How to keep black hair from fading!

Raven hair can be beautiful, sexy, and even goth. When you think about it, how often do you really see true deep, dark, (sometimes almost blue-toned) black hair? Let's focus on you raven-haired beauties.

Regardless of whatever artificial color you are adding to your hair, there are three mantras: use a color-protecting shampoo, wash in cool water to trap in the color molecules, and avoid direct sunlight, which can fade pigments. Read more tips on enhancing this striking shade when you read more.

• Powder your hair: We all know that powder works as a dry shampoo for those, "I didn't have time to wash" moments. Since you're probably not washing your hair daily in order to prevent fading, try Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder in Black ($19 to $35), a dry "shampoo" that absorbs oils and gives a dark tint to deeper-toned hair.
• Mousse magic: Who wouldn't want a little extra hair boost, in the form of fullness and color enhancement? Roux Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousse in Black Rage ($9) provides volume, enhances hair with a rich hue, and shampoos out. Temporary rocks.
• Enhance what you have: Whether your hair is natural or colored, Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Chocolate ($23) and Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Chocolate ($27) will enhance those rich tones of your dark locks.
• Get a glaze: In between colorings, try a glaze to keep the shine locked in. Try Revlon Colorist Expert Color and Glaze System in Black 20 ($16).
• Be a nut: For a more natural approach, try this simple recipe to impart deep, deep brown tones, assuming you are not allergic to nuts. Handle this DIY dye carefully, as it will stain more than just your hair. Boil about a pound of walnut husks with about two cups of water for fifteen minutes. Strain, and let sit on hair for about 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo