Gigi Hadid Debuts Vampy Black Hair — What It Means for 2026 Colour

Gigi Hadid has joined the current wave of celebrity hair reinvention, stepping out with a deep, vampy black shade after years associated with a honey-blonde signature. While celebrity colour changes aren’t new, this particular pivot feels timely: in UK salons, darker, glossier tones have been gaining momentum as clients look for high-impact colour that reads polished in winter light and photographs beautifully.

Hadid’s new shade also spotlights a practical reality many colourists emphasise: going dramatically darker can be every bit as technical as going lighter. From how black dye can “grab” on porous ends to the choices between permanent colour, demi-permanent glosses, and temporary rinses, the route you take matters—especially if you think you might want to go back blonde later.

Why celebrity black hair is having a moment

When a high-profile blonde goes black, it tends to reset what feels “current” very quickly. In trend terms, vampy black sits alongside the broader return of bold, high-contrast beauty—think defined eyes, statement lips, and hair that looks intentionally dramatic rather than sun-kissed and effortless.

In a UK context, stylists often link this shift to a few client-friendly benefits:

• Immediate impact with minimal styling: darker shades can make hair look shinier and more uniform, so a simple blow-dry reads “done”.
• Winter-appropriate richness: deeper tones can feel more seasonal, especially paired with neutral wardrobes and heavier fabrics.
• Camera-ready contrast: on social and event imagery, inky colour can make features and makeup stand out.

That said, “black” is rarely just black in professional colour language. Depending on undertone, it can read soft and expensive (cool espresso), punchy and graphic (blue-black), or warmer and editorial (black-brown). The shade choice—and the finish—are what separate a luxe look from a flat, overly dyed result.

What to know before you copy the look (especially if you’re blonde)

Hadid’s switch from honey blonde to pitch-black is the kind of transformation that looks simple, but colourists will usually approach it with strategy. Here are the key considerations professionals commonly discuss with clients before a dramatic darkening service:

• Porosity and “over-grab”: pre-lightened hair can be more porous, meaning it can absorb pigment quickly and unevenly—often ending up darker on the ends. Many colourists counter this with a porosity equaliser, careful formulation, or staged glazing.
• Staining and commitment: true black pigment can be stubborn to remove. If you’re even slightly unsure, a demi-permanent deposit or gloss can mimic the look with a softer grow-out and easier fade.
• Undertone management: some blacks fade to warmer tones (brown/red) depending on the formula and your hair’s underlying pigment. A cooler black may need specific maintenance (like blue-toned products used sparingly) to stay crisp.
• Regrowth reality: if you’ve been blonde for years, your natural roots may look more obvious against black. This isn’t a problem, but it does change upkeep—many clients prefer a softened root (shadow root) for a more forgiving grow-out.

Real-world next step: if you’re tempted, book a consultation and ask your stylist to show you a “commitment ladder”—temporary rinse, demi-permanent gloss, then permanent—so you can trial the vibe before locking it in.

How to keep black hair looking glossy, not flat

The most striking thing about a good black shade is the shine. In salon terms, the finish often comes down to cuticle condition and light reflection—so your maintenance routine matters as much as the dye job.

Many stylists recommend focusing on three pillars:

• Gentle cleansing: wash less frequently when possible and use lukewarm water to help reduce premature fade.
• Conditioning for cuticle smoothness: regular conditioner plus a weekly nourishing mask can keep lengths reflective, especially if the hair was previously lightened.
• Heat and UV awareness: repeated high heat can dull shine over time. Using a heat protectant and keeping tools at sensible temperatures helps preserve the “ink” effect.

For UK winter routines, it’s also worth noting the role of friction: wool scarves, high collars, and coat lapels can roughen the cuticle at the nape and lengths. A lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum on mid-lengths and ends can reduce tangling and keep the finish sleeker.

Wearability: making vampy black feel modern

Black hair can read gothic, high-fashion, or quietly classic depending on styling and surrounding details. If you’re worried it might feel “too much”, modernising is usually about softness and dimension.

• Consider a near-black: black-brown or deep espresso can give you the drama with a touch more natural movement in daylight.
• Add shape: a fresh trim, face-framing layers, or a blunt line can make a dark shade look intentional rather than heavy.
• Balance with texture: loose waves, a shiny blowout, or a sleek bun all work—pick the vibe that feels like you.
• Match your brow and makeup plan: you don’t have to change anything, but many people like a slightly more defined brow or warmer blush to keep the face from feeling washed out.

Ultimately, Hadid’s switch is a reminder that hair colour is one of the fastest ways to change your overall styling language. The best results come from choosing a black that complements your skin tone, lifestyle, and willingness to maintain shine and regrowth.

Key Takeaways

• Gigi Hadid’s vampy black hair taps into a wider 2026 movement towards deeper, glossier, high-contrast colour.
• Going darker—especially from blonde—can be technical; porosity and pigment “grab” affect how even and lasting the result looks.
• If you may want to return to blonde, consider a demi-permanent gloss or staged darkening to avoid long, corrective colour journeys.
• Shine is the signature of great black hair: gentle washing, solid conditioning, and mindful heat use help it look expensive.
• Your most practical next step is a consultation where you ask for undertone options (espresso, blue-black, black-brown) and a maintenance plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is black hair dye hard to remove?
It can be. Many colourists find that very dark permanent pigment is among the most difficult to lift cleanly, particularly if layered over previously lightened hair. If you’re unsure, ask about demi-permanent options first.

Will black hair fade quickly?
All colour fades to some degree, but the way black fades depends on the formula and your hair history. Some blacks can soften into brown tones over time. Washing frequency, water temperature, and heat styling can all influence longevity.

What’s the difference between blue-black and soft black?
Blue-black has a cooler, slightly inky reflect that can look very editorial. Soft black (often black-brown) looks more natural in daylight and can be more forgiving with regrowth.

I’m blonde—should I fill my hair before going black?
Often, yes. Some colourists “fill” with warmer tones first to help create a more balanced, longer-lasting dark result and reduce muddy fading. Your stylist will assess porosity and undertone to decide the best approach.

How do I make black hair look shiny?
Prioritise conditioning, minimise excessive heat, and use smoothing leave-ins on mid-lengths and ends. Many stylists also recommend an occasional salon gloss to refresh depth and reflect.

Does black hair suit everyone?
Suitability is less about rules and more about undertone choice, haircut, and personal style. If you want drama without stark contrast, deep espresso or black-brown can be a flattering middle ground.