6 Best Black Hair Dyes To Revamp Your Look In 2024.

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Black hair is a mood. It’s sultry, glossy and gorgeous and goes with every style and season, all year long. The best news is, it’s easy to get this shiny shade at home. We’re here with the best black hair dye you need to get the raven-haired look!

If you’re looking for that special shade that will give you shine without dulling your locks or breaking the bank then we got your back!

We’ve reviewed some of the most popular black hair dye brands so you can make an informed decision about what works best for your needs.

Read on for our honest reviews of the top 6 products on the market today!

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TOP PICK!

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Hair Colorant Soft Black.

Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color, Soft Black [11] 1 ea (Pack of 9)

Best for: Total deep coverage.

This Revlon permanent hair dye is certainly the most pleasant smelling of the bunch.

It’s easy to apply and our hair felt saturated with the dye, although we needed two boxes to completely cover our shoulder-length hair.

We used this on dark brown dyed hair and the result was super duper BLACK! Great coverage and solid tones without any harsh chemicals.

The conditioner gave shine and softness. This is the best for total coverage.

Pros

  • Pleasant smelling
  • Easy to apply
  • Great coverage and solid tones
  • Included conditioner gave shine and softness

Cons

  • Needed two boxes for complete coverage

Is Black Hair Even Trendy Right Now?

OMG Yes! Black hair is always on trend. It’s a powerful, show-stopping statement and one you need to be sure about.

Once this color is on your hair, it can be really hard to get rid of, so you need to be ready for long-term commitment.

This elegant color suits a variety of skin tones and hair types. And thanks to multidimensional depth of color, it makes everyone’s hair appear thicker and healthier.

Black hair with colored highlights like red, blue, and brown also looks phenomenal and is a gorgeous way to add dimension to solid black.

Whatever your style, it goes with everything so there’s bound to be a shade for you.

Check out the latest styles for ideas and inspiration.

BEST black hair dye pinterest board

Can I dye my hair black at home?

Absolutely! Dyeing your hair this epic shade at home is easy to do with a box of black at-home hair dye.

Make sure you cover all of your surfaces before you start – this color can be messy!

And ALWAYS do a strand test to make sure your new color will match the color on the box.

If your hair is light to dark brown/black– you can easily add deep shine and lustre to your locks.

Make sure you have enough hair dye boxes to get full coverage, it can take more than one if your hair is long.

If your hair is blonde and lighter – This hue is high maintenance if your roots grow out lighter, but our Best root touch-ups will get you through in between colorings.

Which is the best black box dye to use at home?

If you’re ready to get beautiful dark tresses, here are the best black box dye kits you can buy today!


#1 Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Hair Colorant Black.

Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color, Soft Black [11] 1 ea (Pack of 9)

Features & ingredients:

  • The 3D Color Gel Technology gives you natural-looking, multi-shade color.
  • You’ll get hair definition and dimensionality for your hair from root to tip.
  • It’s fortified with with hair restoring keratin and silk amino acid ingredients.
  • The formula is ammonia and peroxide-free and leaves your hair in better condition than it was before.
  • Great gray coverage.

Reviewers say:

“The first thing I noticed about this hair dye was that there wasn’t a strong odour like there is with a lot of hair dyes I’ve used in the past.

It was easy to apply and sunk into my hair pretty evenly. I have really long hair down to my waist, so I bought three boxes to cover it, but surprisingly, I only needed to use two!”

“The soft color turned out to be a super solid, unnaturally dark before I washed it a few times. It still looked great, though!

Now, about 4 washes later, it’s become a much softer color and looks more natural. I actually prefer that it started out super dark and faded a little; it’ll probably last longer this way.”

“My hair definitely looked healthier after coloring. The included conditioner smelled and was amazing.

I wish the conditioner was sold on its own for in-between use. My hair looks just as good as when I go to the salon.”

Our experience:

This Revlon hair dye is certainly the most pleasant smelling of the bunch.

It’s easy to apply and our hair felt saturated with the dye, although we needed two boxes to completely cover our shoulder-length hair.

We used this one dark brown dyed hair and the result was super duper black! great coverage and solid tones.

The conditioner gave shine and softness. This is the one for total coverage.

Best for: Total deep coverage.

#2 Clairol Nice’ n Easy Crème, Natural Black. 

Clairol Nice'N Easy Crème 2 Natural Black (Pack of 1)

Features & ingredients:

  • Clairol Nice’n Easy permanent hair color crème.
  • Gives you the nicest and easiest way to refresh your hair color from the comfort of your own home.
  • Gives you 100% grey coverage
  • It’s great for natural looking tones & highlights while being kind to your hair.
  • Fade resistant and suitable for sensitive scalps.

