How to chalk your hair

David John, master stylist and colorist at the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in Los Angeles, offers these hair chalking tips.

Step 1: Buy your chalk

John says that you can buy inexpensive non-oil-based pastels at Michael's for $5 or spend $60 if you really want to splurge. All you need other than the chalk is a water bottle, protective gloves, towels and a flat iron.

Step 6: Wash it out when you are ready

The color generally will only last one shampoo; however, if the hair is more porous, such as color-treated blonde hair, it can last a couple shampoos. You can use a clarifying shampoo or dish soap to remove the color more quickly -- both have more detergent. Don’t use dish soap on your whole head, just on the strands that have been colored.

John also offers these cautions when hair chalking.

• Don’t apply the chalk with any wax or product in your hair.
• Don’t use water on blonde hair if you don’t want the color to last.
• Wear protective clothing when applying and sleep on an old pillow case as the color will transfer.
• Don’t try this near the water/beach or on a rainy day.

• Blonde -- Blondes can have a lot of fun with hair chalk, but they shouldn't wet their hair first. Read these tips on how to chalk blonde hair.
• Brown -- Brunettes can use any color hair chalk. With lighter brown hair, the color will be more intense. Read these tips on how to chalk brown hair.
• Red -- Redheads can chalk their hair, too. They just need to pick the right colors of chalk. Read these tips on how to chalk red hair.
• Black -- Those women with black hair need to pick bright, vibrant shades of chalk. Read these tips on how to chalk black hair.

Images courtesy of David John of the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon

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