Hair colours are simply awesome. From gorgeous blues to popping pinks and even those fiery reds, hair colours bring out the best of personalities with minimum fuss and maximum style. And what if we tell you that there is an easy way of doing this. Yep, you can don the craziest of shades with the help of a new trend that's a rage amidst the likes of Nicki Minaj and Kelly Osbourne. We are talking about hair chalks. Yep, it sounds crazy and yep, it is! These are chalks made of hair colour instead of the usual mix of dye and developer. It is a stick format hair colour that can be applied directly on your mane. Most of the hair stylists create it by mixing a little bit of chalk and binder with dry pigment. Now, our job here is to tell you whether it works or not, if it does, how to apply it, a little of this, and a little of that. So, are you ready to get on this chalk-y ride of coloured affairs? We certainly are! Let's find out more about this crazy hair product called hair chalk, shall we?
01Types of hair chalks in the market
While the name certainly suggests that it must be in a dry-colour format, you'd be surprised to know that there are, in fact, quite a few types of hair chalks available in the market. Let's take a look at all of them so you can choose which one suits your tresses best.
Well, as the name suggests, these hair chalks are temporary in nature. That means you get to play more with colours and change them as and when you want. Quite a few brands provide these in portable clip formats that you can simply hook on the strands and drag down, instantly giving you the rock-chic look you want.
Now this one is known to last longer than its temporary version, almost up to 8-10 washes. Also, do wear gloves as you apply this one as it can get a little messy.
White hair chalks are mostly self-seal ones and can dry as quickly as in 60 seconds. If you wish to get that chic white streak, a la Rogue from the movie X-men, we say you go for this quick fix. Halloween or not, sporting white amidst those dark and luscious strands looks quite cool.
These are the best when you wish to give your lighter hair an ombré edge of dark. Black hair chalks can also be a quick fix to those greys that threaten to peak out of your mane and when you may not have the time to go through an entire procedure of hair colour. However, it is better to avoid using this near the roots. You can even use the black chalk to give depth to flaming red and orange hair as is shown here!
As much as you may be horrified at the idea of using pens to colour your hair, pen hair chalks are a different and better deal because these are, for the lack of a better word, sketch pens designed for your hair! Imagine, what's a more convenient way of colouring your hair than having a pen in hand?
02How to use hair chalks
Dyeing your mane with hair chalks is not that much of a hassle as it may seem. On the contrary, this is the most convenient way of adding a pop of colour to your hair. You'll need a couple of things before getting started. You should have hair chalk of your preference, a hair straightener or styler to ensure the colour sets uniformly, and a hair spray to lock it in. Oh, and also an old and not-your-favorite t-shirt that you can afford to ruin.
Here are the steps to getting it right:
Choose your hair chalk
Choose from the various types of hair chalks that are available, depending upon the usage and longevity. Go liquid if you want the colour to stay long or just pick up the dry one for quick results.
Wash your hair well
You wouldn't want hair colour from the hair chalks to reflect on greasy hair. Wash your hair thoroughly before usage and towel dry it. Avoid using any leave-in mask or conditioner. Your hair should be clean and dry for the colour to show in the best way possible.
Change into old clothes
You would not want hair colour to come dripping on your favourite clothes. Change into your old ones. Even if hair chalks are mostly temporary in nature, they may get washed off your skin and definitely leave remnants behind on your clothes. So be aware of what you are wearing.
Wet the section
Now, carefully take the section that you wish to colour. If it is dry, make it damp. Take care that it is not dripping wet, it should just be damp.
Apply the hair chalk
Now apply the hair chalk as per the directions of usage. Mostly, do not apply it on the scalp or near the roots. Hair chalks are best used for the lower sections of the hair. Make sure you apply it consistently and smooth out the colour, not leaving behind any rough edges.
Air dry and style
Let it air dry and then style your hair using a straightener. Use a hair spray to seal the deal. That's it! You are done.
03The dos and don’ts of using hair chalks
Hair chalks come in quite a few variants. But the best way to apply any hair chalk is to know what to do and what not to do before application. Here are a few things to remember:
- Apply hair colour on damp and not wet hair
- Avoid applying it on the scalp and roots
- While applying, rub the colour straight down and not in a back and forth manner.
- Keep doing this till you see the desired colour saturation on your hair
- Let your hair air dry instead of using other modes. Also, style your hair post drying. This will ensure that you get the best intensity
04FAQs on hair chalks
Q. Can I use hair chalks on dark hair?
A. Well, hair chalks are best used on lighter hair, given the colour comes out more vibrantly. However, you can use bright shades such as orange and green for darker hair. White hair chalks are also a good option.
Q. How long do colours from hair chalks last?
A. Hair chalks are temporary in nature. The longest they can last is about 10 washes, but that is with liquid hair chalk. Most of these are meant to be quick in application and last about two days.
Q. Can hair chalks damage hair?
A. It's best to know the ingredients and then invest in a brand that has minimum chemicals. Hair chalks do contain chemicals and that is no secret. The best way to use it would be by limiting the usage to a few times and not regularly as it may damage hair.
