Arctic Fox Foxology
0 Cart
Added to Cart
    You have items in your cart
    You have 1 item in your cart
    Total

    AF Blog — Transylvania

    Mixing AF Semi-Permanent Hair Dye - Our Most Underrated Mixes

    Mixing AF Semi-Permanent Hair Dye - Our Most Underrated Mixes

    The best part about using AF semi-permanent hair dye? The absolutely ENDLESS customizability of our colors. ✨ You can create your own custom mixes and unleash your inner artist on your hair with just about any hair dye color combo you can dream of. 


    Let's dive into the realm of dynamic duos, perfect pairings, and all things Arctic Fox that effortlessly blend together - like peanut butter and jelly or your favorite color combo! Our Fox Fam would argue that mixing Arctic Fox hair dye is an art form. You can easily create a unique blend of color right from the comfort of your home. Our DIY formula is perfect for anyone wanting to experiment. Here are some of our most underrated color combinations you didn’t know you needed in your life!

    Dusty Rose Gold 

    Frosé and Space Cowgirl

    Let’s get dreamy with it! Frosé hair dye and Space Cowgirl hair dye create an unexpected color combo that GIVES springtime dream for our pastel lovers out there. Get out your AF mixing bowls and brushes and pour in a ratio of 70% Frose to 30% Space Cowgirl to get this lustrous color combo! It’s important that Frose hair dye a majority of this mix to nail the color on pre-lightened hair. 

    Brunette Bombshell

    Ginger Flare + Transylvania

    Our foxes are always asking for natural colors - and we have great news, you can totally create your own natural color mix at home! If you’re ready for a drastic transition from neon to natural, start with a base of Ginger Flare hair dye and add a few drops of Transylvania hair dye. To achieve that gorgeous reddish-brown, you’re going to need 80% Ginger Flare with 20% Transylvania ratio. This mix is shown on level 10 hair, so be sure to do a strand test before you try this beautiful brown hue to see how it will show up on your current hair level. 

    The Witch

    Girls Night and Transylvania

    This purple haze is guaranteed to put a spell on anyone.  👀 Give a smoky hue to Arctic Fox’s Girls Night hair dye by adding a few drops of Transylvania hair dye. You’ll want a ratio of 80% Girls Night and 20% Transylvania for this dreamy purple shade. This mix is shown on a level 10 base, so make sure you’re there or lighten up with Bleach, Please. A tiny may take to darker bases (no guarantees) but be sure to do a strand test to see how it looks on your locks!

    Peach Princess

    Arctic Mist Diluter, Girls Night, and Poison

    You’ll never guess what AF hair dyes make up this rustic shade! Start with 75% Arctic Mist Diluter, then add in 20% Girls Night hair dye, and finish off with 5% Poison hair dye. As always with lighter shades, you’ll need to start with a base level 10 hair for the mix to show up as pictured! This peachy perfect mix will turn heads throughout festival season, you’ll be dyeing to keep it all summer long.  Give it a go next time you want to spice up your look, and tag us so we can see! 

    Rich B*tch

    Ritual and Sterling

    Show off your expensive a** taste with this delicious berry shade that looks good enough to eat! Go halfsies with a mix of Ritual hair dye and Sterling hair dye to get this smokey berry color. This is perfect for wanting to turn things up a notch and opt for a more natural looking shade while still exploring purple hues! The mix pictured is on a level 10 base, so go with a strand test to see how it shows up on you.

    Creative Hair Dye Color Placements 

    Split Dyes

    Ritual and Arctic Mist Diluter + Sterling and Electric Paradise

    Talk about a perfect pairing! This stunning split dye is a mix of 50% Ritual hair dye and 50% Arctic Mist Diluter on one side with Sterling hair dye and Electric Paradise hair dye mixed together for the other. If you’re looking for a trendy but daring color combo for Vday (or year ‘round), this color placement should definitely be next up on your list. Oh, and the adorable puppy, you ask? We partner with rescues like Pup Culture to prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare! If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can apply to adopt the adorable doggos they rescue. Visit @pupculturerescue on Instagram where they post their pups weekly! 

    Dreamy Color Melt

    Girls Night and Periwinkle

    If a split dye isn’t calling your name but you still want to show off two colors at once, a color melt is your move! A color melt is simply starting with one color on the top part of your hair that quite literally melts beautifully as it meets with another color towards the bottom half of your hair! This stunning color melt is Girls Night hair dye and Periwinkle hair dye - and OMG it’s a literal dream. Girls Night and Periwinkle are on the lighter end of our vivid hair dyes, so you absolutely need to start with level 9 hair or lighter! Use our Bleach, Please hair lightening kit to get your hair to the desired level if you need, and always always do a strand test.

