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By now you’ve probably seen one of the most popular trends for coloring hair: hair chalk! From runways and music festivals to Halloween and fun nights out with friends, hair chalk is a go-to for adding a quick dab of color to hair both easily and affordably.
If celebs like Paris Hilton, Gwen Stefani, and Pink are using it, then this is one trend you need to get in on!
- Hair chalk is temporary color that usually washes out in 1 to 4 shampoos.
- It shows up best on light hair. On dark hair, bold shades tend to show more.
- Use only cosmetic-grade hair chalk made for hair.
- Let hair dry fully before styling. A light hairspray can help reduce transfer.
What Is A Hair Chalk?
Hair chalk is a stick of color, similar to regular chalk, but is given its color by mixing a variety of ingredients together. It is a temporary hair coloring product that allows you to add vibrant colors to your hair without the long-term commitment of traditional hair dye. It’s essentially like a chalky pigment that can be applied directly to the strands of your hair.
While hairstylists and suppliers have their own process of making it, the typical ingredients are mixed with “dry pigment, some chalk, and a binder,” according to Thaneeya McArdle, a pastel artist at Art Is Fun.
Regular chalk is not designed for hair, so it will not give the same results as hair chalk made for hair.
Never use sidewalk chalk, regular chalk, or artist pastels on your hair. These products are not cosmetic-grade and may contain pigments or grit that can irritate the scalp and eyes.
How to Use Hair Chalk
Depending on what kind of hair chalk you use, there are several ways to apply it. There are some chalks you apply using gloved hands and there are others that come already on a stick or a comb that you simply smooth on down the hair shaft.
- Start with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any build-up on the hair. You can apply chalk on wet or dry hair, but just make sure it’s clean. You’ll need to read the directions for the type of hair chalk you buy to see specifics. For some chalks, you’ll apply color when the hair is damp.
- Avoid the scalp or roots, concentrating the color halfway down the hair for an ombre effect or on the tips for a small addition of color.
- For both powder and hair sticks, rub the color straight down – not back and forth – on your section of hair until the color shows up to your desired level.
- After applying, let the hair air dry completely. Misting the colored parts with a hair spray will help the color last as well.
If you use heat to help set the color, use the lowest heat setting and apply the chalk sparingly. High heat on chalked hair can dry it out fast and lead to breakage.
Hot tools are another thing to keep in mind when styling your hair after coloring it. Some hair chalks work well with heat styling and the color will look even better in tight spiral curls or pin-straight locks. Others may fade from the hair or transfer onto your tool. However, you want to style your hair, be sure to read the hair chalk’s directions first!
Can You Use Hair Chalk on Dark Hair?
While hair chalk stands out best on light hair colors, such as blonde or light brown, there are some colors that will work for dark hair. Stick with vibrant colors like green, orange, red, or blue for the best effect.
When applied to hair, the result is vibrant and a fun way to express your personality.
How Long Does Hair Chalk Last?
Hair chalk will last 1-2 days. Try not to use it regularly. According to hair colorists, hair chalk can suck moisture out of the hair.
You can help keep your locks healthy and happy by conditioning after you wash the color out. Skip using it before applying color, though, as you want the hair to be void of any product for the color to attach easily.
Does Hair Chalk Damage Hair?
Hair chalk is a powder that absorbs oils, which can temporarily dry out the hair.
To help prevent damage, do not brush your hair while the chalk is in it, as the friction can snap the hair strands. Always follow up with a deep conditioner after washing the chalk out to restore moisture. Also, avoiding coloring the hair regularly with hair chalk (or even hair dye) will give your hair the time it needs to recover in between treatments.
- Stop using the product right away if you feel burning, stinging, or swelling.
- Keep powders and sprays away from the eyes. Apply in a well-ventilated area.
- Use only cosmetic-grade color products made for hair. Do not use sidewalk chalk or artist pastels.
- For more on how color additives are regulated in cosmetics, see this FDA fact sheet: Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet.
Best Hair Chalks
Feeling curious? There are different types of hair chalk, depending on the form of the chalk and application technique.
We have picked the best brands for 5 different types and colors. Try one of these five hair chalks to see which one you like best! All of them are easy to use and will give you gorgeous colorful results.
Compact Powdered Hair Chalk
This is powdered hair chalk pressed into a compact, similar to a makeup palette. It’s less messy and more controlled in application, often applied with a brush or sponge.
Got2B and Splat both make compact powdered hair chalks. To use, you simply clip the compact onto a section of hair and drag it down, eliminating the need for gloves. However, Got2B Strand-Up hair chalks are less available in the U.S.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Compact powdered chalk hair dye is also available for kids. If your kids want to try some cool hair color, you can give them TALLSOCNE Hair Chalk as it is easy to apply on the hair and washes out easily from hair.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Liquid Hair Chalk
Liquid chalk can last longer than hair chalk, as much as 2-10 shampoos. This type comes in a liquid form, often in a bottle with a brush or sponge applicator. It’s easier to apply to darker hair and can offer more even coverage.
