are many other safe options for adding a hint of color to your child's hair, such as hair chalk or clip-in extensions.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Adding Streaks with Hair Chalk
1 Protect your child's clothing and your hands. Have your child sit some place comfortable. Drape an old towel around their shoulders and secure it with a clip so that it doesn't fall off. Pull on a pair of plastic gloves to protect your hands against stains.
This method is suitable for all hair colors, including dark brown and black.
2 Gather the section that you want to color. Work with a 1-inch (2.5-cm) wide section of hair. If you want to color a wider section, you'll have to repeat this technique a few times. If you want to color multiple sections different colors, separate them ahead of time and secure them with hair clips or hair ties.[1]XResearch source
Make sure that the section is neatly-combed. If it's tangled, run a brush or comb through it first.
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3 Rub hair chalk over the desired section. Start at the top of the section and work your way down. Hold the chalk horizontally so that you over more surface area. Be sure to coat the underside as well.[2]XResearch source
You can buy hair chalk online and in beauty supply stores.
4 Set the color with hairspray. To ensure the chalk sticks to the hair, spray a fine mist of hair spray over each colored section. Be sure to protect the child’s eyes and mouth first—they can hold their breath and cover their face with a towel while you do a quick spritz.
5 Remove the clip or hair tie. Once the hair section is dry, your child is free to do as they please. Remove the hair clip or hair tie, then pull the towel off. Be careful not to get the hair wet, however, or the color will come out! Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Dip-Dyeing with Kool-Aid
1 Set up a workstation in an easy-to-clean area. A linoleum or tile floor will work the best, but outside is also a great option. Cover your counter with newspaper or plastic bags to protect it against spills. If you have a carpet or wood flooring, be sure to cover that too.[3]XResearch source
Kool-Aid is translucent, so it may not show up well or at all on dark brown or black hair. It will show up the best on blonde or light brown hair.
2 Protect your child's clothing and your hands. Wrap an old towel around your child's shoulders and have them sit in a comfortable chair. Put on a pair of plastic gloves to protect your skin against stains.[4]XResearch source
If your child tends to squirm a lot, secure the towel with a clip so that doesn't fall off.
3 Boil some water, then stir in some sugar-free Kool-Aid. How much water and Kool-Aid you use depends on how deep you want the color to be. For subtle tint, use 2 packets of Kool-Aid and 2 cups (475-mL) of water. For a deeper color, use 3 packets of Kool-Aid and 1 cup (240-mL) of water. Boil the Kool-Aid until it dissolves.[5]XResearch source
The Kool-Aid must be sugar-free. If you use sweetened Kool-Aid, your child's hair will turn into a sticky mess. Your child's hair won't mind the bitter taste.
The color on the wrapper will be similar to the color that you will get on your child's hair. Keep in mind that pale colors, such as yellow, won't show up at all.
4 Pour the Kool-Aid into a large bowl. Without waiting for the Kool-Aid to cool down, pour it into a heat-safe bowl. Set the bowl down on a table so that your child can comfortably lean over it. You will be dipping your child's hair into this bowl.
5 Dip your child's hair into the bowl for 5 to 15 minutes. The longer you wait, the deeper the color will turn out. Keep in mind that this also depends on how porous or light your child's hair is. Hair that is lighter or very porous won't need a very long soaking time. Less-porous or very dark hair will need a longer soaking time.[6]XResearch source
How far you dip your child's hair depends is up to you, but avoid going more than two-thirds of the way. If you do, the steam and hot water may feel uncomfortable on your child's scalp.
6 Pat the excess dye off and let your child's hair dry. Once the 5 to 15 minutes are up, have your child sit up. Gently pat your child's hair dry with an old towel that you don't mind getting stained. Blow dry your child's hair to help seal in the color.[7]XResearch source
Keep the towel around your child's shoulders. The dye will still stain even after it is dry.
7 Wash your child's hair to rinse out any excess dye. Use cool water and a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to do this. This may cause the dye to fade a little, but it will help prevent the dye from coming off on everything. Let your child's hair dry naturally or use a blow dryer to speed things up.[8]XResearch source
Avoid cleansing shampoos or anything that contains sulfates, as this can remove the dye entirely.
Rinse your shower afterwards to remove any traces of dye.
The dye will last a few days. It will fade a little each time you wash it.
8 Remove the dye with hot water and baking soda. Boil 2 cups (475 mL) of water, then stir in 2 tablespoons (30 g) of baking soda. Dip your child's hair into the solution, swirl it around, then lift it out. Wash your child's hair with shampoo and conditioner.[9]XResearch source
Alternatively, you can wash your child's hair with a cleansing shampoo.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Finding Alternatives
1 Do not use regular hair dye or bleach. The dyes you get in a boxed kit contain harsh ingredients that may be harmful to a child. Not only can they permanently damage a child's delicate hair, but they can cause severe allergic reactions if they come in contact with your child's skin or scalp. This includes bleach as well.[10]XResearch source
2 Stick with non-permanent dyes that don't penetrate the hair shaft. Semi-permanent and temporary dyes are safe options because they only coat the outer layer of the hair shaft--sort of how nail polish coats your nail with color without actually dyeing it. They come out after 1 to 3 washes. Avoid permanent dyes, as they are too harsh.[11]XResearch source
Check the warning labels on the products. Some products will tell you not to use the product on someone younger than a certain age.
