Whether you’re looking to cover your grays or save some coin, box dye can actually do a good job at helping you maintain the dark, rich color you’re used to rocking. From jet black to cool black, natural black, and more, we’ve searched high and low for the absolute best black hair dyes for men, taking a multitude of factors into consideration.
Because if you’ve ever dyed your hair black before, then you know that not all men’s black hair dye is created equal. You want to make sure that it’s easy to apply, maintains (or even restores) some vitality and shine to your hair, and that the color won’t fade after a few washes.
On top of getting the best black hair dyes for men, there are actually a few vital tips that you can employ to maintain your hair color’s depth, health, and vibrancy below.
How to prevent black hair dye from fading
- You may want to let the color sit longer if your hair is naturally darker. This is because it takes more lift to make the surface porous enough to deposit color.
- Avoid shampoos that are anti-dandruff or clarifying, because they will strip your hair of its color. Use only color-safe shampoos.
- Include a hair masque in your daily routine. These conditioners are rich in nutrients and lock in color.
- Apply conditioner to your ends and allow it to absorb for five minutes before you color your hair. This prevents over-absorption and allows for a more even color application.
- Use a color gloss to touch up your hair between dye jobs.
- Wear a hat in your daily life to protect your hair from brassy/fading tones.
Now let’s take a look at the 8 best black hair dyes for men below.
What you need to know
In order to narrow down the list of 8 finalist products, I looked at hundreds of pictures, customer reviews and my bathroom cabinet. Overall my top pick for a men’s black hair dye is Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color because it’s long-lasting, multi-dimensional for a natural look, and nourishing for the hair. For beautiful color that won’t alter your hair texture, check out Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Ultra Creme Nourishing Hair Color.
Why it’s great: If you’re lucky, you can get 8 weeks out of box hair dye, but this affordable one has an anti-fade formula that should get you a good 10 weeks. Pre-coloring serums, containing vitamin B6 as well as collagen, are also helpful. This helps to prime hair for a uniform, long-lasting colour.
All the while, you should experience less breakage thanks to keratin color bond enforcing systems and a K-bondplex conditioner that leaves hair healthy and strong without altering your hair’s texture or potential curl pattern. The overall result looks natural because it is multi-dimensional.
What is it for? For the low-maintenance guy in need of a men’s black hair dye that takes a long time to fade.
The flaws are not the end of the world Pay attention to shades when purchasing: some customers didn’t get the results they wanted. Color matching is easy if you follow these tips.
Benefits: Multi-dimensional, long-lasting, conditioning | Hair type: | Types ofPermanent | Cruelty-freeYes
Why it’s great: If you’d rather have a color that washes out a bit quicker, this demi, glossy-toned color is a great option, as it gradually fades evenly. This color provides vibrant coverage and penetrates deeply into the hair shaft to last up to 24 washes. Enriched with shea butter and free from ammonia and all animal-derived ingredients, this men’s black hair dye is gentle and nourishing on your hair and scalp.
What is it for? This is the perfect solution for those who need a rich, vibrant color that can be washed out more quickly than permanent dye.
The flaws are not the end of the world This seems to be a new formula that long-time users don’t like as much, but they feel like it gets the job done well.
Benefits: | Hair type: All | Types ofPermanent | Cruelty-freeNo
Why it’s great: It can be hard to find a box dye that lasts, but this one actually does—and for a low price, no less. One dye job should last at least eight weeks. The formula is non-drip and makes it easy to use. It also covers grays beautifully.
Triple care routines that include shampoo and conditioner contain glycerin and pro-keratine to achieve the rich, dark color that you desire without sacrificing your hair’s health.
What is it for? This is a great option for guys who want to keep their hair black or naturally black for 8 weeks.
The flaws are not the end of the world A few customers complained that the seam of the conditioner tube was faulty.
Benefits: | Hair type: All | Types ofPermanent | Cruelty-freeNo
Why it’s great: This 3-pack will cost you more than others, but the results are worth it. It has a vibrant, natural color that lasts for 8 weeks. And isn’t that priceless, after all?
Color seal conditioning infuses hair with a rich black color, adding intense shine and suppleness. This is unlike box dyes, or even salon services that leave hair thirsty and dried. This dye has been used by many customers for years. One person even used it for 45!
What is it for? For the guy in need of a reliable, go-to men’s black hair dye that lasts a long time.
The flaws are not the end of the world Some people have complained about the smell.
Benefits: | Hair type: | TypePermanent | Cruelty-freeNo
Why it’s great: Hair that has been dyed in a single color is more noticeable. This 3-pack is different from most box dyes because it uses 3D gel technology to give hair a rich multi-dimensional sheen. Hair looks natural instead of monochrome. This product is enriched in keratin, silk amino acids and conditioners to strengthen and condition hair. The perfect jet-black color is 10 Black, but you can also purchase three other shades of black.
Who is it for then? If you want to add some depth to your black hair, this is the perfect black hair dye.
The flaws are not the end of the world Some people report that the color fades within a month.
