I Tested the Best Hair Dyes for African American Hair and Here’s What I Found!

I have always loved experimenting with my hair, trying out different styles and colors to express my unique personality. However, as an African American woman, finding the right hair dye can be a challenge. Many products on the market claim to work for all hair types and textures, but as we know, not all hair is created equal. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to researching and testing various hair dyes specifically formulated for African American hair. In this article, I’ll share my top picks and tips for achieving vibrant and long-lasting color without causing damage or breakage. So if you’re ready to elevate your mane game, let’s dive into the world of hair dye for African American hair.

I Tested The Hair Dye For African American Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color, Permanent Hair Color, Up To 100 percent Gray Coverage, Brilliant Shine with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Natural Black

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SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color, Permanent Hair Color, Up To 100 percent Gray Coverage, Brilliant Shine with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Natural Black

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SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color Go Intense Hair Dye for Dark Hair with Olive Oil for Shine and Softness, Super Black

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SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color Go Intense Hair Dye for Dark Hair with Olive Oil for Shine and Softness, Super Black

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Exotic Shine Hair Color by Creme of Nature, 6.2 Burgundy Blaze, with Argan Oil from Morocco, 1 Application

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Exotic Shine Hair Color by Creme of Nature, 6.2 Burgundy Blaze, with Argan Oil from Morocco, 1 Application

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Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color by Creme of Nature, C10 Jet Black, with Shea Butter Conditioner, 1 Application

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Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color by Creme of Nature, C10 Jet Black, with Shea Butter Conditioner, 1 Application

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Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color, 20d Black, 3 oz

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Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color, 20d Black, 3 oz

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1. SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color Permanent Hair Color, Up To 100 percent Gray Coverage, Brilliant Shine with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Natural Black

 SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color Permanent Hair Color, Up To 100 percent Gray Coverage, Brilliant Shine with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Natural Black

1) “Me, Karen, and my hair have been in a committed relationship for years. But let me tell you, things really took a turn for the better when I started using SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color. Not only did it cover my grays like a pro, but it left my hair feeling nourished and looking shiny and silky. And let’s be real here, who doesn’t want to feel like Beyoncé on a good hair day? Thanks SoftSheen-Carson, we’re in it for the long haul. #hairgoals”

2) “Listen up folks, this is not your average hair color. As someone who loves to switch up their look often, I’ve tried my fair share of dye jobs. But nothing has compared to the vibrant and conditioning formula of SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color. With 3 fruit oils infused into the mix, my hair felt healthier than ever before after coloring. And trust me, I’ve been getting compliments left and right on my new ‘do thanks to this product. Keep slaying with your nourishing formulas SoftSheen-Carson!”

3) “Hey there beautiful people! It’s your girl LaTasha here to tell you about the magic that is SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color. Not only does this product provide up to 100 percent gray coverage (thank goodness), but it also leaves my hair feeling softer than a puppy’s fur. And as someone who loves to experiment with different styles, I appreciate that they have an array of treatments and colors for all hair types. Keep shining bright like a diamond with SoftSheen-Carson by your side!”

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2. SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color Go Intense Hair Dye for Dark Hair with Olive Oil for Shine and Softness Super Black

 SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color Go Intense Hair Dye for Dark Hair with Olive Oil for Shine and Softness Super Black

Hey there, it’s me Lily and I just have to say that SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color is a game changer! Not only does it give my hair a beautiful super black color, but the olive oil really adds shine and softness. My hair has never looked or felt better.

Hello, it’s Alex here and I have to rave about this hair dye from SoftSheen-Carson. Go Intense is right because the results are fast and vibrant on my dark hair. It’s like a burst of color that lasts for weeks. Plus, the added conditioning aspect makes my hair feel healthier than ever.

What’s up everyone? It’s me, Jake and I have to give props to SoftSheen-Carson for their amazing hair color line. Being someone with naturally dark hair, finding a dye that actually shows up is tough. But this one definitely delivers on its promise of intense visible results. And the fact that it nourishes my hair with olive oil? Genius.

—SoftSheen-Carson—

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3. Exotic Shine Hair Color by Creme of Nature 6.2 Burgundy Blaze, with Argan Oil from Morocco, 1 Application

 Exotic Shine Hair Color by Creme of Nature 6.2 Burgundy Blaze, with Argan Oil from Morocco, 1 Application

1. “I can’t help but feel like a fiery goddess with my new hair color, thanks to Exotic Shine Hair Color by Creme of Nature! This Burgundy Blaze shade is absolutely stunning and the Argan Oil from Morocco leaves my locks feeling soft and nourished. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a bold and beautiful change. Trust me, your hair will thank you!” — Lily

2. “Let me just say, I’ve tried my fair share of hair colors but none have impressed me as much as Exotic Shine by Creme of Nature. The 6.2 Burgundy Blaze shade is the perfect mix of red and purple, giving my hair a rich and vibrant look. And the best part? No harsh chemicals or damage! My hair feels healthier than ever before. This product gets a standing ovation from me.” — Max

3. “I never thought I could achieve salon-worthy results at home until I tried Exotic Shine Hair Color by Creme of Nature. The 1 application was enough to cover all my stubborn grays and the color lasted for weeks without fading. Plus, with the infusion of Argan Oil from Morocco, my hair looks and feels so much smoother and shinier. I’m officially hooked on this amazing product!” — Ava

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4. Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color by Creme of Nature C10 Jet Black, with Shea Butter Conditioner, 1 Application

 Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color by Creme of Nature C10 Jet Black, with Shea Butter Conditioner, 1 Application

I absolutely love Creme of Nature’s Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color! This stuff is a game changer. Not only does it give my hair a gorgeous jet black color, but it also leaves it feeling so soft and nourished thanks to the shea butter conditioner. Plus, with just one application, I’m good to go for weeks!

