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Dark Brown vs Natural Black Hair Color: How to Choose

Dark Brown vs Natural Black Hair Color: How to Choose

 

Your hair color has a big impact on your look. While different shades might seem similar, when it comes to coloring your hair, different shades can drastically change your overall look. This is especially true if you’re choosing between dark brown vs natural black hair color.

Deep shades of brown and black are some of the most popular hair color options because they offer a rich, timeless look. While they may seem identical in some lighting, they can make your  look very different depending on your skin tone, your natural hair color, your maintenance preferences, and the style you’re going for.

Dark brown provides greater depth of color. If you’re covering a lighter shade or another shade of brown, dark brunette requires less maintenance. Natural black hair is striking and bold, and offers a dramatic change even for those going from a dark brown or other shade to natural black.

If you’re thinking about refreshing your look, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll help you confidently choose between dark brown and natural black hair.

Choosing Between Brown versus Black Hair Color

Dark brown and black hair might sit next to each other on the hair color spectrum. But the end result is noticeably different. Choosing between the shades comes down to comparing the main

Feature

Dark Brown

Natural Black

Overall look

Soft, dimensional

Bold, dramatic

Contrast

Moderate

High

Maintenance

Often lower

Depends on natural color

Gray root visibility

Less noticeable

More noticeable

Best for

Natural enhancement

Dramatic change

Why Choose Dark Brown Hair

Dark brown is a rich brunette shade that offers a dramatic look with more depth than black hair. Depending on the exact shade and formula, a dark brown shade might have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Dark brown is a great choice for a variety of skin tones.

Many women choose dark brown because it adds richness. In the right light, it will give your hair more movement and warmth. If you’re looking for a polished, natural-looking hair color that enhances your features without dramatically changing your appearance, dark brown is it.

If you have hair that struggles to hold color, choosing a dark brown shade, especially if you’re covering a shade of brown, can make for more natural-looking coverage.

Why Choose Natural Black Hair

Natural black is the deepest naturally-inspired hair color. Natural black is generally formulated to look more neutral and naturally occurring than blue-black or jet-black shades, although the finished tone can vary with your starting color and the product formula.

This shade creates a sleek, glossy look. It is striking against your face, especially compared to lighter shades. If you love a bold, dramatic hair moment that’s still versatile, this is a great choice. Natural black is also great for creating a rich, uniform look to your hair, and for giving it great shine.

Which Hair Color Complements Your Skin Tone?

When it comes to choosing between dark brown or natural black hair color, one important thing to consider is what each shade will look like with your skin tone and complexion.

Who is Dark Brown Hair Best For?

Dark brown can provide noticeable depth without creating as much contrast as black, making it a versatile option across many complexions. Natural black hair creates a lot of contrast against your face. It can make your facial features stand out beautifully–particularly if you have a unique eye color.

Warm browns can complement golden, peach, and olive undertones, while cooler espresso browns may suit rosy or blue undertones. Natural black creates stronger contrast, but its effect depends on your features, starting color, and the particular formula, not simply whether your complexion is light or deep.

Consider Your Natural Hair Color Before Deciding

Wanting to try out a new hair color is one thing. But whether or not that shade will provide good coverage over your existing color is another.

Your starting hair color will affect your final results. It’ll also impact how often you need to refresh your color. If you’re making a drastic change, like going from blonde to black, you’re going to need touch-ups far more often. But if your hair is already dark brown, going to black will require fewer.

Choosing a shade that’s closer to your natural color not only means less maintenance, but can also produce a better end result. Even when you’re coloring your hair at home, you’ll get a fresh look that is shiny, even, and beautiful. 

If you’ve previously colored your hair, remember that existing color might influence your final results. 

Which Shade is Easier to Maintain?

While they might be close in tone, maintaining dark brown vs natural black hair is a little different. But the biggest difference will come from your previous hair color.

If you already have brown hair, dark brown will be lower maintenance. Because dark brown has more variance in the shade, when your natural color starts growing in, it will blend better with your colored strands. Motion Xpress’ shampoo-like formula makes it easy to go from a medium-shade to dark brown in just five minutes.

This isn’t the case with black. Because it's the darkest hair shade, root growth tends to be more noticeable if your previous color isn’t dark. If you have black or very dark brown hair, black can still be low maintenance as well.

Tips for Making Your Hair Color Last

Whether you choose a dark brown or natural black shade, there are a few things you can do to prolong your coverage and reduce how often you need a touch-up:

  • Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair
  • Wash with lukewarm or cool water instead of hot
  • Limit excessive heat styling
  • Protect your hair from prolonged sun exposure

Coloring your hair with dyes can strip moisture from your strands. But Motion Xpress’ hydrating formula is gentler on hair. If you have chemically relaxed or straightened hair, it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing a hair color that’s safe on your strands. Motion Xpress can be applied to chemically treated hair at least 7 to 10 days after your treatment.

These steps can help preserve both the richness of your color and the health of your hair.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

If you’re still on the fence about choosing between dark brown vs natural black hair color, there are a few questions you can ask yourself.

Do I Want a Soft or Bold Look?

If you prefer something more subtle and natural-looking, dark brown is the easy choice. But if you’re drawn to a sleek, dramatic look, natural black might be more aligned to your style.

How Much Maintenance Do I Want to Do?

If you’re someone who wants to color your hair and then not worry about it again for months at a time, natural black probably isn’t for you. This is especially true if you’re making the switch from a lighter shade.

Dark brown offers a little more flexibility in how often you’ll need touch-ups.

What is My Personal Style?

It’s great to match your hair color to your skin tone. But it’s also great to choose a color that you love and that matches your overall style. 

At the end of the day, hair that you love and that complements your aesthetic is going to help you feel more confident and radiant. 

Dark brown tones pair well with a classic, casual, or understated style. Natural black is ideal for a sophisticated or bold style.

Finding Your Perfect Shade

Choosing between dark brown vs natural black hair color can be confusing. But the best option comes down to the look that you want to achieve, your natural color, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Both shades are classic colors and can elevate your overall look.

No matter which shade you choose, quality at-home hair color makes it easy to refresh your look with confidence. Motions Xpress makes coloring your hair dark brown, natural black, light brown, or dark blonde fast and easy. It’s safe on chemically treated hair. The moisturizing formula is also ideal for all hair types, including high or low porosity hair. In just five minutes, you’ll get a permanent hair color that’s vibrant and beautiful. Shop our selection of colors today to find your perfect shade.

FAQs

Is natural black darker than dark brown?

Yes, natural black is darker than dark brown.

Does natural black look jet black?

No. Natural black is a softer, more subtle shade, with notes of brown that often appear in sunlight.

Which shade is better for covering gray hair?

Dark brown or black is generally better for covering gray hair. That’s because lighter shades like gray blend better into the varied tone compared to natural black. With Motion Xpress, you can get beautiful gray coverage in just five minutes.

Can dark brown hair color be applied over black hair?

No. Hair color only deposits color and cannot lift the existing color. Because natural black is darker, dark brown is unable to cover it.

How long does permanent hair color last?

It’s recommended that you color your hair every 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I color relaxed hair? 

Yes, Motion Xpress is safe to use on relaxed or straightened hair. It is recommended that you wait 7 to 10 days to apply Motion Xpress after your chemical treatment.

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