Cartoon characters with black hair, such as Mulan and Hiro Hamada, often reflect mystery, intelligence, strength, or elegance. Characters like Mulan and Hiro Hamada show how this hair color adds depth, contrast, and cultural identity to their designs.
From brave heroes to smart inventors and comedic legends, black-haired characters have a timeless appeal that makes them stand out in animation.
This guide highlights some of the most popular black-haired cartoon characters and explores why they’ve earned a special place in animation history.
40+ Famous Black Hair Cartoon Character Names
Here are some of the most beloved animated characters with black hair:
- Mulan
- Hiro Hamada
- Marceline
- Prince Zuko
- Mowgli
- Vanellope von Schweetz
- Ash Ketchum
- Gwen Tennyson
- Megara
- Raven
- Kim Possible (dark black-brown)
- Mandy
- Gojo Satoru (Black hair in flashbacks – JJK anime versions)
- Dexter’s Mom
- Morticia Addams
- Coraline’s Mom / Mel Jones (Coraline)
- Nani Pelekai
- Akira Fudo
- Lucy Loud
- Gumball Watterson (black eyebrows & hair-tufts in some versions)
- Kiki
- Samurai Jack
- Princess Jasmine
- Korra
- Shego
- Nico Robin
Male Cartoon Characters with Black Hair (Guy/Men/Boy)
Hiro Hamada
Hiro’s messy black hair represents teenage energy, intelligence, and creativity. His short, tousled style also relates well to our list of animated characters with short hair, showing how shorter cuts bring youthful charm to animation.
- Voiced by: Ryan Potter
- First Appearance: Big Hero 6 (2014)
- Creator: Disney / Marvel
- Known For: Robotics genius, leadership, tousled black hair
His hair supports his youthful personality and expressive emotions. It moves with his fast actions, adding charm to his animation. Hiro’s black hair reinforces his identity as a smart and lovable young hero.
Prince Zuko
Zuko’s black hair reflects his royal background and emotional evolution. From a warrior topknot to free-flowing hair, every change mirrors his journey. His hair symbolizes transformation, freedom, and identity.
- Voiced by: Dante Basco
- First Appearance: Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
- Creator: Bryan Konietzko & Michael Dante DiMartino
- Known For: Firebending, redemption arc, black hair
His changing hairstyles deepen his emotional story. They visually show his inner conflict and healing. Zuko’s black hair remains a powerful symbol of growth in animation.
Mowgli
Mowgli’s messy black hair suits his wild, adventurous lifestyle in the jungle. It gives him a natural, free-spirited look that matches his playful boy character. His hair reflects innocence and his bond with nature.
- Voiced by: Bruce Reitherman
- First Appearance: The Jungle Book (1967)
- Creator: Rudyard Kipling / Disney
- Known For: Curiosity, jungle life, messy black hair
His hair adds movement and charm to his look. It highlights his youthful energy in every scene. Mowgli’s black hair helps define his classic, timeless animated style.
Ash Ketchum
Ash’s spiky black hair represents his never-ending energy, determination, and enthusiasm. It gives him the classic anime hero look that fans instantly recognize. His hair has stayed consistent for decades, becoming his signature trait.
- Voiced by: Rica Matsumoto / Sarah Natochenny
- First Appearance: Pokémon (1997)
- Creator: Satoshi Tajiri
- Known For: Pokémon battles, courage, spiky black hair
It supports his excited, hopeful expressions. Ash’s black hair remains iconic in anime history.
Samurai Jack
Jack’s tied black hair represents discipline, honor, and timeless warrior strength. His simple hairstyle fits perfectly with the minimalist art style of the show. It gives him a sharp, heroic silhouette.
- Voiced by: Phil LaMarr
- First Appearance: Samurai Jack (2001)
- Creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Known For: Swordsmanship, bravery, tied black hair
His hair adds dignity to his calm, noble character. It supports his samurai identity beautifully. Jack’s black hair remains one of the most iconic looks in action animation.
Mulan (Disney)
Mulan’s long black hair reflects her bravery and cultural identity, giving her a graceful yet strong presence. Her look also fits beautifully into our list of fictional characters with long hair, thanks to the elegance and symbolism of her hairstyle. It highlights her transformation from a gentle girl into a heroic warrior.
- Voiced by: Ming-Na Wen
- First Appearance: Mulan (1998)
- Creator: Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Known For: Courage, honor, iconic long black hair
Her hair adds elegance and power to her silhouette. It enhances emotional scenes, especially during her transformation moment. Mulan’s black hair remains one of Disney’s most symbolic character designs.
