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Blue-black hair first hit the scene in the early 2010s, when stars like Katy Perry and Rihanna debuted the bold color. The fun but timeless version of traditional black hair is now back in a big way. Celebrities like Megan you stud And Camila Mendes have been seen with new and improved versions of the look, proving that the hue can also work on a multitude of styles, ranging from bobs to the curls.

If you’ve ever looked at a clear night sky and couldn’t decide exactly what color it was, you’ve discovered a variation of blue-black. Learn more about the trend and how to maintain this spectacular color at home. Plus, find a curated guide to blue-black looks for lots of inspiration.

Experts featured in this article

Wendy Burns is the national stylist of Henkel.

What is the blue-black hair color trend?

“It’s a cool color with the depth or darkness of the hair being black and the highlight or tone being a cool blue,” stylist Wendy Burns told PS. Burns also notes that the exact intensity of the color is entirely up to your discretion. Don’t know where to land? A medium blue-black shade is ideal for being both trendy and providing lasting vibrancy. Blue-black hair is also the perfect way to enhance your color while matching the moody moods of late fall and early winter.

Who should try blue-black hair?

Anyone with natural brown or black hair can try this trend, but it’s important to note that finding the perfect shade isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Blue-black hair tends to work best on cooler skin tones and naturally dark hair. The fact is that if you have a pale complexion complexion and/or lighter hair, the stark contrast of the very dark color can tend to be quite harsh.

When it comes to trying color, be very specific with your stylist. “If you’re going to the salon for a drastic change, take a photo with you for inspiration,” says Burns. “This way, your stylist can give you exactly what you’re looking for based on your hair needs.” Ultimately, the end result could involve deep blue-based highlights if you already have almost black hair to begin with. Or, if you have dark brown hair, a permanent blue-black color can be used in one process; Burns notes that this works well to also cover any pesky grays that might appear.

If you have darker hair, you can also try blue-black hair dye at home. Burns likes Schwarzkopf Keratin Color 1.1 in Midnight Black ($12) or 3.11 in deep dark blue ($12). Both shades reflect rich, cool tones and lots of shine. Pro tip: Be sure to use a barrier cream along your hairline to prevent those dark shades from staining your skin, she suggests.

How to maintain blue-black hair

Although it’s an undeniably cool color, blue-black hair requires frequent maintenance. Maintaining vibrancy and shine is essential to maximize drama and ensure it doesn’t look dull or dull. This is especially true if your hair is naturally a little lighter to begin with, in which case blue-black tones tend to fade even faster than if they’re on a darker base. Any easy way to fix this? Use one at home hair glosswhich can keep your new color vibrant for weeks.

As is the case with any color you’re trying to preserve, Burns suggests using cool water in combination with a shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair. “You can use a hydrating mask to ensure your hair is healthy and shiny,” she explains.

No matter if you want your blue-black shade to be subtle or more dramatic (and whatever your favorite style), keep scrolling to prove how versatile this shade can be with these blue-black hair color ideas .