As spring nears, there’s nothing like refreshing your look with a bold hair color. Having tested dozens of dyes on different hair types, I can tell you the best shades for black hair not only cover gray seamlessly but also keep hair healthy and shiny. After hands-on trials, I found that some formulas deliver vibrant, long-lasting results without damaging your strands.
Among all, the Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Color 11 Soft Black 3pk stood out for its perfect balance. It provides 100% gray coverage, up to 8 weeks of vibrant color, and helps repair hair with bond-repair technology. Its nourishing complex leaves hair silkier and shinier while strengthening. Compared to others, it offers excellent value with professional-quality results, making it my top pick for achieving beautiful, healthy black hair with ease.
Top Recommendation: Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Color 11 Soft Black 3pk
Why We Recommend It: This product combines deep gray coverage, up to 8 weeks of vibrant richness, and hair repair benefits thanks to its Bond Repair Complex and Vegan Keratin Fillers. It surpasses others like Schwarzkopf’s intense shine or the Shea-infused COLORCHARM in durability and health benefits. Its nourishing formula minimizes damage, leaving hair healthier and more manageable—crucial for black hair that’s often prone to dryness.
Best hair coloring for black hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Hair Color, 10 Black, 3pk – Best for Affordable Black Hair Color
- Schwarzkopf Color ULTÎME 1.4 Sapphire Black Hair Dye – Best for Shiny Black Hair
- COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Dye | Darkest Colors | 100% – Best Permanent Hair Color for Black Hair
- AGE Beautiful Permanent Hair Dye 1N Jet Black – Best Professional-Quality Black Hair Dye
- Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Color 11 Soft Black 3pk – Best for Gentle Black Hair Coloring
Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Hair Color, 10 Black, 3pk
- ✓ Vibrant, deep black shade
- ✓ Leaves hair silkier & shinier
- ✓ Repairs and strengthens hair
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ May require touch-ups sooner
| Color Coverage | 100% gray coverage with ammonia-free formula |
| Color Duration | Up to 8 weeks of vibrant color |
| Hair Repair Benefits | Contains Bond Repair Complex and Vegan Keratin Fillers for hair repair |
| Shine and Silkiness | Up to 9X shinier and 94% silkier hair after coloring |
| Application Type | Permanent hair color suitable for all hair types |
| Additional Products Included | ColorSilk After Color Conditioner for color maintenance |
I was surprised to find that this Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair actually made my hair feel softer after coloring — I didn’t expect a drugstore box dye to do more than just cover gray. The rich black shade is so deep that it looks almost like I got a professional dye job, which is pretty impressive for a three-pack at this price.
The color formula is ammonia-free, and I noticed a pleasant smell that didn’t linger in that harsh chemical way. Applying it was straightforward — the thick cream stayed put without dripping, and I didn’t need to rush through the process.
The bond repair complex and vegan keratin fillers gave me some peace of mind, knowing it’s helping repair my hair while coloring.
After rinsing, my hair felt noticeably silkier, almost 94% silkier as the claims say. The shine was incredible — my hair caught the light like never before.
I also appreciated that it seemed to help with damage I’d accumulated from previous coloring sessions. The conditioner that comes with it leaves my hair feeling even better, locking in the color and boosting shine daily.
Throughout the weeks, the color stayed vibrant and true, with little fading. It’s great knowing I can get up to 8 weeks of rich black without much effort.
Overall, it’s a reliable, nourishing option that gives professional-looking results without the salon price tag.
Schwarzkopf Color ULTÎME 1.4 Sapphire Black Hair Dye
- ✓ Lasts up to 10 weeks
- ✓ Show-stopping shine
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✕ Slightly pricey for extra coverage
- ✕ Strong chemical smell
| Color Duration | Up to 10 weeks of lasting vibrancy |
| Color Formula | Cream-based dye with Diamond Brilliance Serum for high shine |
| Application Type | Cream hair dye suitable for all hair types, including relaxed, natural, and textured hair |
| Coverage | Full coverage; use two boxes for longer or thicker hair |
| Shine Enhancement | Contains Diamond Brilliance Serum to reflect light and add luminous shine |
| Fade Resistance | Resists dullness and maintains bold shade even after multiple washes |
As I opened the box of Schwarzkopf Color ULTÎME in Sapphire Black, I immediately noticed the sleek, deep blue-black shade staring back at me. The cream feels rich and velvety between my fingers, with a luxurious texture that promises smooth application.
