How to chalk your hair

Get into the latest hair color craze!

Hair chalking is an easy, quick and inexpensive way to add temporary color to your hair. You can do it yourself without making a big commitment.
David John, master stylist and colorist at the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in Los Angeles, offers these hair chalking tips.

Step 1: Buy your chalk

John says that you can buy inexpensive non-oil-based pastels at Michael's for $5 or spend $60 if you really want to splurge. All you need other than the chalk is a water bottle, protective gloves, towels and a flat iron.

Step 2: Prep your hair

Make sure to wet the hair first so the color will attach to it. However if you’re blonde, do not wet the hair before chalking unless you want the color to stay in longer.

Step 3: Add the color

Apply to the chalk to the strand of hair in a downward motion, twist the hair as you chalk. You can try for a fun ombre look, or just do a couple strands.

Step 4: Let it dry

While John says that you can blowdry your hair, others recommend air drying so that you don't blow off the chalk.

Step 5: Set the color

Seal the color in with a flat iron or a curling iron to add waves. Apply hair spray as a final step.

Step 6: Wash it out when you are ready

The color generally will only last one shampoo; however, if the hair is more porous, such as color-treated blonde hair, it can last a couple shampoos. You can use a clarifying shampoo or dish soap to remove the color more quickly -- both have more detergent. Don’t use dish soap on your whole head, just on the strands that have been colored.

Tip

If you want something brighter, you can apply white chalk first and then go over it with the color you want to make it pop.

Hair chalking don'ts

John also offers these cautions when hair chalking.

1. Don’t apply the chalk with any wax or product in your hair.
2. Don’t use water on blonde hair if you don’t want the color to last.
3. Wear protective clothing when applying and sleep on an old pillow case as the color will transfer.
4. Don’t try this near the water/beach or on a rainy day.