Reviewers say:

“I have been using this brand for many years and I’m always complimented on my hair color!

Yesterday a woman mentioned what a beautiful color and condition it was! Thank you nice n easy!”

“I have been using this hair dye for maybe 2 years now and will not go back to another dye as they just don’t seem to work.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who has trouble dyeing their hair or getting the dye to stay in their hair!”

“Loved the hair dye and soft feeling of my hair. It managed to color all of the grey using only one box and actually made me feel younger looking.”

Our experience:

Nice n Easy certainly is! It’s easy to apply and the formula is thick so it stays on your head not your bathroom floor.

It’s easier to be more precise with it so your forehead won’t be dyed too!

As for the color? We dyed light brown hair and needed two boxes to get it really dark. But the color came out rich and glossy and in really good condition.

Some of the reviews mention it washing out quicker than others, however so probably best to use if you have dark hair already.

Best for: No-mess dye for dark hair.

#3 Arctic Fox 100% Vegan Transylvania semi-permanent hair dye color.

ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (8 Fl Oz, TRANSYLVANIA)

Features & ingredients:

  • Spooky sounding Transylvania is perfect fit for achieving hair as dark as night.
  • It’s a blue-based jet black will take well to a variety of base hair colors.
  • It will show as the darkest, most solid black on hair lightened to around a level 7 or lighter.

Reviewers say:

“Amazing formula, it’s such a dark color, nobody could tell it is semi-permanent color. It fades so nicely too, I love it so much.

Only downside is that it runs a bit – it stains my nails and pillowcases but it’s worth it.”

“The perfect shade with a shimmery hint of blue in the light. It’s better than a few other brands where the black is green-based and ends up looking swampy!”

“I’ve never used a hair dye that makes your hair feel and look so soft afterwards.”

Our experience:

There’s something daring about dyeing your hair with a color names Transylvania but that’s the way we roll.

Warning: This hair dye is messy! It’s pretty strong and leaves a slight residue when it’s done. It’s a semi-permanent hair color with a subtle blue hue in the light that makes it look shimmery and rich.

Because it’s semi-permanent, Arctic Fox hair dye doesn’t last long. Use this if you want to experiment to find out if it’s the right hue for you.

Best for: Testing out black hair color.

#4 Garnier Olia Black Hair Dye, Deep Black.

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye, 1.0 Black, 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Features & ingredients:

  • 60% oil-powered formula, containing natural flower oils and ammonia-free.
  • Makes your hair up to three times shinier by improving the quality of your hair.
  • The oils mean that it’s gentle on your scalp.
  • Promises to give you exceptional, ultra-luminous, long-lasting dark and beautiful undertones.

Reviewers say:

“This is a great color if you want good coverage for a dark all over black on your hair.”

“It was easy to apply, felt good and looked great once my hair was washed and styled.

It’s still as dark now as when it was first done, so there is very little fade. My roots slightly showing with natural growth rather than color difference.”

“This is a true, soft black color, I love it. Usually when I use a dye its really a very dark brown but this is definitely black. It left my hair shiny and soft.”

Our experience:

We love Garnier Olia for reasons you can read about in Olia vs Nutrisse | Head to Head.

There’s oil in the hair dye AND the formula and it really feels like you’re putting a deep conditioner in your hair.

The instructions are easy to follow and the gloves are good quality too. We left it on for 30 minutes as instructed in pre-lightened hair.

The results? A rich, deep black shade that shimmers in the light and left our hair cuticles feeling super smooth and soft.

Loads of the reviews mention how long-lasting this is so hopefully we’ll just have to touch up our roots for a while.

Best for: Long-lasting color.

#5 John Frieda Precision Foam Color Hair Dye, Deep Brown Black

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Deep Brown Black 3N, Full-coverage Hair Color Kit, with Thick Foam for Deep Color Saturation

Features & ingredients:

  • Uses thick, drip-free saturating Precision Foam.
  • It’s a vegan-friendly, chemical-free permanent hair dye.
  • Salon-quality luminous deep natural hair color that lasts.
  • The foam formula penetrates your hair strands for deep color saturation.
  • Absorbs easily into roots.

Reviewers say:

“This hair dye is truly amazing! The moussey precision foam is seriously easy to apply, and the coverage is great!

The color also lasts a lot longer than other products I have tried. I think it’s great value for money.”

“I’ve used this products for years. Easy to apply yourself. No dripping, no mess and fab color.”

