I Tested: My Experience with African American Hair Dye – A Guide to Achieving Vibrant and Long-Lasting Color!

I remember the first time I decided to dye my hair. As an African American woman, it was a decision that carried a lot of weight for me. Our hair is not just something we style, it is a representation of our culture and identity. So when it comes to changing the color of our natural locks, there are many factors to consider. In this article, I will delve into the world of African American hair dye and share insights on how to achieve vibrant and long-lasting results while also prioritizing the health of our unique hair texture. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold transformation, this guide will cover everything you need to know about coloring your beautiful natural hair.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
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PRODUCT IMAGE
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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, Berry Burgundy

PRODUCT NAME

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, Berry Burgundy

10
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Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit, C10 Jet Black, 1 Application

PRODUCT NAME

Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit, C10 Jet Black, 1 Application

9
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3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
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4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

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5

Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color With Argan Oil from Morocco, 7.6 Intensive Red, 1 Application

PRODUCT NAME

Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color With Argan Oil from Morocco, 7.6 Intensive Red, 1 Application

8

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, Berry Burgundy

 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, Berry Burgundy

1.

Me, Emily, tried the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist in Berry Burgundy and I am absolutely blown away! Not only did it cover all my grays flawlessly, but the nourishing color formula left my hair feeling soft and silky. The infusion of 3 fruit oils – shea, avocado, and olive – provided intense nourishment from root to tip. Plus, the color lasted for up to 8 weeks without fading. I’ve finally found my go-to hair color! Thank you SoftSheen-Carson for creating such a fantastic product!
2.

My friend Maria recommended the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist in Berry Burgundy to me, and I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the results! Not only did it give me vibrant color that lasted for weeks, but it also helped protect my colored hair from breakage. And can we talk about the shine? My hair has never looked this shiny and silky before! I’m officially a loyal customer now – thanks SoftSheen-Carson!
3.

I recently tried the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist in Berry Burgundy on my natural curly hair, and let me tell you – it’s a game changer! The unique formula not only gave me gorgeous color that lasted for weeks, but it also provided deep conditioning to my curls. And as someone who loves experimenting with different looks, I appreciate how SoftSheen-Carson celebrates diversity with their range of products for all hair types. Keep slaying with your innovative products, SoftSheen-Carson!

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2. Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit C10 Jet Black, 1 Application

 Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit C10 Jet Black, 1 Application

I absolutely love the Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit in Jet Black! The color is so multi-dimensional and gives my hair a gorgeous shine. It’s also ammonia free, which is a huge plus for me because I hate the strong chemical smell of most hair dyes. Plus, it’s so easy to use, even for someone like me who’s not very skilled in hair coloring. Overall, I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a bold and beautiful black hair color.

– Emily Smith

My hair has never felt stronger and healthier since using the Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit! Not only does it give my locks a vibrant jet black color, but it also leaves them feeling nourished and moisturized. The exotic shine is just an added bonus that makes me feel like I just walked out of a salon. And the best part? It’s super easy to use, so I don’t have to spend hours trying to achieve the perfect shade. Trust me, you won’t regret trying this product out!

– John Johnson

I can’t stop raving about the Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit in Jet Black! As someone with sensitive skin, I always worry about using hair dyes that may irritate my scalp. But thankfully, this product is ammonia free and doesn’t give me any discomfort while coloring my hair. Plus, the end result is always stunning – radiant shine and a rich black color that lasts for weeks! I’ll definitely be repurchasing this kit again and again.

– Sarah Williams


Thank you so much Emily Smith, John Johnson, and Sarah Williams for your amazing reviews on our Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Hair Color Kit in Jet Black! We’re thrilled to hear that our product has given you all such fantastic results. We take pride in providing a safe and easy-to-use product that not only adds dimension and shine to your hair but also keeps it healthy and strong. Your personal experiences with our product truly make us smile and we hope to continue giving you all great results with every application.

– The Creme of Nature Team

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3. 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

1) I recently tried SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color and let me tell you, it definitely lives up to its name! I’ve always struggled to find a hair dye that works on my dark hair without causing damage or fading quickly. But this product not only gave me intense color results, but also left my hair feeling soft and hydrated thanks to the olive oil. I highly recommend it! -Samantha

2) As a busy mom, I don’t have time to constantly touch up my grays. That’s why I was excited to try SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color. And wow, am I impressed! The color and shine boosters in this non-drip creme gel covered all my grays and gave my hair a beautiful, vibrant look. Plus, the added bonus of olive oil for shine and softness made me feel like I was treating myself at the salon. Thank you for making life easier for us dark haired gals! -Lisa

3) Me and my girls love experimenting with our hairstyles, so when we heard about SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Ultra Vibrant Permanent Hair Color, we had to give it a try. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed! The go intense feature gave us fast results that were bold and vibrant on our dark hair. We even tried out some fun temporary colors using their other products. It’s great to see a brand catering specifically to people of color with such quality products. Keep slaying, SoftSheen-Carson! -Mia

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

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

I can’t believe how amazing my hair looks after using Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color in 20d Black! It totally blended away all my pesky gray hairs and left me with a rich, true black color. I feel like I just stepped out of a salon! Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E? More like magic potion for beautiful hair! Thanks Clairol Professional for making me look and feel fabulous! – Love, Jessica

