AF Blog — Cosmic Sunshine

@iamzoeyluna in Transylvania 

Keep your look top-class this fall

You can embrace the change, or you can dread it. But you can’t deny it: summer is over, baby. We’re working on ditching our late sleep-ins (dry shampoo for the win!), have restocked our coffee supplies, bought the organizers, and are getting used to the sound of the alarm. But how has our Fox Fam been falling back into a routine? Let’s just say that leaves aren’t the only things that are changing color!

Lustrous, rich hair tones can make even the most boring schedules feel brighter, and with the onset of busy days, we’re seeing a rise in the deep, dark tones. They can be low-maintenance while still being high-impact, and they give the rich feeling of thicker hair that autumn styles show off the best. On top of that, blends and color combinations keep the looks as interesting as you are.

Whatever your day-to-day looks like this fall, we’re excited to see everyone in dark mode.

New you, new hue

Good news, stargazers: Venus is out of retrograde💫! As (we’re sure) you already know, this means it’s a great time to start fresh with whatever’s been blocked for you lately. Romance can get kicked into high gear, work and creativity will start flowing, and we can’t think of a better sign that it’s time for a brand-new look.

Part of your 2023 back-to-real-life glow-up should be a hair color that you’re stoked to show off — not to mention the noticeably hydrated and healthy hair that comes with using our AF deep-conditioning hair dyes. We’ve mentioned a few times lately that we are really digging the transition from summer ‘cools’ to autumn ‘warms’, and that means going for a darker tone than what you rocked during the sunny season. Plus your hair will be totally in step with Fall 2023’s palette, making your hair the perfect accessory and always on-point.

There’s something else that a darker tone gives to your updated ‘do—aside from all that lovely confidence that comes with a makeover, that is. Going to the dark side of the color wheel gives the gift of a low-maintenance mane. 

In our previous blog on warm hair colors, we explained how a simple warm color can add depth to your hair that will give you a thicker, fuller-looking style without needing extra time with your diffuser. When you combine your warm-color lowlights with a time-saving volumizing shampoo you’re going to have a full look all day.

✨Remember that changing your look doesn’t have to mean changing your beliefs, and that’s why as much as we love watching your evolution, we’ll never be anything other than vegan and cruelty-free. Dye away, and with AF dark hair dyes, you’re dyeing for a cause.

To Bleach or Not to Bleach?

Real talk: Summer puts your hair through the wringer with chlorine, salt water, and sun damage. Keep in mind that even though we pack our potions to the brim with hair-helping ingredients, you can choose to skip the bleaching step now and again. You can also be creative and use it only in sections. Our influencers have found some truly jaw-dropping ways to only color parts of their hair—and still stun. Money pieces are a great example of a simple switch-up that can change your whole look, without changing your entire head.

@_negatronn in Iris Green and Neon Moon

@tavujesus in Frosé

@lazybonesbeauty in Cosmic Sunshine

AF’s Bleach, Please is as gentle as a lightener can get, and even has added goodness to keep your hair healthy while it works. And yes, AF’s range of hair color dyes produces a truer color match when they are used on lighter hair. But if you’re looking for a tint without putting your hair through the bleaching process, you can opt for a beautiful color undertone that will come through even on darker or already dyed hair. 

For an idea on how your color will turn out with your natural or current base color, have a look at our guide to using AF hair dyes on unbleached hair. If you like how these look, we’ve grouped all the colors here for easy shopping! 

Pro-tip: Knowing your hair’s color level will be key to planning your look, and we can help you with that, too! Just cruise by this gem of an explainer which breaks it down for you.

Of course, the only way to get the strong, intense pop of color you see on some of our most colorful influencers is to lighten your hair first.

@christystarmua in Aquamarine and Periwinkle

@violentinside in Purple AF and Transylvania 

Stir it up for some killer color

Remember: going dark doesn’t mean melting into the surroundings, and it certainly shouldn’t mean you’re stuck with one color! Blend your pastes for a unique shade, or combine multiple colors into your locks for a truly standout fall look. In our last blog, we talked about this fall’s trending hairstyles, and there was a lot of mention of color accents and how to use them. 

