Why You Should Color Your Hair Black

Did you know black is by far the most common natural hair color in the world? Black hair color is also naturally found with every combination of skin and eye color. Plus, there are about a dozen black hair types and shades that range from intense blue black to subdued, soft black. So, if you’re thinking of dyeing your hair black, want to cover gray or roots, learn about black hair styles, or just find the best black hair products, you’ve come to the right place!
Model with light skin and black hair color against a pink background

Choosing the Right Black Hair Shade: What You Need to Know

Most pros agree that black hair color, especially jet black with blue undertones, often suits warmer skin tones best. However, black hair comes in various undertones, allowing people with cool or neutral skin tones to find a flattering shade. For instance, a neutral black with warm brown notes complements fair, cool complexions. Conversely, cooler, blue-black shades enhance warmer skin tones. Our Virtual Try-On let’s you try on black shades from home to find your perfect hue.

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IMPORTANT: Like how this shade looks on you? Make sure it works with your hair. Take our 1-minute haircolor quiz to be certain.

How to Maintain Black Hair

  • Hold the shampoo: Wait at least three days after applying black hair color, and then shampoo less frequently to help prevent fading. 
  • Hydrate: Your black hair color will stay vibrant when it’s deeply hydrated, so reach for moisturizing hair products to maintain rich dark color. 
  • Shine it up: Black hair looks even more stunning when it has a luminous sheen. Sleek & Shine shampoos and treatments can work wonders.

Model with black hair washing her hair
Shade Selector Quiz

Shade Selector Quiz

Take our quiz to discover the perfect Garnier hair shades for you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • While some shades of black may work better with your particular skin tone, there are no wrong choices when it comes to black hair color! It really boils down to the look you want to achieve. If you’re doing a root touchup, use the same black hue you started with – just follow instructions in the box and don’t leave it in as long. Or explore all-over black hair color ideas ranging from soft and metallic to reflective and stark.

    Also consider the type of black hair color you use. If you want a nourishing color crème formula with a blend of 5 fruit oils, try Nutrisse Ultra Crème. For those who want high shine and an ammonia-free formula, try Olia. If you want a black hair color with intense blue reflects, try Nutrisse Ultra Color BL21 – Reflective Blue Black or BL11 – Jet Blue Black. They all feature a non-drip formula, 100% gray coverage, and a range of black hair color types.
  • It may seem obvious, but the most natural black hair dye is the one that looks best on you. In other words, black hair color that matches your complexion well has an undertone that complements your skin tone. The spectrums of both hair dye and skin range from cool to neutral to warm. Cool skin tones go really well with warmer blacks, and vice versa. Neutral skin tones tend to work well with medium black hair color shades that don’t have any red undertones. 

    A great way to find your best black is to start with our Shade Selector and then see how it looks on our real-time Virtual Try-On Tool. You’re sure to pinpoint the perfect black hair color for you!
  • Black hair dye could make you look younger, but it depends on too many factors to provide a universal answer. The general consensus is that black hair color easily covers gray and brings out certain features like blue or green eyes. Black hair also tends to reflect more light and look shinier than other hair colors, and that healthy vibrancy can be associated with youth.

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