How to Use Hair Chalk to Experiment with Color

Looking for a no-commitment, temporary hair color option? It may be time to revisit an early 2000s hair trend: hair chalk. Chalk hair color has recently resurfaced in the beauty world, and we couldn’t be more ecstatic to play around with this blast from the past trend. Not only is hair chalk super easy to use and damage-free, but it is also a great hair color for kids and adults—meaning everyone can try a fun new hair color. Want to give this coloring method a try? Read on for our step-by-step tutorial on how to use hair chalk to experiment with color.

WHAT IS HAIR CHALK?

Before we jump in, let’s talk a little bit about what hair chalk is. Well, chalk hair color is exactly what it sounds like—chalk for your hair! The powdery stick transfers temporary color onto your strands in a quick and easy fashion. Hair chalk is perfect for anyone with commitment issues because it washes out in just one shampoo. Yup—no need to worry about long-term care or hair color maintenance. As for why it may be preferred over other temporary options, it comes down to the fact that the sticks of chalk make it super easy to apply color exactly where you want it, so you can create highlights and various looks.

HOW TO USE HAIR CHALK

Ready to put a chalk hair color to use? If you want to learn how to chalk your hair, follow the steps below.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Quick Dry Primer Spray

Cosmetic-grade hair chalk

Heat-styling tool of choice

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1. CHOOSE YOUR CHALK

When choosing hair chalk, make sure you look for one specifically formulated to be used on hair. Don’t reach for anything that’s intended to be used on a blackboard. This will ensure there are no ingredients that could damage your strands or cause the color to stick around for longer than you’d like. You can choose any color—or colors—of hair chalk that you like.

STEP #2. PREP YOUR STRANDS

For the best results, start with clean hair and spritz a heat protectant throughout your mane. While this isn’t necessarily a step that directly relates to applying hair chalk, it’ll come in handy later on when you style your strands with a flat iron or curling iron.

STEP #3. WET YOUR HAIR

Use your fingers to apply water to the section of hair you’d like to use hair chalk on first. Don’t apply too much—just enough, so the section is damp. This is particularly important for those with dark hair, as it will help your chalk hair color appear more vibrant.

STEP #4. APPLY YOUR CHALK

Glide the chalk directly onto the section of hair, then use your fingers to spread the color over the strand. Add more chalk as needed until your strands are coated to your liking. Repeat as you wish throughout your mane. 

STEP #5. STYLE YOUR STRANDS

To help lock in your color, you’ll want to heat style your hair. A curling iron or straightener will do! Not only will this help your hair chalk stay put, but it’ll also negate some of the frizz you may have as a result of rubbing the chalk throughout your hair.

Editor’s note: Using hair chalk for kids? Consider pairing it with a hairstyle for crazy hair day!

STEP #6. SEAL IN YOUR STYLE

All that’s left is spritzing on a bit of hairspray! A formula with some shine can help make it look like you’ve actually dyed your hair, as it’ll reduce the chalky finish. Mist one over your mane before showing off your new colorful ‘do.

HOW TO REMOVE HAIR CHALK

When you’re ready to part ways with your colorful strands, simply wash your mane and repeat the process all over again with new shades. How does hair chalk wash out? Use your regular shampoo, and follow with deep conditioner.

WHAT CAN YOU COLOR HAIR WITH INSTEAD OF HAIR CHALK?

If you don’t have hair chalk on hand, you can use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color for a similar effect. The line comes in 14 shades, ranging from silver blue to neon yellow. This temporary hair color is applied to dry hair, then styled. Like chalk hair color, it washes out in just one shampoo so you can play with color as often as you choose without having to worry about damaging your strands.

Next up: Learn about another temporary hair color option in our article on How to Use a Temporary Hair Color Spray.