Try the Trend: Blue-Black Hair Is the Perfect Foray Into Fantasy Color

Blue-black hair is the cooled-down version of jet-black hair. Here’s what a pro colorist wants you to know before taking the plunge.

By Leann Garofolo & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 27 Sep 2024

What Is Blue-Black Hair Color?

Blue-black hair color is exactly what it sounds like: a rich, deep shade that contains both blue and black tones. The cool-toned shade typically features a dark black base with a subtle blue navy undertone that becomes more apparent in certain lighting. The subdued blue sheen also adds a vibrant, almost iridescent quality to locks and is a great way to add depth and coolness to classic jet-black hair.

Who Should Try Blue-Black Hair?

Blue-black hair is a good option for those interested in going darker but want to avoid the intensity of full-on jet black.

“It tends to work beautifully on darker hair and can look striking on cool skin tones,” Papanikolas. However, he warns that the look may not be suitable for everyone. “The biggest mistake is going too dark. Jet black hair can look harsh, especially if you have naturally lighter hair. The universal rule is to stay within two shades of your natural color to give the most flattering end results. Going any darker can look harsh.”

If you’re eager to try blue-black hair but fear it’ll clash with your skin tone, book a consultation with a pro colorist. They can assess which shade will be the most complementary against your skin tone and let you know whether the hue is attainable on your base color.

How Do You Achieve Blue Black Hair?

The most common way to score this sultry shade is with a blue-black hair dye, which typically contains both black and deep midnight blue pigments. This takes the guesswork out of achieving that perfect ratio of blue to black so that you get the best possible results.

Keep in mind that if you’re starting with an already dark base, you may need to undergo multiple bleaching or coloring sessions to help the bluish tint properly adhere to your hair. Bleach will always cause some damage, so we recommend leaving major hair color transformations to the pros to help preserve your hair’s integrity.

4 Tips When Going Blue-Black

Plunging into blue-black hair color can be a big commitment. Here are five important things to consider before dialing up your stylist.

You may need a special shampoo

Papanikolas notes that a blue-pigment depositing shampoo like Matrix Brass Off can help maintain the cool undertones of your blue-black hair and prevent fading. Swap the cobalt-tinted formula into your routine about once a week in place of your regular shampoo to reap the benefits.

Hair masks are a must

“Deep conditioning treatments like Matrix Instacure Build-a-Bond Instant Revival Liquid Mask will also keep your hair hydrated and healthy, prolonging the life of the color,” says Papanikolas. This powerful hair treatment, which is infused with citric acid and squalane, helps condition, smooth, strengthen, and add shine to hair and leaves it with a silky finish.

It looks best with shine

A dull, lackluster finish can make your blue-black hair look drab and inky. When hair is shiny, however, it better catches and reflects the light so that your hue appears rich and dimensional.

Expect frequent touch-ups

Blue-black hair dye presents a bit of a conundrum: On one hand, it’s incredibly difficult to remove completely. On the other, it tends to fade faster than other colors, especially the further away your natural hair color is from black. As such, you can expect to have a standing appointment at the salon to keep your shade fresh.

“Blue-black hair typically needs touch-ups every 4-6 weeks, depending on your natural level, and percentage of gray hair,” notes Papanikolas. As for the telltale signs to watch for? “Visible roots and fading means it’s time for a refresh.”

_Ready to try blue-black hair dye with a pro near you? Use our salon locator to book today.