Blue-black hair color: ideas and inspiration

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Jet black hair first emerged in the early 2010s, with stars like Katy Perry and Rihanna debuting the bold color. A playful yet timeless twist traditional black hair is now back in a big way. Celebrities love Megan Thee Stallion And Camila Mendes have been spotted with new and improved versions of the look, proving that this shade can also work with a variety of styles, ranging from swings to the curls.

If you’ve ever looked at a clear night sky and couldn’t quite place what color it was, you’ve discovered a variety of blue-black. Read on to learn more about the trend and how to keep this eye-catching color in your home. Plus, find our curated guide to blue and black looks for tons of inspiration.

Experts featured in this article

Wendy Burns is a national stylist Henkel.

What is the blue-black hair color trend?

“It’s a cool color: the depth or darkness of the hair is black, but the reflection or tone is a cool blue,” stylist Wendy Burns tells PS. Burns also notes that the exact color intensity is left entirely up to you. Don’t know where to land? A medium blue-black shade is ideal when it is both fashionable and provides long-lasting vibrancy. Blue-black hair is also the perfect way to enhance your color, harmonizing with the moody atmosphere of late autumn and early winter.

Who should try blue-black hair?

Anyone with natural brown or black hair can try this trend, but it’s important to note that finding the perfect shade isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Blue-black hair looks best on cooler skin tones and naturally dark hair. The thing is, if you’re pale skin tone and/or lighter hair, the stark contrast of a super dark color can seem quite harsh.

When it comes to choosing a color, be very specific with your stylist. “If you’re heading into the salon wanting a dramatic change, take a photo of yourself as inspiration,” says Burns. “This way, your stylist can give you exactly what you’re looking for based on your hair needs.” Ultimately, the end result may include deep blue highlights if you already have nearly black hair to begin with. Or, if you have dark brown hair, permanent blue-black color can be used as one process; Burns notes that this works well to hide any nasty gray tones that may appear.

If you have dark hair, you can also try blue-black hair dye at home. Burns likes it Schwarzkopf Keratin Color 1.1 in Midnight Black ($12) or 3.11 in dark blue ($12). Both shades reflect rich, cool tones and plenty of sparkle. Pro tip: Be sure to apply a barrier cream along your hairline to prevent those dark shades from staining your skin, she suggests.

How to Maintain Blue-Black Hair

While it’s undeniably a cool color, jet black hair requires a lot of maintenance. Maintaining brightness and shine is key to maximizing the dramatic effect and ensuring it doesn’t look dull or dull. This is especially true if your hair is a bit lighter to begin with, in which case blue-black tones tend to fade even faster than if they were on a darker base. Is there an easy way to solve this problem? Use home hair glosswhich will keep your new color vibrant for weeks.

As with any color you’re trying to maintain, Burns suggests using cool water in combination with a shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair. “You can use a hydrating mask to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny,” she says.

Whether you want your blue-black hue to be subtle or more dramatic (and no matter what style you prefer), keep scrolling to see how versatile this shade can be with these blue-black color ideas hair.