    Halo

    Virgin and Poison

    Looking to mix it up even more? 👀 Check out halo hair, it’s literally everywhere right now! A halo color placement is one color on your first layer of hair, and a different color on the layers beneath it. It gives a gorgeous peekaboo effect and the styling options are truly endless! This fiery look from @alexajdmakeup was made using Virgin Pink hair dye and Poison hair dye. We love this color combo, especially during the month of February when red and pink hues reign supreme. Lucky for you AF shades are made for creating these daring looks at home! Virgin Pink hair color is a vibrant hot pink and will appear as a magenta tint on brown hair, its most vibrant form comes with pre-lightened hair. Poison hair color has a slight orange undertone that will prevent it from fading to a pink. Poison will give a dark, subtle tint to darker tones of hair but will turn out most vibrantly on hair that is pre-lightened to around a level 8. Give it a go the next time you’re feeling spicy!

    Now that you’re a pro at color combos make sure you tag us on IG @arcticfoxhaircolor if you try out any of these mixes or split dyes. We love to see you explore your inner hairstylist with our DIY friendly hair dye colors!

    The Biggest Hair Color Trends of 2024

    The Biggest Hair Color Trends of 2024

    @marijantunez in Wrath 

    New year, new me is a cliché that rings true every year. If you found yourself itching for a glow up the second the clock turned midnight, you’re not the only one! Certain hair color trends are still on the rise, while newer hues are catching our eye. Let’s dive into what’s trending in 2024 and how you can make them trendy AF with Arctic Fox hair color and custom hair dye mixes! 

    Hair Color Trends for 2024 

    Trend: Peach Blonde 

    Peach blonde is expected to heat up this year, which is no surprise considering Peach Fuzz was announced by Pantone as 2024’s Color of the Year. Similar to the muted tones of Strawberry Blonde, Peach Blonde mimics that subtlety in a soft pastel peach tone -  like a peach sorbet! It’s close enough to a red-toned blonde, but still has a beautiful orange hue that softens up the shade just slightly. 


    Trendy AF: Peach Sorbet 

    This custom mix is a fun, vivid spin on the peach blonde trend, with a bit more pink! Because of the soft hue, you’ll need a minimum level 10 hair. Start with a base of Arctic Mist Diluter, and add in a few drops of Virgin Pink and Neon Moon. Remember, a base of color (or diluter) depends on the length and thickness of your hair! Your base should be determined by the amount of product you’ll need  to cover your hair and mix in the rest of the hair dye according to the ratios specific in the mix recipe! As you mix your peach blonde hair color together, the portion of Virgin Pink and Neon Moon should be equal drops! Add more Virgin Pink to lean more pink, or Neon Moon to lean more yellow - whatever your heart desires! It’s giving peach sorbet on a summer day. 🤤


    Trendy AF: Orange Creamsicle

    For most of our mixes, you’ll need to start off with a minimum level 10 to achieve the desired swatch, especially this creamy orange! Results may vary depending on hair level and overall hair health. If you’re looking to lean towards a softer orange, diluting Arctic Fox’s Sunset Orange hair dye will get you there. Use our Arctic Mist Diluter and just keep on adding until you reach your desired shade! 


    Trendy AF: Burnt Peach

    @sheaella 

    We are obsessed with this burnt peach perfection. It feels like it falls right in between the pink and orange portion of the peach spectrum and we think you’ll rock it no matter the season. On Level 8 hair or lighter, start out with Cosmic Sunshine hair dye, add a dollop of Frosé hair dye, plus a few drops of Sunset Orange and violá! 


    Trend: Violet Hair

    Purple hair is always in, that’s why Purple AF is at the top of the charts year after year! In 2024, we’re going to be seeing A LOT of purple and violet on darker bases, giving a deep purple or Burgundy tone. Perfect for the Foxes who are looking to give bleach a break, this “trend” is just enough to boast a bold color. Just wait until your locks hit in the sunshine….OMG. 


    Trendy AF: Tinted Purple 

    Purple AF will forever be a Fox Fam fave. Painting it over a medium brown or dark brown base for all our dark-haired Foxes will absolutely do the trick! We’re obsessed with the subtle take on this style, highlighting certain areas instead of all her locks. You see what we mean by the sun, right? 

