The best black hair dyes don’t just change your color. They shift your whole vibe. That’s because with black hair comes great responsibility. It’s glossy, dramatic, and mysterious—a look that demands full commitment. But the good news? You can achieve that rich, dimensional look right at home.
Black hair reflects light differently, giving it an irresistible shine, says master colorist and founder of Nous Haircare, Tylor Johnson. And if you want to go extremely dark, opt for either the deepest hue a brand offers or a blue-black, says colorist Joanna Klepadlo. Keep in mind, though, that black can be very intense for most people and can wash out certain skin tones. Plus, that it’s hard to come back from permanently dyeing your hair black. “There is no quick, easy removal, and you will not be able to go blonde quickly or easily, if at all,” Klepadlo says. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go for it. Just be aware that it’s a hardcore commitment.
If you’re ready to dye your hair black at home and you’re not sure where to start, we polled TK for their up favorite black hair dyes for various hair types, intensities, and desired shade. Our overall pick, Vidal Sassoon Ultra Vibrant Color, is ideal if you want salon-quality results at home. It’s relatively easy to apply, won’t damage hair, and delivers the deepest, glossiest black color.
The best black hair dyes, at a glance
We spoke with colorists who offered their best recommendations and researched highly rated customer reviews for the best at-home black hair dyes. We paid close attention to ingredients, if they contained nourishing oils to condition the hair while dyeing, ease of application, amount of coverage, and how long each of the dyes lasts. The best at-home black hair dyes gave sleekness and shine, were easy to use, deposited intense color, and didn’t damage strands.
Best Overall: Vidal Sassoon Ultra Vibrant Color
Courtesy of brand
Vidal Sassoon Ultra Vibrant Color
- Pros: Leaves hair feeling silky; looks salon quality
- Cons: Some testers reported that the color runs with each wash; contains ammonium, which can be irritating.
- Key Ingredients: Cetearyl alcohol, ammonium
- Shades of black: Deep Black, Black