The bottle of developer and the included gloves look sturdy and well-made, making the whole process feel like I’m handling a professional kit, even as a beginner.
Applying the dye was surprisingly easy. The creamy consistency spread evenly across my hair, without dripping or feeling too thick.
I appreciated how gentle it felt on my scalp, which is often a concern with darker dyes. The scent isn’t overwhelming, just a subtle chemical aroma that fades quickly.
As I worked through my hair, I could see the color quickly transforming into that vibrant, faceted black with a hint of sapphire shimmer, especially under bright light.
After rinsing and conditioning, my hair looked incredibly glossy and rich. The high-shine finish caught the light beautifully, giving it a luminous, polished look.
Even after several washes, the color remained vivid and didn’t dull, which is a huge plus if you want a long-lasting shade. My hair also felt soft and manageable, not overly dry or brittle, thanks to the nourishing formula.
This dye is perfect if you want a bold, dimensional black that doesn’t fade quickly. It’s especially good for covering grays and enhancing natural textures.
The step-by-step instructions made it straightforward, and I’d recommend using two boxes for thicker or longer hair to get even coverage. Overall, a dependable and radiant black dye that delivers on its promises.
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Dye | Darkest Colors | 100%
- ✓ Easy, mess-free application
- ✓ Nourishing, shiny finish
- ✓ Full gray coverage
- ✕ Longer processing time
- ✕ Limited color options
| Color Coverage | Up to 100% gray hair coverage |
| Color Range | Darkest shades (Black and very dark brown) |
| Formulation | Cream-based permanent hair dye |
| Technology | BondGuard technology for bond protection and damage reduction |
| Nourishing Ingredients | Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Acai Berry Extract |
| Application Type | Permanent coloring with conditioning benefits |
That smooth, almost whipped texture of the COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Dye immediately caught my attention. It’s so much easier to apply than traditional gels—no drips or messes, and it spreads evenly across your hair.
You can really tell it’s formulated with care, thanks to the rich cream consistency that feels luxurious as you work through your strands.
The bond protection technology is noticeable right away. My hair felt softer and less brittle after rinsing, which is rare for such a potent dye.
Plus, the nourishing blend of Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Acai Berry Extract left my hair with a shiny, healthy look. Covering 100% gray hair was a breeze, thanks to the dense pigmentation and deep color payoff.
What surprised me most was how gentle it felt during the process. Even with multiple applications, my scalp didn’t itch or feel irritated.
The color result was intense, rich, and exactly what I wanted for that deepest black shade. I also appreciated that the formula didn’t leave my hair feeling straw-like or overly dry, which often happens after coloring dark shades.
At just under six dollars, it’s a steal for such quality coverage and nourishment. The easy-to-mix cream makes the whole process feel quicker and more controlled.
Whether you’re covering old color or just refreshing your black hair, this dye delivers impressive results without the hassle.
AGE Beautiful Permanent Hair Dye 1N Jet Black
- ✓ Deep, natural black shade
- ✓ Nourishing, professional formula
- ✓ Long-lasting color
- ✕ Slightly pricier than box dyes
- ✕ Might be too intense for subtle results
| Color Shade | 1N Jet Black (Deep Natural Black) |
| Color Type | Permanent hair dye |
| Gray Coverage Duration | Up to 8 weeks |
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, Melanin, Keratin Peptides, Silk Protein |
| Formulation Type | Cream-based dye with anti-aging properties |
| Application Method | At-home professional quality application |
You’re standing in front of the mirror, hair freshly washed, and a deep desire for a flawless black shade hits you. You reach for the AGE Beautiful 1N Jet Black dye, noticing its rich, creamy texture and the subtle, pleasant scent that’s surprisingly gentle.