 In particular, the money pieces and the peekaboo styles work best when the color is applied precisely (and only!) where you want it. Because we want our Fox Fam’s hair dreams to come true and your looks exactly as you envisioned them, we recommend that you use our gentle-on-hair alligator clips to keep your sections secured and under control while you work.

Here are the results of perfectly applied color.

@yadeemua in Ginger Flare

@wonderingminds_420 in Ritual and Electric Paradise

@onedreamparis in Virgin Pink

How to Darken Your Current Shade

Looking for a darker shade that isn’t a total change of color? Easy peasy! 

There are two ways you can do this:

1. The first method will neutralize the color you have and deepen it slightly. Take a quick look at our color wheel blog (honestly, just bookmark it already) to find out what the opposite color is to the one you already have! Once you’ve got that, simply mix in a drop or two to your current color, and voila.
2. Method number two is using a darker shade of the same color to help deepen the tone. Let’s say you have Aquamarine, you can add a bit of Blue Jean Baby to darken it. Again, the color wheel blog has a wheel that shows where all the AF colors fall on the wheel so it’s a snap to find out which one you need.

 To keep the blending simple and the colors separate while you apply, our tint bowls are going to be some of your besties.

Peep these dark hues on our Fox Fam!

As always, we look to you, our boldest and bravest Foxy trailblazers for our inspiration. After all, we can talk about change, but you are the gorgeous bunch that does it, flaunts it, and shares it with the world! Here are some superb examples of falling into the dark for autumn.

@makeupbytiffanybanks in Poseidon covered in Ritual

@lil.mishroom in Cosmic Sunshine, Sunset Orange, and Purple AF 

If you’re thinking of going green, stay tuned! Next week we’ll give some precise mixing tips for gorgeous green hues that need a little bit of alchemy to get just right.

So lovelies, as you traipse into autumn vibes this year, remember that you can go dark and shine! Treat your hair right by using AF conditioning hair dyes, and for the love of gosh, share your hair journey with your Fax Fam by tagging @arcticfoxusa on your socials!

Cuts and colors leading the trends for fall 2023

Y’all have already been killing it in your selfies and TikToks, we’re seeing long, we’re seeing short, and we’re seeing everything in between. This fall looks to be THE SEASON for embracing your own unique hair look, and the confidence on display is honestly inspiring. 

From platinum to plum, the Fox Fam is a rainbow of wearable color this fall. We’ll walk and talk you through the coolest hair colors—and tell you exactly how to get them for yourself! On top of the hues that are making our fall a little hotter are the cuts that we see topping the requests lists again and again. So read on, because we are stoked to share our hot leads and pro tips with y’all.

We’ve been taking notes

We’ve got our eyes on a few different look-makers and from short to long, we’re dialed in on the coifs filling up our feeds, from influencers to red-carpet royalty. From all our trend-watching, we have two words for you: layers & body.

Lucky for us, we have our Foxy influencers who are going to show us how to use AF Hair Dye to use color to get the best-looking layers and the most bodacious body. 

☝️Tip: However you express yourself with your hair, we always recommend that you use our bowls and brushes to help keep your color where you want it. They have grippy bottoms so they stay put—because while you look amazing in color, your countertop… not so much.

Hair trends that are everywhere this fall…and how to make them yours

When you’re talking to your stylist about your next look, ask for a “hush cut”! It’s a way to bring extreme layers and stylish bangs to your hair, at almost any length. This is the way to show off your AF colors, as the layers give your hair the movement that will highlight your lowlights, peekaboos, and tips. A hush cut is a layered look that is designed to give your hair feathery lightness and long curving pieces that look amazing with colors blended throughout. Think a “wolf cut” but grown out into an elegant and feminine style.

For those of you who are all about length, supermodel cuts feature layers that frame your face and allow your hair’s natural bounce and movement to steal the show. Think big and naturally bouncy supermodel hair that is designed to always look effortlessly beautiful, no matter which shoulder they’ve just casually tossed it over. Body, waves and lots of lift through the layers. Hint: it’s the perfect style for strong color accents. 