Always seek your child's pediatrician's advice for younger children.[12]XResearch source
3 Perform an allergy test before using any product. Once you have chosen the product, apply a small amount to the inside of your child's wrist. Wait a few hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs. If there is no allergic reaction, the product is safe to use. If there is an allergic reaction, clean the product off immediately and seek another option.[13]XResearch source
For a severe or painful allergic reaction, take your child to the hospital.
4 Try herbal or tea dye as a safe, natural alternative. You won't be able to get a wild color, like blue or green, but you can darken blonde hair to brown. The process is simple and can be done in the tub or shower. It is more permanent but it is much safer because it does not contain any toxic ingredients.[14]XResearch source
5 Use colored styling gel if you want to spike your child's hair. Colored styling gel is just like regular hair gel, except that it is colored. Because it dries stiff (like regular gel), it is not recommended for an all-over dye job on long hair. It is a great option for dyeing short hair and styling it into spikes, however![15]XResearch source
This dye is temporary, but it can still stain your hands. Be sure to wear plastic gloves while applying it.
6 Try a spray-on hair color if you want a wild, temporary color. You can find these in party supply stores and well-stocked beauty supply stores. They work just like hairspray, so the final result feels a little stiff. Apply the dye to your hair, then comb your child's hair once it dries to break up any clumps.[16]XResearch source
The dye will transfer to the comb, your fingers, or anything else that touches it, even after it is dry.
Drape an old towel around your child's shoulders to protect their clothes. Shield their eyes with your hand while applying to product.
This product may stain clothes even after it dries. Avoid wearing it with light-colored garments.
If some of the product gets on your child's skin, use a damp towel to wipe it off.
7 Try clip-in hair extensions for colored streaks. You can get inexpensive extensions made from synthetic hair in a party supply store. You can also get ones made from real human hair from a beauty supply shop, although those are more expensive. These extensions come in all sorts of colors, from natural browns and blondes to wild pinks and greens.[17]XResearch source Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How long does a temporary hair color last? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Temporary hair color is designed to wash out after a single shampoo. It may last longer on damaged or porous hair. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 17
Question Is it illegal to dye your hair if you're under 16? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer There is no law about how old you have to be to dye your hair in the US. However, it is not safe to dye hair on a child 8 years old or younger, and some sources say you should wait until you are 18. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 20
Question What type of chalk do I use? Community Answer Anything marketed as hair chalk is fine, just make sure to read the instructions before applying. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 16
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Hair chalk is a great option because it is temporary and can be removed with water. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Clip-in hair extensions are the least time-consuming method. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Plan ahead when you color your child's hair. Make sure that you don't do it too close to when school starts. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Advertisement
Warnings
Never used the same hair dye you'd used on adult hair. The ingredients are much too harsh for a child. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need
Adding Streaks with Hair Chalk
Hair clips
Hair dryer
Hair spray
Old towel
Plastic gloves
Dip Dyeing with Kool-Aid
2 to 3 packets sugar-free Kool-Aid
1 to 2 cups (240 to 475 mL) of water
Saucepan
Heat-safe bowl
Old towel
Plastic gloves
Newspaper or plastic bags
Shampoo and conditioner
Finding Alternatives
Colored hair gel
Colored hair spray
Colored hair extensions
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Reviewed by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 41,431 times. 69 votes - 61% Co-authors: 5Updated: June 6, 2025 Views: 41,431
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Reader Success Stories
Emma Smiths
Apr 3, 2020
"Thank you so much, my child has been wanting this for years but I didn't know of any safe ones!"
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist 69 votes - 61% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 5Updated: June 6, 2025 Views: 41,431
Emma Smiths
Apr 3, 2020
"Thank you so much, my child has been wanting this for years but I didn't know of any safe ones!"
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Reviewed by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 41,431 times. 69 votes - 61% Co-authors: 5 Updated: June 6, 2025 Views: 41,431 
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
626 
1 Protect your child's clothing and your hands. Have your child sit some place comfortable. Drape an old towel around their shoulders and secure it with a clip so that it doesn't fall off. Pull on a pair of plastic gloves to protect your hands against stains. 