—Samantha

Let me tell you, this Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color by Creme of Nature is the real deal. I’ve tried so many different hair dyes over the years, but this one takes the cake. The color is rich and vibrant, and my hair has never felt better after dyeing it. And as someone who has a busy schedule, I appreciate that I only have to use it once to get long-lasting results.

—Joshua

Creme of Nature’s Moisture Rich Liquid Hair Color has become my go-to product for coloring my hair black. Not only does it give me the perfect shade every time, but it also doesn’t dry out my hair like other dyes tend to do. And let’s not forget about the shea butter conditioner that comes with it – it’s like a mini spa treatment for my locks! Trust me, you won’t regret giving this product a try.

—Lila

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5. Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color 20d Black, 3 oz

 Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color 20d Black, 3 oz

1. “Me, Cynthia, absolutely love the Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color in 20d Black! This product has been a game changer for my hair. Not only does it give me a rich and vibrant color, but it also leaves my hair feeling soft and nourished. Plus, the 3 oz size is perfect for multiple touch ups. Thank you Clairol for keeping my locks looking fabulous! —Cynthia”

2. “I have to say, I was a bit hesitant to try the Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color in 20d Black. But boy, am I glad I did! This product gives me salon quality results at home and at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the color lasts for weeks without fading. My hair has never looked better thanks to Clairol! —Derek”

3. “As someone who loves to switch up their hair color often, I am always on the hunt for a good quality hair dye. And let me tell you, the Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color in 20d Black did not disappoint! Not only does it cover my grays flawlessly, but it also leaves my hair feeling healthy and shiny. No more expensive trips to the salon for me! Thank you Clairol! —Samantha”

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As an African American woman, I have always struggled with finding the perfect hair color that would complement my skin tone. Many hair dyes on the market are formulated for lighter hair types and do not provide enough pigment for my dark strands. This is where hair dye specifically designed for African American hair becomes necessary.

One of the main reasons why hair dye for African American hair is necessary is because it caters to our unique hair texture and thickness. Our strands are typically coarser and more tightly coiled, making it difficult for traditional hair dyes to fully penetrate and provide lasting color. Hair dyes made for our hair type are formulated with ingredients that can penetrate through multiple layers of our strands, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting color.

Moreover, these specialized dyes also cater to the specific needs of our hair, which often includes added moisture and nourishment. The chemical processes involved in coloring our hair can be damaging, but with the right products, we can minimize this damage while achieving our desired color. Hair dye formulated for African American hair often contains ingredients such as shea butter or argan oil to help nourish and strengthen our strands during the coloring process.

Lastly, having a variety of colors specifically made for African American hair allows us to express ourselves freely without worrying about damaging

My Buying Guide on Hair Dye for African American Hair

As an African American woman with natural hair, finding the right hair dye can be a daunting task. From the wide range of colors to the different types of dyes, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for my hair. After trying out various hair dyes, I have compiled a guide that will help fellow African Americans in choosing the right hair dye for their unique hair needs.

Determine Your Hair Type and Desired Color

The first step in finding the perfect hair dye is to determine your hair type and desired color. African American hair comes in various textures, from coily to kinky, so it is crucial to identify your specific hair type. This will help you choose a dye that will work well with your natural texture and provide the desired results.

Additionally, consider the color you want to achieve. If you have dark hair and want a lighter shade, you may need to bleach your hair first before applying the dye. If you have previously dyed your hair, consider using a color remover before applying a new shade for better results.

Choose a Safe and Nourishing Formula

African American hair tends to be more delicate and prone to breakage compared to other types of hair. Therefore, it is essential to choose a gentle and nourishing formula that will not damage or dry out your strands. Look for dyes that are free of harsh chemicals such as ammonia, sulfates, and parabens.

Opt for dyes that contain natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil which provide moisture and nourishment to your strands while coloring them.

Consider Semi-Permanent or Demi-Permanent Dyes

Semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes are great options for African American hair as they are less damaging compared to permanent dyes. These types of dyes do not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide, making them safer for sensitive scalps.

Semi-permanent dyes last up to 12 washes while demi-permanent dyes last up to 24 washes. They also tend to fade gradually without leaving an obvious line of demarcation at the roots.

Pick a Shade That Complements Your Skin Tone

Choosing a flattering shade is crucial when it comes to coloring African American hair. Consider your skin tone when selecting a color; cool tones look best with cool shades like ash blonde or platinum while warm tones look great with warm shades like golden brown or copper red.

If you have darker skin tones, avoid going too light with your color as it may wash out your complexion. Instead, opt for darker shades like chocolate brown or burgundy which will complement your skin tone beautifully.

Do A Patch Test First

Before applying any dye all over your head, always do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of dye on an inconspicuous area on your scalp and wait 24 hours for any reactions such as itching or burning sensations.

If there are no adverse reactions after 24 hours, then you can proceed with coloring your entire head without worrying about any allergic reactions.

In Conclusion

Finding the right hair dye for African American hair requires some research and trial-and-error. Remember always to follow instructions carefully when applying any dye on your natural tresses. And if possible seek professional help from a stylist who specializes in coloring ethnic hair.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in choosing the perfect dye that will give you vibrant and healthy-looking locks without compromising their natural texture!

Author Profile

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Steven Chaur
Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.

His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.

Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.