The 15 Best Permanent Black Hair Dyes

If you asked anyone decades ago what hair color they prefer on women, many would say that blondes do it better.

It was the more attractive and trendier shade of hair then since it was all-American, bright, and summery.

But nowadays, black hair is king when it comes to glam looks. It’s dark, sultry, and mysterious, so it’s every star’s go-to. It’s chic and on-trend—models and Instagram stars like the Kardashians make this apparent.

So don’t be surprised if you wake up one day and get the random urge to kiss your light-colored mane goodbye to go for simple yet sexy black hair.

And if you’re in it for the long ride, permanent hair dye is going to be your new friend.

Why turn your hair black?

Your hair color should be a form of self-expression—something that screams “you” and will allow you to feel creative.

So if you think you have the personality of someone mysterious and brooding, switching to black hair might be a fabulous idea.

You might also want to transform your mane to black if you feel that it’s more suited to your skin tone.

An unlucky few might be born with a natural hair color that washes out their tan or pale skin, but black is flattering on all skin colors, so it’s an excellent option for that.

Coloring your hair black can also make your locks look healthier. The dye plumps up your strands, boosting body and volume in your fine tresses.

It also reflects more shine than lighter hair colors, so your hair will have a glossier luminosity.

But be warned—once you go black, you can’t always go back to blonde or brunette just because you feel like it.

You’re adding a very dark color to your locks, so if you want lighter hair again, you’ll need to bleach your strands to get rid of the black pigment in your cuticle.

The benefits of using permanent hair dye 

Permanent hair dye is made with ammonia, an oxidizing agent like peroxide, and a colored dye. It lifts the cuticle and deposits pigment in your hair fiber, effectively staining it.

Now, a permanent dye can sound intimidating, especially if you’re not entirely sure you can commit to one hair color your entire life.

But there are many advantages to using permanent dye instead of something temporary that can wash out within a week or two.

First, you don’t have to reapply every couple of months to maintain your color. Permanent dye doesn’t wash out even if you use a strong shampoo. The only way to get rid of it is to cut your hair or bleach the pigment out. 

So if you want something heavy-duty and get the assurance that you won’t have to maintain it with constant coloring sessions, permanent dye is perfect for you.

They also look more natural than other temporary hair color options, but you don’t lose out on richness and darkness either.

They even provide efficient coverage for white and gray hairs, which are challenging to color with semi- and semi-permanent dyes. 

But isn’t permanent dye bad for the hair?

Yes, the ammonia, peroxide, and other harsh chemicals infused in permanent hair dye can cause more damage than temporary hair colors.

This is especially since the formula has to be left on your hair longer, which increases the risk of hair damage.

Like all chemical processes, dyeing your hair can lessen hair elasticity and promote dryness and fragility.

Permanent dye deposits pigment straight into the hair cortex, which can push moisture out and dry up your hair strands. 

Fortunately, many permanent hair dye brands have become more forward-thinking, designing dyes meant to give you long-lasting color while still maintaining your hair’s integrity.

They do this with conditioners, shine serums, and other nourishing concoctions.

If you’re uncomfortable with having to damage your hair just to get the black color you want, you can always opt for a dye without ammonia. Look for one with natural conditioning oils, like coconut and argan oil.

Top 15 Best Permanent Black Hair Dye

1. WELLA Color Charm Permanent Liquid Hair Color in Black

The dye has a floral fragrance, so you won’t have to deal with that chemical-like odor that comes with other permanent dyes.

2. Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color in Jet Black

This dye formula contains oat milk, argan oil, proteins for moisture and strength.

It also has zero ammonia, alcohol, or silicones, so you can be sure it will be gentle to your delicate hair and not strip it of healthy moisture.

3. L’Oreal Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System in Ultimate Black

It comes with shine serums and a nourishing conditioner to restore your hair’s healthy moisture levels, allowing for bounce and shine even after a thorough dyeing session.

4. Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Color in Black

The non-drip formula comes in a smooth cream to make it easy to apply and distribute through your hair without making a big mess in your bathroom.

5. Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color in Black

Its 3D color gel technology makes coloring stubborn gray hair a breeze, leaving you with a natural, uniform color across your tresses.

6. Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Color in Jet Black

The box dye also comes with a new nourishing conditioner formulated with argan oil and vitamin E. These add even more hydration to the hair while elevating its shine and luminosity.

7. Schwarzkopf Keratin Color in Black Onyx

It’s designed with an anti-breakage technology that reduces split ends and hair-snapping by up to 80%, so you can enjoy full, dark, lusciously black hair that is strong and elastic.

8. Creme of Nature Liquid Hair Color in Jet Black

The pack contains a conditioner rich in creamy shea butter that moisturizes the hair deeply, allowing your locks to be more soft and hydrated than it was before. 

9. ONC Natural Colors Healthier Permanent Hair Color in Black

It’s also designed to be gentle to the scalp and hair, giving you the optimal comfort level for your skin and less damage for your tresses.

10. Il Salone Milano Intense Professional Color Cream in Pure Black

This dye also does a great job moisturizing your hair since it’s enriched with botanical oils like linseed and meadowfoam seed oils.

These oils also help smoothen out the hair, making it sleek and manageable after dyeing it.

• Infused with natural oils
• Linseed and meadowfoam extracts
• Covers greys pretty well
• Permanent black color

11. Garnier Olia Brilliant Color in Darkest Platinum Brown

Sixty percent of its formula is made with natural ingredients, including hydrating flower oils that add shine, softness, and smoothness to your locks. 

12. L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme in Natural Black

It’s made with hair-loving ingredients such as collagen, keratin, and moisturizing ceramides to nourish and strengthen your locks. It’s a great way to maintain your hair’s health and integrity even as you color it black.

13. Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Go Intense! Color in Super Black

This anti-drying gel formula is infused with moisturizing olive oil, known to condition dry and dull hair to restore its shine and softness.

14. Naturtint Permanent Hair Color in Brown Black

This dye is created without ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals that can damage and dry out your gorgeous locks.

15. Naturigin Permanent Hair Color in Black

It’s uniquely formulated with a blend of aromatic and hydrating essential oils, including mandarin and lemon extracts. This leaves the solution smelling fruity and fresh—a far cry from the usual chemical-like aromas of other permanent dyes.

Conclusion

Permanent hair dye may sound scary at first, and it could cast doubts about whether or not you should go black forever.

Remember—it’s permanent and can’t be washed out, so only opt for this if you’re sure you won’t change your mind and want to go back to platinum blonde in a couple of weeks.

If you’re scared of hair damage, go for ammonia-free options that are healthier and more nourishing for your hair.

But if you’re not afraid of a little damage and know how to nurse your hair back to health, go for the rich, high-intensity permanent dyes that give you the fullest, darkest, blackest hair ever.