    @violentinside in Purple AF and Transylvania 


    Trendy AF: Lilac Dreams 

    Now for even more experimenting! Any dreamy hue, you’ll need to start on a Level 10 Platinum base (really anything is possible when that’s your starting point!) This cool violet hue came from our very own dreamland and is made up of a bowl of Neverland mixed with 2-3 drops of Violet Dream. This mix stays on the cooler side, but it’s making us want to open our favorite book underneath a lilac tree.  


    Trendy AF: Violet Magic 

    For a smokier take on the violet hair color trend, mix up ⅔ Sterling hair dye with ⅓ Violet Dream hair dye. We can almost hear that witch cauldron bubbling up with this shade. Work your ✨magic✨ fox! 


    Trendy AF: Vivid Violet

    Now for the brightest violet of them all, on Level 10 hair, start with a base of Girls Night hair dye, and add a drop or two of Purple AF depending on how deep you want to take it. This is a HOT take on vivids, but it gives an undeniable twist to the violet hair trend that will stop anyone in their tracks. 🤩


    Trend: Pop Star Red

    If you’ve spent any time scrolling on TikTok (or know someone who has), you’ll know that red was the RAGE all of 2023. We saw celebs like Dua Lipa and Megan Fox take red hair color up a level and it definitely made us stock up on enough bottles to last all of 2024. Lucky for us and all the red dyes we’re staring at, not only is red hot, hot, hot for 2024, but it’s getting even bolder. We’ll be seeing bolder, brighter reds with blue undertones that may just take the center stage over the copper trend we saw everywhere in 2023. 


    Trendy AF: Red Hot Fox 

    We know you love a custom mix, and there’s nothing like combining two of our most popular red hair dyes to really turn up the heat! Mix up equal parts Wrath hair color and Ritual hair color for this take on red hot hair. 

    @cygoesmeow in Wrath and RItual 


    Trendy AF: Revenge Red

    Say what you want about babes with red hair, all we know is they ooze confidence whether it’s their signature shade or their latest look on their revenge tour. A standout stunner will forever be Wrath hair dye solo.🤌 Wrath looks the brightest on Level 7 hair and above, but will add a dark red dimension to hair Levels 6 and lower. She’s one of our most popular shades for first-time dyers and is an excellent choice for those who want to switch it up without taking the plunge into bleach! 

    @marijantunez in Wrath 


    Trend: Cherry Coke Anyone? 

    Rich, red based browns were on the up towards the end of 2023 but they’re continuing to take over in 2024! The Cherry Coke hair color trend is one that undoubtedly turns heads and we’ve got some secret recipes we’re ready to share with you. 


    Trendy AF: More Cherry Than Coke

    Ritual is the secret sauce when it comes to nailing this shade. On Level 7 hair and above, she runs a rich, jewel-toned burgundy, and leaves a vibey velvet tint on hair levels 6 and below.

    For a rich, red spin on that Cherry Coke vibe, mix up equal parts Ritual hair dye and Wrath hair dye and pour it all over a brown base. This hair is sweeter than fine wine, baby! 🍷

    @laurellevictoria in Ritual and Wrath 


    Trendy AF: Berry Babe

    Leaning into a dreamy berry vibe, this 50/50 mix of Violet Dream hair dye and Purple AF hair dye over a faded red base is definitely a winner.  The key here is the base! Starting out with a faded red already brings out the reddish tones from the purple hair dye being used. 

    @atouchofmurphy in Violet Dream and Purple AF over faded red


    Trend: Aquamarine

    Aquamarine is a color that’s predicted to make a MAJOR comeback in 2024 - and luckily we have that exact color in our AF hair dye rainbow! With teal hair on the rise, you’ll want to stock up soon because we know this will be something you’re dyeing for on a whim! Aquamarine shines the brightest on level 10 hair, but our dark-haired foxes can still expect to see a deep teal tint. 

    @adriassight in Aquamarine

       

    @hadar_kawaii_hair in Aquamarine, Iris Green, and Phantom Green 

    @cozywithsam in Aquamarine 


    I mean…you really can’t go wrong. Our Aquamarine hair dye is all you need to NAIL this trend. 😮‍💨


    Trend: Blue Jean Baby

    It’s no surprise that retro vibes are trending. Nostalgic fashion and beauty trends from the 90s and 2000s have made their way back around and this denim hair color trend is the perfect way to pay tribute. While it may be within the realm of blue hair trends, this one differs from Aquamarine as it skews a bit darker. 


