| How to Dip Dye Hair with Kool Aid Posted: 30 Sep 2020 01:00 AM PDT Kool-Aid is a fun, cheap, and easy way to temporarily dye the ends of your hair! Start by grabbing 2-3 packages of Kool-Aid in the color of your choice. Mix the powder with water and bring the mixture to a boil on your stovetop. After about 1 minute, remove the mixture from the heat and transfer it to a heat-safe bowl. Lower the ends of your hair into the dye bath for 15-25 minutes to achieve your new color! Your results should last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. [Edit]Choosing a Color and Prepping Your Hair - Select 2-3 packages of Kool-Aid in the color of your choice. If you have blonde hair, you probably only need 2 packages of Kool-Aid. If your hair is darker than that, go with 3 packages. You can choose any color you want! Red, blue, and purple are popular options that show up nicely on all hair colors. You can also mix your own custom colors![1]
- For example, try mixing together 2 packages of grape Kool-Aid and 1 package of cherry to get a high-intensity burgundy color.[2]
- If you have dark hair, avoid using yellow or orange. You can try green, but you'll probably get better results with a more saturated hue, like purple or blue.
- Put on an old T-shirt and plastic gloves to prevent stains. Kool-Aid will definitely stain anything it comes in contact with! Put on an old T-shirt and cover your workspace with newspaper or plastic garbage bags to prevent staining. It's also a good idea to wear plastic gloves to protect your skin.[3]
- Place several old towels within reach on your work surface. You will need to squeeze the excess dye out of your hair as soon as you pull it out of the dye bath, so make sure you have several old towels within reach and ready to go! Otherwise, you risk dripping the potent Kool-Aid dye all over the floor or counter.[4]
- Keep in mind that the Kool-Aid will permanently stain the towels, so use old ones.
- Brush out your dry hair until it's tangle-free. Kool-Aid dye works best on freshly washed, completely dry hair. If your hair is damp, let it air-dry or blow-dry it before you try to dip-dye it. Use a wide-toothed comb to carefully remove any tangles, starting at the ends of your hair and working your way up to the roots.[5]
- It will still work if you haven't washed your hair recently, but it's important that your hair is dry so that it will soak up the color effectively.
- Put your hair in pigtails or a low ponytail. You don't have to do this, but it makes the process much easier, especially if your hair is long. Use an elastic to put thick hair into 2 loose pigtails and let them hang over the front of your shoulders. If your hair isn't that thick, a low, loose ponytail will be fine. If there's any hair that you don't want to dip-dye, go ahead and clip it up and out of the way.
- For example, if you just want to dip-dye the underside your hair, pull the top half up and secure it with a clip.
[Edit]Dipping Your Hair in Kool-Aid Dye - Pour all of the Kool-Aid powder into a large pot or saucepan. Open all of your Kool-Aid packages and dump them into a big pot or saucepan. Choose a pot that can easily accommodate the length of your hair! Then, place the pot on a burner on your stovetop.[6]
- Add about of water to the pot. There is no exact amount of water for this. The less water you use, the more vibrant your results will be. If you want sheer results, use more water. It's also important to use enough water to accommodate for the length of hair you want to dip. If you aren't sure how much water you should use, try about .[7]
- For example, if you want to dip-dye the last several inches of your hair, you should add enough water to the pot to accommodate that depth.
- Boil the mixture over medium-high heat for 1 minute. As the mixture heats up, stir it with a wooden or metal spoon so that the Kool-Aid dissolves completely. Once the water is boiling, keep your eye on a timer or clock. The mixture only needs to boil for about 60 seconds before it's ready to use.[8]
- Keep in mind that this will probably stain your wooden spoon permanently!
- Transfer the liquid to a heat-resistant bowl or cup. Turn off the stove burner and carefully pour the hot dye bath mixture into a bowl or cup. Be very careful doing this because the water is extremely hot and can definitely burn you. If your hair is in pigtails, it might be easier to use 2 separate bowls.[9]
- If the pot handle feels hot to the touch, use an oven mitt to pick it up.
