Model Inspiration: Pastel Hair and Hair Chalking
One of the most unique trends to emerge from the 2012 Spring/Summer runway season is pastel-colored hair. Given that pastels are one of the top 5 hottest summer wardrobe essentials, it’s easy to understand how the trend evolved to the next level of hair and makeup. Pastel hair was rocked all over New York catwalks last fall for this season, best exemplified by the beauty stylings of Thakoon, Peter Som, and Narciso Rodriguez.
Backstage at the Thakoon show, Anais Mali works bubblegum pink hair, while her fellow models were treated to mint green, baby blue, and lavender locks. (Style.com)
On the runway of Narciso Rodriguez, Elsa Sylvan is fierce while strutting with a creamsicle orange slicked-back bun. (Style.com)
The style really took off when the models themselves decided to adopt the look more permanently, like Charlotte Free, who stole the Marchesa show with her ombre pink hair. The biggest breakthrough of all though, was when star supermodel Coco Rocha debuted her dip-dyed hot pink ringlets at the Costume Institute Gala two months ago, posting the fun yet glamorous look on her Instagram with 160,000+ followers.
Charlotte Free’s fabulous hair was the standout from Marchesa’s Spring 2012 show. (Style.com)
The always stunning Coco Rocha, Instagramming on her way to the Met Gala.
While pastel dip-dyed hair is all the rage, the practical college fashionista will probably realize that permanently dying the bottom half of her hair rainbow colors isn’t the best idea with a summer internship or honors seminar taught by a renowned professor coming up in the fall. That’s where hair chalking comes into play. This DIY alternative to hair dye uses pastel chalk to achieve a fun hairdo for a night out or weekend vacation. You can barely tell the difference between hair chalk and actual hair dye, and the best part is that hair chalking doesn’t cause any damage. So, how does it work?
First, you’ll need a few supplies:
- Soft Pastel Chalk (you can get giant packs of 24 colors at a craft store for about $10)
- Small spray bottle of water
- Gloves
- Old t-shirt/towel (you don’t mind staining)
- Flat or curling iron
Now, getting down to business – there are only 5 steps. It’s that easy!
1. Mist a 1-inch thick section of hair with water.
Warning: If you’re a blonde, wetting your hair will make the color last longer than a day – which could be either a desired or undesired result for you. Darker hair colors, however, will need the moisture to help the pastels show.
2. After putting on gloves and the t-shirt/towel, color your damp hair with any pastel, twisting your hair as you rub the chalk to get the most vibrant color.
A great aspect of chalking is the ability to use more than one color – either on the same strand or alternating between strands. A tip for this look is to start with the lightest shade pastel and then work towards the darker shades, since the color will stain your gloves and then transfer back to your hair as you’re chalking.
3. Let your chalked hair dry! You can wait for it to dry naturally, or you can use a blow dryer.
4. Using the flat or curling iron on its lowest setting, go over each chalked strand to help set the colors so they’ll last.
5. Brush, style, and go be fabulous!
It’s ideal to style your hair in a fun updo after chalking, like a casual bun or twisted braid, since the chalk may rub off throughout the day. Plus, it’s the coolest way to show off your locks of color.
The finished hair-chalking product arranged in a fishtail braid. (Sally Hershberge Professional Hair Care)
When you next shower, brushing your hair first should get most of the chalk out, and then shampoo will do the rest. Just make sure to use conditioner afterwards, as well, since chalking will dry your hair, and that is not a cute look.
Many thanks to the original blog post by The Beauty Department, which gained this striking DIY trend its fame: http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/01/chalk-it-up/.
Featured Image From: Wildfox Couture
Category: DIY / Inspiration
Pingback: Ombre All Over