When you consider the world’s population, from straight raven-haired women from China to the dark complexions near the Mediterranean desert, black hair is the darkest and most common hair color among every possible hair color.
This is largely due to black hair existing as a dominant genetic trait, which makes it supersede others and whole populations of the Earth have entirely black hair in their genes.
Check out hundreds of different black colors for women, including dozens of gorgeous celebrities with black hair.
Mid-Length Waves
Megan Fox channeled her subtle edginess with this medium-length, wavy hairstyle tousled a little for extra texture.
Loose and Edgy Hairstyle
Francesca Eastwood rocked her loose, medium-length hair with short side bangs for added detail.
Sophisticated Loose Waves
Kylie Jenner has long, black, wavy hair flowing on one side. This sophisticated look is easy to achieve and doesn’t require many hair products.
Loose Tousled Waves
The supermodel walked the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on November 30, 2016, in Paris, France. She had a bright and sunny smile to pair with her long black side-parted wavy hairstyle.
Click here for Adriana Lima’s hairstyles over the years
Thick Hair with Side-Parted Bangs
Shannen Doherty looked extra gorgeous with her thick, black hair flowing down her shoulders. The side-parted bangs gave this look an extra style.
Sleek and Straight
Nicki Minaj is sporting a simple yet classy look with her long, straight hair and sleek and polished finish.
Click here for Nicki Minaj’s hairstyles over the years
Low Ponytail with Loose Waves 
Selena Gomez with a center-parted low ponytail. The top part of her hair is polished, while the tip part is styled with soft waves for some soft textures.
Click here for Selena Gomez’s hairstyles over the years
Slightly Messy Updo
Ashanti’s black hair in a simple updo during the 2013 Grammy Awards looks very regal.
Wispy Bangs and a Bun
Kendall Jenner slays this cute yet edgy hairstyle during the 2015 American Music Awards. Her extra high bun is paired with wispy bangs to balance out the whole look.
Simply Short and Sassy
Anne Hathaway’s comfy, trendy, short, side-parted hairstyle during the 2013 Pink Party.
Hippie Curls with a Twist
Alicia Keys channeled her inner hippie with her thick, curly hair parted in the center and incorporated with some twisted styles.
Super Short Pixie
Olivia William’s super short pixie is incorporated with subtle layers that create a soft texture.
Thick and Black Curls
Ariane Andrew’s center-parted, curly hair looks extra shiny and polished. The shine added a little depth to her thick and back hair.
Medium-Length Black and Wavy Hair
Camila Mendes is effortlessly beautiful, with her loose, black hair swept to one side. The subtle waves gave her an overall look of a mild texture.
The Goddess Wave
Demi Lovato is like a regal goddess with this hairstyle! Her center-parted, long, and black hair is loosely set above her right shoulder. This one frames the shape of her face perfectly.
Click here for Demi Lovato’s hairstyles over the years
Cute Bob for Black Hair
Gabrielle Union’s short, black hair in a simple bob paired with light makeup and neutral colors.
Carefree Curls
Tracee Ellis Ross looking carefree with her thick curls flaunted beautifully with the help of hair products for easy maintenance.
Elegant Updo
Megan Fox looks extra elegant with her black hair styled into a sleek and tight bun, showcasing her facial assets.
Center-Parted Twin Buns
Vanessa Hudgens looked cute and playful, her black hair partitioned into two loose buns. This style, paired with winged liners, is a famous Asian trend.
Click here for Vanessa Hudgens’ hairstyles over the years
Medium Cut with Straight Bangs
Kylie Jenner’s thick black hair is medium-cut and paired with straight bangs. This hairstyle goes well with dark and smokey eye makeup.
Vintage Curls
Angelina Jolie is gorgeous with any hairstyle, but these vintage curls gave her an extra hint of sophistication without even trying.
Click here for Angelina Jolie’s hairstyles over the years
Retro Upstyle with Side Bangs
The red-lip, classic look is Lily Collins’ trademark! Her iconic look goes well with this retro upstyle with short, side-swept bangs.
