Choosing the right chalk (grip aid) for pole dancing depends on your skin type, how much you sweat, and the type of pole you train on. Here’s a summary of the most common options:
1. Liquid Chalk
Advantages: Dries quickly, more hygienic than loose chalk, doesn’t create dust, easy to carry.
Who it’s for: Most pole dancers use this for general training. Ideal if your hands sweat lightly to moderately.
2. Loose Chalk
Advantages: Classic choice, cheaper, easy to control the amount.
Disadvantages: Spreads everywhere, banned in many studios due to dust.
Who it’s for: Better for home training if airborne chalk isn’t an issue.
3. Specialized Pole Grip Aids (e.g., Dry Hands, Itac, Monkey Hands, Lupit Pole Grip)
These are not just regular chalk but products specifically developed for pole dancing, available in online stores.
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Dry Hands: For sweaty hands, “drying” effect. Recommended mainly for hands. Advantage: allowed in all competitions.
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Itac: Wax-based, provides very strong grip but harder to wash off. Not recommended for sweaty hands. Leaves residue on the pole, easiest to clean with alcohol. Banned in some competitions.
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Monkey Hands: Available in 4 types online. The Dry type is a base for sweaty hands, on top of which other chalks can be applied to delay slipping from sweat. Monkey Hands products are banned in some competitions, but they can be cleaned with water. If it dries and you slightly wet your hands, it becomes sticky again.
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Classic Grip: Provides the lightest grip
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Sticky Grip: Medium grip
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Gluey Grip: Extra strong, like adhesive
(All are considered “extra” grip, which is why some competitions ban them.)
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Lupit Pole Grip: A small cube infused with chalk that provides good grip for hands and body. Competition-friendly and works very well on dry skin. One of my personal favorites.
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If you’re looking for extra grip, you can browse the Mighty Grip products, which also provide good pole adhesion, helping to improve grip, prevent injuries, and aid recovery.