- If you're using 2 separate bowls, be sure to pour an equal amount of dye bath into each one.
- Lower the tips of your hair into the dye bath to your desired depth. Sit at a table and put the bowl or bowls of dye in front of you. Then, position your hair into the dye bath up to the length you'd like. Keep in mind that the dye will creep up your hair about , so take that into consideration when choosing your depth.[10]
- Be sure to keep your face out of any steam that you see rising from the bowl.[11]
- Let your hair sit in the dye bath for 15-25 minutes. 15 minutes should be enough for light brown hair. If you're blonde, you may only need to soak for about 5 minutes. If you have dark hair, 20-25 minutes is probably more realistic. The timing also depends on the level of color saturation you want to achieve. The longer your hair sits in the water, the more vibrant your results will be.[12]
- Keep an eye on the clock or set a timer in case you lose track of time.
- Try not to move around too much while your hair soaks. If your hair shifts around in the dye bath, your results might not look even.
[Edit]Setting the Color - Pull your ends out of the water and squeeze the excess dye out with towels. Once the allotted time is up, grab the old towels you put to the side earlier and squeeze the ends of your hair with them. Keep squeezing until all of the excess moisture is removed from your hair. Your hair should be damp and not dripping at all at this point.[13]
- Blow-dry your hair as your normally would. Grab a paddle brush and your hair dryer and blow-dry your hair until it's completely dry. The heat from the blow dryer will set the color, so don't skip this step. It's also important to dry your hair completely.[14]
- Whenever your hair is damp, it will bleed color onto the clothes you're wearing and your pillows.
- Run a straight iron over your locks to set the color even more. You don't have to do this, but it will definitely help you lock in the color a little more. Work in small sections and pull the straight iron through your hair quickly. Then, you can go ahead and style your hair as you normally would.[15]
- If you have curly hair, you can definitely skip this part.
- Be sure to wipe off the straight iron's plates with a thick towel or oven mitt to get rid of any dye residue.
- Limit how often you shampoo your hair to extend the results. Kool-Aid is a temporary dye. Depending on your hair color and texture, your color could last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The color will naturally fade a little more every time you shampoo it, so limit how often you wash your hair to prolong your results.
- You can use a shower cap to protect your hair from water when you're in the shower or bath.
- Swimming will also cause the color to fade faster. Any time you wet your hair, the color will fade a little more.
- Use clarifying shampoo or baking soda to remove the color. Washing your hair several times with a clarifying shampoo should fade it. Depending on how bright your results are, you may need to take more extreme measures. Boil a pot of water on the stove and stir in 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of baking soda. Then, just dip your hair into the water for 30 seconds. The color will start coming off immediately! You may need to dip it a few times to remove the color completely.[16]
- Shampoo your hair as you normally would once the color is gone to rinse out the baking soda.
- Be sure to deep condition your hair thoroughly, since stripping the color will dry out the ends.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 2-3 packages of Kool-Aid
- Large pot or saucepan
- 1-2 heat-safe bowls
- Spoon
- Several cups of water
- Old T-shirt
- Plastic gloves
- Several old towels
- Hair dryer
- Straight iron (optional)
- Clarifying shampoo or baking soda (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Use a Knife Sharpener Posted: 29 Sep 2020 05:00 PM PDT There is nothing more frustrating than trying to chop vegetables for your dinner, only to find that your knife is too dull and is smashing rather than slicing. You can easily remedy this problem by using a manual or electric knife sharpener, and it shouldn't take you more than several minutes to restore your knife's sharp edge. If you don't have a manual or electric sharpener, you could explore using a whetstone, a honing rod, or even sending your knives off to a professional. [Edit]Sharpening a Dull Knife on a Manual Sharpener - Test your knife by running it through a piece of paper. You may already know that your knife is dull, but if you aren't sure, fold a piece of newspaper in half (or just use a single sheet of computer paper), hold it up in the air, and bring your knife down to cut through it. If your knife doesn't slice through the paper, it's time to sharpen it.[1]
- The knife should continuously cut through the paper without stopping if it is sharp and in good shape.