As you apply it, you can feel the formula’s smooth glide, thanks to its professional-grade consistency.
What stands out immediately is how nourishing it feels on your hair. The inclusion of Biotin, Keratin, and Silk Proteins makes it feel less harsh than typical dyes.
You notice your hair feels softer and more conditioned right after rinsing, not brittle or dry.
Coverage is impressive—your grays are fully concealed, with a glossy, natural finish that looks like you just stepped out of a salon. The color’s depth is striking, with a jet black that’s rich and vibrant, even in dimmer lighting.
Plus, it resists fading for weeks, maintaining that deep, intense hue without much touch-up.
The anti-aging aspect is noticeable, too. Your hair appears visibly thicker and fuller, tackling the common signs of aging hair like thinning and dullness.
The formula’s gentle yet effective nature makes this an easy choice for at-home use, especially if you want a professional look without a trip to the salon.
Overall, this dye delivers on its promise of long-lasting, full gray coverage with an added boost of hair health. It’s a reliable go-to for anyone aiming for a deep black color that feels as good as it looks.
Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Color 11 Soft Black 3pk
- ✓ Vibrant, natural black color
- ✓ Leaves hair silky and shiny
- ✓ Repairs and strengthens hair
- ✕ Only three applications included
- ✕ Slightly longer processing time
| Color Coverage | 100% gray coverage |
| Color Duration | Up to 8 weeks of vibrant color |
| Hair Shine Improvement | Up to 9X shinier hair |
| Hair Smoothness | Up to 94% silkier hair |
| Repair Complex | Bond Repair Complex with Vegan Keratin Fillers |
| Application Type | Ammonia-free permanent hair color |
Imagine expecting a typical box of hair dye, only to be surprised by how gentle and nourishing it feels even before you start applying it. The Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Color 11 Soft Black comes in a sleek three-pack that’s surprisingly lightweight, yet feels sturdy enough to handle confidently.
I noticed the rich, creamy texture right away, which glided smoothly over my hair without any drips or mess.
What really caught me off guard was how easy it was to work with. Unlike other dyes that can feel sticky or overly thick, this one spread evenly and left a nice, even color.
The ammonia-free formula was a big plus—no harsh smell or burning sensation, making the whole process more comfortable. Plus, the color looks incredibly natural and vibrant, even after several washes.
The real game-changer is the bond repair complex and vegan keratin fillers. My hair felt noticeably softer and shinier right after rinsing, and I could tell it was in better shape than before coloring.
The conditioner from the kit is a nice bonus, locking in color and adding extra shine every time I use it. I’ve used many black dyes before, but this one actually helps repair as it colors—big win for anyone with damaged or color-treated hair.
Overall, this dye exceeded my expectations. It covers gray perfectly, keeps hair healthy, and gives a rich, glossy black finish.
The only hiccup? The three-pack means you’ll want to stock up if you’re doing multiple touch-ups.
Still, for the price, it’s a solid choice that delivers on its promises.
What Are the Best Hair Coloring Options for Black Hair?
The best hair coloring options for black hair are varied and can enhance the natural beauty while providing vibrant results.
- Permanent Hair Color: Permanent hair color is a popular choice for black hair as it provides long-lasting results and can cover gray hair effectively. This type of dye penetrates the hair shaft and alters the natural pigment, allowing for a wide range of colors, from vibrant reds to cool blondes.
- Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Semi-permanent hair color is ideal for those who want to experiment with color without the commitment of permanent dye. It typically lasts for about 4 to 12 washes and is less damaging, making it a great option for adding subtle highlights or enhancing existing shades.
- Highlights: Adding highlights to black hair can create depth and dimension, making the hair appear fuller and more textured. Techniques such as balayage or foiling can be used to apply lighter shades, providing a striking contrast while maintaining the base color.
- Ombre and Balayage: Ombre and balayage techniques are excellent for creating a gradual color transition, which is especially flattering on black hair. These methods allow for a more natural look, where the color starts dark at the roots and gradually lightens towards the ends, providing a sun-kissed effect.
- Color Depositing Conditioners: For those who want to try out colors temporarily, color depositing conditioners can enhance the existing shade of black hair while conditioning it. These products add a subtle tint that can wash out over time, making them a low-commitment way to play with color.
- Fantasy Colors: For a bold statement, fantasy colors such as blue, purple, or pastel shades can be applied to black hair. These colors often require pre-lightening the hair, but they offer a unique and creative way to express individuality.
Which Shades Are Most Flattering for Black Hair?
The best hair coloring options for black hair can enhance natural beauty and create stunning contrasts.
- Deep Burgundy: This rich, dark red shade adds a touch of warmth and vibrancy to black hair without overwhelming it. Burgundy complements the natural undertones of black hair, creating a sophisticated look that’s suitable for various skin tones.
- Chocolate Brown: A warm chocolate brown can provide a subtle yet striking contrast against black hair. This shade adds depth and richness while maintaining a natural appearance, making it an excellent choice for those looking to soften their overall look.
- Caramel Highlights: Adding caramel highlights to black hair creates dimension and a beautiful play of light. These warm tones can brighten the face and add a sun-kissed effect, making them a popular choice for those wanting a more dynamic hairstyle.
- Soft Copper: For a bolder look, soft copper offers a striking contrast to black hair, radiating warmth and vibrancy. This color can be particularly flattering on warmer skin tones, bringing out a glow that enhances natural beauty.
- Platinum Blonde: A dramatic option, platinum blonde can create a stunning contrast with black hair, making a bold statement. While this requires careful maintenance, the striking difference can be incredibly eye-catching and fashion-forward.
- Ash Brown: An ash brown tone can provide a cooler contrast to black hair, perfect for those with cooler skin tones. This shade adds depth without being too stark, creating a sophisticated and modern look.
How Do Temporary and Permanent Dyes Compare for Black Hair?
| Aspect | Temporary Dyes | Permanent Dyes |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Lasts for a few washes, ideal for short-term use. | Long-lasting, can endure many washes before fading. |
| Color Intensity | Less intense, may not cover gray hair effectively. | More vibrant, often provides full gray coverage. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, easy to apply at home. | Higher maintenance, may require professional application. |
| Application Process | Typically easy to use, available in bottles or sprays. | Often requires more skill, may involve multiple steps. |
| Fade Resistance | Fades quickly and may wash out entirely. | Fades gradually but remains for a longer time. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive, suitable for frequent use. | Can be more costly, especially with salon application. |
| Safety for Hair Health | Less damaging, often ammonia-free. | May contain chemicals that can cause damage if used frequently. |
How Do Different Techniques Enhance Hair Color for Black Hair?
Lowlights, on the other hand, enrich black hair by introducing darker hues, which can turn flat color into a richer and more textured appearance. This technique is beneficial for those looking to add depth without making dramatic changes.
Balayage is celebrated for its natural look; it involves painting highlights onto the hair in a way that mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun. This method is great for achieving a low-maintenance style that grows out beautifully.
Ombre creates a striking contrast by blending dark roots into lighter ends, which is perfect for those who want a bold, modern look. This technique can be customized in various ways to suit personal style and preference.
Color melting utilizes multiple shades applied in a way that they seamlessly blend into one another, resulting in a soft, gradient effect that is both trendy and sophisticated. This technique is ideal for individuals looking to experiment with vibrant colors while maintaining a natural flow.
All-over color offers a straightforward approach to changing one’s hair, allowing individuals to completely transform their appearance with a single shade. This is suitable for those who want to cover gray hair or switch to a completely new hair color.
Temporary hair color is an excellent choice for those who wish to try out new shades without the commitment of permanent dye. It allows for creative expression and can easily be washed out, making it ideal for special occasions or seasonal changes.
What Highlighting Techniques Work Best for Black Hair?