Not sure which color accent you want to go for? Luckily for our creative Fox Fam, there are a ton of options! With the lux look of money pieces, cheeky peekaboos and trendy tips, feel free to mix and blend your current faves from root to tip.

@arisa_hair in Aquamarine and Phantom Green  

@raekanoa in Poison and Ritual 

For a stylish way to keep long layers out of your face, sweep half of your hair up while leaving two money pieces in front for a sweet, soft look. Pin the upper half back with a big, bold clip and …peekaboo! Peekaboos are flirty and sweet on blonde hair, especially when you choose Virgin Pink, Violet Dream or Frosé for the underlayer. For a punchier style, go Girls’ Night or fan-favorite Purple AF.

A shorter take on layers with natural movement is the lob, or “long bob”. Taking the traditionally shorter bob and letting it hang past your chin gets you this look. To give it the 2023 treatment, texturize it! The textured lob gives you layers to play with and provides choppier front pieces to show off the natural curl in your coif—as well as your makeup ;). So go with layers and let them curve around your chin and shoulders. For the ultimate frame job, add Birkin bangs, the 70’s-inspired light fringe that falls to your eyebrows without being swept to the side.

If you want it a little shorter, take the bob to chin length. This fall the bob and the lob are both on proud display, and both look great with solid colors, especially this year’s blockbuster shade, Barbie blonde. Get it by using Bleach, Please, (pink convertible not included).

@gontscharowaa in Sunset Orange

Braided hair lifts your look to the next level, and for braids devotees who want to decorate their tresses with their fave fall colors, goddess braids are the go-to. This divine style is a bohemian way to transition from summer to fall. With braids that are less tight and more gentle on scalps than other braids styles, they feature loose curls that are practically begging to be decorated with pops of color. For intense color that shows up in updos or loose, make sure to use Bleach, Please first!

Whether you go short, long, or somewhere in between, it’s pretty clear what stands out with these trends: extreme layers will keep a classic look modern, and be a fun way to play with color.

More colors that make true statements

You can never go wrong with a cool Copper and deep Auburn this time of year - it’s giving ‘forest in autumn’ and we’re here for it! For a true Auburn, mix AF’s Ginger Flare with a drop of Purple AF, and if you want a deeper auburn shade, just add more Purple AF. Get your cool copper on with two parts Sunset Orange and three parts Cosmic Sunshine with a drop or two of Purple AF. For a light leaning copper, go lighter on the purple and heavier on Cosmic Sunshine. 

If you love rich colors but prefer a jewel tone, then Blue Jean Baby, Phantom Green, and Purple AF are the hues that you’re going to fall for!

These are some of our ideas, but if you’re ready to take the plunge on a killer color combo, we recommend that you check out the wildly helpful color wheel explanation we laid out for you in August. The whole post is loaded with great info, plus tips on which color combinations complement this fall’s color palette (and you!) best.

Over the next two weeks we will be diving into the best ways to freshen up your look while still caring for your strands, particularly for those who want to go and/or stay dark.

Whatever color you choose this fall, keep the cut up-to-date to truly do your AF colors justice! Let your inner supermodel loose or braid your way to our Fox Fam hall of fame. However you do it, shine your beautiful light and—as always—share your hair change journey with the Fox Fam on your socials by tagging @arcticfoxhaircolor.

@azrael.does.hair in Wrath and Poison

Warm up your hair color for fall 2023

Alright Fox Fam, bring it in for a huddle. We are in September, which means that summer is officially ending. This is not a drill! Shorter days are cooling us off, our neighborhood smells like pumpkin spice and cinnamon, and cuddly clothing is back on the radar. 

Even more importantly: colors are changing. Those lush, vibrant greens are transitioning to gorgeous golds and stunning reds. And those are just the trees! Join them in welcoming the cozy months and warm up your hair color this fall.

If you’re ready for an end-of-summer look shake-up but want some help deciding which warm hair color will have you stepping into autumn looking your best, dive in here. We explain everything you need to know about the warm colors in the AF hair dye range and why fall is the best time to show them off.

