With 40 shades of hair color to choose from in the world, narrowing down your options can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, if you are leaning towards a dark hue like black, your hair journey may be easier than you have imagined.
Think you want to dye your hair black? Or perhaps you are searching for beautiful extensions or even a wig that will capture the rich hue you desire. Choosing black hair isn’t as simple as saying one word.
While there are dozens of hair colors to choose from overall, there are pretty much two options when choosing a black hair color. Enter 1B hair color.
Key Highlights
- #1B is Off-Black or Natural Black. It looks softer than #1 (Jet Black).
- #1 is usually dyed for a uniform, inky look. #1B is closer to many natural black shades.
- #2 is Dark Brown. It shows more brown in sunlight than #1B.
- 1B is a color code, not a guarantee the hair is virgin or unprocessed.
What is 1B Hair Color?
As one might guess, the “B” in 1B indicates black. Compared to jet black, which is very rich in hue and has a dark quality, 1B hair color, also known as off-black, is considered the most natural option.
Jet black hair, also known as #1, is often dyed or processed for a uniform, inky look, so choosing extensions in this color may mean you have to dye your hair for them to match.
When it comes to extensions, 1B is more likely to match your natural color than jet black hair. It is also the middle man between this dark color and the shades of dark brown that follow.
In the hair coding system, #1 represents Jet Black (often dyed/processed for a uniform, inky look), while #1B stands for Off-Black or Natural Black. The “B” usually distinguishes it as the natural, softer black shade found in most unprocessed (virgin) hair.
How Do I Know if 1B Is the Shade for Me?
Because they lack warmth, jet black tones can be hard to match with any skin type. 1B hair color is more likely to work with a variety of skin tones, but the most important thing is to pay attention to your eye color and your skin’s undertones when choosing the correct black hue.
If you have pale skin, expect a more drastic look when dyeing your hair black. This color can contrast in an intensely beautiful way if you have light eyes, however.
Ways to Get 1B Hair Color
One of the ways to match your hair to the shade is through dyes. Dyes are available in temporary and permanent options.
Temporary hair dyes allow you to experiment with different extensions to match your hair color. You can use henna, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent dye types to achieve the 1B color tone.
It is easy for people with natural locks to use 1B extensions because many natural black hair shades are close to the 1B color. Thus, all they need to do is a little touch-up, and the locks and hair extensions match.
Other factors to consider when choosing the 1B hair color include your eyes, eyebrows, and skin tone. In most cases, your hair products specialist will advise you on the perfect match for your hair.
1 vs. 1b Hair Color
| Code | Shade Name | Undertone and Look | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Jet Black | Cool, inky, can read blue-black in some light | Very deep and uniform. Often looks “darker than natural.” |
| #1B | Off-Black or Natural Black | Neutral to slightly warm, softer than #1 | Natural-looking black. Can show a soft warmth in sunlight. |
What’s the Difference Between Hair Color 2 and 1b?
| Code | Shade Name | How It Shows in Sunlight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1B | Off-Black or Natural Black | Looks black. May show a slight warmth, but stays very dark. | If you want “natural black” that blends with many dark hair shades. |
| #2 | Dark Brown | Shows clear brown tones in sunlight. Looks lighter than #1B. | If you want a softer dark shade, or your hair reads brown in daylight. |
My Advice
- Match extension color in natural daylight before you commit.
- If you are between shades, #1B usually blends more easily than #1.
- If you need “brown in the sun,” #2 is the safer bet.
- When shopping online, look for clear labels like “virgin” vs. “processed,” separate from the color code.
How Do I Care for 1B Hair?
Just as with any other hair color, 1B hair color needs to be properly cared for to maintain optimal health, strength, and shine. Wash your hair less, always use conditioner, and brush hair daily to avoid unnecessary tangles and knots.
If you have dyed your hair to match your 1B extensions, concentrate a moisturizing serum or oil onto the ends of hair in particular.
Looking for 1B hair color ensures a more natural-looking effect that is more likely to blend with your dark hair’s natural tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The B in 1B stands for black. In most hair extension color charts, #1B is Off-Black or Natural Black. It can look slightly softer than #1 (Jet Black), and it may show a hint of warmth in sunlight.
The 1B shade is the most natural-looking black in most extension color charts. However, 1B only describes the color. The hair can be virgin or processed, so check the label for details, regardless of the color code.
No. 1B is generally low maintenance because it is close to many natural black shades, so regrowth is less obvious than with lighter colors. However, if you dye your hair or extensions darker to reach a #1 shade, that dye may fade and need touch-ups.
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