If you have black hair, you’ve probably noticed that any gray strands stand out much more. Dyeing everything an even, jet-black shade can sometimes look unnatural—especially since truly “pitch-black” hair is extremely rare. Our hair color actually depends on a pigment called melanin, which can be broadly divided into two types: eumelanin (brownish-black) and pheomelanin (reddish-orange). The specific balance between these two determines the overall tone of your hair.
Below are four common melanin “types” for black hair, along with tips for selecting an organic shade that blends in naturally:
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1. Blue-Melanin (Black Shine)
• Characteristics: Hair is typically very dark, thick, and coarse, appearing almost blue-black under strong light.
• Recommended Shade: Start with Soft Black. If you want an even deeper, cooler black tone, apply an Indigo color afterward to enhance the blue undertones.
[100% Organic Hair Color - Soft Black]
https://radicousa.com/products/soft-black-colour-me-organic
2. Red-Melanin (Darkest Brown in Sunlight)
• Characteristics: Common among many Asian hair types. Under direct sunlight, the hair looks more dark brown than pure black.
• Recommended Shade: Soft Black works best because it creates a rich, dark brown-black color without harsh or artificial-looking tones. It seamlessly matches those subtle red undertones.
3. Yellow-Melanin (Easily Lightens)
• Characteristics: Hair tends to be finer and takes on a lighter or more yellowish cast in certain lighting.
• Recommended Shade: Dark Brown usually blends more naturally, as the finer hair fibers can absorb too much pigment if you choose a darker shade.
4. Gray-Melanin (Ash Undertones)
• Characteristics: Naturally grayish-black hair with a hint of green or ash, giving it a soft, cool cast.
• Recommended Shade: Darkest Ash Blonde can work surprisingly well, especially for covering white hair in a way that stays close to your cool, ashy tone.
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Why 100% Organic Hair Color?
Organic dyes don’t rely on strong chemicals to force pigment into the hair shaft. Instead, they layer over and blend with your natural color—making them ideal for subtle gray coverage. Because organic color can’t go darker than your current shade, we recommend choosing a hue that’s slightly lighter than your hair color. This way, only the grays are covered, and you’re left with a cohesive, natural-looking result.
[The customer's photo was dyed with our soft black]
Keep It Natural
Rather than dyeing everything the exact same shade, focus on covering the grays so you can retain your original hair color overall. This creates a soft, natural contrast that keeps you looking youthful without appearing over-dyed.
Our Commitment to Your Perfect Shade
Because every head of hair is unique, even organic color results can vary depending on individual hair texture and melanin balance. That’s why, for first-time customers, we’re happy to send you a different shade for free if your original choice isn’t quite right. Simply send us a photo so we can help you pick the perfect color match. We want you to feel confident about your hair—naturally.
Ready to refresh your look in a gentle, authentic way? Explore our range of organic hair colors tailored to your unique melanin type, and discover the beauty of healthy, vibrant hair that complements your natural tones.