    Blue Jean Baby hair dye is the go-to color to achieve this denim look - the proof is in the name itself! For hair that goes with everything, pour Blue Jean Baby over Level 7 hair or lighter. Even when she fades, she’ll give a smoky hue that feels just as good as those worn in jeans you never want to get rid of. 

     

    @ariannakenyon in Blue Jean Baby and Aquamarine 

    @x__marylune___x in Blue Jean Baby

    @jeks951_ in Poseidon and Blue Jean Baby 


    Any of these looks calling your name? We can’t wait to see if you try one or all of them this year. And remember, most of our custom mixes start on level 10 hair, so if you’re looking to get to that starting point, we recommend kicking your year off with a little bit of Bleach, Please

    Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Tik Tok @arcticfoxhaircolor so we can see how you take these shades into the New Year and show off! Cheers to a bolder and more colorful 2024. 

    The Best Red Hair Color Mixes to Try This Season

    The Best Red Hair Color Mixes to Try This Season

    @megflahertyhair in Poison and Ritual 

    Hi Foxes! 


    With the cold months upon us, you may be missing the warmer weather and there’s truly no better way to heat things up than by entering your red hair era (or re-entering 😉).  Allow us to make this as seamless as possible by giving you not one, but THREE red hair dyes that may even be simply TOO hot 🥵 (especially when mixed)!


    It’s important to know that Wrath, Ritual, and Poison are not just red semi-permanent hair dyes … They're a portal to a world where you stand out in the most captivating red hues and express your unique and individual style. With these three red hair dyes, you’ll be able to do just that.


    Before diving into some mixes, let’s run through a couple of quick things:

    • Start by washing your hair a day or two before coloring to remove excess oils, but skip the conditioner
    • Dry your hair completely, as hair dye tends to adhere better to dry strands
    • Understand that red hair automatically makes you that girl 💅 
    • Consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears to prevent staining
    • Section your hair into manageable portions, securing them with clips (for even application, of course) 

    Now that you're RED-y 🤪 to go, let’s embark on the journey of transforming your locks into that inspo pic that you've had saved for some time now, shall we? 


    Whether you were naughty or nice, this first mix is for you 👇 


    Top Red Hair Dye Mixes for the Season

    1. “Haughty Red” 🛷

    Poison + Transylvania 

    Best suited for light to medium brown hair, this sultry, red-black fusion consists of a base of Poison and a drop of Transylvania (add a few more drops if needed).

    2. Crimson Spell: 

    @megflahertyhair

    Poison + Ritual 

    Infuse the vivacity of Poison with the rich deep hue of Ritual and watch magic happen 🪄 Mixing equal parts Poison and Ritual (adding more Ritual as needed) and applying over light to platinum blonde hair will yield the best results.

    AF Pro Tip: Punch it up with more Poison for a more vivid red 🥊 

    3. Cranberry Cutie: 

    @ashlee__smith in Virgin Pink and Ritual

    Ritual + Virgin Pink

    Combine the dark elegance of Ritual with Virgin Pink for a deep, enchanting red-pink “cranberry” concoction. Mix 2 parts Ritual to 1 part Virgin Pink on light to medium blonde hair.

     

    4. Merlot Magic: 

    @cygoesmeow in Wrath and Ritual 

    Ritual + Wrath

    Combine equal parts of Ritual with Wrath for a merlot moment on light to platinum blonde hair, for this dark Ruby look 🥀 

    6. Foxy Firecracker:

    @lisovskihair in Poison and Neon Moon

    Poison + Neon Moon

    Using fiery Poison with Neon Moon to add intensity, we suggest starting with 2 parts Poison to 1 part Neon Moon on light to platinum blonde hair 💥 

    ✨AF Pro Tip: If needed, add in more Poison to deepen the mix

    7. Vibrant Vixen: 

    @notyourdestiny__ in Wrath and Electric Paradise

    Wrath + Electric Paradise

    Similar to the ”Foxy Firecracker” mix, use the red as your base and add in your other shade. Start with 2 parts Wrath to 1 part Electric Paradise on light to platinum blonde hair 🍒

     ✨ AF Pro Tip: If needed, add in more Wrath to deepen the mix 

    To preserve the brilliance of your customized hair color, you’ll want to embrace a color-friendly hair care routine. Opt for sulfate-free and color-safe shampoos and conditioners like our Resurrected Set to minimize color fading. 

