14 Best Black Hair Dyes Of 2024 – According To A Hairstylist
The perfect hair dyes to make your tresses look naturally black, soft, and shiny.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Shading your hair can be both energizing and nerve-wracking simultaneously but with one of the best black hair dyes at your disposal, it becomes much easier. While some say that blondes, tans, reds, or other zapping colors like green, blue, and purple are fun, no other hair tone can be just about as striking and impartial as black-colored hair.
The most amazing aspect of dark hair colors is that they supplement each complexion and don’t cause a lot of harm to your hair. These days, there is a wide variety of black hair color dyes available in a range of tones. While checking the shade is important, you also need to pick a black hair dye with nourishing ingredients. The hair dye should also be free of toxic and synthetic compounds. In this article, you’ll find the 14 top black hair dyes available right now.
In This Article
14 Best Black Hair Dyes Of 2024- Reviews & Buying Guide
1. Best For Ease Of Use: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color- 11 Soft Black
The Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color in the shade Soft Black has a specially blended black hair color formula. It is infused with Revlon 3D Color Gel Technology that offers rich, natural-looking, and multi-dimensional deep, long-lasting color. It is infused with keratin and silk amino acid that condition your hair. It has an ammonia-free formula that offers 100% gray coverage. Its developer bottle has an applicator nozzle – you can easily mix the color inside the bottle without needing any bowl.
Pros
- Natural-looking color
- Ammonia-free
- 100% gray coverage
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Contains PPD
Remember2. Best Nourishing Formula: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme- Blackest Black
The Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme in the shade Blackest Black offers rich, luxurious, and long-lasting black color that offers 100% gray coverage. YouTuber NICOLETIANA adds, “I’m really happy with my hair, it’s jet black. Now that I know I’m not gonna have an allergic reaction to the brand, I’m gonna continue using the brand.” The formula is enriched with color boost technology combined with triple fruit oils viz. avocado, olive, and shea. These nourishing ingredients are blended into a rich, non-drip creme formula that delivers permanent, dark hair color. This damage-free hair color formula also contains grapeseed oil that nourishes the hair. It makes your hair 3 times moisturized and 2 times stronger.
Pros
- Offers full gray hair coverage
- No harsh ingredients
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Fades easily
- Contains ammonia•
- Might dry out the hair
Quick Tip3. Best For Dull Hair: Garnier Olia Brilliant Color – Soft Black
The Garnier Olia in Soft Black is a 60% blend of natural oils like avocado, olive, and shea which helps get shiny and smooth hair. It makes your hair healthy while enhancing its color. This ammonia-free permanent hair dye has a rich, non-drip cream formula that can be used for root touchups and helps get naturally healthy hair. It offers you 100% gray hair coverage. It also restores and revives the damaged hair, reversing roughness and dull hair. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video.
Stephanie Drenka, a blogger, says, “Having fried my hair with an at-home highlighting spray, I was anxious to try the ammonia-free Garnier Olia. This product exceeded my expectations. The whole bathroom smelled as if I sprayed a fruity/floral perfume in the air, and you could see the shine from the oil instantly. Several weeks later and my hair is still holding its newfound shine (i).”
Pros
- Fade-resistant
- Ammonia-free
- Floral scent
Cons
- Might dry out the hair
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 12,672 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
| Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color- 11 Soft Black Best For Ease Of Use | Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme- Blackest Black Best Nourishing Formula | Garnier Olia Brilliant Color – Soft Black Best For Dull Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 11 Soft Black | 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn) | 1 |
| Dimensions | 3.44 x 1.94 x 6.13 inches | 2.46 x 6.5 x 6.25 inches | 2.75 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.4 Ounces | 15.43 Ounces | 8.01 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,475 | 25,591 | 12,672 |
| Price | $3.49 | $15.94 | $8.45 |
4. Best For Quick Results: Revlon Permanent Root Erase- Black
If you just want to touch up your roots instead of doing a full-on dye job, try out the Revlon Permanent Root Erase in the shade “black.” This kit is good for 3 applications per bottle. It contains everything that one needs to do a touchup and cover-up grays at home. It includes gloves and a root brush. The color and developer are given in two separate chambers in the bottle, so all you have to do is pump and mix. It offers quick results that take just 5 minutes to process. Lesley Sullivan, a hair care enthusiast on Instagram, says, “A friend of mine introduced me to this, it’s been amazing! Easy to apply and it lasts weeks. I have only used it twice and I haven’t been to my hairdresser in over two months.” Know more about this product and the reviewer’s experience with it in this video.
