Black and white hair is a striking color combination that can be used on any hair length and style. You need a certain amount of sass to pull it off!
But with so many ways you can wear it, there’s bound to be a two-toned look for you.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something fun or edgy; a whole new you can be created using any color combination. The possibilities are endless!
We’re going to break down all of the different variations of this style and how to get the look, so you can decide if it’s the one for you! Let’s go!
Table of Contents
- What is black and white hair?
- Does black and white hair go together?
- 8 Edgy Black and White Hairstyles
- #1 Deep black and white Ombré
- #2 Half and half hair
- #3 Black and white box braids
- #4 Icy white hair with black root smudge
- #5 Crystal blonde money piece streaks
- #6 Black and white peekaboo hair
- #7 Silver blonde and pearl highlights on black
- #8 Smokey black and white Balayage
- #9 Platinum white and jet black dipped ends
- Will black and white hair suit me?
- What hair color suits me?
- How do I get black and white hair?
- Watch and learn: How to do a black and white split dye.
- How long will black and white hair last?
- How often should I dye my black and white hair?
- How to care for black and white hair.
- Parting words
What is black and white hair?
This is a style using two of the most contrasting colors you’ll find. It’s a super fun look that will definitely get you noticed, guaranteed!
There are so many different shades you can use to play around with. They can vary from pure black with no tones of another color, to deep grey, chalk white and ice white.
What we love about this top trending hairstyle is that can be created using any shade combination. There are no rules when it comes to creating your own unique look!
It’s a look that’s so versatile. Whether you’re looking for an edgy look with a pop of color, or something more subtle with a few highlights, this color combo will give you just what you need without being too overwhelming or difficult.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
Does black and white hair go together?
The short answer is yes, as long as it’s done right. And as with any other hair color, there are different ways to wear it.
You can use either color as a base or an accent color.
If your hair is already dark – go for a black base with white accents. When you’re dark-haired, some hints of grey or ash work well as an accent color too.
If your hair is light – go for a white base with black accents. Use black under the root of your hair for a deep contrast.
It’s cool, edgy, funky, classy, beautiful – it’s really one of a kind!
It’s unique in the sense that you don’t find many people with this color-combination so it’s very statement-making. You’ll get compliments all around when wearing this look if done right.
Black and red, black and orange hair and even black and green hair are alternative styles if you have dark hair and are worried about the amount of lifting it will take to go white!
8 Edgy Black and White Hairstyles
Whether it’s highlights, lowlights or an all-over dyed look, these daring color combinations will take your style game up a notch.
Check out this roundup of 8 edgy black and white hair styles that are guaranteed to inspire your next hairstyle transformation!
#1 Deep black and white Ombré
One of the most stunning ways to wear these contrasting colors is ombré.
It’s a term that means ‘shading’. That’s exactly what this style of hair looks like.
The ombré technique means the colors fade from one to the other. This look is best if you start with a deep black ombre base and graduate to shimmering silver-white tips.
A reverse ombre with light hair and black tips works just as well too.
#2 Half and half hair
One of the most famous ways to wear this iconic style thanks to Cruella Deville!
But it’s not just for baddies. It can be a cool way to wear an edgy vibe.
Half and half hair looks best on a long bob, also known as the Lob. Keep it super sleek and straightened to show the two-tone, split dye wonder.
If you have warm tones, this works with a warmer, ash-blonde and black in place of white too. Make your black a wicked black to add dimension.
#3 Black and white box braids
Why not add a twist to your regular braids by going for black and white box braids?
Box braids are a great way to add texture to your hair while also giving it an eye-catching twist with the monochrome color combination.
You can switch up the pattern and have thin white lines between each black braid, or you can alternate black and white braids for a more dramatic effect.
Whether you go for thick or thin braids, this style is perfect for those who want low maintenance hairdos that will still make a bold statement.
#4 Icy white hair with black root smudge
This black and white root smudge is awesome on short or long hair – as the length helps diffuse the two-tone.
If you have dark hair, this is a way of complimenting your eyes and complexion.
This look is mostly white which needs a lot of toning to stop it from drawing yellow tones and becoming brassy.
That’s why works best with all-over platinum blonde or silver, and jet black for undergrowth underneath.
Your roots will grow out with time, but are easy to top up, making this a relatively low maintenance look.
#5 Crystal blonde money piece streaks
Black hair, white Streaks are the simplest and most flattering way to wear this look.
Long or short, they can be subtle and blended, or bold and contrasted. It’s all about your personal style.
You can alternate contrasting stripes from root to tip or have face-framing blocks of color in your parting and fringe. These are called a money piece and can help give you a more youthful appearance.
Your hair will look in the best condition if you go for a midnight black base with crystal blonde streaks to create shine and lustre.
#6 Black and white peekaboo hair
This black and white peekaboo hair (aka underneath hair color) style is a great way to wear these two shades without looking too intense.
