Skip to Content

1B Hair Color: Is It Right For You?

Just as every person is unique, so is their hair. There are various hair colors and types, and each requires individual care. So whether you’re curious about your natural color or considering changing your shade, it’s best to understand what makes that color extraordinary.

Today we’re discussing the dark side of the hair spectrum. Read on for everything you need to know about 1B hair color.

 

What is 1B Hair Color?

1B Hair Color

1B hair color is a natural black. If your natural hair is black, then your hue is 1B hair color. The shade isn’t pure black. Instead, the tone is warm and soft off-black.

It wouldn’t match up if you compare 1B hair color to a sharpie or charcoal. However, it is a true black, not brown.

Unsurprisingly, the tone of natural black hair suits more skin types than the unnatural black tones. For anyone considering dyeing their hair black, 1B hair color is a safer bet than jet black. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a risk and try a darker tone.

For hair extensions or dyes, 1b hair color is the most common type. Although salons and hair products can match an off-black shade more effectively, you might not find a perfect match every time.

If you’re considering buying extensions or similar hair accessories, it’s best to buy in person to check the color. Alternatively, you can try using a box or salon dye to better match your hair to your extensions.

 

1B Versus #1

1B Versus #1

1B is the natural cousin of #1 or jet black hair. It’s the darkest black, and you can only achieve it with a dye. Jet black is a cool-tone hair, which means it doesn’t suit every skin type.

If you’re seeking a more dramatic look, jet black hair is a distinctive color. However, suppose you’re deciding between 1B hair color and jet black. In that case, there are three primary considerations: your skin’s undertones, eye color, and your intended look.

You might be more comfortable with a hue that passes as natural, no matter what color you were born with–or you might enjoy the intensity of jet black.

 

1B Versus #2

1B Versus #2

Let’s compare two natural human tones: 1B and #2. While 1B is black, #2 is brown. However, it’s the darkest shade of brown and can be mistaken for black without close inspection.

If you want a dark look, but you’re unsure if black hair suits your natural coloring or style choices, #2 hair has a similar aesthetic.

Dark brown or #2 hair color is cooler than other brown shades, but it has similar warmth to 1B hair color. In addition, natural dark brown hair might showcase a variety of highlight shades, including red or golden hues, which are absent from 1B hair color.

Of course, off black or natural black will have its unique blend of highlights and lowlights, but they tend towards darker shades.

 

Is 1B Hair Color Right for You?

If your natural-born hair color is black, the chances are that 1B hair color is a perfect match. Still, how many celebrities have revealed that their famous hair color is dyed? Have you ever guessed someone’s natural hair color incorrectly?

Trying a new shade can have surprising and fantastic results. We’ve already mentioned that as a warm-tone black, 1B hair color is the shade of black that suits most people. But where’s the line between being okay and being the perfect hue?

One note for anyone with thin hair considering going darker is that the darker the shade, the more visible your scalp will be. So if you’re uncomfortable with your roots drawing more eyes, it might be better to try out a warmer, lighter brown before jumping to the 1B hair color.

If you’re on the fence about 1B hair color versus jet black versus dark brown, another consideration is eyebrow color. You can dye your eyebrows to match, but if you rather not deal with the upkeep of eyebrow dye, it’s best to lean toward a more natural shade.

For example, if you’re a dark blonde going brown, it’s far more likely #2 hair will raise fewer eyebrows. It would be apparent that you’ve dyed your hair if your dark blonde browns don’t match off-black hair.

Off-black can be beautiful on any shade of skin. It’s all about how you style yourself. Darker hair will take on a different appearance with makeup and wardrobe choices. So if you’re making a hair color change, be prepared to make wardrobe or makeup changes.

 

How to Care for 1B Hair Color

How to Care for 1B Hair Color

The good news is that 1B hair color is far from rare, which improves your odds of finding care products and color touch-ups that suit you.

For many hair care tips, your hair color will become a secondary factor. Instead, the primary consideration is hair type. Hair type and hair color are determined independently, as both are additive genes rather than recessive or dominant. An estimated 90% of all people have either black or brown hair. Your hair genes are unique, which means no guide applies to all black or all blonde hair.

However, 1B hair color does come with a few considerations that will help you care better for your hair.

Off black or natural black is the shiniest of natural hair colors. When choosing hair products for shine, 1B hair color needs help maintaining, rather than adding. You might need to experiment with how glossy you like your lovely locks.

Black is the easiest hair color to add, even if your starting point is blonde. You can achieve 1B hair color from a salon or a box. However, if you are beginning at the lighter end of the hair hues, you should pair your dye job with products that promote hair health.

If you’re dyeing your hair with a 1B hair color, treat your hair with enriching oil. Remember to touch up your roots every three to four weeks, especially if there’s an apparent contrast between lighter roots and darker locks.

When dyeing your hair from a lighter shade to the 1B hair color, be careful of drying out your hair. Hair texture can become brittle when overexposed to dyes and bleaches. Embrace moisturizing hair products. From oils and creams to shampoos and conditioners, it’s better to add some treatment for your tresses.

Additionally, 1B hair color doesn’t fade as dramatically as jet black hair. The off-black hue will blend better, which means your dyed hair will have a healthy, beautiful appearance for longer. It can also help when you’re ready to phase out the black for a lighter shade.

Although, you should still invest in hair products that help your color last. The go-to for removing brassy and red tones from brown hair is blue shampoo. As 1B hair color has some of those similar warm tones, you can use many of the color-boosting shampoos and conditioners available for brunettes.

 

Conclusion

Here ends our exploration into the depths of off-black. Whether you’re keeping your natural black shiny or you’re wondering if a darker color is right for you, 1B hair color remains a popular shade. We hope we’ve answered everything you need to know about 1B hair color.