colors to wear with gray hair

GUIDE TO BLACK HAIR TYPES AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM (WITH PICTURES)

In this vast and beautiful world, where everyone is unique, black hair comes in many textures, patterns, and styles, each as special as the person who has it. From tightly coiled curls that reach for the sky to smooth waves that flow like dark rivers, black hair carries a deep history and personal story just waiting to be told.

Each hair type tells a story, connected to culture, heritage, and self-expression. We’ll explore these different hair types, learning how to care for them, how to style them, and how to embrace the confidence that comes from loving your natural hair.

Whether it’s the amazing coils of Type 4 hair or the bouncy curls of Type 3, we’ll look at the challenges and joys that come with black hair. Along the way, we’ll bust some myths, celebrate inspiring figures, and encourage everyone to take pride in their beautiful, natural hair.

BLACK HAIR PALE SKIN

Black hair paired with pale skin creates a stunning and eye-catching contrast. The deep, rich tones of black hair against fair skin can enhance and highlight the distinct beauty of both. This contrast can give the skin a porcelain-like appearance, making its natural fairness stand out even more. The dark hair draws attention to facial features like the eyes and lips, resulting in a striking and dramatic look.

ORANGE AND BLACK HAIR

Orange and black hair is a bold, eye-catching combination that creates a unique and striking look. The warmth of orange paired with the richness of black forms a dynamic contrast that instantly draws attention. There are several ways to incorporate orange into black hair. One option is adding orange highlights or a balayage effect, where sections of the hair are dyed orange. This adds pops of color throughout the black, giving it depth and visual appeal.

HIGHLIGHTS ON BLACK HAIR

Highlights on black hair can create a beautiful contrast and add depth to the overall style. They’re a popular choice for those who want to enhance their natural color, add dimension, or create a distinct, personalized look. By adding lighter tones to sections of black hair, highlights create a rich, multidimensional effect.

BLACK HAIR WITH LAYERS

Layered black hair is a chic and versatile style that adds texture, movement, and depth to the beauty of black hair. This cutting technique involves trimming sections of hair at different lengths, creating layers that bring dimension and dynamic flow to the hairstyle.

ANIME BLACK HAIR

Black hair is a popular aesthetic in anime, frequently used for characters due to its versatility and cultural relevance. Since most people in Japan naturally have dark hair, black hair is commonly portrayed in Japanese animation, reflecting both tradition and style. Anime characters with black hair often feature a variety of styles, lengths, and textures. Whether it’s short and spiky or long and flowing, black hair in anime is portrayed in diverse ways to reflect the character’s personality, role, and overall design.

FELIX BLACK HAIR

Felix’s black hair is a key part of his look as an artist. It adds to his charm and stage presence, making his features stand out and helping him shine during performances. While K-pop idols often change their hairstyles and colors, Felix’s black hair is closely linked to his image. For Felix or anyone else, black hair is a classic choice that brings out confidence and style. It’s a versatile color that works with many skin tones and can be styled in various ways to fit personal preferences.

4 CC BLACK HAIR

Black women with 4C hair often celebrate their natural texture, valuing its distinctive beauty and versatility. It can be styled in many ways, such as twist-outs, braid-outs, wash-and-go looks, and protective styles like braids, twists, or locs. These styles not only highlight the beauty of 4C hair but also protect it, helping to maintain its health and length.

PURPLE AND BLACK HAIR

Purple and black hair is great because it can be styled in many different ways. The bold color mix looks amazing with various hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose curls or fancy updos. Adding different styling techniques and accessories can make the purple and black colors stand out even more, giving a unique and personalized look. This striking combination blends the deep black with bright purple, allowing for a creative expression of personal style. It adds a touch of charm and individuality to your appearance.

BLACK HAIR PFP

A black hair profile picture (PFP) is an image that highlights black hair as the main feature. It can be a photo, drawing, or any digital image used as a profile picture on social media, forums, or other online sites. Choosing a black hair PFP can be a way to celebrate your natural hair, show your personal style, and express your identity. It can also reflect cultural heritage and diversity, as black hair has important cultural and historical meaning.

MEDIUM LENGTH BLACK HAIR

Medium-length black hair is a stylish and flexible choice that blends the beauty of black hair with a manageable length. Falling between the shoulders and collarbone, this length offers a good balance between elegance and practicality, making it easy to style in different ways. The natural shine and depth of black hair at this length highlight its beauty. Medium-length black hair looks sleek and polished, giving a timeless elegance that can be kept up with proper care and styling.