Pros
- Offers instant results
- 100% gray coverage
- Mess-free application
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 10,798 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
5. Best For Shine: Naturtint Permanent Hair Color – Ebony Black
The Naturtint Permanent Hair Color in the shade Ebony Black has a formula that includes nourishing plant-based ingredients like olives and meadowfoam seed oil. These hair growth ingredients help nurture and moisturize the hair while making it healthy, shiny, and soft. “Look how shiny! I really like this hair dye for that reason. It’s really conditioning for your hair”, says YouTuber Kasey Lauren. This conditioning black hair dye provides 100% gray coverage and leaves the hair with vibrant, long-lasting, and deep color. This hair dye is dermatologically tested and gentle on the scalp and hair.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Resorcinol-free
- No heavy metals
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains PPD
- Might cause allergic reactions
6. Best Natural Ingredients: Clairol Natural Instincts – Black Midnight
The Clairol Natural Instincts in Black Midnight is formulated with 80% naturally derived nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut. It is a semi-permanent hair color that lasts for 28 washes and can be used on all hair types and textures. The hair dye colors the hair in a lush and deep, long-lasting hue with enhanced shine. It makes the hair healthy and radiant. It is gentle and does not damage the hair or scalp. Learn more about this product and the tester’s experience of using it in this video.
Pros
- 80% natural ingredients
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Paraben-free
- Ammonia-free
- Long-lasting
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Might dry out the hair
7. Best Long-Lasting Results: L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color +Shine System – Ultimate Black
The L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference in Ultimate Black is the deepest black hair shade. It colors the hair while adding dimension to make it look fuller. The formula has a gel-like consistency and provides gray hair coverage. It delivers a rich and long-lasting, fade-resistant color while making the hair vibrant, shiny, and soft. This black hair dye with UV protection filter is formulated with golden camelina oil, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, and making the hair healthy and manageable. The product has also garnered multiple positive reviews claiming how easy it is to use. The brand advises to conduct a patch test to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fade-resistant
Cons
- Strong smell
- Might get drippy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 3,191 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
8. Best For Soft Hair: Schwarzkopf Simply Color- Jet Black
The Schwarzkopf Simply Color hair color is a permanent hair color that provides up to 100% gray coverage and makes your hair look naturally healthy. In addition, this dermatologist-tested black hair dye for fine hair texture features the goodness of botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil. As a result, your hair looks vibrant from root to tip. YouTuber ItsMeVanessaAnne adds, “Look at that, everything is colored in black dye and it’s really nice. When I took a shower I used the conditioner, no shampoo, just their conditioner, and I can just run my fingers on my hair and it feels so great, it feels so silky and super soft.” This video will provide you with added insights about the product. Enthusiasts Lora & Matt adds, “Simply Color by Schwarzkopf is a newer product within Schwarzkopf’s product line. It boasts 0% Ammonia, Silicone, and Alcohol. The product’s carton is 100% recyclable and the carton lid is also compostable which aligns with their sustainability mission. “
Pros
- Up to 100% gray coverage
- Ammonia-free
- Silicone-free
- Free from PPD and PTD
- Alcohol-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Might be drying
9. Best For Glossiness: dpHue Gloss+ – Black
The dpHue Gloss+ in Black is a neutral black shade with a brown base. The brown base prevents the hair from becoming blue. This black-colored hair dye enhances your natural hair color without damaging the hair. It is a semi-permanent hair dye that boosts color and shine. Hair care enthusiast Bekah Meyer says, “My hair feels so soft and it’s super shiny! This is a great product to maintain richness in between coloring your hair. Love it!” The dye contains vibrant color pigments that coat the hair instead of penetrating hair follicles and cuticles. The hair dye deeply conditions the hair, making it soft, shiny, and manageable.YouTuber Dareline Estrella adds, “The shine is like phenomenol! Like look at that shine, guys, I am definitely gonna use this once a month. The results just speak for themselves.”
