The Right Way to Achieve Jet Black Hair

Not to be dramatic, but hair color can change your look and attitude. Going blonde can make you feel bolder, while fun hues like purple bring out your rebellious streak. Now, if you want to exude a sexy and mysterious aura, jet black hair is the perfect choice. The deep color is forever on-trend and complements all skin tones.

Stars like Megan Fox, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian prove that raven-haired beauties have as much fun. However, going black can be a difficult task, especially if you DIY. One wrong move and your hair can turn into a monotone mess. Before you reach the point of no return, arm yourself with the knowledge and techniques to achieve sexy, jet black hair.

Nothing's worse than running out of dye midway through coloring your hair. When it comes to hair coloring, more is definitely better. Ensure you have at least two boxes of hair dye to avoid a disappointing ombré mishap. If you have longer or thicker hair, consider grabbing an extra box.

Equally important is reading all the information on the packaging before application. Certain dyes may not effectively cover grays due to their lower developer levels. Additionally, some products boast an ammonia-free formula, which is gentler on your locks but may result in faster color fading. Select a dye that caters to your specific needs and desired outcome.

The natural oils, a.k.a the grease on your hair, can actually protect your scalp from the potential irritation caused by the chemicals found in boxed hair color. In certain cases, such as with porous or color-resistant hair types, skipping the pre-dye wash can result in better absorption by the strands. Your locks should also be clean of products like hairspray, mousse, serum, and cream. So, skip everything (yes, including your dry shampoo) for several days before your dye job.

Having the right tools at your disposal is essential to achieving professional-looking results. If this is your first rodeo, you need a dye brush to disperse the pigment evenly and a pair of latex gloves to cover your fingers. Since jet black hair color can oxidize quickly, use a plastic bowl instead of a metal one. Don’t forget to cover the floor and countertops with newspaper for easy clean up.

To avoid patchiness or brown streaks, split your hair into four sections. Start by parting your hair in the middle (like you’re making a half ponytail). Divide the top and bottom parts into two sections.

Apply the dye to one section at a time so you don’t miss any spots or overlap in certain areas. Doing this ensures consistent color – but only if you work fast! If you’ve never done this before, go to a professional hairstylist and don’t even attempt to do it yourself.

The natural heat from the scalp accelerates color development at the roots. So, if you have virgin hair, it's best to begin from the mid-shaft and work your way down to the ends. Once all sections are covered, apply the hair dye to the roots. Unless you're fine with the top of your head appearing brighter than the rest, never dye the top first.

On the other hand, do your roots first if your hair still has some color from a previous dye job. This is because the new hair growth will likely require more processing time for the pigment to become visible. Wait 10 minutes before moving on to the lower part of your strands.

Once your hair is coated in black dye, it's crucial to ensure that every strand is evenly covered. Using your gloved fingers, delicately brush through the strands to distribute the color.

Afterward, gather your hair into a bun and secure it with a claw clip. To enhance the development of the dye and intensify the jet black hair color, cover your head with a shower cap. It creates a warm and moist environment that activates the dye effectively.

Whether you DIY or get professional coloring, keep your new ‘do looking fresh by using products specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Try Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Color Revive Ultra Conditioner, a 3-in-1 conditioner infused with Triple Keratin Complex to tame frizz, moisturize the hair, and maintain the vibrancy of your midnight hue.

If you worry about hair breakage from chemical treatments, try Cream Silk Salon Expert Treatment Keratin Damage Repair. It restores dry and brittle locks, making them shiny and healthy-looking.

Achieving jet black hair with DIY methods takes preparation. But if you follow the tips above and the instructions on your box dye, the experience should be relatively pain-free. In just a few hours, you can start rocking the mysterious look of your dreams.