BRAIDS FOR BLACK HAIR

Braids for black hair are a classic and versatile style that celebrates the beauty and culture of black hair. With many different braiding techniques and designs, braids offer endless creative options and are great for protecting the hair. Besides looking great, braids have cultural meaning and connect to ancestral traditions. They’ve been passed down through generations, carrying stories and cultural identity. Wearing braids allows people to enjoy a beautiful hairstyle while honoring the rich history and diversity of black hair.

CHERRY BLACK HAIR COLOR

Cherry black hair color is a bold and eye-catching shade that mixes the richness of black hair with deep red or cherry tones. This combination creates a unique look that stands out from regular black hair colors. The cherry hues add warmth and brightness to the dark black base, giving it a multi-dimensional effect. Depending on how intense you want the color, the cherry tones can be subtle, showing up in certain lighting, or more noticeable in different settings.

BLACK HAIR WITH ASH HIGHLIGHTS

Black hair with ash highlights is a stylish and modern look that combines the deep richness of black hair with cool, ash-colored highlights. This mix creates a striking contrast and adds depth and dimension. The ash highlights can range from soft, subtle gray tones to bolder, more noticeable colors. This allows for a customized look that fits different skin tones and personal styles, adding a touch of sophistication and a modern edge to black hair.

BLACK HAIR WITH BLONDE FRONT PIECES

Black hair with blonde front pieces is a stylish look that mixes deep black hair with bright blonde highlights at the front. This contrast creates a beautiful effect, adding a touch of golden light around the face. The blonde highlights can be softly blended into the black hair or placed more clearly at the front to frame the face. This combination of dark black hair with vibrant blonde pieces adds depth and dimension to the overall look.

CONCLUSION

Understanding your hair type is essential for finding the right products and care routines. By identifying your black hair type, you can tailor your hair care regimen to suit your specific needs, promote healthy hair growth, and achieve your desired style.

Remember: Hair typing is a helpful tool, but it’s not a definitive rule. Your hair may exhibit characteristics of multiple types, and your hair type can change over time. The most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you.

45 BEST CURLY HAIR COLOR IDEAS

The right hair color can dramatically enhance the beauty of your curls, boosting your confidence. However, choosing wisely is key. Factors like skin tone, eye color, and natural hair texture play a crucial role in selecting the perfect shade. This article presents 45 inspiring curly hair color ideas to help you find the ideal hue and technique to match your unique style.

IS IT OKAY TO DYE CURLY HAIR?

Dyeing curly hair is indeed possible without compromising its unique texture, but it requires a careful approach. Curly hair often demands specific care, and coloring can introduce additional challenges. To achieve optimal results and minimize damage, consulting with an experienced colorist is crucial. They possess the expertise to assess your hair’s specific needs and recommend suitable colors and techniques. 

OUR TOP PICKS

CHAMPAGNE ROSE

Whether you’re embracing your natural curls or styling them to perfection, elevate your ringlets with a shimmering champagne hue. The new Redken Shades EQ Gold Rose Hair Gloss in 010GRo Sparkling Wine adds a subtle rose-gold shimmer to lightened or blonde hair, creating a luxurious and iridescent effect. Consult your stylist to achieve this stunning, champagne-inspired look.

BROWN ROSE

Brown rose is a versatile shade that complements a wide range of complexions. This particular brunette rose hue, infused with subtle golden undertones, is especially flattering for those with darker skin tones. It creates a warm and harmonious contrast, enhancing the natural radiance of the skin.

RED HOT

Contrary to the notion that curly hair can’t participate in trendy cuts, the curly wolf cut is a prime example of how to embrace curls in modern styling. With its layered texture and shape, this cut enhances natural curl patterns while allowing for personalized styling. The addition of a carefully crafted curly bang beautifully frames the face, proving that curly hair can be both fashionable and flattering.

DARK AUBURN

Imagine the intensity of fire engine red colliding with the warmth of brown. The result is a fiery auburn hue, a captivating blend of passion and earthiness. This color combination is so vibrant and compelling, it’s almost too much to bear.

CREAMY GOLDEN BLONDE

A harmonious blend of cool, beige, and golden tones creates a luminous look that effortlessly enhances your complexion. This brightened palette adds captivating depth and dimension to your twists, making them a standout feature.

GINGERBREAD HIGHLIGHTS

Forget the notion that gingerbread hair is reserved for the holiday season. This brunette base infused with warm, reddish ginger tones offers a year-round glow, transforming your mane into a captivating blend of depth and radiance.

PURPLE

Fantasy hair doesn’t always have to be loud and bright. If you’re hesitant about colors appearing too artificial, a deep purple might be perfect. It’s so dark it can easily be mistaken for black, but with a magical transformation in sunlight, revealing its enchanting undertones.

LILAC BLONDE

If you’re drawn to this enchanting hue but hesitant to commit to a permanent change, consider a temporary option like Biolage Professional Color Balm in Lavender. Perfect for those with light hair, this color depositing conditioner offers a subtle lilac tint without the long-term commitment, allowing you to experiment with this beloved shade.