What are warm hair colors and how do they change our look?

In August, we gave you the skinny on just what we mean when we say ‘warm’ and ‘cold’, when we talk about colors. Take a quick peek now to refresh if you need it, we’ll wait!

Warm colors are the ones you see in the heart of the fire: yellows, oranges, and reds… AKA: autumn colors! And AF’s selection of these hearth-y hues covers the entire warm spectrum. So from Violet Dream to Neon Moon, let’s take our cue from nature and let our fall colors show. You’ll be surprised at the change that you’ll see in your skin as well as your hair.

From yellow to red, AF brings the vibrant autumn look you want!

@not_reagan in Poison

@itslauren in Cosmic Sunshine

What do warm colors do for our skin tones? 

Have you ever heard ‘like attracts like’? The same thing happens to colors and your eyes.

“Wut?”

OK, it’s a weird thought, that’s true. But think of matching your bag and your shoes. You don’t wear your purse on your feet, and you don’t carry your shoes over your arm (barring the cab ride home after those late-night dancing frenzies), so why do we want them to complement each other?

Your eye will naturally notice similar colors in the same field of vision, even if they’re not right beside each other, or even on the same thing! That can make accessorizing tricky, but when used correctly this secret knowledge can be harnessed for good! 

Here’s how: rIght now, the sun’s power is fading as we head towards the winter solstice, which means that your tan is *sobs* fading, but you can make your tan last longer! Keep the warm tones in your skin on display with hair colors from the warm side of the spectrum.

Here is a head-turning example from @v2daline absolutely rocking Sunset Orange!

What can a warm color do for our hair?

Not only can warm hair colors keep our skin looking sun-kissed long after our last beach day, but they give the hair itself a deep personality! Those warming tones are fabulous at reflecting light — even when there’s less of it, like during fall and winter. That means your hair not only looks shiny, but it also makes it look thicker and fuller.

Why is autumn the best time to go for warm colors?

After a long, hot, bright summer, your body naturally craves change. And you’re not the only one. Here’s a little fact for ya: leaves are actually always red and yellow! However, in summer they also produce chlorophyll, which is a deep, strong green that overshadows the leaves’ natural warm pigments. As summer turns to fall, the trees are getting ready for their big seasonal transformation and the chlorophyll bows out, letting us finally see the glorious colors it's been hiding.

So don’t fight it! Lean into your autumnal instincts, and let the reds and yellows be the light you carry into the cooler months. We know you’re feeling the sun in Virgo and planning ahead, so choose your hair color wisely. With less sunlight to pick up your highlights, use the natural brilliance your gorgeous hair gets from AF’s warm range.

The best part? The AF colors on the warm spectrum are not limited to a handful of hues. We have Violet Dream all the way to Neon Moon, which means that if you can’t pick one, that’s because there are too many!

@vivisterling is set to ‘stun’ in Cosmic Sunshine

Peep @xtinebetch on fire with Ritual

What changing weather does to hair

Yes, humidity can be a pain. It can make your hair frizzy when you want it full, textured when you want it sleek, or just plain difficult when you want it effortless. But, love it or hate it, it brings some added body to your coif.

With colder temps, there’s less moisture locked into the air around us, meaning our hair doesn’t get the benefit of added bounce and body that humidity can bring. 

There is also the dreaded ‘static flyaways’ that drier air can bring. *shudder*

Here’s where AF hair dye can save not just your look, but also your look. As a conditioning hair dye, it’s non-damaging to your hair and locks moisture into your cuticle—along with the eye-popping color you want.

 Look at the healthy bounce on @kingyayis, wearing Ginger Flare.

Which warm hair color should you choose?

Let’s get down to brass tacks: how can you, the creative Fox that you are, decide which of AF’s warm hair colors will best show off your current personality?

Easy! Pick your fave. 