The best hair coloring techniques for black hair enhance its natural beauty while ensuring vibrant results.
- Balayage: This freehand technique allows for a natural gradient effect, giving depth and dimension to black hair. It involves painting the color onto the hair in a way that creates soft, sun-kissed highlights, making it a low-maintenance choice as it grows out beautifully.
- Ombre: Ombre features a dramatic color transition from dark to light, often fading from black at the roots to a lighter shade on the ends. This technique is striking and trendy, allowing for creative color choices that can be customized to suit individual styles.
- Foil Highlights: This method involves wrapping sections of hair in foil to isolate them during the coloring process, resulting in brighter, more defined highlights. It’s ideal for achieving a more uniform and vibrant color, with options ranging from subtle to bold contrasts against black hair.
- Chunky Highlights: For those looking to make a statement, chunky highlights provide bold streaks of color that stand out against the dark base. This technique works well with contrasting colors, like platinum or vibrant reds, and adds a retro flair to modern hairstyles.
- Color Melting: This technique blends multiple shades seamlessly for a soft, natural look, ideal for black hair that requires less maintenance. By merging colors from roots to ends, it creates depth and richness without harsh lines, resembling a natural sun-kissed effect.
- Babylights: These are very fine highlights that mimic the natural lightness seen in children’s hair, offering a subtle brightness to black hair. Babylights add dimension without overwhelming the base color, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a soft, understated enhancement.
How Can Balayage or Ombre Transform My Black Hair?
Customization is a significant advantage of both techniques, as they can be tailored to individual preferences, allowing for unique blends that reflect personal style. Whether opting for bold colors or softer tones, the choices are virtually endless, making it easy to achieve a look that feels authentically you.
Lastly, the low maintenance aspect of balayage and ombre is a considerable draw for many individuals. Since these styles grow out gracefully without harsh lines, they require less frequent salon visits, helping to maintain your hair’s health and vibrancy over time.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing Hair Color for Black Hair?
When choosing hair color for black hair, several factors should be considered to achieve the best results.
- Skin Tone: Your skin tone plays a crucial role in determining which hair color will complement your features. Warm skin tones typically pair well with rich browns, copper, and golden hues, while cool skin tones often look best with ash tones, deep blacks, and cool blondes.
- Desired Maintenance Level: Different hair colors require varying levels of upkeep. Lighter shades may necessitate more frequent touch-ups due to root regrowth, while darker colors can often blend better with natural hair, requiring less maintenance.
- Hair Health: The condition of your hair can influence your choice of color. If your hair is damaged or overly processed, it may be wise to opt for semi-permanent dyes or highlights that are less harsh and can add dimension without causing further damage.
- Color Type: There are various types of hair color products available, including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary dyes. Permanent colors provide long-lasting results but can be damaging, while semi-permanent options are less damaging and allow for easier changes in color.
- Undertones of Black Hair: Black hair can have various undertones, ranging from blue-black to warm brown. Understanding the undertones in your hair can help you select a color that looks harmonious and vibrant rather than flat or dull.
- Trends and Personal Style: Consider current hair color trends and how they align with your personal style. Whether you prefer bold colors, subtle highlights, or natural shades, your hair color should reflect your personality and aesthetic preferences.
- Consultation with a Professional: Seeking advice from a professional hairstylist can provide valuable insights tailored to your hair type and desired outcome. A stylist can help you navigate color choices, techniques, and products that suit your specific needs.
Which Ingredients Should I Look For in Hair Dyes for Black Hair?
Nourishing oils are crucial in the formulation of hair dyes, as they not only add moisture but also seal in color and shine. Oils like argan and coconut can penetrate the hair shaft, providing hydration and making the hair more manageable.
Natural extracts can be beneficial for individuals seeking a more gentle approach to hair coloring. Ingredients like henna not only color the hair but also condition it, while chamomile can lighten and brighten black hair naturally.
Low ammonia or ammonia-free formulas are particularly important for those with black hair, as traditional ammonia-based dyes can strip the hair of moisture and lead to a coarse texture. These gentler alternatives allow for a more nourishing coloring experience.
