DIY Chalk Dip Dye

A cheap and temporary fix to update your locks…

I have previously talked about the increasing popularity of ombre/dip-dye on my blog, and my gradual development to obtaining this hairstyle myself. However, more recently I have been seeking another change to my hairstyle, evolving the whole idea of dip-dye even further. I have noticed a forthcoming trend of rainbow bright dip-dye so I wanted in, I want the ends of my hair coloured something a little in your face. For instance…pink.

Celebrity Style Spot:

Kate Bosworth

Dakota Fanning

Nicki Minaj

Jessie J

I have previously talked about the increasing popularity of ombre/dip-dye on my blog, and my gradual development to obtaining this hairstyle myself. However, more recently I have been seeking another change to my hairstyle, evolving the whole idea of dip-dye even further. I have noticed a forthcoming trend of rainbow bright dip-dye so I wanted in, I want the ends of my hair coloured something a little in your face. For instance…pink.

Yes you heard correctly, I did say PINK! And I’m talking Avril Lavigne style back in her ‘Sk8r’ days. I can telepathically sense the readers ‘palm over face’ gestures in cringe, but guess what? I’ve done it. I’vecoloured my hair pink.

When I say coloured my hair, I mean it in the most literal sense. Chalk dip dye. Here’s how…

What you need:

• Hair 

• Water

• Chalk Pastels (I recommend Sennelier Soft Pastels, I bought them from Ken Bromley Art Supplies)

and THAT'S ALL.

How to:

Take strands of hair and gradually twist them as you rub the chalk pastel up and down the strand. The twisting, creates a deeper, even colour. Take the colour as high up as you like, it is all personal preference –as is your choice of colour.

Be warned, pastels can be messy, dropping onto the surface you do your hair over and even on your clothes. So, make sure to put a towel or paper down to collect the shavings and hairspray lots after to avoid smudging on your nice outfit.

To remove the colour, brush through your hair thoroughly. Repetitive brushing separates the hair strands, taking the majority of colour out. After this, wash as standard and your hair will be back to normal. However, this is not a process to be repeated regularly, as the colouring in the pastels can take out the moisture in your hair, resulting in dry, or even split ends. So make sure you condition well.

For dark hair or just to keep the colour in for a few washes, rather than just one, repeat the exact same process but with damp hair. This intensifies the colour, making it stand out more on a darker shade of hair.

I used this technique for one night out, and all of my friends thought it was really dyed. Everybody was shocked when it was gone the next day! Now your turn, it can be our little ‘Goodness Gracious’ secret.

Give it a go and let me know how you get on. I’d love to hear your feedback.

Some of my readers have sent in images of their chalk dip dye, after reading my post. Take a look for more inspiration:

@GG_FashionUK

@felthem

@BridgetMarieee

@LucyyElizabethh

GG

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Ombre Hair

A cheap beauty tip to stay on trend without spending a fortune...

The past year or so of fashion has brought about the revival of ombre (or dip-dye) hair. This messy, laid back look consists of dark roots that gradually lighten towards the tips of the hair. Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Rachel Bilson and TV presenter Caroline Flack have been spotted sporting the cool yet casual look and in turn, increased the popularity of the hairstyle.

Celebrity Style Spot:

Lauren Conrad

Rachel Bilson

Caroline Flack

Alexa Chung

Shenae Grimes

Drew Barrymore

I, like many others of the female population, am blessed with dull natural hair colour of mousey brown, seeking something to make my hair more enthusing. Some women go darker, dyeing their hair different shades of brown, while others obtain excitement through the implementation of highlights. I was one of the highlighting culprits for many of my teen years.

However, since being a student at university, living on a budget, the upkeep of my hair has sadly become deprioritised. I do not come home often enough to return to my trusted hairdressers, nor can I justify blowing £60+ of my student loan on transforming my mane into a bright blonde but highly unmanageable and dead end ridden fuzz-ball. Thus, my mousey brown locks were neglected.

Consequently, I went through a terrible phase of tragic dark roots. I allowed these to grow further and further down my head, after around 9 months the roots had reached ear level. Summer came, and my natural colour became lighter after a holiday. I then did my junior hairdresser friend a favour by offering to be a hair model, in turn getting a good few inches of blonde cut out of the bottom (for free!). From this point, the complements came flooding in. I was shocked.

In the time I had been neglecting my hair and allowed in to spend the majority of time in a ‘donut’ bun or scruffy ponytail, it had transformed into one of fashion’s hottest hair trends. And it all happened without spending a penny. There are only positives to say about this hairstyle. I have the healthiness and life back in my hair by not attacking it with bleach and tin foil. Yet, still manage to make an exciting look even though, its almost all the dreaded mousey brown!

Ombre – student chic without the price tag!

P.S. This trend is looking to transcend hair salons for Spring Summer 2012 as it is seen on clothing too! Be a part of the fashion phenomenon and get your mits on some of these beautiful items.

Topshop £40

ASOS £20

Miss Selfridge £45

Miss Selfridge £32

GG 

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