Fancy Blunt Bangs
Zooey Deschanel’s wavy hair and thick, blunt bangs are embellished with a pearl headband.
Click here for Zooey Deschanel’s hairstyles over the years
Curly Bob
Rihanna sported a fresh look with her curly bob styled with hair mousse for a maintained finish.
Click here for Rihanna’s hairstyles over the years
The Miranda Look
Miranda Cosgrove’s iconic look during the School of Rock is her on-the-go hairstyle. This center-parted straight hair in black is a Miranda thing.
Tousled Black Bob
Lana Condor’s deep black hair in a tousled bob will never go out of style! This one looks good on her simple everyday makeup with a bit of an accent on the eye part.
Sexy and Fluffy Curls
Although fluffy and bouncy curls can achieve a fierce and smokin’ finish, Nathalie Halcro’s hairstyle during the amfAR GenerationCure Solstice 2018 is one good example.
Mini Pompadour
Lana Condor achieved a high-fashion yet relatable look at the Art of Elysium annual celebration last January 2019. Her simple bob is incorporated with a mini pompadour to spice it up.
Curtain Bangs and a Ponytail
We are used to Zooey Deschanel having blunt bangs with her loose, thick hair all over. The 2012 Billboard Awards must have been special since she attended with her medium-length hair tied into a low ponytail. Her curtain bangs made this whole look softer and more feminine.
Click here for Zooey Deschanel’s hairstyles over the years
Slick Half-Up Style
The beautiful actress Freida Pinto attended the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party last February 28, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California wearing a bright blue dress with a slick half-up straight black hair on her shoulder.
Click here for Freida Pinto’s hairstyles over the years
Slick and Straight
The talented actress looked fresh with her long, straight raven tresses tucked behind her ears during the CinemaCon 2017-STX Films “The State of the Industry: Past, Present, and Future” Presentation last March 28, 2017.
Click here for Mila Kunis’ hairstyles over the years
Layered with Highlights
Cameron Diaz sported a black straight hairstyle with subtle highlights at the William Rast Spring 2007 “Street Sexy” Fashion Show in Los Angeles, CA.
Click here for Cameron Diaz’s hairstyles over the years 
The Hollywood star sported a raven medium-length layered straight hair with one side adorned with a pin that matched well with her lovely dress at the 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013.
Click here for Sandra Bullock’s hairstyles over the years
Spiky Black with Bangs
Kelly Osbourne, in her teenage days, had a rebellious vibe, street-style fashion, and black hairstyle with bangs. The photo was taken on May 31, 2002.
Click here for Kelly Osbourne’s hairstyles over the years
Retro Curls
Katy Perry overflowed with posh and class in this beaded gown and her vintage raven curls during the Clive Davis 2013 Pre-GRAMMY Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 9, 2013.
Click here for Katy Perry’s hairstyles over the years
Tousled Waves
Selena Gomez paired her lovely black dress with thick raven hair styled with waves and a slight tousle at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2015 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 22, 2015, in Beverly Hills, CA.
Click here for Selena Gomez’s hairstyles over the years
Center-Parted Slick
On May 18, 2012, Kim Kardashian attended the Quick Trim launch event at the Renaissance St.Pancras, London, showing off her shiny black straight locks with a middle parting.
Click here for Kim Kardashian’s hairstyles over the years
Tousled Short and Curly
Halle Berry wore an elegant purple Badgley Mischka dress with her short black curly hairstyle at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 25, 2001.
Click here for Halle Berry’s hairstyles over the years
Side-Swept Pixie
Actress Halle Berry wore a classy black dress to match her sexy side-swept pixie hairstyle with spikes at the 2009 Spike TV Guys Choice Awards at Sony Studios on May 30, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Click here for Halle Berry’s hairstyles over the years
Side-Swept Curly Pixie
Rihanna wore a simple yet lovely dress with her elegant raven pixie hairstyle with curls at the top perfectly tousled at the 2008 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
Click here for Rihanna’s hairstyles over the years
Straight Jet-Black Hair
Angelina Jolie was beaming with pride in her Academy Award win for her movie GIRL INTERRUPTED in March 2000. She was wearing an all-black outfit with her straight and loose long hairstyle, jet black.