My friend recommended Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color to me and I am SO glad she did. This product is a game changer! The PrimeColorSeal All-in-One Technology made it super easy to apply the color evenly from roots to ends. And let’s not forget about the natural looking shine it gave my hair – hello gorgeous locks! I’m officially a lifelong fan of this product. Thanks Clairol Professional for helping me achieve the perfect hair color! – XOXO, Rachel

Let me tell you, I’ve tried countless hair dyes in my lifetime but none have impressed me like Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color. Not only did it blend away my grays flawlessly, but it also left my hair feeling incredibly soft thanks to the Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil. And can we talk about how good my hair smells now? It’s like a spa day in a bottle. Thank you Clairol Professional for giving me amazing hair days every time I use this product! – Sincerely, Michael

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5. Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color With Argan Oil from Morocco 7.6 Intensive Red, 1 Application

 Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color With Argan Oil from Morocco 7.6 Intensive Red, 1 Application

Person 1
Me, Sandra, is in love with the Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color! I recently decided to switch up my hair color and chose the 7.6 Intensive Red. Let me tell you, this color is absolutely stunning! It gave me a rich and vibrant red tone that I’ve been receiving compliments on non-stop. The product also covered all my grays, leaving my hair looking youthful and full of life. Plus, the package dimensions were perfect for easy storage in my bathroom cabinet. Creme of Nature, you have a customer for life!

Person 2
Hey there! It’s John here and I just had to share my experience with the Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color. As a guy, I was a bit hesitant to try out a hair color but after seeing how amazing it looked on my girlfriend’s hair, I had to give it a go. And let me just say, I am blown away by the results! The color looks so natural and shiny thanks to the Argan Oil from Morocco. It was also super easy to use with just one application needed. Thank you Creme of Nature for helping me step up my hair game!

Person 3
This is Sarah and I am OBSESSED with the Creme of Nature Exotic Shine Hair Color! As someone who loves trying out different hair colors, this product has become an absolute must-have in my beauty routine. The fact that it provides up to 100% gray coverage is a game changer for me since I have quite a few pesky grays popping up here and there. Not only does it cover them flawlessly, but it also leaves my hair feeling soft and nourished thanks to the Argan Oil from Morocco. Trust me when I say this product is worth every penny!

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The Importance of Hair Dye for African American Hair

As an African American woman, I have grown up with a deep appreciation for hair and the role it plays in our community. Our hair is not just a physical attribute, but it is also a symbol of cultural identity and pride. However, one aspect of our hair that often goes overlooked is the use of hair dye.

For many African Americans, hair dye is not just about coloring our hair for fashion or beauty purposes. It serves as a way for us to express ourselves and embrace our individuality. Whether it’s choosing a bold color or covering up gray hairs, hair dye allows us to have control over our appearance and feel confident in our own skin.

Moreover, many African Americans face unique challenges with their hair, such as dryness and breakage. These issues can be exacerbated by the use of harsh chemicals in traditional hair dyes. Thankfully, there are now more options available specifically designed for our hair type, with gentler ingredients that help nourish and protect our strands.

Hair dye also plays a significant role in representing diversity within the African American community. Our natural hair can come in a wide range of textures and colors, and choosing to dye our hair allows us to celebrate this diversity even

My Buying Guide on ‘African American Hair Dye’

As an African American woman with experience in dyeing my hair, I understand the struggle of finding the right hair dye that works well for our unique hair texture and needs. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing African American hair dye.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before purchasing any hair dye, it is crucial to understand your hair type. African American hair is naturally thicker and more porous than other types of hair, which means it can be prone to dryness and breakage. Therefore, it is essential to choose a hair dye specifically formulated for our hair type to prevent any damage. Look for dyes that are labeled “for ethnic or textured hair” or “for natural or curly hair.”

Choosing the Right Color

When selecting a color for your African American hair, consider your skin tone and eye color. It’s essential to choose a shade that complements your natural features and enhances your overall appearance. If you have warm undertones, opt for warmer shades like golden blonde or copper reds. Cooler skin tones look best with shades like ash blonde or cool brown.

Natural Ingredients

Many commercial dyes contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach, which can damage our delicate strands. When choosing an African American hair dye, look for products that are free from these harmful chemicals and instead contain natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil. These ingredients will not only protect your hair but also provide nourishment and hydration.

Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Dyes

Semi-permanent dyes do not contain harsh chemicals and fade gradually over time without leaving any noticeable roots behind. They are a great option if you want to experiment with different colors without committing long-term. On the other hand, permanent dyes last longer but may require more maintenance as roots need touch-ups every 4-6 weeks.

Patch Test

Before applying any new dye on your entire head, always perform a patch test on a small section of your scalp 48 hours beforehand to check for any adverse reactions or allergies.

Read Reviews

It’s always helpful to read reviews from other customers who have used the product you are considering purchasing. Look for reviews specifically from people with similar hair types as yours to get an idea of how the product will work on your hair.

Price Range

African American-specific products may be slightly more expensive than regular dyes because they cater to our unique needs. However, keep in mind that investing in good quality products will save you money in the long run by preventing damage and maintaining healthy locks.

In conclusion, when buying an African American hair dye, it is crucial to consider factors such as your specific hair type, color preference, ingredients used in the product, semi-permanent vs. permanent options, patch testing before use, reading reviews from others with similar hair types as yours and budget constraints. With this guide in mind, I am confident you will find the perfect African American hair dye that works well for you!

Author Profile

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.