“This is simply the best hair dye I have tried! It goes on easily and isn’t messy at all. The color is great and it leaves your hair shiny and silky to the touch. Highly recommend it!!”

Our experience:

John Frieda Precision Foam is always high no our lock loving list as an easy-to-apply wonder. The foam is super easy to use and means less mess and no drips, unlike a color cream.

It also penetrates your hair more than others so it will blend well over stubborn gray hair. And, combined with the conditioner containing avocado oil, leaves your hair feeling silky smooth.

The color is vibrant and rich and a soft brown-black rather than true black. Unlike some other dyes, one box is enough.

Best for: Easy application.

#6 Schwarzkopf Color Ultime, Raven Black.

Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Permanent Hair Color Cream, 1.1 Raven Black

Features & ingredients:

  • A hair dye color as dark as the night and full of shine!
  • It contains built-in Vibrancy Serum with added vitamins and oils.
  • It’s a seductively dark shade will keep those locks looking luscious.
  • Creates healthy looking, touchably soft hair

Reviewers say:

“I absolutely love this hair dye. I changed the color of my hair quite drastically from a very bright pillar box red to this. This dye definitely made my hair the blackest color I could ask for.”

“I have naturally dark brown hair, but wow! It is a striking difference, it is so black! Which is exactly what I wanted, so I’m happy :)”

“Consistency of the actual hair dye is so easy to use and put in your hair compared to some others I’ve used in the past. The final result is a beautiful.”

Our experience:

This is one of Schwartzkopf’s permanent hair colors so we were expecting intense results. We weren’t disappointed.

We used this on dark blonde hair and the effects were pretty dramatic! It smells very strong when you’re putting this on and there’s a reason for that – it’s proper jet black!

Definitely don’t use this if you’re unsure about going this dark shade. The only downside was our hair was left feeling rather dry.

Best for: The blackest black.


TOP PICK!

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Hair Colorant Black.

Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color, Soft Black [11] 1 ea (Pack of 9)

This Revlon hair dye is certainly the most pleasant smelling of the bunch.

It’s easy to apply and our hair felt saturated with the dye, although we needed two boxes to completely cover our shoulder-length hair.

We used this one dark brown dyed hair and the result was super duper black! great coverage and solid tones.

The conditioner gave shine and softness. This is the best for total coverage.

Best for: Total deep coverage.


Best black hair dyes at a glance.

Hair DyeLooks likeBest forBuy it now
Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Colour Hair Colourant Black.

Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color, Soft Black [11] 1 ea (Pack of 9)

Total deep coverage.
Clairol Nice’ n Easy Crème, Black.

Clairol Nice'N Easy Crème 2 Natural Black (Pack of 1)

No-mess dye for dark hair.
Arctic Fox 100% Vegan Transylvania semi-permanent hair dye colour

ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (8 Fl Oz, TRANSYLVANIA)

Testing out black hair colour.
Garnier Olia Black Hair Dye, Deep Black

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye, 1.0 Black, 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Long lasting colour.
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Hair Dye, Deep Brown Black

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Deep Brown Black 3N, Full-coverage Hair Color Kit, with Thick Foam for Deep Color Saturation

Easy application.
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime, Raven Black.

Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Permanent Hair Color Cream, 1.1 Raven Black

The blackest black.

Buyers Guide: How to choose the the right black box dye for you.

Changing your hair color is an exciting way to switch up your look and make a bold statement.

But if you’ve ever bought a box of hair dye, only to be disappointed in the results, you know it pays to do your homework before you head to the store.

That’s why we’ve put together this buyer’s guide on how to choose the right hair dye for you.

#1 Hair Type and Texture – Porosity Matters!

Your hair type and texture are mega important factors when choosing a hair dye formula.

Dyed and processed locks tend to be more porous while healthier strands have less porosity.

If your tresses are dry or damaged, go with a semi-permanent color since they don’t contain ammonia or peroxide and won’t cause further damage as permanent dyes can.

For those of us with strong locks that are in good condition, permanent dyes may be the way to go for longer lasting results!

#2 Skin Tone – Cool vs Warm Colors

The next crucial factor to consider is your skin tone.

Black hair can complement almost any skin tone.

BUT, it’s important to determine whether you have cool or warm-toned skin to choose the right shade for you.

If you have a cool skin tone, you want to avoid ash-black dyes and opt for blue-black hues.

For warm skin tones, you want to opt for a warmer, chocolate-toned black.

#3 Semi-permanent or permanent hair dye?

You’ll also need to decide between semi-permanent and permanent hair dye.

