Introduction to Colour Chalks and Sprays

Hair chalks and sprays are perfect if you want to add a little colour to your tresses without the long term commitment. Hair chalks or ‘chalk hair dye’ are similar to the soft chalk pastels that you might have used as a kid and can be easily washed out. It’s best to look for specific hair chalks which are designed to be used on your hair and won’t contain any of the harsh chemicals you might find in artists pastels.

Hair chalks allow you to create many different looks. Apply just to the ends of the hair for an ombre effect, on single strands to create coloured highlights or all over if you are feeling brave!

Hair chalk can be applied to dry or wet hair but can stain blonde hair. If you’re fair haired it’s best to apply the chalk when hair is dry unless you are happy for the colour to last a few days! Whatever your hair colour you should always try the chalks on dry hair first and if the colour isn’t showing up you can use a little water.

Separate out the strands of hair you want to apply colour to (about an inch for each strand). You can use grips or pins if you have a lot of hair.
If using on wet hair, slightly dampen a strand of hair (a spray bottle is useful for this). Don’t soak the hair as too much water will make the final colour less vibrant.
Rub the chalk down the hair, you risk breaking your hair if you rub up! Twist the hair as you apply the chalk as it helps intensify the colour.
Dust off any excess powder before moving onto the next strand.
Allow to air dry and avoid brushing your hair now the colour has been applied.
To ‘seal’ the colour you can run a straightener or hair curler over the hair and mist with hair spray.
When you want to remove the colour, shake your hair or brush out the chalk before shampooing.

Hair chalks can be messy so wear old/protective clothing and gloves and cover any surfaces such as sides and floors with paper
If you don’t plan on washing the colour out before bed, use an old pillow as colour will transfer onto material
Make sure your hair is free of any products before applying the hair chalk to ensure it adheres to the hair

Don’t blow dry your hair after applying as you will lose some of the colour
Blondes may find that they need to wash their hair a couple of times before colour is properly rinsed out
Hair chalks can dry out hair so if you have particularly dry or damaged hair save hair chalks for special occasions and apply an intense mask to hair once washed out