How to Dye Hair Black: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dyeing your hair an inky black shade is a dramatic yet classic way to change up your look. But how exactly do you go about achieving that beautiful, glossy raven hair at home? Follow this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about dyeing your hair black.

Overview

• Assessing if black hair color is right for you
• Preparing and protecting hair before dyeing
• Choosing the best black hair dye
• Step-by-step process for dye application
• Caring for black dyed hair to maximize color
• Touching up roots and maintaining the color
• Pros and cons of dyeing hair black
• Answers to frequently asked questions

Is Black Hair Right for You?

Before committing to an inky black shade, think about:

• Your natural hair color: Black dye shows up best on light to medium brown hair. Blonde and gray hair may need pre-lightening.

• Your skin tone: Black hair complements fair, olive and darker complexions best. It can wash out paler skin tones.

• Your eye color: Black hair makes light eyes like blue and green really pop. Brown eyes will look nearly black.

• Your style: Black hair has an edgy, dramatic vibe. Make sure this bold color suits your personal style.

• Maintenance: Black hair needs frequent root touch-ups as it grows out. The color is very stubborn to remove.

• Damage risk: Permanent black dye is less damaging than lightening. But still chemically treats hair.

Preparing Hair for Dyeing

Follow these tips to prep hair before dyeing it black:

• Clarify hair to remove product buildup so dye absorbs well

• Trim split ends to minimize damage from coloring

• Deep condition to boost moisture levels

• Protect skin and clothes from stains with petroleum jelly and old shirts

• Do a strand test to see how your hair takes to the color

• Work in a well-ventilated area due to strong chemical smells

Choosing a Black Hair Dye

You can achieve beautiful black locks with:

• Permanent dye for long-lasting color that covers grays

• Demi-permanent dye for darkening hair 6-12 washes

• Semi-permanent dye for a temporary black color

• Natural dye like henna for a non-damaging option

Look for dyes labeled “triple black”, “midnight black” or “jet black” for an intense raven shade.

How to Dye Hair Black: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to flawlessly dye your hair an gorgeous black at home:

1. Mix the Hair Dye

• Combine dye and developer according to instructions
• Stir thoroughly until completely blended
• Wear gloves to avoid staining hands

2. Section Out Hair

• Divide hair into 4 sections using clips
• Work on each section separately for even coverage

3. Apply Petroleum Jelly

• Spread petroleum jelly along hairline and neck
• Protects skin from black dye stains

4. Work Dye into Roots

• Begin applying dye at roots using brush
• Massage dye into roots using gloved fingers

5. Coat Mid-lengths and Ends

• Brush dye down each section of hair from roots to ends
• Fully saturate every strand of hair with dye

6. Process and Develop

• Cover hair in shower cap to avoid drips
• Wait the time stated on dye instructions

7. Rinse Thoroughly

• Rinse hair with warm water until it runs clear
• Ensure all traces of dye are removed

8. Deep Condition

• Apply a hydrating deep conditioner
• Helps replenish moisture and seal cuticle

9. Style and Show Off!

• Blow dry and style black tresses
• Feel fabulous with your gorgeous new hair!

Caring for Dyed Black Hair

• Shampoo less frequently, only 2-3 times per week
• Rinse hair with cool water to lock in color
• Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair
• Apply weekly deep conditioning hair masks
• Avoid heat styling tools to protect damaged strands
• Get regular trims to snip away dry ends

Touching Up Roots

As your natural roots grow in, re-dye them:

• Every 2-4 weeks to conceal lighter regrowth
• Mix dye and use applicator bottle to precisely target roots
• Time touch-ups around your regular hair wash schedule

Pros of Black Hair

• Works with any style and for any occasion
• Looks great on most complexions
• Makes hair appear thicker and healthier
• Covers grays completely
• Lasts a long time before fading

Cons of Black Hair

• Very high maintenance with frequent root touch-ups
• Drying to hair and can cause damage when overdone
• Nearly impossible to remove completely
• Can be aging if skin tone is very light
• Regrowth is extremely obvious as it grows in

FAQs About Dyeing Hair Black

Does brown hair need bleaching before dyeing black?

No, you don’t need to pre-lighten brown hair to dye it black. Black dye will show up well on light to dark brown hair.

How long does black hair dye last?

Permanent and demi-permanent black dyes can last 4-6 weeks. Semi-permanent black dye lasts about 4-8 shampoos.

How do you remove black hair dye?

Black is very difficult to remove. Color remover can lift some black shades. Otherwise multiple bleaching or cutting hair is needed.

Is black hair damaging?

Frequently dyeing hair black with permanent dye can be damaging over time. Using conditioning dye and deep conditioning helps.

Does black hair suit everyone?

Black hair complements most complexions, but can make very fair skin look washed out. An intentionally undone jet black can soften the look.

The Takeaway

Dyeing your hair an intense black shade makes a dramatic style statement. Prepare hair properly, choose a dye that suits your needs, and carefully apply it for gorgeous results. Maintain your fabulous color by deep conditioning regularly and promptly touching up roots. So step over to the dark side and enjoy hair as black as night!