- Use the "coarse" setting for very blunt knives that need to be reshaped. Most manual sharpeners have at least 2 settings: 1 labeled "coarse," and 1 labeled "fine." The coarse setting will actually remove steel from the blade to resharpen the edge, while the fine setting is used for everyday knife maintenance.[2]
- These settings are the same on electrical sharpeners, though an electric sharpener may have an additional slot between "coarse" and "fine."
- Pull the blade through from its base to its tip 3 to 6 times. Insert the blade into the manual sharpener at the base, which is where the blade meets the handle. Use gentle force, pushing the blade down as you pull it through the slot, toward your body. Repeat this action 3 to 6 times, 3 for a mildly-dull blade, or more for a severely-dull blade.[3]
- This action resets the blade, restoring it to its original sharpness.
- Use enough force when you pull the blade through that you hear an audible grinding sound. If you're using an electric sharpener, you won't need to press down—the whirring mechanisms will take care of everything for you.
- Move the blade so you're following its contour as you pull it through. Each time you bring the knife through the sharpener, you won't just pull it straight through. Instead, follow the curve of the knife so that the handle comes up and is higher at the end than it was at the beginning. This way, the entirety of the blade will get sharpened.[4]
- If you're pressing down, you'll be able to tell by the sound and feel that you're moving the blade the right way. If you no longer hear the grinding noise or feel the resistance of the blade, you probably aren't following the contour closely enough.
- Run the blade through the fine setting 1 to 2 times to finish the process. After you've finished pulling the blade through the "coarse" setting, you need to give it a few finishing touches to refine its edge. You don't need to use as much force with the "fine" setting, and the grinding sound won't be nearly as loud as it was in the "coarse" setting.[5]
- If your sharpener has more than one setting, pass the knife through each in-between setting 1 to 2 times, making sure that you end at the "fine" setting. These additional settings are just gradations of grinding and help fine-tune your knife even more.
- Rinse the knife off and dry it with a lint-free towel. Use warm, soapy water to rinse away any lingering steel remnants before using your knife again. Feel free to use a sponge or dishtowel to give the knife a quick wipe down. Dry the knife off completely to prevent it from rusting, and return it to its knife block or similar storage space.[6]
- Avoid running your knives through the dishwasher. They can get banged up or damaged by other items.
- Maintain the knife by running it through the "fine" setting daily. The general rule of thumb is to pull your knife through the fine setting once for every 2 hours of use. Depending on how often you cook, you may not need to do this every day, but keep it in mind as a helpful way to keep your knife sharp.[7]
- If you do a daily or semi-weekly pass through the manual sharpener, chances are you won't need to do much more to keep your knives sharp.
[Edit]Using Different Sharpening Methods - Invest in an electric sharpener if you cook often with expensive knives. Electric sharpeners themselves are more expensive than manual sharpeners, running about $40 to $100, depending on the brand you get. They're more intuitive, though, and are really easy to use as they will just pull the blade through for you. It takes less time and effort to sharpen your knives than the other manual methods require.[8]
- Make sure to do your research before ordering your electric sharpener. Some brands are meant for specific kinds of knives, and some include extra features, like a lifetime warranty.
- Buy a pull-through or handheld sharpener for a nice at-home option. This is a really nice choice for your everyday home cook who doesn't spend more than an hour or 2 in the kitchen every day. They're smaller than the electric versions, making them easier to store, and they're fantastic to use for daily touchups or for grinding a dull blade back to sharpness. They cost anywhere from $10 to $60, depending on the brand you choose.[9]
- There's something to be said for the feeling of manually sharpening your own knife, too. Lots of cooks enjoy the physicality of taking care of their knives and you do get more control over your movements with a manual sharpener than you would with an electric sharpener.