L’Oréal Paris Liquid Chalk Temporary Intense Hair Makeup is a well-known choice for liquid chalk. It’s designed to offer vibrant color that’s easy to apply and wash out.
Liquid formulas can feel less dusty than powders. Follow the label directions and avoid applying to irritated skin.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hair Chalk Pens
These are similar to markers and offer more precise application. They are great for creating detailed designs or highlighting specific strands of hair. Hair chalk pens can be easier to control than powdered chalk and are less messy.
According to our research, Edge Blendable Hair Color Chalk is the best hair chalk pen. It claims to self-seal and dry in 60 seconds. There are some unique color shades available for both light and dark hair and will last up to three days.
If you want to cover your gray hair easily, opt for Sonew Hair Color Dye Pencil. This hair chalk offers a portable, lipstick-tube design, ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, and fits easily in small bags. It’s simple to apply without clumping and washes out with shampoo. It is available in shades like black, dark brown, and coffee.
Use a light hand and avoid the scalp area. Wash out fully at the end of the day if your hair feels dry.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Spray-On Hair Chalk
This type comes in an aerosol spray can. It’s very easy to apply and works well for covering larger areas of hair quickly. Spray-on hair chalk is a good option for those who want a quick and easy application process.
Sprays can be easy to inhale. Use in a well-ventilated area and keep the nozzle away from the face and eyes.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Jerome Russell Temporary Hair Color Spray provides an easy and quick way to apply hair color. B Wild offers a range of colors that can be sprayed directly onto hair for an instant change. This type is excellent for covering larger areas quickly and evenly. It’s temporary and typically washes out after one or two shampoos.
Hair Chalk Sticks
This is the most traditional form. It looks similar to sidewalk chalk and is applied by rubbing it onto the hair. It’s generally best for lighter hair colors and can be a bit messy to use. These are similar to compact powdered hair chalk but come in a stick form.
Use only sticks made for hair. Do not substitute sidewalk chalk or artist pastels.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hair chalk sticks are ideal for precise and controlled application on specific hair strands. It is cheaper and you can get a Hair Color Stick Set within an affordable price range.
FAQs
In this section, we’ll run through all the commonly asked questions about hair chalk.
Not exactly. Cosmetic-grade hair chalk is made for hair. Artist pastels are not tested for skin safety and may contain pigments that are not approved for cosmetic use.
Yes, hair chalk will wash out of your hair. It is not a permanent dye for your hair and will fade out after a few washes. The time it takes to clean out your hair will depend on your hair color and the pigment of the chalk dye.
Typically, the chalk dye will last for one to four washes. If you want it to fade quicker, use hot water and double-shampoo your hair. Blonde hair may be harder to remove the dye from, while dark hair will hold the color longer.
The cost of hair chalk depends on the quality and the brand. It’s hard to nail down the exact price, but hair chalk usually ranges from $10-$50.
Yes, hair chalk is a temporary dye. It does not penetrate the hair cuticle as permanent hair dye does. Hair chalk is a temporary dye that deposits color on top of the hair. This is why chalk dye will wash out eventually when applied correctly.
Cosmetic-grade hair chalk is generally safe for children when used as directed. Check the label for cosmetic use and supervise application so dust does not get into the eyes. Do not use sidewalk chalk or artist pastels on hair.
You can use a chalk dye that is specially created for pets. There are some popular hair chalk brands that are made for pets and are non-toxic and safe to use on dogs or other animals.
No. Do not use sidewalk chalk on your hair. Use only cosmetic-grade hair chalk made for hair.
Yes. Hair chalk is made for hair and is designed to deposit color on the hair. Regular or sidewalk chalk is not cosmetic-grade and should not be used on hair.
Both hair chalk and hair dye spray are great to add a highlight of short-lasting color. Chalk will wash out slightly quicker and maybe more matte than a hair spray, which will have a glossy appearance.
Yes, there is a chance that hair chalk may stain your light hair, but it should wash out eventually. Try using warm water to get dye out of your blond hair.
Yes, there is a chance that your chalk hair dye will stain your pillow, especially if it is white or a light color.
Since these chalks are meant to be temporary, it will rub off easily. Lay a towel or blanket that you don’t care about under your head while you sleep to keep the hair dye from rubbing off on your pillow.
Let the chalk dry completely and finish with a light hairspray. Avoid touching your hair and wear a dark shirt. If you use heat, use the lowest setting and a heat protectant.
For your hair coloring experience with hair chalks, remember to use a shirt you don’t mind staining or a towel to drape over your shoulders before chalking.
As usual, share your photos with us so we can see how great your new temporary hair color looks! Which color will you use – pink, blue, green?