2 Gather the section that you want to color. Work with a 1-inch (2.5-cm) wide section of hair. If you want to color a wider section, you'll have to repeat this technique a few times. If you want to color multiple sections different colors, separate them ahead of time and secure them with hair clips or hair ties.[1] 
3 Rub hair chalk over the desired section. Start at the top of the section and work your way down. Hold the chalk horizontally so that you over more surface area. Be sure to coat the underside as well.[2] 
4 Set the color with hairspray. To ensure the chalk sticks to the hair, spray a fine mist of hair spray over each colored section. Be sure to protect the child’s eyes and mouth first—they can hold their breath and cover their face with a towel while you do a quick spritz. 
5 Remove the clip or hair tie. Once the hair section is dry, your child is free to do as they please. Remove the hair clip or hair tie, then pull the towel off. Be careful not to get the hair wet, however, or the color will come out! Advertisement 
1 Set up a workstation in an easy-to-clean area. A linoleum or tile floor will work the best, but outside is also a great option. Cover your counter with newspaper or plastic bags to protect it against spills. If you have a carpet or wood flooring, be sure to cover that too.[3] 
2 Protect your child's clothing and your hands. Wrap an old towel around your child's shoulders and have them sit in a comfortable chair. Put on a pair of plastic gloves to protect your skin against stains.[4] 
3 Boil some water, then stir in some sugar-free Kool-Aid. How much water and Kool-Aid you use depends on how deep you want the color to be. For subtle tint, use 2 packets of Kool-Aid and 2 cups (475-mL) of water. For a deeper color, use 3 packets of Kool-Aid and 1 cup (240-mL) of water. Boil the Kool-Aid until it dissolves.[5] 
4 Pour the Kool-Aid into a large bowl. Without waiting for the Kool-Aid to cool down, pour it into a heat-safe bowl. Set the bowl down on a table so that your child can comfortably lean over it. You will be dipping your child's hair into this bowl. 
5 Dip your child's hair into the bowl for 5 to 15 minutes. The longer you wait, the deeper the color will turn out. Keep in mind that this also depends on how porous or light your child's hair is. Hair that is lighter or very porous won't need a very long soaking time. Less-porous or very dark hair will need a longer soaking time.[6] 
6 Pat the excess dye off and let your child's hair dry. Once the 5 to 15 minutes are up, have your child sit up. Gently pat your child's hair dry with an old towel that you don't mind getting stained. Blow dry your child's hair to help seal in the color.[7] 
7 Wash your child's hair to rinse out any excess dye. Use cool water and a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to do this. This may cause the dye to fade a little, but it will help prevent the dye from coming off on everything. Let your child's hair dry naturally or use a blow dryer to speed things up.[8] 
8 Remove the dye with hot water and baking soda. Boil 2 cups (475 mL) of water, then stir in 2 tablespoons (30 g) of baking soda. Dip your child's hair into the solution, swirl it around, then lift it out. Wash your child's hair with shampoo and conditioner.[9] 
1 Do not use regular hair dye or bleach. The dyes you get in a boxed kit contain harsh ingredients that may be harmful to a child. Not only can they permanently damage a child's delicate hair, but they can cause severe allergic reactions if they come in contact with your child's skin or scalp. This includes bleach as well.[10] 
2 Stick with non-permanent dyes that don't penetrate the hair shaft. Semi-permanent and temporary dyes are safe options because they only coat the outer layer of the hair shaft--sort of how nail polish coats your nail with color without actually dyeing it. They come out after 1 to 3 washes. Avoid permanent dyes, as they are too harsh.[11] 
3 Perform an allergy test before using any product. Once you have chosen the product, apply a small amount to the inside of your child's wrist. Wait a few hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs. If there is no allergic reaction, the product is safe to use. If there is an allergic reaction, clean the product off immediately and seek another option.[13] 
4 Try herbal or tea dye as a safe, natural alternative. You won't be able to get a wild color, like blue or green, but you can darken blonde hair to brown. The process is simple and can be done in the tub or shower. It is more permanent but it is much safer because it does not contain any toxic ingredients.[14] 
5 Use colored styling gel if you want to spike your child's hair. Colored styling gel is just like regular hair gel, except that it is colored. Because it dries stiff (like regular gel), it is not recommended for an all-over dye job on long hair. It is a great option for dyeing short hair and styling it into spikes, however![15] 
6 Try a spray-on hair color if you want a wild, temporary color. You can find these in party supply stores and well-stocked beauty supply stores. They work just like hairspray, so the final result feels a little stiff. Apply the dye to your hair, then comb your child's hair once it dries to break up any clumps.[16] 
7 Try clip-in hair extensions for colored streaks. You can get inexpensive extensions made from synthetic hair in a party supply store. You can also get ones made from real human hair from a beauty supply shop, although those are more expensive. These extensions come in all sorts of colors, from natural browns and blondes to wild pinks and greens.[17] Advertisement 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. 
Community Answer Anything marketed as hair chalk is fine, just make sure to read the instructions before applying. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 16 