Want to try a funky hair color without making a permanent (and possibly regrettable) commitment? Try hair chalking! This easy hair coloring style has made a comeback thanks to celebs like Lauren Conrad. If you like color but don't want to visit the salon every week or damage your tresses then hair chalking is for you. Get creative with multiple colors or sections with just one. Chalk the hair then pull it up in messy bun for a totally artistic look. Don't like the results? Hair chalk washes away with just one shampoo.
How do you get started? Buy the right kind of chalk. Simply grabbing an oil chalk from your art kit won't do. Oil chalks leave a grimy residue behind that requires some harsh treatments to remove. Use soft chalk pastels not oil chalks or oil chalk pastels. You can find a variety of chalks for around $3 to $5 a piece at a beauty or art supply store. Chalks last a long time so consider them an investment in beauty.
How do you do it?
Wet your hair. It's best to start with wet hair unless your hair is blonde or light red. Otherwise, dampen your hair lightly with a mister or spray bottle but don't soak it.
Twist the hair. Chalks work best when applied to a multi-textured surface, besides chalking your hair strand by strand will take forever. Twist your hair into 1 inch pieces then rub the chalk over the twist. The color sticks better and looks brighter.
Brush the hair. After each twisted chalk application, brush the hair lightly to remove excess powder. You can't avoid some chalk transfer to your clothes but you can brush away some of the excess.
Tips for chalking
- Wear an old button up shirt when chalking your hair.
- Place an old towel on the floor around your to catch any falling chalk.
- Avoid standing in the rain with chalked hair.
- Brush the hair out before washing it.
- Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the chalk.
- Don't chalk every day or your hair will dry out.
- Follow every shampoo with a conditioning treatment.
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