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With lighter hair colors, you typically get a whole lot more dimension. You have your red and golden hues that make your hair look rich and thick. Black or really dark brown tend to lie flat without the layers of variations you most often see in lighter styles. Dark hair is so dramatic though that it may be worth trying a few techniques and processes to get it both dark and deep.
Highlights
Long dark hair doesn’t need as much added dimension. Dark hair reflects light -- and when you dye your long locks dark, they’ll automatically pick up various hues as you move, giving your hair depth and dimension. If you’ve got any layering going on, however, you’ll probably benefit from adding highlights. Go for a deep auburn or a shade lighter than the dark dye you originally used. Apply highlights to the tips for added dimension and weave them throughout the lines of your layers.
Mix It Up
Using one tone to color your hair often leaves you looking flat. Instead, try mixing it up. Create a one-step process by mixing your dark dye with one shade lighter before applying it. The half-and-half combo usually ends up pretty cool and can help prevent oddball orangey tints that sometimes happen when you dye your hair a deep chocolate brown. It also helps avoid that weird purple hue you sometimes get from black dye. By taking the edge off your solid black base, you’ll add a little dimension with a super dark brown in the mix.
Streaks
The "Ombre" look is really hot. That’s where you intentionally color your hair dark at the roots and gradually lighter on the ends. You can do this look on any length of hair, but you’ll get more dimension and contrast if your hair hangs at least to your shoulders. Streaks are another technique that can add the dazzle your solid black hair might be missing. And they’re really subtle when placed underneath your locks. On black hair, place silver or gold streaks on the underside of your hair -- and when you move and flip your hair, the streaks make your style pop. Be careful with streaks though, because when they’re added at the top of your hair, they can make it look even flatter.
Style
Your style and the thickness of your hair plays a huge role in how you’ll look after going with raven or almost-black brown. Stark black hair provides a great palette for your big eyes and dramatic makeup. According to "Glamour," it’s especially hot if you’ve got creamy skin to serve as a background for your dark hair. But if your hair tends to be on the thin side, you’ve got to be careful. The starkness will certainly highlight any scalp that might be showing through. Give your hair the dimension you want by wearing it curly and layered. The dimension will come from the flowing waves instead of the color to give you the richness you so dearly deserve.