Benefits: Nourishing| Hair type: | Type| Cruelty-free: Yes
Why it’s great: This affordable, nourishing two-pack comes in three different black shades. It locks in color and prevents it from fading. This is thanks to color boost technology that intensely infuses dyes into the hair fiber for a rich, radiant black color that adapts to your hair’s texture, even if it’s coarse and unruly.
The thick conditioner that comes with the product can be used to add five oils ultra-hydrating to it to achieve color, to prevent hair from drying out, and to give it a silky sheen.
What is it for? An easy choice as a men’s black hair dye for all hair types, especially if your hair is coarse, coily, or on the high-maintenance side.
The flaws are not the end of the world Some users aren’t crazy about the strong scent.
Benefits: Nourishing and conditioning| Hair type: All, dry, color-treated | TypePermanent | Cruelty-freeYes
Why it’s great: Sometimes you’re just not ready to fully commit, so a semi-permanent dye is ideal for testing the waters of men’s black hair dye. This vegan, cruelty-free line offers an array of fun colors including a deep Transylvania, which is jet black that’s based on blue. It won’t last too long, but it’s easy to apply and rinse out, all while nicely conditioning the hair.
What is it for? The perfect solution for a guy who just wants to test out black hair color for a few days.
The flaws are not the end of the world The time to fade appears to be inconsistent.
Benefits: Conditions| Hair type: All | TypePermanent | Cruelty-freeYes
Why it’s great: Whether you’re sensitive or just want to be more eco-conscious, this hair dye is a good option because it’s vegan, 92% naturally derived, and doesn’t contain any harsh smells. Olive oleic and meadowfoam oil are used to nourish and condition the hair, as well as keep the color for a long period of time.
What is it for? This is a great hair dye for men who have sensitive skin, noses or allergies.
The flaws are not the end of the world When color matching, some customers found that the color was darker than expected.
Benefits: | Hair type: All | TypePermanent | Cruelty-free: Yes
Buying considerations for the Best Black Hair Dyes For Men
Ingredients
There are some ingredients you should avoid when it comes to black hair dyes. Shea butter and Keratin are two of the most nourishing ingredients that can be found in hair dyes. They strengthen hair and protect it immediately after coloring. Avoid ammonia because it damages hair and alters its pH irreversibly.
Types of
Just in case you thought there was one hair dye and one hair dye only, make sure you’re reading the box before purchasing because there are actually three types. The first is semi-permanent, which does what it sounds like it might do, which is a deposit color that lasts anywhere from 3–6 washes. It’s a good way to try out a hair dye for 3-6 washes.
Demi-permanent dye should hang in there for 24–26 washes. And finally, permanent hair dye, which should stick around on your hair for 6–8 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.
Additional Treatments
Something that I’ve noticed about superior black box hair dyes is that they come with some additional treatment, typically in the form of a conditioner, pretreatment, or conditioning mask. The at-home experience will be similar to that of a salon. These treatments add shine and vibrancy to hair, protect it from breakage, and lock in color. Dye can be rough on hair, no matter how ‘natural’ or ‘clean’ the formulation, so stick to a black hair dye that contains a treatment boost.
How We Decided
Black hair dyes for males are available that claim to condition and color the hair, while also lasting at least six weeks. But sometimes these claims just don’t hold up, and the color fades or it leaves your end brittle and dry. Wherever possible, I choose black hair dyes from trusted brands that deliver consistently superior results.
I also read hundreds of reviews from customers and blogs about hair, and chose the top 8 products by selecting those that people rate highly and buy again and again.
Reputation: Is there a great brand with a good customer service that ensures quality products arrive on time? I always check a company’s track record before recommending.
Customer Reviews Are people happy with the results and quality? What people say about a black hair dye’s performance matters to me most.
Transparency: Does the brand list all of the ingredients inside so that it’s clear what you’re going to be putting on your hair? I check that all ingredients are clearly marked and easily accessible.
Why trust Us?
Rachel Cascella is a passionate hair care enthusiast. She has been dyeing her hair for almost two decades and is a FashionBeans hair care expert. Sixteen years as a model in the fashion industry has led her into the chairs of the industry’s top hairstylists, giving her exclusive access to a wealth of knowledge and first-hand encounters with some of the best products out there.
She has written for TheRightHairstyles She has been combining her passion for hair health and her research-loving nature for a long time. She has already written about conditioners that brighten gray hair and color shampoos for maintaining your hair’s color. Her meticulous approach and commitment towards quality make her insight particularly valuable for those looking to enhance their grooming regimen.
Final Verdict
The best hair dyes are those that look natural, are affordable and do not damage hair. My top pick is Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color because it has tone and depth, it’s conditioning and healthy for hair, and it lasts for 10 weeks—longer than most.
The FAQ
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The truth is, you can use any of the hair dyes that are on this list. The best black dye for men is one that will produce even, vibrant and long-lasting effects.
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The permanent black hair dye will last 6-8 weeks. Semi-permanent may last 3-6 washings.
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