How to Color Hair Using Sidewalk Chalk

Last Updated: May 13, 2021

If you want a cool color in your hair, without being with stuck it for a long time, chalk is a great choice. While it is possible to purchase chalk especially produced for hair, sidewalk chalk will do the job just as well, as shown in this article.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Preparing the sidewalk chalk

1
Pick out your sidewalk chalk colors. Any color will work well, it's really up to you which colors interest you the most. Perhaps consider your usual color range in clothing to get an idea of what you'll feel most comfortable with as a hair color.
- If wished, you can use more than one color.
2
Prepare the powder. You'll need to break down the sidewalk chalk to make a powder for using as the hair colorant. To do this, take a fork or small toothed comb. Scrap off some of the powder from the piece of chalk color you're using. If you're using more than one piece of chalk, scrape each one.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Coloring your hair with the sidewalk chalk powder

1
Divide your hair into sections if you are doing streaks or highlights. If you're doing the whole head, just lift up one layer at a time.
2
Make highlights or streaks. Take a one to two inch piece and coat with chalk powder. Then comb through gently.
- Optional: use a flat iron to lock the color in.
3
If coloring all of your hair (your whole head), use this method. Lift up one layer of hair to get to the layer underneath. Once the layer underneath has been colored, do the top layer. By doing two layers, it will look more even. If you choose, you can just do the under layer to get a cool look.
- You don't have to flat iron your hair if you're doing layers.

Community Q&A

Question

Can this chalk damage your hair?

Community Answer

Any chalk will dry out hair by absorbing oils and other moisture from it, but as long as you care for your hair properly afterwards, there should be no permanent damage.
Question

How long does the chalk stay in?

Community Answer

Chalk usually only stays in for about one and a half days, but it really depends on what kind of chalk you use.
Question

Does the chalk wash out?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

What if I have no flat iron but only a hair dryer?

Community Answer

Dip the chalk in some warm water and apply it on your hair, then blow dry it.
Question

How do I set the color if I don't have a flat iron?

Community Answer

Dip the chalk in a bucket of warm water. Rub the chalk on your hair. When you're done coloring it, blow dry your hair to keep the color.
Question

Will sidewalk chalk damage my hair?

Community Answer

Any chalk will dry out your hair as it will absorb the moisture and natural oils from your hair.
Question

What is sidewalk chalk?

vani samalla

Community Answer

Sidewalk chalk is typically large colored sticks of chalk mostly used for drawing on pavement or concrete sidewalks.
Question

What can I do if the chalk won't stay on my hair?

Community Answer

You can buy specific chalk that is made for hair, and follow the directions listed on the packaging. You can also try to use a hot iron to make the chalk stick to your hair better/ last longer.
Question

Will sidewalk chalk damage my hair if I use it repeatedly?

Community Answer

Yes, it will dry out your hair and make it have split ends, and might make it frizzy, too.
Question

Can I brush hair chalk out?

Sarah.Johnson

Community Answer

You can brush out the majority of it, but there will still be some residue from the chalk until you wash the area with shampoo and conditioner.