I’ve been searching for tips for hair chalking like a pro ever since my many failed attempts to chalk up my own hair. When Lauren Conrad posted a photo of her chalked hair, I ran out and bought pink hair chalk. I got home and colored my tips only for the color to fall off and cover my white shirt within the hour. I felt cheated and completely jealous of Lauren Conrad and her perfect hair. For those of you who have ever been in the same situation and don’t want to give up on hair chalk just yet, here are 7 tips for hair chalking like a pro.
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1. To Wet or Not to Wet Your Hair
If you’re blonde or have blonde tips, DON'T wet your hair before chalking. It’ll stain because adding water to pure pigment creates a real dye! If you’re fine with the color for a few washes, then go for it, but if you only want to do color for the day, don’t add water at any time. But if your hair color is darker than blonde and you don’t have blonde tips, you’ll need water. Mist a little water on the strand, then chalk it up! Red heads should try it without water first, and if it isn’t showing up, add a little water. It just depends on how light or dark your red hair is. This wetting or not wetting is important, which is why it's at the top of my tips for hair chalking.
2. Soft Pastels Only
Use only "soft pastels." Senellier brand pastels have the brightest and best pay off; they’re almost $4 per piece at Blick, which is a bit expensive, but so is hair coloring – and hair color removal. Regular chalk won’t work the same. It’s difficult to transfer and getting it to stick to your hair can be practically impossible. Soft chalk pastels can be bought at any major art store. Just don’t get "soft chalk" pastels confused for oil pastels. Getting rid of oil pastels would be nightmarish, not to mention, they’d feel very sticky.
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3. Watch out for the Mess
Always wear a robe or cape and lay something down on the floor to catch the chalk dust that falls. This stuff gets EVERYWHERE! It will get on your clothes during the day, so try wearing something close to the color you’re using for chalk. Rocking an updo with chalked hair is best because you won’t get as much on your outfit.
4. Color It up
Color on your hair with one of the pastels. I'd consider choosing about three hair chalking colors, and chalking them in one at a time in your hair. Begin with the lightest shade, since the color will get all over your gloves and you'll end up with a muddied version of the same shade throughout if you go dark to light.
5. Do the Twist
Twist the hair as you chalk. The texture from twisting makes the chalk release more pigment. Each time, brush the excess powder out after chalking.
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6. Don’t Force It
Wait for your hair to air dry. This was the hardest part for me - I was so anxious to see the final look! I wanted to blow dry it but then that would be a horrible tangled mess.
7. Seal It in
Using the curling or flat iron, go over each colored strand. This sets the colors in, so it’ll last longer. Then brush and style however you normally would! The best part about chalking is styling it. Try a fishtail braid, a fun bun, or a ballerina bun.
Your hair is going to look amazing! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think and how it came out. Do y’all have any tips of your own that you thought worked for you? I’d love to hear them!
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