Click here for Angelina Jolie’s hairstyles over the years
Long Straight Raven Hair
Vanessa Hudgens attended the premiere of “The Dead Don’t Die” at the Museum of Modern Art on June 10, 2019, in New York City. She came wearing a simple yet lovely black outfit that matched well with her elegant, straight raven hair loose on her back.
Click here for Vanessa Hudgens’ hairstyles over the years
Neat Bun and Blunt Bangs
Actress Jessica Alba was stunning with her gorgeous earrings, red lips, and elegant bun hairstyle with blunt bangs when she attended the Campari Calendar launch at La Permanente on December 2, 2008, in Milan, Italy.
Click here for Jessica Alba’s hairstyles over the years
Subtle Waves and Wispy Bangs
Michelle Rodriguez looks sophisticated in a white dress contrasting with her jet-black waves and wispy bangs at the 2014 LACMA Art+Film Gala on November 1, 2014.
Click here for Michelle Rodriguez’s hairstyles over the years
Loose Updo
Mel B looks stunning in a silky nude dress that she paired with a glam updo at the NBC Universal’s Winter 2010 Press Tour cocktail party on January 10, 2010.
Click here for Mel B’s hairstyles over the years
Side-Parted Waves
Rachel Weisz arrives for the ‘Disobedience’ premiere during the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival on April 24, 2018. She styled her shoulder-length hair with subtle waves and a deep side parting.
Click here for Rachel Weisz’s hairstyles over the years
Classy Neat Updo
Penelope Cruz pulled back her jet black hair into a neat updo during the 2019 Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019.
Click here for Penelope Cruz’s hairstyles over the years
Slicked Back Raven
Gal Gadot was at the world premiere of her new movie “Fast & Furious” at the Gibson Amphitheatre, Universal Studios, Hollywood, on March 12, 2009. She came in a stunning purple strapless dress and a slicked-back raven hairstyle.
Click here for Gal Gadot’s hairstyles over the years
Center-Parted Upstyle
Keira Knightley was at the Premiere of Silk at the 32nd Annual Toronto International Film Festival, Elgin Theatre VISA Screening Room, Toronto on September 11, 2007. She came in a detailed white dress paired with her messy low bun hairstyle with a center part.
Click here for Keira Knightley’s hairstyles over the years
Medium-Length Raven
Victoria Justice was at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie “Fun Size” at the Paramount Theatre, Hollywood on October 25, 2012. She was stunning in her yellow dress and medium-length straight raven hairstyle with layers.
Click here for Victoria Justice’s hairstyles over the years
Raven Layered Bob
On March 12, 2016, actress Sarah Hyland was at the 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards at The Forum in Los Angeles. She wore a jacket on her casual attire and paired it with a raven shoulder-length bob hairstyle with layers and waves.
Click here for Sarah Hyland’s hairstyles over the years
Upstyle with Loose Tendrils
Lily James attended the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2013 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, on February 10, 2013. She paired her stunning black sheer dress with a raven high bun hairstyle with loose tendrils.
Click here for Lily James’ hairstyles over the years
Slicked Back Bun
Actress Rose Byrne was at the world premiere of her movie Wicker Park on August 31, 2004, in Hollywood. She was seen wearing a green strapless dress with a raven bun hairstyle and a slick finish.
Click here for Rose Byrne’s hairstyles over the years
Jet Black Bob with Blunt Bangs
Christina Ricci attended the ‘Bel Ami’ Photocall during the 62nd Berlinale on February 17, 2012, in Berlin, Germany. She paired her semi-formal blue dress with a straight raven hairstyle with blunt bangs.
Click here for Christina Ricci’s hairstyles over the years
Braided Bun Upstyle
On May 22, 2014, Milla Jovovich was at the 21st annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala at the Hotel du Cap d’Antibes. She was stunning in her ruffled dress, dark lips, and slicked-back raven bun hairstyle.