- Opt for a whetstone for a gentle, temperature-controlled sharpener. Whetstones are generally just a small block of material that you'll run your knife down to sharpen its blade. Always soak it in water for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you use it. Hold the knife at a 22-degree angle and slide it forward down the whetstone, with the blade touching the stone. Repeat the movement 5 to 10 times to sharpen your knife.[10]
- The cold-water soak keeps your knife from overheating as it's being sharpened. If a knife gets too hot, it's chemistry can change and the blade can become brittle and warped.
- Do double-check the instructions before wetting your whetstone. While the majority of them do need to be soaked beforehand, there are a few brands and types of stones that aren't meant to get wet.
- Use a honing rod to quickly realign the edges of the blade. A honing rod is also often called a sharpening steel, and they often come along with a block-knife set. Honing doesn't actually remove any steel from the knife and doesn't technically sharpen it, but it does push out-of-line edges back into place, which in turn makes your cuts sharper and more precise. It doesn't require much pressure, and it's something you can use on a daily basis to keep your blades sharp.[11]
- Don't use a honing rod in lieu of sharpening your knives with an alternative method from time to time. It can bend the edge over time, making it hazardous to use.
- Take your knives to a professional if you can't do it yourself at home. It costs about $1.50 to $2.25 per inch to have your knives sharpened by a professional. Some companies allow you to ship your knives to them if you don't live nearby (you'll need to pay the shipping costs, though).[12]
- Check out your warranty! Some knife brands offer free sharpening for life, so that might be something you could take advantage of, too.
- In a pinch, you could even sharpen the blade of a knife on the bottom of an old ceramic mug.
- While knife sharpeners typically work best for kitchen knives, many can also be used for other blades, including pocket knives and field knives used by hunters and fishermen. For these blades, however, manual knife sharpeners are typically easier to carry and more effective than electric versions.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Write a Love Song Posted: 29 Sep 2020 09:00 AM PDT Writing a love song is a great way to show how much another person means to you. When you start working on a love song, think about how the person makes you feel and use those feelings to write your lyrics. After coming up with your lyrics, all you need to do is set them to music and you're ready to share it with your loved one! [Edit]Writing Lyrics for Your Song - Outline the verses, choruses, and bridge to your song. Many songs, especially love songs follow a very similar pattern, containing 2-3 verses, 2-3 choruses, and a bridge. On a piece of paper, write the following structure for a basic love song: Verse 1 - Chorus - Verse 2 - Chorus - Bridge - Verse 3 - Chorus. Leave room between your headings to write your lyrics on your paper.[1]
- Verses usually consist of 4-6 long lines, or 8-10 short lines.
- Choruses are usually about 4-6 lines long.
- The bridge of a song is usually a 2 line section between the second chorus and the third verse or chorus.
- Pick a title for your song based on your loved one's characteristics. Think about the person you're writing the song for and make a list of some of the things you really love about them. Then, pick one of their characteristics that you want to expand on in your song and use it to influence your title. Keep your title between 1-4 words to keep it simple.[2]
- For example, if you want to write a song about how your loved one is a happy presence in your life, you may title the song "Joy" or "Happiness."
- Whatever you choose for your title, make sure the rest of your lyrics match the theme.
- Figure out the lyrics of your chorus first. Since your chorus is the most repeated section of your song, try to write it before any other part of your song.[3] Use simple words so your song is catchy and easy to sing along with. In your chorus, try to repeat the title of your song 2-3 times so your loved one will get the song stuck in their head. Plan out 4 lines using similes or metaphors to create imagery.[4]
- For example, if you want to write a song called "Joy," you may use a chorus like: Your joy is a wave spreading over me, And reaching out to the end of the sea, Your joy makes me feel at home, Because with you I'm never alone
- You may either make the first two lines one rhyme and the last 2 lines a different rhyme, or you can alternate so line 1 rhymes with line 3, and line 2 rhymes with line 4.