Marceline
Marceline’s long black hair highlights her mysterious, artistic, and emotional personality. It flows dramatically during her music scenes, adding depth to her presence. Her hair even shifts with her mood, becoming part of her storytelling.
- Voiced by: Olivia Olson
- First Appearance: Adventure Time (2010)
- Creator: Pendleton Ward
- Known For: Music, magic, long black hair
Her dark hair strengthens her gothic aesthetic and emotional expressions. It adds beauty and movement to every scene. Marceline’s iconic black hair makes her stand out instantly in the series.
Vanellope von Schweetz
Vanellope’s short black ponytail matches her glitchy, fast, and energetic personality. Her candy sprinkles make her hair playful and uniquely adorable. It enhances her mischievous and confident character.
- Voiced by: Sarah Silverman
- First Appearance: Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
- Creator: Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Known For: Humor, racing, black ponytail
Her hair brings life to her animated expressions. It adds cute, energetic movement throughout her scenes. Vanellope’s hairstyle perfectly captures her sweet yet bold personality.
Gwen Tennyson
Gwen’s sleek black hair showcases intelligence, magic, and confidence. Her haircut falls into the bob category, making her a great addition to our animated characters with bob cuts guide. Her hair gives her a refined, strong look in action scenes.
- Voiced by: Ashley Johnson
- First Appearance: Ben 10 (2005)
- Creator: Man of Action
- Known For: Magic, bravery, black hair
Her hair enhances her hero-like appearance throughout the series. It adds elegance to her athletic, powerful movements. Gwen’s black hair contributes to her cool, composed personality.
Raven
Raven’s short black bob suits her mysterious, gothic, and quiet personality. It reinforces her magical aura and emotional depth. Her hairstyle matches her calm, powerful presence perfectly.
- Voiced by: Tara Strong
- First Appearance: Teen Titans (2003)
- Creator: DC Comics
- Known For: Magic, control, iconic black bob
Her hair sharpens her dramatic expressions and mood. It complements her dark, mystical theme. Raven’s black hair is a key part of her iconic gothic identity. No doubt, she’s one of the best purple characters in animation.
Channel-Wise Categorization of Black-Haired Characters
Disney Channel / Pixar:
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Mulan
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Jasmine
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Violet Parr (The Incredibles)
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Meilin Lee (Turning Red)
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Hiro Hamada (Big Hero 6)
Nickelodeon:
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Dora Márquez (Dora the Explorer)
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Misty (Pokémon)
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Toph Beifong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
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Gaz Membrane (Invader Zim)
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Danny Phantom
Cartoon Network:
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Buttercup (The Powerpuff Girls)
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Samurai Jack
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Raven (Teen Titans – short cut in some versions)
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Numbuh 4 (KND)
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Jake Long (American Dragon)
Anime:
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Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
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Sailor Mars (Rei Hino)
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Sakura Haruno (Naruto – short hair arc)
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Ergo Proxy (Re-L Mayer)
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Kyouka Jirou (My Hero Academia)
Classic / Comics:
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Betty Cooper (Archie Comics – black hair version)
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Velma Dinkley (Scooby-Doo)
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Lucy van Pelt (Peanuts)
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Lois Lane (DC Comics)
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Veronica Lodge (Archie Comics)
Final Words
Black-haired cartoon characters are unforgettable because of their bold visual appeal and strong personalities. From heroes like Mulan and Jack to quirky favorites like Vanellope and Gwen, black hair brings depth, culture, and charisma to animation.
These characters prove that hair color can be a powerful part of storytelling, helping audiences connect instantly. You can also generate your own black-haired cartoon character with just one click using any character-generator tool.
FAQs
Who are famous cartoon characters with black hair?
Mulan, Ash Ketchum, Samurai Jack, Vanellope, and Zuko are some of the most popular black-haired characters.
Which female characters have black hair?
Mulan, Marceline, Vanellope, Gwen, Raven, and Princess Jasmine are iconic females with black hair.
Is black hair common in cartoon heroes?
Yes, many heroes like Mulan, Jack, Zuko, and Hiro have black hair to show strength, culture, or mystery.
Who are black-haired cartoon kids?
Mowgli, Hiro Hamada, Vanellope, and Ash Ketchum are popular kids with black hair.
Which black-hairstyles are most iconic?
Long flowing hair, sleek bobs, messy ponytails, spiky cuts, and traditional tied hairstyles are the most memorable.