In the red and orange ranges, the selection is superb. Ginger Flare takes top trending color, showing a gorgeous reddish cayenne hue on dark hair and a true ginger on blonde locks. Poison comes in hot with a true red ‘n fiery look that ALWAYS turns heads. For dark hair, it shows up as a deep subtle tint, but for hair levels 8 or lighter, you’ll get that vibrant red hot look!  Cosmic Sunshine is knocking it out of the park right now with the cheeriest hue to match this fall’s palette. You can even mix in some Frosé for a sweet golden shade.

But ultimately…you do you: match with your favorite fall makeup look, your coziest scarf, your nails, or even go for a complementing color to pop against your new bomber jacket. Choose your own color adventure, and AF will take care of your hair while you simply shine.

Warm hair color looks we are loving this fall

Looking for some more color inspo? Have a look here for some ideas on how to fall into a warm hair color vibe.

@siren.style in Sunset Orange and Electric Paradise

@alixstrothershair in Violet Dream, Virgin Pink, and Purple AF

@neg4tive_creep in Electric Paradise, Sunset Orange, and Violet Dream

@lyn_bax in Ginger Flare, Cosmic Sunshine, and Space Cowgirl

We want to see what you choose!

Whether you rock the reds with Wrath or go vivacious in Virgin Pink, go warm, and share your fall weather hair change journey with the Fox Fam! Tag @arcticfoxhaircolor because we love watching y’all redecorate our world.

@emma.cairo in Virgin Pink

As the leaves transform into warm hues, our desire to embrace the essence of fall extends beyond our wardrobes and into our hair. 

Entering the chat this season is Cinnamon Spice Brown – a hair color that perfectly encapsulates the cozy and inviting atmosphere of fall. This rich and radiant shade boasts the deep tones of brown mixed with the spirited undertones of cinnamon, creating a harmonious balance that's both timeless and trendy. To create the cinnamon spice element, try a mix of Ginger Flare, Frosé, Space Cowgirl, and Arctic Mist Diluter on at least level 7 hair (level 8 for more vibrancy 💖), or Ginger Flare over dark locks, mimicking the captivating glow of cinnamon. 

@kingyayis in Ginger Flare 

Now, let’s spice up your fall vibes with the oh-so-stunning “Cherry Coke” hair color trend! We're talking about a mix that's as bold as it is sophisticated, combining sassy burgundy, dreamy plum, and dark cherry shades. Thinking about what Arctic Fox hair color shades you’ll need? We’ve got you covered. You’ll want to add a mix of Arctic Fox Ritual and Arctic Fox Wrath in a bowl. Try starting with a base of just Ritual and add in just a few drops of Wrath. This blend screams fall fabulousness, whether you can be found hanging out in a pumpkin patch or wrapping up in your favorite cozy sweater. So, if you're itching to give your hair a dose of autumn awesomeness, Cherry coke is the way to go – it's like bottling up the essence of fall and splashing it on your locks! 

@gabyhrndz

 @laurellevictoria in Ritual and Wrath 

Everyone’s favorite pumpkin spice latte is back, but picture this season's favorite drink in your hair! A pumpkin spice ombre mix (YUM) is not only delicious but the perfect fall hair color for the pumpkin loving girlies. It’s basically an unwritten rule to indulge in everything PSL during this season, so why not have your hair match your favorite latte? You can achieve a pumpkin spice ombre with orange tips transcending from your darker roots. If you’re a dark-haired Fox, Sunset Orange over your unbleached locks will help you achieve this lustrous brown and orange transcending mix! For our lighter haired babes, try a mix of Frosé and Ginger Flare for a look you’ll like a latte! 

@kunailuv in Sunset Orange, Cosmic Sunshine, and Purple AF 

@gontscharowaa in Sunset Orange

As we say goodbye to summer and welcome in fall we can embrace all that comes with it. Not only does the weather and leaves change but it’s a great start to a new you! Embrace a new hair color to feel refreshed and take on a new season with a new perspective. The power of hair dye extends beyond pigment; it becomes a tool to craft an outward expression of your inner evolution. Check out our Fox Fam rocking some fall-tastic looks you’ll be dyeing to try! And don’t forget to tag @arcticfoxhaircolor in all of your looks. 😉

@lanismithhair in Virgin Pink and Diluted Virgin Pink

@berlinstacy in Arctic Mist Diluter, Virgin Pink, Sunset Orange, Cosmic Sunshine, Iris Green, Aquamarine, Purple AF, Violet Dream, and Poseidon 

What is the Color Wheel?

