How to dye your hair blue black at home.

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Blue black hair colour aka midnight blue, indigo, navy and even denim, is taking us by storm as a sultry, rich and uber-trendy colour. Will this shade suit you? And how easy is it to get this this fantastical hair colour? Which is the best blue black hair dye? Here’s how to dye your hair blue black at home!

How to dye your hair blue black at home
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What is blue black hair?

Blue black hair is a multi-dimensional show-stopper with a super mysterious vibe. It’s a deep, luxurious, almost black shade you need to be sure about. Once this colour is on your hair, it’s really hard to get rid of, so you need to be in it for the long-term.

Blue black hair is a cool based colour so best for those with cool skin tones. But that’s not say that warm undertones can’t pull it off – with gorgeous, warm blue highlights on black hair, ombre or dipped-ends effects on a blue black base.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

How to dye your hair blue black at home.
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Will blue black hair suit me?

Use our checklist below to find out your undertones and check that cool blue black hair will suit you.

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tone is fair – pinky or pale in colour.
  • You blush easily!
  • Jewel and pastel colours really suit you.
  • The colour yellow does not look good on you.
  • You can see 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 undertones in your natural hair.
  • Your skin colour and tone is tan, golden or olive.
  • You have or have had freckles.
  • You can see green not blue veins in your wrist.
  • You suit wearing bright or rich shades of colour.
  • Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
How to dye your hair blue black at home
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Which hair colours suit me?

You can also find out which hair colour suits you by taking our quiz! Just answer a few quick questions to find out what hair colours most suit you! Click on the image below.


How to dye your hair blue black at home
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You can also try on some virtual hair colours with the Best hair colour changing apps you need to use in 2021!

Can I dye my hair blue black at home?

The good news is that blue black is an easy colour to get at home. There are a load of different shades of blue black hair dyes you can buy in the shops that can bless your hair with this must-have colour.

It all depends on the colour your hair is now whether it ends up as the colour you desire.

If your hair is light to dark brown/black– All over blue black is pretty easy to do yourself if you want a dark colour. But if you want a dramatic change then you’re going to need to pre-lighten your hair with bleach.

If your hair is blonde and lighter – you’ll already have a good base for getting a more vibrant blue black hue. If you want to go for pastel blue colours or highlights, you’ll need to lighten your hair with bleach. Always talk to your hairdresser if you’re not sure!

blue black dark hair color instagram
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blue black natural hair color instagram
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What do I need to dye my hair blue black at home?

  • Clarifying shampoo to remove dirt, debris and styling products from your hair before you start. 
  • A hair dye kit that will give you all the tools you need to apply it like a pro.
  • A hairdressers cape to protect your clothes from any splashes. Towels will get stained and keep falling off.
  • A barrier cream to apply to your hairline to prevent dye from staining your skin (Vaseline will also do!).
  • A wide toothed comb to help you to comb through the dye without tearing your hair.
  • A good shampoo for coloured hair to wash out the dye.
  • A good conditioner for coloured hair that will nourish your hair after the process.
  • A hair heat protection spray to protect your hair from heat before using styling tools.
  • A hair dryer that’s gentle on coloured hair.
  • Clean hair, not wet or damp hair to apply the dye.

And your blue black hair dye of choice! Find out more about each one at our Best blue black hair dye reviews.

Best blue black hair dyes at a glance.

Hair dyeLooks likeBest forBuy it now
Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color, Natural Blue Black

Subtle blue hints.
Clairol Color Crave Semi Permanent Hair Dye, Indigo.

Dark hair only.
Clairol Nice' n Easy Crème, Blue Black.

Long lasting deep blue colour.
L'Oreal Paris Feria, Downtown Denim.

Shimmering colour for darker bases.
L'Oréal Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Midnight Blue/Denim.

A bluer hue.
Garnier Nutrisse, Intense Blue Black.

Shine and lustre.
MANIC PANIC After Midnight Dark Blue Hair Dye

Semi-permanent color for a bold statement look
Adore Semi Permanent Hair Color Blue Black

Depth and drama with a hint of purple.

How to dye your hair blue black at home.

Before you begin.

TWO DAYS BEFORE you want to dye your hair, cleanse your hair TWICE with clarifying shampoo. This makes sure the hair dye can really penetrate your hair but also gives you hair and scalp a chance to build up natural oils that will help prevent damage and dryness.

ON HAIR DYEING DAY give yourself anywhere between 1-1.5 hours to colour your hair at home from start to finish. Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated by opening a window to let the fumes out.

Don’t skip the strand test. Especially if you have never dyed your hair before. Follow the instructions on the box of hair dye to test the colour on a strand of your hair.

Put on your hairdresser’s cape , open your hair dye kit and cover any surfaces and the floor around you to save them being dyed too!

YOU’RE READY!

Step one: Apply barrier cream.


Coat your hairline, ears and neck with your barrier cream before applying dye to your hair. Applying this coating will make sure hair dye doesn’t stain your skin and ensure it’s easier to rinse off.

Open up your hair dye and mix the colour and developer together as instructed. Pour the mixture into your hair dye bowl from your hair dye kit.

mixing hair color
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Step two: Section your hair.

Use your wide-toothed comb to separate your hair into 4-8 sections, depending on length and thickness. You can clip each section using your clips from the hair dye kit to keep them separated and in place.

You can skip this step if you’re applying hair dye to hair that hasn’t been dyed before.

sectioning hair for dyeing
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Step three: Apply the hair dye.

Work the hair dye into your hair using your brush. If you have:

  • Previously dyed hair – work the dye into your roots first. Follow the guidance on your hair dye instructions.
  • Hair that’s never been dyed (virgin hair) – apply the dye to the whole of your head, starting at the roots and massaging through to the tips, making sure the hair is totally soaked in the formula.
Applying blue black hair color
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Step four: Let it develop.

While your hair develops, you can put on a shower cap to prevent it from touching and staining anything. You can also wrap your hair in a towel to contain heat which will help the colour to process.

Leave the dye in for the amount of time specified on the box hair dye instructions.

If you have particularly stubborn greys to cover, you can leave the hair dye in 10 minutes longer to ensure it really takes.

If you feel any burning or itching – rinse it off straight away!

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Step five: Rinse.

Once the time is up, rinse your hair with warm water in the shower or over the sink. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Because this is such a dark colour, you’ll see a lot of colour rinse out. Don’t worry – it’s all part of the process!

Wash your hair twice with a colour-safe shampoo to ensure all the formula is removed. And condition your hair with a good coloured hair conditioner to trap the colour in. Leave it in for a good few minutes to really soak in.

woman rinsing hair dye out
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Step six: Style and dry!

Time to try it! Protect your hair from heat by spritzing it with hair heat protection spray. It’s a good idea to do this every time you dry your hair or use heated styling tools from now on to prevent colour-fade.

Dry your hair as usual with an awesome hair dryer that’s super kind to your hair and admire your new coloured locks!!

Watch and learn. How the professionals do it.


How do I care for my blue black hair?

Black hair dye lasts almost forever. The pigment really holds and although it can appear to fade fast at first, losing a little of it’s depth and lustre, black stains your hair so you’ll see it traces of it for ages.

You can stop it from fading so fast by using specially formulated shampoos and conditioners for coloured hair that will be kind to your colour and help to lock it in.

As always, don’t forget to follow our advice in How to keep coloured hair looking fabulous for longer.

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
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    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!