The 10 Best Temporary Hair Chalks

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This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in October of 2016. If you’re tempted to try out a bold new look for your hair, but you’re not sure if you will like it, one of these temporary chalks can give you the chance to find out. They are available in a wide range of shades, are easy to apply, and rinse out just as easily with a bit of shampoo. Whether you're interested in a single color or a full rainbow, one of these options should suit your needs well. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. GirlZone Studio

2. Maydear Comb

3. Ms. Dear Mascara

Editor's Notes

June 24, 2020:

These hair chalks are a commitment-free way to add a fun splash of color to your tresses. Most are easy to use and, unlike permanent hair dye, they’ll wash out in one or two shampoo sessions. For your most basic set, but one that comes with 24 vibrant and muted colors, look to the Ameauty Washable, which can be applied to a small stripe or a wide swath of your hair, as you prefer, thanks to their rectangular shape. For a set that has a consistency more like markers, check out the GirlZone Studio, which comes with 10 sticks in colors ranging from a silvery gray to a vibrant red. They can also be used as face paint, and are easy for kids to learn how to use, so they’re great for a children’s birthday party. You’ll get around 80 applications per stick, and they stay on nicely without rubbing off on clothes or furniture. The Maydear Comb offers a popular design, as you can color five sections of hair with just one swipe. As their name implies, they resemble combs, and they’re equipped with comfortable handles. With this set of six, you’ll receive a pair of disposable gloves and a cape, which makes for a relatively mess-free application.

In today’s update, we added in the Ms. Dear Mascara, which replace the Onedor Instant, a highly similar set, but one which only comes with three colors. The Mrs. Dear set features eight colors, including white, blue, wine red, and yellow. In addition to the application brush, each has a built-in comb to help with blending once you’ve applied your color. We also added the Moulei Makeup Pens, which consist of 12 bright shades that can be blended together as you like to create even more. They conveniently can dry in as little as 30 seconds once you brush them on, and they’ll last up to three days or until you shampoo your hair. To make room for this set, we removed the Rosenice Shimmer, which essentially is the same model as the Maydear one. It’s important to note that since many of these sets contain small parts, most are not intended for children younger than three years of age. For safety’s sake, be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s age requirements for any of these products.

Special Honors

Shine Bright Hair Chalks This budget-friendly 10-piece set lets you easily add fun colors to your hair, and they’re just as easy to wash out with regular shampoo when you’re done. These nontoxic chalks are to be applied to slightly damp hair, and you can seal in the results by flat ironing or curling your hair afterward. Applying spray will give you a look that lasts even longer. Note that blond hair may require two shampoos for complete removal. fivebelow.com

4. KC Republic Washable

5. Moulei Makeup Pens

6. Edge Stix Jumbo

7. KC Republic Pens

8. Alex Toys Salon

9. LAC Beauty Neon Green

10. Ameauty Washable


Karen Bennett
Last updated by Karen Bennett

Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.


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