How to use hair chalk | The ultimate guide

Evidence Based

Fact Checked

Have you ever wanted to go on a hair color adventure, but didn’t want to spend the time or money? Well now you can! Here’s everything you need to know about how to use hair chalk.

Hair chalks are an affordable and easy way of getting creative with your locks. They come in a variety of colors, which means that there is one for every occasion. What’s even better is that they don’t damage your hair like other hair dyes.

They’re a fun way to add some extra pizzazz to your look. But we all know that using regular temporary hair colors can be a pain – they’re messy, expensive, and don’t always wash out as easily as you’d like.

Our easy-to-follow guide shows exactly how to use them, the best ones to buy, how to get rid of them and even some top tips on how to achieve different looks.

Whether you want your hair color to last for one day or stay vibrant for several days. We’ve even got instructions for those who have never used colored chalk before at all!

So what are you waiting for? Get your chalk on today!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is hair chalk?

Hair chalks are a temporary colorant for your hair that can be used at home.

They’re typically made from petroleum jelly, pigment powder, and water. You find them as crayons, pens and even combs in a whole range of pastel colors.

They’re a fun way to add color to your hair and are available in most craft stores. They’re easy to use and can last up to two weeks. (They can also be hard to remove. More on that later!).

They give you a great way to change up your look and add some color to your hair without having to bleach or dye it.

You can use them on natural or dyed hair, which is perfect for people who want to temporarily change their style but not commit.

Hair chalks are AMAZING for:

  • Trying out new colors
  • Touching up brightly colored dyed hair
  • Letting kids have fun with hair color, safely!
  • Adding a pop of color or streaks
  • Spicing up your hair for special occasions
  • Fancy dress
  • Halloween, Christmas, Birthdays, any special event!
  • There are even doggy safe hair chalks!

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

Screen Shot 2021 09 14 at 15.59.33

How to use hair chalks step-by-step.

Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color for a special occasion or experiment with a bold new look, hair chalks offer a fun and non-permanent solution.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of using hair chalks to achieve stunning and temporary hair color effects.

Follow along, and you’ll be ready to unleash your creativity and express your unique style in no time.

Step one: Wash your hair

First wash your hair thoroughly and then comb it. You can apply most chalks to dry or damp hair but it needs to be clean whatever.

We find the colors are easier to apply and come out more vibrant with wet hair. And you don’t get wispy bits of hair that can easily break, flying about.

Step two: Comb your hair

The trick is to get the color on as many strands of hair as possible. You’ll find a comb will work better to separate your wet hair.

If you’re applying them to dry hair, a good brushing will do.

Step three: Apply chalks

Apply the chalk to your damp hair with the brush, sponge or applicator that came with your chosen box of chalk.

Always work from the top down on sections of your hair to avoid damaging your hair shaft or breaking your hair.

You’ll find some crayons can be quite crumbly and you will need to go over your hair a few times before the color really starts to show up.

You can rub it into your hair strands to blur and smudge the color.

Step four: Let them dry

Leave a bit of time for your color to set and dry and voila! You have fabulous colored hair! Congrats!

To give the color some extra staying power – you can flat iron them with a hair straightener to lock in the color!

How to use hair chalk: Watch and learn.

Here’s a great video tutorial that guides you through 5 awesome ways to apply hair chalks to your hair with amazing effect – and they’re easy to do too!

What are the best hair chalks to use?

When it comes to enhancing your hair with captivating, washable colors, choosing the right hair chalk is essential.

With loads of options available in the market, selecting the best hair chalks can be a bit overwhelming. Here are our top recommended hair chalks that you can find on Amazon.

The best hair chalks at a glance.