If you’re looking for a temporary change or experimentation, a semi-permanent dye will be perfect for you.

Otherwise, a permanent dye will be ideal if you’re looking for a long-lasting black hue and your hair in good health and condition – these dyes may cause more damage to your hair as they contain more ammonia and peroxide.

#4 Take a Strand test!

Before applying the dye all over your hair, it’s so, so important to do a strand test first!

This will help you determine how the dye will look on your hair and whether you need to adjust the timing or application.

To do a strand test, simply apply the dye to a small section of your hair (preferably at the back or underside) and leave it on for the recommended time.

Rinse the dye off, dry the strand, and check the color. If you’re happy with the result, you can apply the dye to the rest of your hair!

How to dye your hair at home.

Black hair dye FAQs

Do I need to bleach my hair to dye it black?

If you want to dye your hair black, there’s no need to use bleach first.

Bleaching your hair can damage it, making it dry and brittle.

It can also cause your hair color to fade quickly. When you dye your hair black without bleaching it first, the color will be more vibrant and last longer.

So save your hair some grief and skip the bleach when you’re dying it black. Your locks will thank you for it!

What brand has the darkest black hair dye?

If you’re just looking to dive straight into the blackest jet black hair dye you can get, Revlon Colorsilk is your best bet.

It’s our top pick from the list below thanks to its deep tone and great all over coverage. Read on to find out more!

Is black hair dye damaging?

Don’t worry. This shade is no more damaging than other hair dyes of other colors.

In fact, in dyeing your hair, you’ll make it appear shinier, healthier and thicker! Hooray!

Lots of hair dyes nowadays are fortified with ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera and avocado that are kinder to your hair.

The thing about black is that it is really hard to remove hair dye as the color pigment will stick to your hair.

You may need bleach or other lightening processes to get rid of it, that’s where the damage comes in.

You can prepare your hair for when you want to change color again by looking after it as best you can.

How can I dye my hair black without damaging it?

If you’re looking to dye your hair black, there are a few things you can do to minimize damage.

That means using color-safe shampoos and conditioners that are kind to your hair.

Once a week, use a deep conditioning treatment containing shea butter, argan oil or vitamin e to restore moisture and elasticity to your hair.

And always follow our top tips to keep your color looking luscious for longer.

Which black hair dye is the healthiest?

When it comes to black hair dyes, there are a few different options available, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Permanent dyes offer the longest-lasting color, but they can also be more harsh on your hair.

Demi-permanent dyes are mid-way between semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes. They’re not as damaging as permanent but last longer than semi-permanent hair dyes.

Semi-permanent dyes are a bit gentler, but they don’t last as long.

And temporary dyes are the least damaging option, but they only offer a temporary solution.

So which black hair dye is the healthiest option? The answer may depend on your individual needs and preferences.

But one thing is for sure: with so many choices available, you’re sure to find a dye that’s perfect for you.

Does permanent black hair dye fade?

The short answer is yes, eventually, all hair dyes will fade whether permanent or semi-permanent.

However, some fades are more gradual than others, and black dye tends to hold up better than most over time.

If you’re looking for something that will last a long time without too much fading, black is a good option.

How do I keep black hair dye from turning green?

If you’ve ever found your black hair dye turning green, you’re not alone.

It’s a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors, including hard water, chlorine, and even the type of shampoo you use.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent your hair dye from turning green.

First, try using a pigment filler. This will help to fill in any porous areas in your hair, which can allow color-changing minerals to enter.

Second, use a clarifying shampoo before you dye your hair. This will remove any build-up from your hair, making it less likely to turn green.

Finally, make sure you rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming in chlorinated water. By following these simple tips, you can keep your black hair dye looking shiny and new.

Can you put black dye over bleached hair?

Whether you’re looking to add a little edge to your style or you’re just trying to get rid of some pesky grays, dyeing your hair black can be a great option.

However, if your hair is already bleached, it can be a bit more challenging to achieve the perfect color.

That’s because bleached hair is often damaged and porous, which means that the dye can have a hard time taking hold.

In addition, bleached hair typically has a yellow undertone, which can make black dye appear greenish or muddy.

However, with a little patience and some careful planning, you can definitely put black dye over bleached hair. Just be prepared for the fact that it might take a few extra steps to get the perfect color.

Parting words.

Black hair is a sultry gorgeous color that is easy-peasy to do yourself at home.

Just pick your favourite box dye from the list and get going. Good luck!

Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

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Our Research & Review Process

To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.

We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.

Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.

This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.

As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!