Black hair with white underneath is our favourite variation. But white hair with black underneath is just as fab.
You can play peekaboo with natural black dye on top on top and set it off with a pop of ice white hues underneath. You can try thinner highlights or a whole block color.
It’s good for those who want to try out this contrast but feel it might be too much for them!
#7 Silver blonde and pearl highlights on black
Highlights are a fab style way to embrace lighter look without going all the way.
Here, the tones blend to add depth and dimension.
Add a few different shades of white to a solid black base – pearl white and silver blonde. You can also add hints of color like copper or pastel pinks to spice it up.
If you have fine hair, then this look is the right one for you, as it helps to bulk up your locks.
#8 Smokey black and white Balayage
This is a great coloring for those who love the root-to tip graduation look.
Stay on trend with balayage hair as it’s one of the most popular techniques at the moment.
Perfect for medium hair and long hair, this way you can play around with more than two shades.
It looks so amazing on soft blacks, cocoa browns and ebony bases. Use a blend of white and grey tones mixed in with silver to give it that vavavoom.
We also love white hair with black highlights or lowlights for an incredible reverse balayage effect.
#9 Platinum white and jet black dipped ends
This is one we love with a bright, platinum white base and jet black ends.
White hair with black tips is a classic look for those who want to try something edgy yet classy.
Dip dye your hair a full, fearless look that’s perfect for shoulder length and thick hair. Your lighter color will need a lot of toning to get rid of any unwanted yellow brassiness but that’s nothing a good purple shampoo can’t fix.
Will black and white hair suit me?
The good news is, white and black hair colour is a look that can look good on everyone!
It’s a great excuse to play around and be creative. You can try out different styles you might not have worn before, like braids or ombre waves.
The style works especially well with cool undertones. Those who have a warm complexion do best to choose deep browns for their base color and golden/blonde as an accent color. If your hair is neutral, anything will work for you!
Use our checklist below to find out if you have cool or warm skin tones.
If you have cool undertones:
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- You blush easily!
- Jewel and pastel colors are so your thing.
- The color yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
- Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
- You might have freckles.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades better.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
If you’re still unsure if black white hair color will suit you, take out quick quiz!
Just answer a few quick questions and you can apply this color theory to your hair, your wardrobe and your life!
What hair color suits me?
How do I get black and white hair?
Black and white hair color not an easy color combo to get.
It’s possible to dye everyone’s hair black. And there are lots of off-the-shelf semi-permanent and permanent black hair dyes that will do a fabulous job.
White however, is a little trickier.
To achieve it you’ll need to bleach all the pigment from your hair first. This could take a couple of processes depending on how dark your hair base color is now, and if it has been dyed before.
Once you have the right base, there are a load of white hair dyes you can use to get the look.
It’s a good idea to talk to your hairdresser first about whether your hair is in good enough condition to take the bleaching process.
The less white you have in your look the less processing and bleaching will be needed. So keep this in mind when choosing your style!
Watch and learn: How to do a black and white split dye.
Here’s a great tutorial that guides you through what to do to dye your hair white – and also black!
How long will black and white hair last?
It’s one of the most intense ways to dye your hair, but it’s also one of the most versatile.
It can last anywhere from 2-6 months depending on how often you wash it and whether or not you use heat styling tools.
Black will fade better than white which will start to become brassy.
If you’re thinking about trying this look for yourself here are some things to keep in mind!
If you use semi-permanent hair dye – you can expect your color to last for 6-8 washes.
If you use permanent hair dye – this can last up to 8-12 washes before you’ll need to think about dyeing your hair again. Keep your lighter hair well toned in the meantime.
How often should I dye my black and white hair?
The truth is, it depends on how fast your hair grows, what type of dye you use, what style you have and if you’re willing to do touch-ups every 8 weeks.
There are several factors that determine when you can go longer in between dying sessions or use touch-ups for maintaining your color.
Including your natural hair growth rate, desired shade intensity of black/white, frequency of styling treatments such as blow-drying or curling irons (these break down the bonds within your strands), and more!
So it’s important to have an honest conversation with yourself about what works best for YOU!
How to care for black and white hair.
Black will fade and white will fade to brassy yellow tones in the sun, so make sure you use a good quality shampoo and conditioner to restore lost shine.
Darker colors will also show up any dryness or split ends, so be sure to take care when styling with heat and always use a heat protecting spray.
Once a week, replenish your hair moisture with a good deep conditioner.
And always follow our advice in how to keep your hair color fabulous for longer!
Parting words
When you’ve got the confidence to pull off any look, black and white hair is a two-toned style that will make heads turn.
It can be worn on short or long styles with straight or curly hair; it’s all about how much sass you want in your life!
We hope this blog post has given you some insight into one of this year’s hottest new trends for hairstyles.
Now go out there and give it a try-good luck!
