Jet Black · Soft Black
Jet Black vs Soft Black.
Pick jet black at level 1 for maximum contrast on cool or olive skin; pick soft black at level 2 for depth without harshness on medium skin.
Both skip bleach, cover gray fully, and need low upkeep, so the call is contrast tolerance, not commitment.
Jet black and soft black differ by a single level and opposite undertone families. Jet black pairs cool and olive undertones at level 1; soft black pairs neutral and warm at level 2. That small shift decides whether the shade sharpens or softens your features.
By the Hair Color editorsReviewed by the Hair Color editorial teamTested in the virtual studio
| Criterion | Jet Black | Soft Black |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Level 1, maximum-depth black with blue undertone | Level 2, near-black with enough warmth to avoid harshness |
| Undertones | Cool and olive; makes cool skin read luminous | Neutral and warm; gentler against medium and golden skin |
| Bleach | Not required | Not required |
| Gray coverage | Full | Full |
| Upkeep | Low: stays true 6-8 weeks | Low: softens toward dark brown over 6 weeks |
| Fade | Fades minimally at level 1 | Drifts gradually toward dark brown, which reads as a feature |
| Pick it when | You want the sharpest contrast and your skin runs cool or olive | Full black feels harsh on you, or your skin runs warm |
Nervous about level 1? Start with soft black. If it feels timid after two weeks, jet black is one step down with the same low upkeep.
Jet Black vs Soft Black — FAQs.
Is soft black just faded jet black?
+
No. Soft black is formulated at level 2 with neutral and warm undertones, while jet black sits at level 1 with cool and olive undertones. They start from different bases.
Which suits warm skin better?
+
Soft black. Jet black's blue undertone can turn sallow against golden skin, while soft black's warmth blends in.
Do either need bleach or high upkeep?
+
Neither. Both skip bleach, cover gray fully, and hold 6-plus weeks, which makes this pair the lowest-risk comparison on this page.