Ryan & I both have dark brown hair naturally. Ryan’s is just a solid dark brown while mine gets burgundy highlights in the summer or in good lighting. I dye my hair black to get rid of the burgundy tints while Ryan leaves his natural. Over the years I’ve had a lot of people ask me how I keep my hair shiny, how I avoid looking “washed out” and other similar questions about my black hair. Here are my top 5 tips for maintaining black (or dark brown) hair.

1. If you dye your hair, use as much dye as you would for a lighter shade. The first time I ever dyed my hair black I used one box of dye instead of two. I did this because I was told that darker dyes “go further” because they are more pigmented. However, even missing a tiny patch of your hair with the dye will be noticeable, especially if your natural color is light. I use two boxes of dye so that I am sure to get good coverage. Then, be sure to touch-up your dye job regularly to prevent your roots from showing.

2. Use a blush or a bronzer. This is particularly important if you have very light skin that will appear “washed out” against black hair. Using a warm blush or bronzer will prevent the washed out look. If you use other makeup, go with warmer shades in those as well.

3. Leave your eyebrows natural. Most of the time, eyebrow dye-jobs don’t look natural anyway but dyed-black eyebrows will usually be in obvious contrast to your skin tone. If your eyebrows are really light and will look strange against your black hair, use an eyebrow pencil. Go with a shade that is darker than your natural eyebrow color but still lighter than your dyed hair color for the most natural look.

4. Use Head & Shoulders shampoo. I am not particularly prone to dandruff, but I regularly use Head & Shoulders to prevent dandruff from starting. When you have dark hair, even a tiny amount of small flakes will stand out like a sore thumb, so prevention is key. Head & Shoulders shampoo gives my entire head a fresh and clean feeling, I can feel how well it works on my scalp. Ryan & I have both been using it for years to keep our hair flake free. Head & Shoulders recently came out with a new Fresh Scent Technology formula that makes their shampoo and conditioner products smell great. My favorite is Green Apple because it smells sweet and fresh.

5. Use Head & Shoulders conditioner. Head & Shoulders conditioner is great to use after Head & Shoulders shampoo because it helps lock-in the dandruff-fighting power. Plus, it makes my hair shiny and easy to manage without that weighted down, “coated” feeling. I’ve been using Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner for years and I credit this brand for part of why I have been able to successfully grow my hair to mid-back because my hair feels so healthy and strong after using this duo.

My household has been brand loyal to Head & Shoulders for years now. The Vergara family considers Head & Shoulders to be part of their family. Today (August 18th) through September 8th you can enter the #PartOfOurFamily sweepstakes where the winner will get to meet Sofia Vergara at an upcoming Head & Shoulders advertising shoot. To enter, tweet a photo of your gorgeous, flake-free hair on twitter. In your tweet, be sure to include #PartOfOurFamily @HeadShoulders and #sweeps.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Emily

Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.

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