- Choose an alternating rhyme scheme for your verses. Verses are what tell the story throughout your song, so you can use them to expand on how you feel about your loved one. Use an A-B-A-B rhyme scheme so alternating lines end in the same sound. Pick a focus for each verse so you're not repeating the same thing throughout the song.[5]
- For example, you may have the first verse talk about the past with your loved one while the second verse talks about the present or future.
- Try to include similes or metaphors that aren't cliche to express how your loved one makes you feel.
- You don't need to include a third verse in your song if you don't want to.
- Make the lines in your bridge rhyme with one another. Your bridge gives the person listening to your song a break from the pattern of the chorus and verses. Continue talking about your theme during the bridge in a way you haven't touched on yet.[6]
- If you're going from your bridge right into your chorus, end it with a line that flows well into the chorus. For example, you may sing, "And when I'm with you, I feel…" to transition into the chorus, "Your joy…"
- If you want a longer bridge, repeat the 2 lines you've written.
[Edit]Choosing Chords and Melodies - Pick chords on a major key to make your song sound happy.[7] Choose a set of at least 4 chords to use in your love song. During each section of your song, play through the 4 chords in a different pattern. Make sure your chords aren't in minor since it will make your love song sound sad.[8]
- For example, you may play C-F-G-F during your verse, but in your chorus, you may switch to A-F-C-G.
- Try using the E-flat Major, A Major, or B-flat Major for your love song since they have many cheerful notes.
- If you don't play an instrument, ask a friend or partner to help you bring your song to life.
- Play extra notes over the chords to add more interest to your song. If you want to add extra pitches and melodies to your instrumental, try playing notes in the chord or key you're using in a different rhythm. Try out a few different note patterns to see what fits best with the song and how it sounds with the chords you're playing.[9]
- This is done easily on a piano but may be more difficult to play on a guitar or other stringed instrument.
- Use notes from the chords for your vocal melody. Look at the notes you're playing during your chord in the section of the song you're trying to sing. Match the tone of your voice to one of the notes you're playing so your singing is in tune with the instrumental you're writing. As you work through your song, change the pitch of your voice to keep your lyrics from sounding monotonous.[10]
- Work your voice up to the note you're trying to hit. Play the note you want to include in your melody and warm up your voice by starting on a low note. Continue to raise the pitch of your voice until you reach the pitch you want.
- Pick different rhythms for your vocal performance to keep your song interesting. If you keep the same vocal pattern throughout your whole song, it might sound boring. Hold different syllables in your lyrics for longer and shorter amounts of time to add different rhythms to your song.[11]
- Follow the same rhythm patterns in each of your verses so anyone listening can easily differentiate the parts of the song.
[Edit]Sharing Your Song - Show your song to another person to get their feedback. Before you settle on the song you've written, show a friend or someone else close to you to see what they think of it. Ask for any specific parts they liked or disliked or any lyrics that should be changed. Stay open to the criticism so you can present the best song to your loved one.[12]
- Only make the changes that you feel are necessary. If your friend makes a suggestion but it goes against what your heart is telling you, then don't follow the advice.
- Record your song on a computer if you have recording software. Set up a microphone so you can easily play your song at a computer.[13] Use the microphone to record the instrumentals first and then record the vocals. Once the song is finished, you can adjust different volumes and export the audio to share online.[14]
- Don't record your instrument and vocals at the same time since it will be harder to make adjustments.
- Use free programs like Audacity or Garageband for Mac to help record your song.
- Perform your song live for your loved one if you can. Try to find an opportunity to play your song for the person you wrote it for. Try looking for open mic nights at local cafes if you want to play it publicly, or just sit down at home and play it for them if you want a more personal moment.
- Make sure to practice your song before playing in front of other people since you may feel a little nervous.
- Listen to popular love songs on the radio or a music streaming service to get an idea of what kind of chords and lyrics to use.
- Practice playing your song multiple times before showing it to your loved one.
- Don't worry if your song isn't absolutely perfect when you play it for your loved one. They'll still appreciate the time and effort you've gone through.
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