Hair chalkLooks likeBest forBuy it now
Temporary Hair Chalk for Girls, Hair Chalk Combs New Hair Chalk Comb Temporary Bright Hair Color Dye for Girls Kids, Washable Hair Chalk for Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 New Year Birthday Cosplay DIY Halloween, Christmas (Pink & Purple)
Budget
12 Colors Hair Chalk for Girls Kids PURPLE LADYBUG 12 Colors Hair Chalk for Girls, Washable Temporary Hair Color for Kids - Great Teen Girl Gifts Idea, Birthday Gifts for 10 Year Old Girls, Girl Gifts Age 10-12 - Kids Hair Dye Temporary
Light hair
24 Piece Hair Chalk Vibrant Colours 24 Colors Hair Chalk Set for Kids and Pets Dog Hair Dye,Washable Hair Dye Art Gift for Kids Holloween party, and Birthday Party Easter Party& Cosplay
More colours and accessories
GirlZone Hair Chalk Set For Girlsq? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B06W532RC3&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=colouredhairc 21&language=en GBGIrlzone hair chalksEasy to use and wash out.

TOP PICK!

GirlZone Hair Chalk Set For Girls

GirlZone Hair Chalks Set, 10-Piece Temporary Hair Chalks For Girls, Fun Girl Toys For Girls Ages 8-12, Halloween Gifts for Kids and Girls Toys 8-10 Years Old

This set has all the fantastic colors you need and is super easy to use. It doesn’t come with an application board like some do, but you don’t need it. The colors are soft enough to go on dry or wet hair easily.

We tried these on dry blonde (kids) hair and on mum’s dyed brown locks- on both heads the color looked bright and fabulous! Best of all, they washed off easily in a normal shampoo hair wash. So no colored pillowcases for us!

HAIR CHALKING DO’S AND DONT’S!

Do

Having fun experimenting! One of the most fun things to do is trying out different designs.

Try ombre looks with a colored panel at the ends of your hair, or use streaks around your hairline for more subtle effects.

Always start by applying the product in small sections and work from there so you don’t try to do too big an area at once.

Don’ts

Don’t get too creative with colors that don’t match your skin tone – they could wash you out!

Don’t worry too much about the underside of your hair. You probably won’t have enough chalk (or patience!) for that. Work on getting a good splash of color on the outside for the best effects.

Don’t brush your hair! It’s tempting as the crayons can cause clumps. But you don’t want to brush the color out. Gently use a comb to separate any stands of hair that are stuck together.

Does hair chalk ruin your hair?

Hair chalk won’t ruin your hair, but it is possible it will make your hair too stiff and sticky.

Overdoing them can lead not only will strands be weighed down by product but also damage and break your hair strands.

Go easy and gently when you apply them to your hair and you’ll be fine!

Are hair chalks safe for kids?

Yes, hair chalks are a great activities for kids and totally fun to do.

They are completely safe for kids, which makes them an easy way to add a temporary splash of color without commitment or damage.

Because they’re non-permanent, it allows children to express their creativity with ease while avoiding harsh chemicals found in many other hair dyes.

Use them to create lush looks for Halloween, Christmas, Birthdays, kids parties and fancy dress. Or just because!


Do hair chalks work on dark hair?

The answer to this question is yes, hair chalks will work on dark hair, but not with the same intensity or color vibrancy as they show up on lighter hair.

Brighter hair colors show up better on dark hair- so pinks, purples, blues and more opaque colors.

Colors such as yellow, red and paler colors like white will have a hard time showing up on dark hair!

How can I remove hair chalk?

Although they have a waxy consistency, the color sits on the surface of your hair and so should be able to be easily washed out.

If you’re having trouble removing all the color, try a good clarifying shampoo like this one from Amazon that works to get rid of dirt and debris in your hair. Wash your hair a few times.

Give your hair a good brush with a natural bristle brush to brush as much of the color out as you can before washing.

And don’t forget to use a good conditioner afterwards to repair and restore the life back to your hair.


Parting words

So, if you want to try out the latest trend in hair color but don’t have time or money for a salon visit, then hair chalks are your best option.

They’re not only affordable and easy to use, they also come with all sorts of colors that will match any occasion!

With so many benefits it’s hard to find fault with these creative hair crayons. If you’ve never heard of hair chalk before now – what are you waiting for?! Go grab some today!

Have you given hair chalks a go? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair chalk success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!