Your Guide to Getting Blue Black Hair

What’s one to do if they want a dark hair color but don’t want to do without dimension? It’s true that certain deep shades can fall flat on your strands, looking totally one-dimensional—but not blue black hair. If you’re not feeling a true black shade, a blue-black hair color could be the perfect way to add more interest to your mane. And lucky for you, it’s pretty easy to pick up a box of blue black hair dye and get the look at home. Ready to transform your tresses? Read on for everything you need to know about getting a blue-black hue. 

WHAT IS BLUE-BLACK HAIR?

Can’t quite imagine what blue-black hair looks like? Well, it’s pretty much what you would expect based on the name. This hair color trend combines black and dark blue shades for an intense yet subtle burst of color. The cool-toned color can look almost jet black in certain lights and navy or midnight blue in others.

When a straight black hair color isn’t your thing, blue-black is a way to add movement and interest to your hair without opting for black hair with highlights. If you’re interested in the blue hair trend in general, blue-black tresses are one of the most wearable ways to get the look.

IS BLUE-BLACK HAIR A NATURAL COLOR?

Is it possible you got lucky and be born with blue-black hair? Well, as cool as that would be, blue-black hair is not a natural color. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hair color is determined by the amount of pigment (melanin) in the hair. If your hair has an abundance of one type of melanin called eumelanin, you can have black or brown hair—but there isn’t a type of melanin that makes hair blue.

HOW TO ACHIEVE AN ULTRA COOL BLUE-BLACK HAIR COLOR

Since you can’t expect a blue-black hair color to appear naturally, how can you get the look? Well, one option is to put your hair in the hands of a professional. A trained colorist will be able to bleach and brush on color to get you the dye job you desire. If you’re starting with a very dark base, it could require lightening and even multiple coloring sessions to get the look you want since the bluish tint may not easily adhere to your already dark color.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t DIY this trend. If you’re a pro in the DIY hair color department, stock up on the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Deep Blue Black. The luxurious blue-black hair dye will deliver super shiny strands from root to tip. Best of all, it can be used on all hair colors to create the ultimate blue-black color in the comfort of your own home.

As we mentioned, it’s possible you’ll need to lighten your hair before coloring it to the perfect black and blue shade. To do that at home, use a bleaching kit like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach and follow the directions on the box.  

8 BLUE-BLACK HAIR COLOR IDEAS

When it comes to this trend, you aren’t limited in the ways you can wear it. Different haircuts, hairstyles, and coloring techniques can help make the look totally your own.

1. CLASSIC BOB

One of the easiest ways to show off your trendy hair color is with a chic bob. Bobs are always in style, and pairing the edgy color with a short cut will take your look to new heights. The perfect haircut that can transition from the office to a girl’s night out with ease, this look will become your favorite in no time.

2. TOUSLED LAYERS

The true epitome of a fun and flirty look, tousled layers will give you all the hair feels. Your layers will flaunt a shiny pop of color, and your texture will provide the perfect lived-in look.

3. OMBRÉ

Not sure you want to be blue-black all over? Consider a blue-black ombré to put a trendy twist on the look. Black roots flow into blue-black ends for a subtle result that’s undeniably pretty.

4. SOFT CURLS

Calling all curly girls! This hairstyle is just for you. For days when you have a playful look in mind, soft curls are the way to go. All you need is a hair mousse like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to get the job done. Simply grab an egg-sized amount, distribute evenly on damp strands, scrunch, and air dry.

5. WAVY PIXIE

A stylish pixie can complement just about any hair color, this one included. It’s super easy to style and with a blue-black hair color, a true show-stopper!

6. LONG WAVES

Adding shape and body is a good look when you have a dimensional color to show off. While you can tease your hair at the crown and follow with a curling wand to make waves, we especially love how effortless (and non-damaging) creating waves with a hair mousse can be. Simply apply a healthy amount onto damp hair, scrunch, and be on your way.

7. FINGER WAVES

For those who can’t resist a glamorous ‘do, it’s time to give 1920’s-inspired finger waves a try. This classic look adds texture and highlights your features for the ultimate eye-catching look. Plus, pairing an old-fashioned hairstyle with a bolder hair color creates the perfect balance!

8. MONEY PIECE

Another way to introduce a blue-black hue to your mane without committing to all-over color, try adding a blue-black money piece to black hair. The face-framing highlight will add visual interest without making too much of a statement.

9. SLEEK LOB

The best of both worlds, a lob gives you a change in length without going too short. And in this case, a sleek lob is the perfect match for blue-black hair color. It’s sophisticated, elegant, and incredibly easy to maintain all on your own. 

10. WATERFALL BRAID

For a whimsical look, a waterfall braid checks all the style boxes. Easy to style, this look can be pulled together in a few minutes. Simply weave your hair like a French braid, but after each link, drop the left-hand strand and grab a new piece of hair to replace it. For more instruction, check out our article, How to Create a Waterfall Braid.

HOW TO CARE FOR BLUE-BLACK HAIR

Any time you color your mane with permanent hair dye, switching up your hair care routine is a necessity. Without tailoring your hair care routine, you’re looking at fast fade-out and dull lengths. To keep you ahead of the game, be sure to follow the steps below to help keep your blue-black hair looking and feeling its best.

1. USE A COLOR-SAFE SYSTEM OF SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Say bye, bye to your regular shampoo and conditioner. Switch them out for a system specially formulated for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. Make sure to shower in lukewarm water, as super-hot H2O can strip your strands of essential oils, leaving it feeling dry and looking dull.

2. ADD A HAIR MASK TO YOUR WEEKLY HAIR CARE ROUTINE

It’s always smart to show your color-treated strands some extra love. In that case, swap out your conditioner for a hair mask, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm, once or twice a week. Apply it after shampooing, and leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse out.

3. PUMP UP THE SHINE WITH HAIR SPRAY

Part of what makes blue-black hair stand out from other hair color trends is the cool shimmer and shine, so reach for a high-shine hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, to help style your strands. Spray it evenly through dry hair and scrunch for a slightly lived-in look, or use it as a finishing touch on any hairstyle.

4. BOOK TOUCH-UPS AT THE SALON

Even with permanent hair color, you’re looking at root growth every eight weeks or so. Once you start to notice a sliver of roots, determine if you like the look with your ultra-dark hair color. If you decide you prefer a fully colored ‘do, make an appointment for a touch-up—and, while you’re at it, ask for a gloss for an extra pop of shine.

Next up: Want to turn back time? Here’s How to Get Back to Your Natural Hair Color.