Wisteria Avenue

Services

What are my hair colour options for black hair? | Abingdon | Didcot | Wantage | Oxfordshire

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

📞 CALL: 01235 534705
new-post EMAIL: [email protected]
marker 4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Hair Salon Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:


10 am

3:30 pm


11:30 am

7:30 pm


10 am

6 pm


9 am

4:30 pm

Black Hair Colour Options in Abingdon

If you have black hair colour and you’ve wondered what your options for change are, then look no further! Whether you have coloured hair at home, have naturally black hair or you just aren’t sure what might work then we have you covered. 

Black hair often requires a tactful approach to achieving certain colours that are both manageable and retain health of hair. In our daily blog, we’ll explore some of the best options, including considerations for going lighter, popular shades, and what you can expect along the way.

For more hair colour information and advice, visit our balayage and highlights service pages. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705.

silver balayage

Black Hair Colour FAQ's

Why is black hair difficult to colour?

There are some fundamentals of hair colour that are important to recognise and the approach to colouring black hair is dependent upon whether it’s virgin hair (natural hair) or coloured. Coloured hair will in most cases prove more challenging and the approach to colouring virgin hair is more straightforward. Here are some considerations before we dive in:

  • Colour can’t lift colour: For example if you have coloured your hair black, applying a much lighter blonde won’t deliver your desired result. Only bleach followed by a toner will. If you’re unsure why colour can’t lift colour in most instances, this blog can help.
  • Bleach isn’t a hair colour: Bleach removes pigment, it isn’t a colour. If ever you have got bleach on your clothes it isn’t something that can be washed out, rather it has permanently removed the colour of your clothes. The same applies to bleach.
  • When bleach meets toner: Toners ‘grab’ onto bleach. Think of toner as a gentle colour designed to introduce colour to bleach hair only.
  • What if I don’t tone my hair after bleaching?: Bleach on black hair will likely turn red or orange. The toner offers better balance, removing any visible ‘red or orange’ replacing with a likely choice of reds, violets, browns and in some cases dark blondes.
  • Processing time: Bleach can only be left on for ‘up to’ one hour. Once that time has elapsed, the bleach needs to come off. Consider this as ‘health of hair’ above ‘desired colour choice’.

 

The balance to strike is desired colour against budget, frequency of appointment, ongoing maintenance, what looks great that also offers consistency. For example (to offer an extreme viewpoint), any colour is largely achievable in-salon, it just might require more appointments and a greater budget. We have clients that visit looking for a white blonde and if the starting point is already naturally blonde hair, typically this client might entertain a visit every two months to achieve their desired hair on a relatively modest budget. If the same were to be said for black hair, the same end result might require three times the number of appointments every two months for three times for the same end result. Ultimately the darker the starting point, typically the more patience that is required. That’s not to say that all appointments are unachievable (they aren’t and I have detailed these below), however lighter hair colours usually represent a greater challenge than warmer shades. If you do decide that you want to go much lighter and are exploring the option of lots of appointments, visit this blog about how to go much lighter.

What are the challenges of black hair and what to expect?

If your heart is set on a lighter look, such as a blonde, silver or platinum, it’s important to understand that the lightening process for black hair is typically gradual. Transitioning to blonde may require several salon visits, along with conditioning treatments to keep the hair healthy. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

  • Multiple Sessions: It’s likely to cost a lot more than a typical appointment if you have high expectations!
  • Aligning Expectations: If you are happy with warmer shades, this can blend well whilst offering ease of revisiting in a few months time for a reapplication.
  • Upkeep: If your intention is to opt for much lighter colours, be prepared for routine appointments and more than one to achieve your desired colour.
  • Warmer Shades: These in my view whilst they suited black hair better and offer a better overall blend, there are typically restrictions to warmer shades given the above.

What might be options?

1. Rich Browns and Chestnut Highlights

Rich browns are most popular. Consider that if you are opting for highlights, one of the colours will still need to be black. A rich brown compliments this really well and represents a popular choice. These shades blend naturally with black hair, adding depth and warmth without the need for aggressive lightening. Rich brown or chestnut highlights are low-maintenance and add a sophisticated, natural look to your hair.

  • Maintenance Level: Low to Moderate
  • Why Choose It? Great for those wanting a natural look without major upkeep.

2. Caramel Balayage

Balayage is a technique that delivers sun-kissed hair for those wanting a soft look from black to a lighter shade from the mid to ends of the hair. Any colour up to four shades lighter than black can work well (anything much lighter can begin to look artificial) so if you desire a more natural look, stick to warmer toners. The effect can range from subtle to more noticeable, depending on the shade and placement of the caramel highlights. Here’s some helpful information on balayage on black hair.

  • Maintenance Level: Moderate
  • Why Choose It? Balayage grows out naturally requiring far less appointments than any other hair colour application.

3. Deep Auburn and Burgundy Tones

The warmer the colour, the easier it is to achieve with little to no upkeep or damage to the hair. Deep auburn and burgundy are striking choices for black hair and tick every box. Just as importantly they show up well against a black base and compliment skin tones too.

  • Maintenance Level: Moderate
  • Why Choose It? Bold yet natural-looking, these tones offer a warm and sultry change without requiring much bleaching.

4. Honey Blonde Ombre

An ombre is arguably the most left field choice. Not because it doesn’t look great, however it’s far less common these days. Most clients opt for highlights, however by no means is it time to discount the ombre just yet! Think balayage yet with lighter and more saturated ends. The ombre does require more day-to-day styling than balayage to really maximise those lighter pieces, but it’s ideal if you’re seeking something bold.

  • Maintenance Level: Moderate (though more day-to-day styling)
  • Why Choose It? Ombre allows you to experiment with lighter colours while preserving your natural roots.

Conclusion

We have mostly discussed what can be achieved in one appointment, however if lighter and more drastic colours are required on black hair, this is possible. The balance to strike is most definitely availability, frequency of appointment and budget. In our experience establishing a hair colour which offers a softer regrowth strengthens the likelihood of longer-term upkeep and supports maintenance. If you have Asian or Afro hair, this blog may also help.

For more information, please call or send a WhatsApp on 01235 534705. Before making a booking, we would encourage you to discuss your options with us to establish if and how we can help.

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

📞 CALL: 01235 534705
new-post EMAIL: [email protected]
marker 4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:


10 am

3:30 pm


11:30 am

7:30 pm


10 am

6 pm


9 am

4:30 pm

Want to know more about colouring black hair?

Complete the below and a staff member will contact you at the earliest opportunity with further information about how we can help you with your hair extensions appointment. Any questions, call or send a WhatsApp to the salon on 01235 534705 or book your appointment online.


Want to know more about hair colour options on black hair?

As one of the best black hair colour salons in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, we would love to discuss your plans with you! To book your hair appointment or consultation, get in touch with Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon by booking online or calling us on 01235 534705. 

Where are we?

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