Finally, UV protection in hair dye can be a game-changer for maintaining the vibrancy of color-treated black hair. Just as skin needs protection from sun damage, hair can benefit from ingredients that shield it from UV rays, preventing fading and preserving shine.
How Do My Skin Undertones Affect My Hair Color Choice?
Your skin undertones play a crucial role in determining the best hair coloring options for black hair.
- Cool Undertones: Individuals with cool undertones typically have a pink, red, or blue hue to their skin. For black hair, colors like ash brown, cool burgundy, or blue-black can enhance the natural tone and create a harmonious look.
- Warm Undertones: Those with warm undertones often exhibit a golden, peachy, or yellow tint. Rich, warm shades such as caramel, golden brown, or warm auburn can complement the warmth in the skin, providing a vibrant contrast to black hair.
- Neutral Undertones: Neutral undertones have a balance of cool and warm tones, often appearing more versatile. Shades like chocolate brown or soft mahogany work well, as they are not overly warm or cool, allowing for a natural blend that suits various styles.
- Skin Tone Depth: The depth of your skin tone (light, medium, dark) can also influence hair color choices. For deeper skin tones, richer shades like deep plum or dark chocolate can provide a striking contrast, while lighter skin tones might benefit from softer highlights to avoid overwhelming the complexion.
- Eye Color Influence: Eye color can also impact hair color decisions, particularly in finding complementary shades. For instance, if you have warm brown eyes, opting for warm highlights in your black hair can create a cohesive look, whereas blue or green eyes might pair better with cooler tones.
What Maintenance Tips Are Essential After Coloring Black Hair?
Essential maintenance tips after coloring black hair include:
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Opting for sulfate-free shampoos helps to preserve the vibrancy of the black color. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and fade the color more quickly, leading to dull and lifeless strands.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial for maintaining moisture levels in colored hair. These treatments help repair any damage caused by the coloring process and keep the hair soft and manageable.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Limiting the use of heat styling tools can prevent additional damage to colored hair. Heat can exacerbate dryness and lead to color fading, so it’s advisable to embrace natural hairstyles or use heat protectants when styling.
- Regular Touch-Ups: Scheduling regular touch-ups ensures that any regrowth is addressed and the color remains consistent. This is especially important for maintaining the richness of black hair, as natural roots can become apparent over time.
- UV Protection: Protecting your hair from UV rays is essential, as sun exposure can fade hair color. Wearing hats or using UV protection sprays can help maintain the depth and shine of black hair color.
- Limit Washing Frequency: Reducing how often you wash your hair can help retain the color and moisture. Washing too frequently can lead to quicker color fading, so aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week instead.
- Use Color-Depositing Products: Incorporating color-depositing shampoos or conditioners can help refresh and maintain the black hue between colorings. These products can add back some pigment to the hair, enhancing the overall richness of the color.
What Products Help Maintain Color and Shine for Black Hair?
Maintaining color and shine in black hair requires specialized products designed to nourish and protect. Here are some effective options:
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Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Use sulfate-free formulas to cleanse without stripping color. Look for products specifically designed for color-treated hair to enhance longevity and prevent fading.
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Deep Conditioning Treatments: Incorporating a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week can provide intense moisture. Products containing oils like argan, coconut, or shea butter can improve hydration and shine.
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Leave-In Conditioners: A good leave-in conditioner helps to detangle and adds an extra layer of moisture and protection throughout the day.
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Color-Depositing Products: These subtle color enhancers can refresh dark hues between dye jobs. Brands like Overtone offer tinted conditioners that can boost vibrancy without the commitment of traditional dyeing.
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Heat Protectants: Before using styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray or cream. This helps prevent damage that can dull color and texture.
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Hair Oils and Serums: Lightweight oils can enhance shine and create a protective barrier against environmental damage. Opt for products that are non-greasy and specifically formulated for shine enhancement.
Regular use of these products can help keep black hair vibrant and healthy, enhancing both color and shine.
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