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Does not provide full gray coverage
10. Best For Conditioning: Creme Of Nature Moisture-Rich Hair Color – Jet Black
As the name suggests, this black hair color by Creme Of Nature offers intense moisture to your tresses along with radiant shine. It is an ammonia-free liquid hair color that provides 100% gray coverage. In addition, this dyeing kit includes a conditioner packed with mango and shea butter to moisturize, protect, and soften strands. As a result, your hair feels strong and healthy and the color lasts longer.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Works in 5 minutes
- Ammonia-free
- Easy to use
Cons
None
11. Best For Hair Strengtheing: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Triple Protection Hair Color- Black
The L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme hair color has a triple care formula. With this deepest hair color shade, you get 100% gray coverage from the roots to the tips. It also strengthens your hair up to 85%. It is rich, long-lasting, and silky to touch. The formula is enriched with ceramide that protects the hair, pro-keratin that strengthens, and collagen to replenish your hair. In addition, the pack includes a protective serum, coloring creme, developer, and conditioner. The non-drip creme formula is easy to prepare and apply.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Long-lasting
- Non-drip creme formula
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Contains ammonia and peroxide
12. Best Hypoallergenic: Clairol Nice’n Easy – Blue Black
The Clairol Nice’n Easy in Blue Black can create 3 salon tones and highlights with its color blend technology. It provides full gray hair coverage that lasts up to eight weeks. It comes with the color blend formula, a blend activator, a color seal conditioner, and gloves. The color seal conditioning gloss seals in the color pigments and adds intense shine to the hair. It is formulated with the formula of ME+ hair dye molecules that deliver rich, permanent color while reducing the risk of allergies. It has a delicate and fresh floral fragrance. Its color lasts for up to 8 weeks.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Floral fragrance
- Cost-effective
- Long-lasting
- Non-drip formula
Cons
- Might not provide full gray hair coverage
13. Best Powder Formula: Bigen – Oriental Black
The Bigen in Oriental Black is a permanent hair coloring powder. It produces an optimum hair dark color, irrespective of your natural hair shade, texture, condition, or type. It colors the hair without lightening your natural hair shade and leaves your mane damage-free. It is made with a unique powder formula that is activated by water. It penetrates hair cuticles to deposit natural color pigments.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Hydrogen peroxide-free
- Sweet fragrance
Cons
- Might make the hair brittle
14. Best For Sensitive Skin: Herbatint – 1n Black
The Herbatint in 1n Black is formulated with eight certified herbal extracts viz. aloe vera, medowfoam, white birch, cinchona calisaya, witch hazel, echinacea angustifolia, walnut, and rhubarb. It effectively covers the gray hair strands and makes hair healthy with enhanced color and improved shine. This dermatologically-tested black hair dye for sensitive scalp is affordable and lasts long. It is also safe for use on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Alcohol-free
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
- Mild scent
- Safe on sensitive skin
Cons
- Might dry out the hair
These were the top 14 black hair dyes for your hair. Now, to color your hair, you don’t have to make an expensive trip to the salon. Instead, you can do that in the comfort of your home by following the steps below!
How To Apply Hair Dye Perfectly
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo 24-48 hours before dying. This will allow your scalp to develop natural oils so that the dye blends naturally with your hair.
- To prevent any dye stains, put a towel or a color cape around your shoulders.
- Brush your hair well and make sure there are no tangles.
- Use petroleum jelly to coat your hairline and ears before starting with the process.
- Put on the gloves that usually come in your dye kit.
- Take a bowl (preferably a glass one) to mix the dye.
- Mix the dye along with the developer. Read the instructions given in the package thoroughly before you start mixing.
- Use a tail comb to separate your hair into manageable sections. You can use large plastic clips that are available at your local drugstore to suspend each section.
- Break each section into ¼” or ½” subsections, and then apply the hair dye using a brush.
- Follow the instructions in the packaging and set a timer for how long you need to leave the dye on your hair.
- If there’s excess dye on your forehead, use a towel to wipe that off.
- Wait until the timer goes off. Go to the shower and use warm water to rinse the color off.
- Shampoo your hair. After you’re done rinsing your hair, use a conditioner that comes along with your coloring kit. If your kit doesn’t have a conditioner, use the one that you have at home, preferably one that enhances or protects the color.
- Blow-dry your hair or allow it to air dry and style according to your preference.
In the following section, you’ll learn how to choose the best black hair dye.
