Eesha Kulkarni

In the world of beauty and fashion, it’s all about embracing your dark side in 2023. From the ‘dark feminine’ and ‘villain’ aesthetic to the ‘gloomy girl’ trend and the viral goth glam inspired by Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, the year was all about indulging your inner edge. And what’s more striking than diving headfirst into the dark abyss with the Midnight Black hair colour trend?

This bold, dramatic hue has celebrities like Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Megan Fox, Vanessa Hudgens and Kylie Jenner hooked, offering a touch of ‘90s grunge with a contemporary twist. But before you rush to your stylist or grab a DIY kit, here’s everything you need to know about this hair trend.

The Allure of Midnight Black Hair

Midnight black hair isn’t just your average black. It’s the darkest cool-toned hue you can imagine, with a subtle hint of blue. Think of it as the rock ‘n’ roll cousin of regular black hair. This specific shade thrives on high shine, creating a sleek and seamless look. Keep in mind that this intense colour may strike more dramatically on some than others; it’s all about the cool or warm undertones in your skin.

What To Know Before Getting Midnight Black Hair

While rocking midnight black hair sounds tempting, it’s not for the fainthearted colour chameleons. If you’re someone who jumps from one hair colour to another like a caffeinated squirrel, you might want to reconsider. Midnight black is a commitment – it’s like a tattoo for your hair, and going lighter afterward can be a Herculean task. So, if you’ve been planning to go bleach blonde for the summer, this trend might not be your ideal companion.

For those with naturally lighter hair, achieving that silky smooth black may take some extra effort. Be sure you’re 1000% committed because, well, you can’t change your mind next week. Going from blonde to midnight black requires either patience or a good hair filler.

Caring for Your Dark Locks

The good news is, maintaining midnight black hair isn’t rocket science. It’s not a high-maintenance colour, and it doesn’t fade faster than other shades. However, how often you need a retouch depends on your natural hair colour. If you’re naturally very light, you might find your regrowth more visible sooner.

For longevity, consider reverse shampooing, where you use conditioner as your shampoo – it’s gentler and helps preserve the colour. Opt for colour-safe, paraben, and sulphate-free shampoos. Additionally, a weekly hair mask provides an extra layer of protection to keep your dark tresses in top-notch shape.

Who Can Rock Midnight Black Hair

So, can you pull off this dramatic trend? Well, the good news is that black hair is quite a common natural hue, with approximately 90% of people worldwide having black or brown hair. However, midnight black is a step further, an extreme form of jet black that’s making waves.

Your skin tone plays a role in how well you can carry off this look. Celebrities with olive complexions, like Dua Lipa, Vanessa Hudgens, Kim Kardashian, Janhvi Kapoor, Jessica Alba or Salma Hayek, are a natural fit for this dark transformation. Darker, warm complexions, such as Rihanna’s or Zendaya’s, also pair beautifully with midnight black hair. But fear not, even if your skin tone doesn’t fit these categories, you can still rock the trend – it’ll just add an extra edge to your look.

To Midnight Black or Not to Midnight Black?

Dyeing your hair midnight black is undoubtedly a bold move, but it’s not without its consequences. The intense pigmentation that gives this colour its allure also makes it challenging to remove. If you have second thoughts about your dark transformation, be prepared for a complex, possibly hair-damaging, lightening process.

However, this isn’t a reason to hold back if you’re itching for a style overhaul. Just remember that midnight black is a commitment, and like all great relationships, it requires a little care and effort.