The color wheel is a visual tool to explain and visualize the relationship between colors. When it comes to coloring hair, the color wheel is your personal hack to understand how colors will combine or cancel each other out when you’re creating your dream shade!

Understanding the color wheel will help you better understand color theory so you can better predict how specific colors will mix together and how to avoid results you weren’t expecting.

Color Definitions

When speaking to the color wheel, there are a few terms to know.

Primary Colors - What we learn in Kindergarten! Red, yellow and blue. These colors cannot be made from any other colors.

@erez_ivan in Poseidon 

Secondary Colors - Two primary colors mixed together that create orange, green, and violet.

@kunailuv in Sunset Orange, Cosmic Sunshine, and Purple AF 

Intermediate Colors - One primary and one secondary color mixed together: blue-violet, red-violet, red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, and blue-green.

@lilygraceglam in Blue Jean Baby, Purple AF, Violet Dream, Poseidon 

What Are Complementary Colors?

Complementary colors are two colors that live opposite each other on the color wheel. For example: violet and yellow, red and green, orange and blue.

When mixing these colors, you will get a brown shade. We receive a lot of questions around natural shades from the Fox Fam, so this color wheel hack is good to know in case you want to go back to natural color OR to avoid mixing colors or applying over faded color that might yield a muddy result.

Knowing complementary colors can also be great in creating looks that are bold and contrasting, especially for split dyes or layering colors.

@ashley.smit17 in Space Cowgirl, Aquamarine, Virgin Pink, Violet Dream, and Purple AF

@hairwaytoheavennn in Poison, Phantom Green, and Space Cowgirl

What Is Your Base?

When choosing a color, it’s important to consider how your base shade will affect the final outcome. Using the color wheel and color theory, you can have a better educated guess on what might happen or how to plan to get the result you’re looking for.

Starting From A Natural Base

Your natural hair color will affect the outcome of your look. Learn all about hair levels here and which AF colors will work best for your natural base. 

Starting From A Processed Blonde

Most Arctic Fox hair dyes will look and perform best on hair that’s a level 9 or higher, for some, that will require processing. Using the color wheel to figure out the tone of your blonde will help determine which colors to choose to get the results you want. Most natural hair colors that are bleached to blonde will start with an orange undertone and may reach a yellow/brassy color at the lightest. There are multiple ways to cancel out unwanted yellow/orange tones. One option is to use a commercial toning product found at your favorite beauty supply store. A second option is to use the color wheel and “tone” with AF colors. If your hair is leaning toward the yellow side, pre-dye using Arctic Mist Diluter and Purple AF to create an extremely diluted purple color. If your hair is leaning toward the orange side, you might try pre-dyeing with Arctic Mist Diluter and Poseidon to create an extremely diluted blue. 

@salinesimon in Arctic Mist Diluter and Aquamarine

For example, if you want a Poseidon to appear as a nice true blue, but are starting out with yellow undertones, your color might pull green. Since we know that violet is opposite the color wheel from yellow, mixing in a little bit of Purple AF may help counteract those yellow tones.

Starting From A Faded Color

If you’re a DIY dye queen, you might already have a faded color on your hair. Using color theory, you can get to the next color seamlessly without creating a muddy mess!

This video by Stella Cini is a great example of how to use color theory to get your desired color or read this blog by Thuy Pham on how she shifted her hair from green to purple.

AF Colors Charted

Each of our colors have specific undertones. Knowing where our colors fall on the color wheel, can help you make decisions on which dyes to mix to get the results you’re looking for.

@nadine.xoo in Cosmic Sunshine and Sunset Orange 

@chjango_john.n115 in Violet Dream, Cosmic Sunshine, Sunset Orange, and Virgin Pink

@angelicabarragan3 in Space Cowgirl and Neon Moon

@_kenzurrito in Poison, Purple AF, Periwinkle, Aquamarine