How To Choose The Best Black Hair Color Dye – Buying Guide
- Skin Tone
As you have already seen, black comes in many shades and you have to find the one that suits your skin tone. If you have a light skin tone, go for a stark black color; but if your skin tone falls in the middle of the spectrum, choose a black hair shade tone that contains more brown pigment to create a light, subtle look. If you have a warmer complexion, look for black shades with blue undertones to bring out the radiant glow of your cheekbones. Finally, don’t be afraid to try the deepest midnight available on the color panel! These dramatic colors are stunning on dark and warm skin tones.
- Type:
Decide if you want a permanent, semi-permanent, or demi-permanent hair color. Then, depending on how long you want the hair dye to remain, choose a product.
- Consistency:
You can choose between cream, powder, or liquid consistency. Powder consistency can be a bit messy, and liquid consistency can be watery or drippy. The creamy consistency is ideal and the most commonly used one.
- Ingredients:
Ingredients like ammonia, peroxide, and parabens can damage the hair and scalp. Look for natural and nourishing ingredients in the hair dyes with proven efficacy so that the hair remains protected and free of damage.
- Allergic Reactions:
Pick a dye that has been dermatologically tested. Also, check out the reviews to know if they cause skin irritation or allergies. If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using a product.
- Lasting Ability:
Check the reviews to understand how long the dyes last and if they wash out easily during head showers. You can find many fade-resistant dyes and wash proof, and they last for a long time.
- Gray Coverage:
Pick a hair dye that has strong color pigmentation and offers good gray hair coverage. The best way to make your choice is to check the reviews thoroughly.
Infographic: What To Consider Before Buying Black Hair Dye
Black is unquestionably a color that is always stylish and alluring. This hair color complements all outfits and looks good with all skin tones and eye colors. If you want to go for black hair or want to cover your grays with black, you will need a highly pigmented formula that gently coats your hair cuticles. Check out the infographic below to know what to consider before buying black hair dye! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Try out the best black hair dyes if you want to ditch your lighter hair strands and go all dark. There is no doubt that black is the most striking and versatile hair color, which can never go wrong. This hair color complements every skin tone and eye color. The hair dyes reviewed in the list have a natural-looking effect, offer 100% gray coverage, and are easy to apply. The Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color- 11 Soft Black hair makes the hair look naturally black, the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Triple Protection Hair Color- Black delivers rich and long-lasting color to the hair and the Clairol Nice’n Easy – Blue Black offers intense color and shine to the hair. In addition, they have an ammonia-free formula and are devoid of synthetic chemicals. Before purchasing the best black hair dyes, consider the type of hair color, consistency, ingredients, lasting ability, and skin tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep black hair from fading?
To prevent your black hair color from fading, don’t wash your hair too often, protect your hair from the Sun, use a sulfate-free shampoo, and deep condition your hair.
What is the difference between black and blue-black hair dye?
Black hair color is a regular, intense shade of black. On the other hand, blue-black hair dye is a blend of black and blue undertones.
Does jet black hair make you look older?
No, jet black hair does not make you look older.
What hair color works best to cover grey?
Colors like black, golden brown, ash brown, and light auburn are the best colors to cover grey hair.
How often can we apply hair dyes?
You can apply hair dyes at an interval of 4-6 weeks.
Are there any side effects with black hair dyes?
Black hair dyes are one of the safest colors that you can use on your hair. As long as the formula is nourishing and free of toxins, it won’t show any side-effects.
Which black hair dye is the least damaging?
The Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye and the Garnier Nutrisse Permanent Hair Color are the least damaging as they are ammonia-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, and gluten-free. In addition, these dye offers 100% gray coverage and leaves your hair healthy and shiny.
Why does black hair dye wash out?
Hair dye fades off for various reasons, such as insufficient processing time, color molecules not fully penetrating the hair, or color molecules being too small to stay inside the hair’s cortex. Using a harsh sulfate-based shampoo will also cause the color to fade away sooner.
Can a black hair dye cover other colored/dyed hair?
Yes. Black hair dye helps in covering every semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dye. However, do seek professional help regarding this. Otherwise, you may end up with green or blue hair that looks muddy and flat. You can also use a red shampoo to neutralize blue and green tones.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach who has a keen interest in hair care as well. Her love for experimenting with hair colors makes her one of the bests to review hair dyes. She has conducted in-depth research to find the best hair dyes for her readers. The black hair dyes mentioned in this article are long-lasting and safe to use on your hair.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Stephanie Drenka
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