So you’ve seen the trailers. Or maybe you were scrolling through your feed and saw a striking character with jet-black hair, a sharp katana, and fox ears that just screams "main character energy." You aren't alone. When people search for the zenless zone zero black hair girl, they are usually looking for one of two heavy hitters who have absolutely dominated the community's attention since the game's announcement: Hoshimi Miyabi or Ellen Joe.
Wait, Ellen has a shark tail and technically blue-black hair? Yeah, but in the heat of a fight, she’s the "goth maid" everyone remembers. However, if we're talking about the absolute icon of the "black hair" aesthetic in New Eridu, we have to talk about Miyabi.
The Mystery of Hoshimi Miyabi
Hoshimi Miyabi is basically the Raiden Shogun of Zenless Zone Zero, at least in terms of hype. She's the leader of Hollow Special Operations Section 6. Honestly, she’s been a bit of a ghost for a while. She was playable way back in the first Closed Beta Test (CBT1), but then she vanished.
HoYoverse pulled her from the playable roster for the later tests, which naturally made everyone want her even more. It’s a classic move. You take away the cool samurai girl with the "Arcane Blade" and suddenly every Polychrome is being saved for her eventual banner.
Why the Hype is Real
Miyabi isn't just a pretty face with a sword. She comes from a legendary martial arts family in New Eridu. When she shows up in the story—specifically during the hollow-related incidents—she carries this incredibly cool, composed vibe.
Her kit is centered around Ice damage. In the early tests, her gameplay was all about stacking "Arcane Blade" to unleash devastating slashes. She’s fast. Like, blink-and-you-miss-it fast. For players who love the "high-speed katana" archetype, she is the gold standard.
Is Ellen Joe the One You're Looking For?
If the zenless zone zero black hair girl you saw was wearing a maid outfit and swinging a pair of giant scissors, that’s Ellen Joe. She’s part of the Victoria Housekeeping Co. faction.
Ellen is... different. She’s perpetually tired. She’s the queen of the "I’d rather be napping" energy, but the moment the shark tail starts moving, it’s game over for the Ethereals.
- Faction: Victoria Housekeeping Co.
- Element: Ice
- Specialty: Attack
- Weapon: Giant scissors (and a very dangerous tail)
Ellen was the first limited S-Rank banner character when the game launched in July 2024. If you missed her, you're likely waiting for a rerun. She’s a beast in Shiyu Defense because her "Flash Freeze" mechanic lets her dash around the field and deal massive bursts of Ice damage.
The "Rat Girl" Contender: Jane Doe
Then there’s Jane Doe. Now, Jane's hair is more of a gradient—starting dark/black at the roots and fading into a deep, vivid red or pinkish-crimson. But because the top is so dark, many people identify her as a black-haired character at first glance.
Jane is a Thiren (specifically a rat) and works as a criminology specialist. She’s a Physical Anomaly agent. If you like gameplay that feels like a rhythmic dance, Jane is probably your favorite. She doesn't just hit enemies; she toys with them. Her dodge is arguably the best in the game, allowing her to stay in a "Passion" state where her multi-hit attacks just shred health bars.
Why the Black Hair Aesthetic Hits Different in ZZZ
New Eridu is a loud place. It’s neon. It’s urban. It’s full of bright colors and chaotic designs. Characters like Miyabi and Ellen stand out because they ground that chaos with a more classic, sleek look.
In a world of bright pink hair and robotic bears, a character with sharp black hair and a traditional (or maid-themed) silhouette feels powerful. It’s that "composed killer" trope that HoYoverse does so well.
Practical Gameplay Tips for These Characters
If you're lucky enough to have Ellen, or you're holding out for Miyabi's release, here is what you need to know about the current meta:
- Ice is King (for now): Both Ellen and Miyabi are Ice units. This means they benefit massively from supports like Soukaku or Lycaon.
- Dash Management: Ellen lives and breathes by her "Roaming" dash. You have to get used to holding the dodge button to enter her shark-state.
- The Wait for Miyabi: Current rumors and patterns suggest Miyabi might finally arrive in a major version update (like 1.3 or 2.0). If you're F2P, start hoarding your pulls now.
Making the Choice: Who Should You Pull?
Honestly, it depends on your vibe. Do you want the sleepy shark maid who does literal millions of damage with a tail whip? That’s Ellen. Or are you waiting for the disciplined, fox-eared samurai who represents the peak of New Eridu's military might? That's Miyabi.
Both of these characters define the "cool girl" archetype in ZZZ. Whether you call her the zenless zone zero black hair girl or by her actual name, you're looking at a top-tier unit.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are trying to build your roster around these characters, here is what to do:
- Check your Ice supports: Make sure you have Soukaku leveled. She is an A-Rank character but provides a massive ATK buff that both Ellen and Miyabi need.
- Farm the Polar Metal set: This Drive Disc set is essential for Ice attackers. Getting a good CRIT Rate/DMG set ready now will save you weeks of grinding later.
- Save for Section 6: Since Miyabi leads Section 6, she will likely have incredible synergy with future characters from that same faction.
The "black hair" mystery in Zenless Zone Zero isn't really a mystery—it's a choice between two of the most powerful and stylish agents in the game. Pick the one that fits your playstyle, and you'll be clearing Hollows in no time.