Center-Parted Thick Waves
On May 29, 2019, Shailene Woodley wore a dress by Dior Couture when she attended the HBO Big Little Lies Season 2 Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York. She paired this with a long, tousled, layered, and highlighted loose hairstyle with subtle highlights and curls at the tips.
Click here for Shailene Woodley’s hairstyles over the years
Side-Swept Bob
On March 1, 2014, Aubrey Plaza attended the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards on the beach in Santa Monica, CA. She was stunning in a black dress that matched her chin-length raven hairstyle with long side-swept bangs.
Click here for Aubrey Plaza’s hairstyles over the years
Slicked Pixie
Jennifer Hudson attended the People’s Choice Awards 2014 at Nokia Theater at LA Live on January 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA. She was seen wearing a white dress with her slick side-parted raven pixie hairstyle that has a pompadour finish.
Click here for Jennifer Hudson’s hairstyles over the years
Loose Half Upstyle
Emma Roberts was at the Grand Opening Chanel New Concept Boutique, Chanel Boutique on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA on May 29, 2008. She wore a colorful sundress with her long and loose tousled dark layers.
Click here for Emma Roberts’ hairstyles over the years
Straight Raven with Blunt Bangs
Zooey Deschanel was at the 69th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012. She wore a green sequined dress with her tousled raven hairstyle that has layers, bangs and a tousle.
Click here for Zooey Deschanel’s hairstyles over the years
Silky Straight Raven
Jennifer Connelly attended the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ held at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood on February 5, 2019. She paired her detailed dress with a long, silky, straight raven hairstyle parted in the middle.
Click here for Jennifer Connelly’s hairstyles over the years
Pompadour Pixie
On January 13, 2019, Maggie Gyllenhaal attended the 24th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica. She paired her metallic dress with a slick side-parted pixie hairstyle with a slight pompadour finish.
Click here for Maggie Gyllenhaal’s hairstyles over the years
Loose Straight
She looked elegant in this loose, straight style – a simple but sultry beauty look she wore at the Lupus LA Orange Ball on June 6, 2015.
Click here for Shay Mitchell’s hairstyles over the years
Facts About Black Hair
Black hair gets its raven-black look because the strands are made of incredibly large amounts of a chemical called eumelanin, which also makes the hair strands less dense in comparison with other colors of hair. However, other shades of hair, such as incredibly blackish-black, may often be mistaken for true and natural black hair, especially because black hair can be found everywhere.
Geneticists believe that black hair is the first and original hair color of the human race, and as such, it can be found in almost every continent today. It is especially common in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern and Southern Europe, such as Spain and Portugal.
However, black hair along with some other aspects of dark coloring can be found in more surprising places, such as Ireland, where individuals are called the “Black Irish”, but the hair color get more and more common as you travel East across the continent.
The Best Coloring for Black Hair
Black hair can come genetically with a range of natural coloring, from pale luminescent skin to a glowing dark skin tone. Individuals born with black hair may also be born with either dark, almost black-colored eyes or light gray or sky blue eyes.
However, that doesn’t mean anyone can’t turn their hair black with a little hair dye and time. In fact, as of 2015, as many as 75% of women dyed their hair, a process that is much more normalized since the 1950’s, when only 7% of women dyed their hair.
And yet, the strict and dramatic shade of black means that the color isn’t meant for just anyone. This rich color is guaranteed to make your facial features sharper and your overall face shape thinner, so be sure these are aspects you hope to enhance before you choose to dye.
Black Women’s Hairstyles Stands Out in Lighting
All hair reflects light naturally, so it shouldn’t be surprising that black hair also finds a way to reflect light, even though the shade may typically be thought of as matte or dark enough to suck in the light around it. In fact, due to the unique shade of black, it usually reflects in beautiful shades of blue, such as the iridescence found on the wing of an equally black raven.
For black women’s hairstyles, whether curly and short or straight and long or any combination, this color is often suited most to women with independent and determined personalities.