PERIWINKLE

Channel your inner rebel princess with the emerging pastel purple-blue hue. This dreamy shade takes on a whimsical yet edgy character when paired with violet accents, creating a look that’s both playful and bold.

PASTEL RAINBOW

Yearning for a dash of whimsy? Pastel rainbow hair might be your perfect match. These ethereal hues can fade fast, but don’t let that dampen your spirits. Incorporate a system like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner into your routine to safeguard your vibrant color and let your pastel dreams last.

BLOODY MARY

Bloody Mary hair is a daring new trend that blends earthy and spicy tones for a truly unique look. This edgy style is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement, and we’re particularly obsessed with the bold contrast created by color-blocking the bangs. 

PURE GOLD

Golden pigments have a unique ability to enhance the warmth of medium to olive skin tones, creating a radiant complexion. Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Gold is the perfect solution to maintain your salon-fresh golden hair color between appointments. This revitalizing formula refreshes your golden hues for up to six washes, ensuring your hair continues to shine with luxurious warmth.

SUNFLOWER BALAYAGE

This balayage beautifully showcases the complementary nature of warm and cool blonde tones. Golden hues flatteringly frame the face, while cooler shades at the ends add a radiant touch that requires minimal upkeep compared to root maintenance.

COPPER MOCHA

Craving a captivating reddish-brown hue? Imagine a blend of fiery red, warm copper, and rich mocha – a truly unique color combination. To achieve this stunning look, ask your stylist to expertly mix Matrix Coil Color in shades 7M, 6CC, and 6RR. This harmonious trio will create a multi-dimensional, reddish-brown color that’s as beautiful as it is distinctive.

JET BLACK

Jet black hair doesn’t need color to shine. Unleash your curls’ full potential with L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Definition Activator Gel. This hydrating formula effortlessly defines and revitalizes your spirals, banishing frizz and leaving them bouncy and full of life.

GINGER

Those blessed with natural ginger hair have always been the envy of many, but now, achieving a fiery mane is easier than ever. Ginger hair has surged in popularity, with even the biggest names in Hollywood embracing the trend. Whether you’re born with it or not, there’s no denying the allure of this vibrant hair color.

PLATINUM

Platinum hair color is elevated to a dazzling new level when paired with the edgy precision of a pixie cut and the carefree allure of tousled ringlets. This striking combination creates a bold and unforgettable look that effortlessly commands attention.

WHITE

White hair offers a luminous, natural beauty that’s a far cry from its platinum predecessor. To preserve its cool tones, combat brassiness with a purple shampoo like Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet. This essential product will help maintain your white hair looking its pristine best.

BLUE AND GREEN

Embrace your inner mermaid with a mesmerizing blend of blue and green curls. This ethereal color palette is particularly stunning on curly hair, as the cascading ringlets mimic the fluid motion of ocean waves, creating a truly enchanting look.

TURQUOISE

For a bolder aquatic mermaid look, consider a deep turquoise hue. This darker shade, combined with your natural hair, creates a stunning contrast and adds a touch of mystery to the classic mermaid style.

HONEY BLONDE

Honey blonde hair is as sweet and dreamy as a morning tea with honey. Enhance this natural beauty with Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream Light-Hold Gel. Infused with manuka honey, this gel defines your curls and coils without the crunch, leaving them soft and supple.

SILVER

Gray hair is inevitable, but you can make the transition smoother with a little help. Consider letting your natural grays shine through with a silver dye or subtle silver highlights. A colorist can expertly blend your grays for a stylish and effortless look.

STRAWBERRY BLONDE

Tired of the same old red or blonde? Strawberry blonde could be your perfect compromise. This fresh hair color offers a subtle change for redheads, blending warm golden tones with hints of red for a vibrant yet understated look.

SUNNY YELLOW

Illuminate your world with this vibrant shade of yellow. Known to evoke the warmth and energy of sunshine, this color has the power to uplift your spirits and boost your mood. A little sunshine can go a long way.

PEACH

Peachy pink is a flirty shade that flatters fair-to-light skin tones. Its practicality lies in its resilience: even when faded or washed out, peach still looks effortlessly chic.

MAUVE HIGHLIGHTS

Mauve, a captivating blend of natural and fantasy, is a versatile choice for curly hair. To enhance your complexion, ask your colorist to concentrate the mauve shade around your face, allowing it to illuminate your skin tone.

ESPRESSO

Espresso hair color is a sophisticated blend of black and dark brown, creating a neutral, high-shine tone that’s far from dull. Enhance your hair’s luster with Redken’s Shine Flash Hairspray for an even more dazzling finish.

SMOKED OUT ROOTS

Smoked out roots create a seamless transition between your natural hair color and the dyed ends, minimizing the appearance of regrowth. This low-maintenance technique extends the time between salon visits, allowing your hair color to fade gracefully.

SUN-KISSED GREIGE

Imagine a sun-kissed masterpiece on curly or coily hair. A cool, sophisticated blend of gray and beige is infused with shimmering gold, creating an iridescent effect that’s both modern and enchanting.

GEMINI HAIR

Can’t decide on just one hair color? Half-and-half hair, also known as Gemini hair, is the perfect solution. This trendy dual-toned look lets you embrace two sides of your personality or simply enjoy the thrill of trying out different hair colors without commitment.

DEEP RUST

We typically avoid anything rusty, from forgotten nails to stagnant relationships. Yet, the vibrant electric rusty red hair color defies this aversion. It’s a bold, unexpected choice that commands attention, proving that sometimes, a little rust can be strikingly beautiful.

SUPER-FINE STREAKS

Whether you prefer bold, chunky highlights or a more subtle look, there’s a highlighting option for you. Fine, delicate streaks can add dimension to curly hair and strategically placed highlights can also help to disguise gray hairs.

SPICY CURRY

Transform your deep brunette curls into a vibrant masterpiece with a dash of daring. Introduce chunky highlights infused with warm curry tones, adding depth, dimension, and a touch of fiery elegance to your natural base.

GOLDEN SUNRISE

Achieve a stunning “Golden Sunrise” hair color by blending warm and cool golden tones for a sun-kissed ombre effect. This dimensional look is beautifully showcased when styled in shoulder-length layers, maintaining depth and richness.

ENGLISH TOFFEE

Toffee hair color is a stunning choice for those with lighter eye colors. To maximize its impact, use toffee as an accent rather than an all-over shade. This strategic approach will create a voluminous, eye-catching look that highlights your natural features.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND

Indulge in the rich allure of chocolate brown hair elevated by subtle streaks of creamy almond. This decadent combination offers a modern twist on a timeless look, making it a luxurious and effortless transition for brunettes seeking a fresh hair color experience.

HONEYCOMB

Want a sweeter look? Try honey-hued highlights to brighten dark curls and create the illusion of fuller hair. Biolage Professional Volume Bloom Shampoo is a lightweight option that adds natural volume and shine without damaging your hair.

CHESTNUT

Chestnut hair color is trending. Embrace the rich, reddish-brown shade for a full-headed transformation or subtly enhance your brunette base with chestnut streaks. This versatile hue adds warmth and depth to any hair color.

COPPER BRONZE

Copper and bronze hair colors complement each other, creating a bold and warm look. To maintain the vibrancy of your copper hair and prevent unwanted brassiness, consider incorporating a toning hair mask like Matrix Total Results Brass Off Custom Neutralization Hair Mask into your hair care routine.

GOLD-FOILED

Turn heads with a metallic hair look. Achieve the perfect base for your style with a strong-hold product like Mizani True Textures Sleek Holding Gel. It locks your hair in place, ensuring your metallic masterpiece stays flawless all day.

MAROON

Maroon hair color is a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant yet professional look. This bold shade is perfect for the office, striking a balance between trendy and sophisticated. If your hair is naturally lighter, your colorist might need to darken your base first to achieve the desired rich maroon tone.

CHERRY COLA

Cherry cola hair color, a nostalgic blend of brown, violet, and red, is making a comeback. This versatile shade is perfect for year-round wear and offers a subtle, bleach-free way for dark-haired individuals to lighten their look.

PUMPKIN SPICE

Embrace the essence of fall with the captivating pumpkin spice shade. This universally flattering color, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy tones, is particularly stunning on darker skin tones.

AUTUMN LEAVES

Autumn Leaves is a vibrant color scheme that evokes the essence of fall foliage. Blending maroon, red, and orange in an ombre effect, this style captures the beauty of changing leaves, bringing a touch of autumnal warmth to any season.

HOW CAN I CARE FOR CURLY HAIR COLOR?

To maintain vibrant and healthy color-treated coils, your colorist recommends a personalized care routine. This includes a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair density, such as Pureology Hydrate for medium-to-thick hair or Hydrate Sheer for fine hair. 

Additionally, incorporating a bond-repairing system like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate can strengthen and protect hair from damage. 

To extend the life of your color and style, consider using a dry shampoo like Matrix Styling Refresher and a curl refresher spray like L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression, reducing the need for frequent washing and heat styling.

CONCLUSION

Inspired by these curly hair color ideas? Remember, every head of curly hair is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a professional colorist to find the perfect shade for you. Save your favorite looks and bring them to your next appointment for a personalized consultation.