Hair chalk is a kind of temporary hair color that can be applied to dry or wet hair. They usually come in vibrant or pastel colors. There are also natural-looking tones that work great for blending roots and camouflaging new growth in dyed hair.

You might wonder, "How does hair chalk work?"

Hair chalk deposits its pigment on the hair's surface, unlike hair dye that penetrates the hair cuticle. This lessens damage to the hair and allows you to easily wash out the color in the shower.

It is a great way to try out different colors, both natural and vibrant, without fully committing to it.

There are different hair chalk formulas on the market with different lasting powers and application processes. Some of the most common hair chalk products are hair chalk sticks, spray, liquid hair chalk, and hair chalk compact.

How to Use and Remove Hair Chalk?

There are different ways to use hair chalk, depending on the type of product you are working with. However, there are a few general ways on how to use hair chalk applicable to different formulas.

You can follow this step-by-step process to ensure that you properly apply hair chalk and prevent any mess:

• Step 1. Use an old shirt, towel, or pillowcase to cover your skin and clothing, and to avoid staining them with the hair chalk's pigment. Use gloves to prevent it from staining your skin and nails as well.
• Step 2. Using a spray bottle, mist some water onto your hair to help the pigment stick better. However, some formulas, like liquid hair chalk, can easily work on dry hair. Recommendations may also vary between light hair and dark hair.
• Step 3. Get a small section of hair and apply your hair chalk onto the strands. When using regular chalk or hair chalk compact, apply it directly to dye the hair. Comb or brush variants, on the other hand, require you to run the product through your hair to get the hair chalk on. Liquid and spray variations might get messy when applied; an applicator helps put on the chalk with less mess.
• Step 4. Once you have all the sections colored, air-dry your hair or use a brush or comb to get rid of the extra water in your hair. You can also blow dry it for faster results.
• Step 5. Use hair spray to lock the pigment in, then style your hair using a curling iron, straightener, or however you want.

For dark hair, it is best to dampen the strands before using colored chalk to show a deeper pigment. For lighter hair, the pigment should show even with dry hair.

Note that it can stain blonde hair, especially if you don’t wash it properly. It may take a few washes to remove the pigment from lighter-colored hair fully.

Apply the hair chalk from root to tip. Do not rub the chalk onto the strands to avoid damaging your hair or crushing the chalk.

To remove the hair chalk, you can rub hair oil to prepare for washing. Leave it on for 5 to 15 minutes. Then, use a clarifying shampoo or your regular shampoo with baking soda to clean the hair thoroughly.

PRO TIP: Wear an old shirt or an old towel around your shoulders when applying the chalk to the hair to keep it from creating a mess on any fabric or surface. It is also advisable to wear gloves since it can be difficult to remove the pigment from your skin and nails.

How Long Does Hair Chalk Last?

Hair chalk is temporary and would usually last for about two to four shampoos or around two days.

However, it can depend on the formula of the hair chalk you are using. Some are designed to last longer than others. Your hair type will also affect how long the pigment can stick to your hair.

Liquid chalk can last up to 10 shampoos if you properly take care of it. On the other hand, hair chalk spray, hair chalk compacts, traditional hair chalk sticks, or hair chalk pens would usually wash off easily.

Applying hair chalk onto damp or wet hair can also help make the added pigment appear vibrant and last longer. You can add hairspray to help seal the dye into the hair.

Hair chalks are one of the BEST temporary solutions to permanent dye because of how easily it washes off while exhibiting fun and bright colors.

How to Maintain Hair Chalk Color?

Maintaining moisture and hydration is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, especially since all kinds of hair chalks can dry out your hair and scalp. It is a lot like dry shampoo — it needs to be rehydrated to avoid any permanent damage.

You can maintain your temporary hair color chalk by reapplying it as needed before styling. Using a hairspray before letting your hair dry can also help lock in the intense color.

Misting some water onto your hair using a spray bottle is also helpful. This opens the pores of your hair strands, especially for those with darker hair, allowing pigment to stick easily. Once your hair dries up, the color should have a firmer hold on your strands.

Note that this is a temporary color, so it DOESN'T stick for long and easily washes out. Using hair chalk means having to reapply if you want a consistently bright and colorful mane.

However, constantly reapplying hair chalk has its consequences and should not be done frequently to avoid lasting damage to your hair, skin, and scalp.

Post-Chalking Care

Hair chalk was formulated to not stick onto the hair for too long. It is usually designed to be easily washed off from your hair.

Follow this easy step-by-step guide for your post-chalking care:

• Step 1. Massage some hair oil onto your scalp and hair before you shower. This will help introduce moisture back onto your scalp and help loosen the pigment’s hold onto your hair.
• Step 2. Allow the oil to sit for 5 to 15 minutes.
• Step 3. Wash your hair and scalp with clarifying shampoo or your regular shampoo mixed with baking soda. You can massage the color right out or comb your hair to get rid of any tangles and excess color.

Note that lighter hair might require more scrubbing to get the color out compared to darker hair.

You might also wonder, “Does hair chalk stain clothes?”

Yes, it does. It is recommended to wear an old shirt, as it's easy to get messy when working with hair chalk, and it can be harder to remove on fabric.

If you practice proper post-chalking care, it will ensure that your hair stays HEALTHY and MANAGEABLE even after using this type of hair color.

Key Takeaways on Hair Chalk Safety

When using hair chalk for kids and adults, it is important to ensure safety to prevent any lasting damage to your hair or scalp.

There are different things to remember when applying hair chalk, whether you have light or dark hair. All these details matter when applying and removing the chalk.

Enjoy playing with hair chalk, whether it is in a comb, spray, liquid, or stick. These can all get messy, but it is an excellent way to add color to your hair and express your creativity.