‘Brat Black’ Is the Official Cool Girl Hair Color of 2025
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Everything about Charli XCX is worth talking about lately, but as a beauty editor, I personally can't stop gushing about her hair. Before taking the Grammy's stage for an iconic performance—featuring Julia Fox, Gabbriette, The Dare, and Alex Consani—Charli started a new hair trend, the glossy jet-black hair her colorist Jacob Schwartz is coining "Brat black." After the show, Cosmo caught up with Schwartz to chat about the inspo for the look, how to ask your stylist for the same color, and how to keep Brat black looking fresh and shiny.
What is the Brat black hair trend?
Here's the thing: Charli's always had a signature look—saturated, ebony hair color complete with naturally curly texture. Schwartz didn't want to stray from this, but still wanted to make her hair feel special (she was nominated for eight Grammies after all). "The inspiration for Charli’s look was all about taking her signature dark hair to the next level—something bold, glossy, and high-impact that would make a statement at the Grammys while staying true to her inky locks," says Schwartz. "It’s not just black—it’s an ultra-rich shade with a liquid-like shine that stands out on the carpet and while performing," he adds.
If you wanna copy the rich, inky black shade, ask your stylist "for a high-gloss, deep-dark black with luxurious shine—just like Charli’s look," Schwartz says. He used a demi-permanent color (specifically, Igora Vibrance from Schwarzkopf Professional) because it actually helps moisturize and smooth hair, leaving behind a shiny finish—something that's hella necessary with this look.
Who should try "Brat black" hair?
Before making your appointment, consider your current and natural hair color and the upkeep you're willing to commit to, says Schwartz. “People with blonde or very light natural hair or those who prefer low-maintenance routines might find this shade a bit more challenging, as the contrast with their natural color can require regular touch-ups to maintain," he explains. But if you already have dark hair and are intrigued to test the waters, you could opt for a semi-permanent color that'll slowly wash out if you're not willing to commit, he adds. "For someone nervous about going too dark, stay away from black and don’t go permanent," he says. If you're worried about it flattering you, don't: "True black colored hair can match anyone’s skin tone just like black clothing is a go-to for anyone fashion-wise."
How to upkeep black hair:
To get the "luxurious and high glossy finish" of Charli's hair, Schwartz recommends weekly hair masks to help moisturize and repair your hair (coloring takes a toll, yk), and always follow up wash day with hair serums, leave-in conditioners, and/or hair oils to smooth your strands and lock in hydration.
The biggest challenge with a rich color like this is fading, especially if you wash your hair often. But the answer isn't exactly dry shampoo either, says Schwartz. He recommends avoiding white powdery dry shampoos. "Not only does dry shampoo show up against black hair more than any shade, but it also dries the scalp which can cause some scalp buildup and is most noticeable on black hair," he explains. Try a lightweight formula (we're huge fans of K18 AirWash over here), or opt for a dry shampoo for dark hair.
Another trick? Rinsing your hair with cooler water, he adds. "Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, which can cause the dye to fade faster, but cooler water helps seal it and lock in the vibrancy." Similarly, avoid heat styling, which can dull your hair color, and when you do, always coat your hair with a heat protectant beforehand. UV protection sprays (yup, hair SPF exists) can help too if you wanna keep your shade fresh while out in the sun.
In all though, getting regular hair color glosses is key, says Schwartz. Your colorist will tell you what a regular cadence should look like but expect to pop into the salon once every two months or so for a gloss. But if you have light natural roots or are covering grays, you'll definitely need root touch-ups too, which can be every four to six weeks.
How to keep black hair shiny:
"For fine hair, the key is finding the right balance between enhancing shine and keeping your hair light and bouncy," says Schwartz. He recommends lightweight shampoo for color-treated hair (read: formulas without stripping sulfates). "Look for shampoos labeled as 'volumizing' or 'weightless,' which will protect your color and add shine without leaving your hair feeling heavy," he says. After the shower, when hair is dry, smooth on a few drops of weightless hair oil (we love Verb Ghost Oil and the Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil) or mist on a shine spray through your mid-lengths and ends.
"I also recommend not overloading your hair with too many styling products; instead, stick to one or two essentials that will enhance your shine without compromising volume," Schwartz shares. Honestly, your best bet if shine is a concern is to have your colorist add a gloss or deep conditioning treatment to your touch-up appointments too.
Meet the expert:
Jacob Schwartz is a hair colorist and the hair color trend ambassador for Schwarzkopf. He's worked with a ton of big names, including Bella Hadid, Troye Sivan, and Sydney Sweeney.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from hair bonding treatments to shea butter for hair. She's an authority in all hair categories but is an expert when it comes to hair trends. She's constantly asking celebrity hairstylists what their clients are asking for and going down TikTok rabbit holes on the biggest trend predictions.
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