Jet Black

Jet black is high-impact drama — the deepest, glossiest black with a near-blue sheen. It's striking, editorial and makes features pop against the contrast.

Black is bold and surprisingly demanding to keep vibrant rather than flat. Here's how to achieve true jet black and maintain that liquid, reflective shine.

How to get the look

1. 1

   Do a strand test and prep your hairline with barrier cream.

2. 2

   Mix dye with the right developer and apply with a tint brush, root to tip.

3. 3

   Process for the recommended time, then rinse until the water runs clear.

4. 4

   Tone if needed and finish with a color-safe mask.

What you'll need

Hand-picked products — tap to shop on Amazon or Google Shopping.

• Hair dyeLOreal Excellence Jet Black hair dye
  AmazonShopping
• Developer 20 volLOreal Oreor 20 volume developer
  AmazonShopping
• Tint brush & bowlFramar tint brush and bowl set
  AmazonShopping
• Glovesnitrile hair dye gloves
  AmazonShopping
• Sectioning clipsDiane sectioning hair clips
  AmazonShopping
• Barrier creamFramar pink barrier cream
  AmazonShopping
• Purple shampooFanola No Yellow purple shampoo
  AmazonShopping

Your step-by-step product routine

Use them in this order for the best, longest-lasting result.

1. 1

   Test first. 48 hours before, do a strand test and a skin patch test — non-negotiable, especially over previous colour.

2. 2

   Protect. Apply a barrier cream (Framar) around the hairline and ears, and always wear gloves.

3. 3

   Mix. Mix the dye (L'Oréal Excellence) with the correct developer (20 vol) to the ratio on the box.

4. 4

   Apply. Section with clips and paint with the tint brush, root to tip, fully saturating each piece.

5. 5

   Process. Time it exactly — over-processing damages hair and skews tone. Then rinse until the water runs completely clear.

6. 6

   Tone & seal. Tone or use a purple shampoo (Fanola No Yellow) if needed, then lock in shine with a colour-safe mask.

Pro tips

• Wash less and rinse cool to make your colour last twice as long.
• Always strand-test before committing to a big change.
• UV-protectant spray stops the sun from fading your shade.
• Sulfate-free shampoo keeps fresh tone vivid for longer.

How to make it last

Treat freshly-coloured hair gently for the first 72 hours and build a colour-safe routine.

• Sulfate-free shampoo keeps tone vivid 2× longer
• Cool rinses — hot water bleeds colour out
• UV spray or a hat on bright days
• Weekly bonding or colour mask

Common mistakes to avoid

• Box-bleaching previously-coloured hair — a recipe for breakage.
• Going several shades lighter in one sitting.
• Washing brand-new colour the same day with hot water.

FAQ