Color 1 and 1B Braiding Hair: Natural Black Shades Explained
Color 1 and 1B are the two “natural black” shades at the start of the braiding color scale, and they are not the same. Color 1 is jet black — the deepest, coolest black with no visible warmth. Color 1B is natural black with a soft brown base, which reads as a rich black-brown in daylight rather than a flat jet tone. For most wearers, 1B blends more naturally with real African American roots, because very few natural heads are pure jet black; for a bold, uniform contrast against a light shade, Color 1 reads more dramatic. The difference is subtle in photos and obvious in daylight, which is why the choice matters more than it looks on a screen.
Color 1 and 1B both read as natural black, but 1 is the truest black and 1B carries a brown undertone that matches most natural hair more closely. The guide explains the numbering, how each shade shows under light, and how to choose between them for braids and crochet.
1 vs. 1B vs. 2: Where the Dark Shades Sit
| Number | How it reads | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jet black, cool and flat | Bold contrast, fashion looks, wig-grade uniformity |
| 1B | Natural black with a brown base | Blending with natural dark roots |
| 2 | Very dark brown | A shade that is clearly brown in daylight |
Numbering is not standardized across brands, so the listing’s color chart is the authority for that product. If a listing offers “natural color” without a number, check the photos against your roots — “natural” usually sits closer to 1B than to jet black 1. The color number guide explains the full scale, including how 4, 27, 30, and 613 relate to these dark shades.
Which Shade Blends With Your Roots
The part is where color matching is judged. If you wear leave-out or a visible part, the extension must sit close to your natural root color, and most natural dark roots have visible warmth — which is why 1B is the everyday recommendation for blends. Color 1 suits no-leave-out styles and fashion looks where the black is meant to read as a color rather than as “your hair.” If you are choosing between the two and cannot compare samples in person, order the warmer option (1B) for a natural blend and reserve 1 for styles where contrast is the goal.
In darker shades, lighting matters more than people expect. Jet black can look blue or flat under store lighting and natural under the sun; 1B can look brown in bright daylight and black indoors. Compare the swatch against your roots in natural light, and ask whether the seller offers a sample before committing to a full order.
Using 1B as the Base for Dimension
1B is the root color in many two-tone and ombre products, because the brown-based black melts into natural regrowth better than jet black. Products such as the Ywigs #T1B/27 ombre and #T1B/613 ombre start at the 1B root and lighten toward honey or platinum ends, which is why they read natural at the part while still delivering visible color. If you want dimension without a full color commitment, a 1B-rooted ombre or a blend that mixes 1B with darker and lighter strands gives the same depth as all-over color with less grow-out contrast.
Matching 1B to Your Roots: The Sample Test
The honest test is a sample, not a photo. Take a small section of the hair you are considering, hold it against your roots at the part, and look in natural light from both standing and seated angles. If the swatch disappears into your hairline, the shade is close enough; if you can see a clear line, the tone is off — either too flat (jet black) or too warm (a brown that reads lighter). Ask whether the seller offers a sample before committing to a full order, especially for bulk styles where the part is visible across the whole head.
Lighting changes the answer. Fluorescent store light makes warm shades look duller, and indoor evening light makes both shades look darker. Judge the match by daylight and by the light you actually wear the style in most — for most people that is a mix of office light and daylight, so test in both.
Dark Roots With Light Ends: 1B and the Lighter Shades
The 1B root is also the reason two-tone styles look natural instead of costumey. Honey blonde (27), auburn (30), and platinum (613) all contrast strongly against jet black, but against a 1B root they read as dimensional rather than harsh — the brown base gives the eye a softer transition. If you want light pieces at the face or the ends but a natural grow-out, ask for 1B-rooted ombre or a blend rather than starting from Color 1. The color number guide explains how the lighter shades sit on the scale so you can plan the contrast before ordering.
Choosing Products in 1 and 1B
Ywigs sells natural black across its bulk and crochet ranges, with the material and weight stated on each listing. Compare the product photo and the color chart, check the length basis, and use the crochet quantity guide or the bundle quantity guide for the count, then confirm with your braider. Dark shades hide part lines well, which makes them the most forgiving colors for a first install — but they also show lint and product buildup faster, so water-based products and regular refresh keep the black looking clean.
Whether you buy bulk or crochet depends on the style, not the shade: hand-braided styles need bulk braiding hair, hook-in styles need pre-separated crochet, and ready loc or twist styles use their own formats. The shade decision stays the same across formats, but the product page’s color chart is the only reliable reference for that specific line — a “natural black” bulk bundle and a “natural black” crochet bundle may not match exactly, so order both from the same listing family when you mix formats in one style.
Color 1 and 1B FAQ
Is 1B black or brown? 1B is natural black with a brown base — it reads black indoors and brown-black in daylight. Color 1 is jet black without that warmth.
Which is better for blending with natural hair? For most natural dark roots, 1B blends better because real hair has warmth. Choose 1 for bold contrast or no-leave-out fashion looks.
Can I mix 1 and 1B in one style? Yes — mixing the two adds depth that a single flat black does not have. Confirm the mix with your braider so the placement stays intentional.
Do dark shades look the same on every screen? No — jet black and natural black are easy to confuse on screens. Compare swatches in daylight and order a sample when the decision is close.
Which color should I choose for a first install? 1B is the safer first choice because it blends with most natural dark roots and hides part-line mistakes. Move to Color 1 when you want a bolder, cooler black or a stronger contrast against light ends.
Does 1B work with gray or salt-and-pepper blending? 1B is too dark for gray blending. For natural gray coverage, compare salt-and-pepper or gray mixes against your roots instead of assuming a dark shade will blend.
How do I keep jet black hair from looking dull? Dark shades show buildup quickly. Refresh with water and light products, wash on schedule, and avoid heavy oils on the lengths, which make black hair look flat and attract lint.
