AF Blog — Poison

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

If you haven’t heard the good news yet, here it is… SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN! 🥳☀️ Question is, have you decided on how you’re going to color your summer yet? Maybe you’re stuck between a couple of really great shades and just can’t decide? Well I’ve come prepared with some summer mixes, just for you 😉 

When I think of summer, I think HOT 🔥 So let’s crank up the heat with these orange and red focused mixes first. Sunset Orange is a wonderful base for this, so let’s get to mixing in some other shades.

Sunset Orange + Poison + Cosmic Sunshine 🥵 

@theeglamnaija

Sunset Orange + Wrath 🧯

@a.dragon.soul

Sunset Orange + Violet Dream  🌶️ 

@evelina.forsell

Unreal, right?! Why don’t we cool things down a bit with a few blue mixes 💧 Let's dive right in (pun intended 😏).

Poseidon + Aquamarine 🌊

@jessicamoralemusic

Aquamarine + Periwinkle + Transylvania 💙

@billiedawningle

Aquamarine + Phantom Green 🐚

@arisa_hair

Arctic Mist Diluter + Aquamarine 

@salinesimon

When you think back to how you colored your summer, what shade is going to forever bring you that summer nostalgia feeling when you see it? Is it blue? Is it pink? Maybe it’s green! ✨

The beauty of ‘color your summer’ could mean a lot of things but color expression is definitely one of them 🎨 You may be wondering “well, when I think of summer, I think of a beautiful sunset to end the perfect day with my favorite people”. To be completely honest, I couldn’t agree more. So let’s settle things down with a couple of sunset inspired mixes! 🌅 

Electric Paradise + Poison 🌺

@tamaracamps

Cosmic Sunshine + Frosé ☀️ 

@itslauren.jpg

Periwinkle + Purple AF 

@_gumshoe_

After a long day of laughter, heat and good vibes; It’s time to reminisce on the core memories you’ve built and get ready to make more during those long summer nights 🌌 Nothing says “summer nights” more than this last mix.

Using equal parts Periwinkle + Sterling with just a few drops of Blue Jean Baby and BOOM… You’ve created a masterpiece. 👩‍🎨🎨✨🤌

So how will YOU color your summer? 🌈 Let us know in the comments! And as always, if you have questions on how best to use any of our products, feel free to reach out to us at support@arcticfoxusa.com. Stay foxy! 🦊 

@gontscharowaa in Ginger Flare

Thinking about taking the big leap this summer and dyeing your hair red? Red is a very symbolic color in many cultures representing life, health, war, danger, and even love. It is considered to be a statement hair color choice. So what exactly does dyeing your hair red entail? Let’s chat on a need to know basis!

Red Hair Maintenance 

The common problem that seems to come up with red hair is that it takes a lot of time, money, and effort to maintain. It’s not as tricky as it seems. A good hair trick is to add some of your hair dye, (Arctic Fox Hair Color Wrath is always a good choice) into your conditioner to give your hair a quick pick me up every time you wash your hair. You also will want to reduce how often you wash your hair every week. Keep water at a warm temperature, not too hot or cold, to prevent hair damage. Add these small changes to your wash routine to maintain the vibrancy of that fiery head of red hair!

@bhaddmakeuphabityt in Poison

Get Bright Red Hair 

So what steps can you take to achieve that vivacious bold red hair? You’re in luck if you’ve never dyed your hair before. Going bright red is very possible without bleaching your hair when you are dyeing virgin hair. If your natural virgin hair is extremely dark just opt for a higher developer! Now, color won’t lift color! So if you’ve recently dyed your hair any pastels or purples prepare to have to go through a process. You will most likely have to use a color remover to help get some of that pastel color off. You might be able to achieve a more bronzy color on your first go. If you’re looking for a super bright look you will need to bleach your hair to lighten it up to create a blank canvas for that hair dye. Opt for Arctic Fox Hair Color in Poison for that ultimate Rihanna red look!

@faux_face_maker in Poison

Tips and Tricks for Redheads

If you’re a newly red hair goddess and just looking for some advice on being a redhead we’ve definitely got your back! First, use sulfate free shampoo! Sulfate shampoos tend to do more stripping of color than anything else, so steer clear. Harsh UV rays are notorious for fading almost anything, so opt for thoroughly spritzing your hair with UV protectant before basking in the sun! Keep yourself on a retouch schedule. Sometimes we can forget and suddenly our red hair is truly on its last leg. Keeping yourself accountable to retouching will help keep your locks looking fresh.

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 @dos_of_jos refreshing her red hair with Wrath and Ritual

Make a statement this summer with that fiery red hair! Now that you’ve got some tips and tricks to long lasting red tresses you’re ready to take on this new persona.  Shop all Arctic Fox Hair Red Semi Permanent hair dyes here!