    Washing your hair with cold water also helps seal the cuticles as well by locking in the vibrancy. Another helpful tip is to minimize exposure to harsh sunlight and heated styling tools, as these can accelerate color fading 🙅‍♀️ With proper care, your red locks will continue to captivate and inspire, ensuring your vibrant self-expression can continue ❤️

    Soo, which one caught your eye?! 🤩 Let us know in the comments below and as always let us know if you have any questions/need color assistance at support@arcticfoxusa.com. Merry Mixmas! 🎨

     

     

    Winter Hair Care: Maintaining Hair Health and Hydration During the Cold Months

    Winter Hair Care: Maintaining Hair Health and Hydration During the Cold Months

    @pasteljacqueline in Poseidon 

    We’ve been in denial but summer is long gone, and the fall vibes are quickly fading into winter. As the cold months settle in, your tanning routine, skincare routine, and hair care routine are probably all undergoing a major change. So that calls for a whole new routine! AKA an excuse to indulge in some new self care, but hey, who are we to judge!?


    The same hair advice we preach year ‘round for both lasting color AND ultimate hair health is don’t 👏🏻 wash 👏🏻 your 👏🏻hair 👏🏻 every 👏🏻 day. And guess what, that advice still applies during the colder months even though you might be sweating less, staying in more, and opting for a movie night instead of a night out with the girls. In any case, having designated wash days once or twice a week is a great way to keep that moisture locked into your strands for as long as possible. 


    When it is wash day, make sure you’re using a color safe and sulfate free shampoo and conditioner! This step makes the biggest difference, and shampoo and conditioner is not the place to skimp out when it comes to your hair care routine! Our Resurrected Duo is vegan, color-safe, and sulfate-free, and it’s also PACKED with amino acids and antioxidants that contribute to hair strength and hydration. Resurrected shampoo is formulated with argan and macadamia nut oil to hydrate and soften while adding shine and reducing frizz. PERFECT for those winter months when hair static is an absolute pain in the a🫢. Shea butter, castor oil, and sunflower seed oil (just to name a few!) are the allstar ingredients in Resurrected conditioner - all of the above boost hydration, strengthen each strand, and leave you with soft, nourished strands. Ugh, can it be wash day already!? 


    Even though winter seems to be the time to turn that shower knob as hot as it can go, remember your hair needs extra moisture during these months and a lower water temperature is your best friend! Try a lukewarm lather and rinse finished off with some cold water - this will help prevent brittle and breakage on those lovely strands. 


    Whenever you do venture out into the cold, try a protective style like braids, a low bun, or tuck it into your favorite beanie! Depending on where you live, cold air or harsh elements actually dry out your hair and can contribute to breakage, so protecting your strands is a MUST. Silk or satin headwraps or pillowcases will be an absolute lifesaver during the dryer months - your hair will thank you. 🤝


    Our favorite ✨Pro Tip✨ when it comes to keeping your hair ULTRA healthy and moisturized is adding in a pre shower hair mask to your routine. If you’ve been looking for a hair mask bestie to really take your haircare routine to the next level, Pool Party might just blow you out of the water! She’s packed with top tier vegan ingredients - castor, argan, sunflower seed oil, and apple fruit extract - a power team that accelerates hair growth, strengthens strands, fights frizz, and boosts hair hydration. Wow, that was a mouthful. 


    There’s more than one way to party it up with Pool Party if you forget to marinate your locks before a shower! You can apply it any time to dry ends for a quick hydration boost, use it instead of conditioner during a shower, OR mix it up and use it as a wet styling cream (but maybe save that one for summer). 


    Sometimes a pre shower mask and the perfect wash day routine still calls for some back up. Money Hunny Repair Serum is the IT girl of our haircare line. Her formula is silky, lightweight, and actually repairs split ends. With a blend of argan, babussa, arginine, avocado, macadamia nut, and jojoba seed oil, Money Hunny is the sweet remedy to dry, brittle, and breaking hair. You can use her on dry or damp hair for whenever you need that extra boost of TLC. 


    Now that you’ve got that hair care routine on lock 🫡 you may be wondering if the dead of winter is still a good time to try on a new color. When you’re using AF hair dye, it’s always a good time to switch up your color!  Every color is formulated the same way - FULL of deep conditioning properties so it’s basically a color conditioner! ✨Girl Math✨So you know what that means! You can change your hair literally as many times as you want, all. year. long. Of course it depends on where you’re at now, but if you’re starting out fresh, use Bleach, Please to get to that platinum blonde, throw on Sterling for a totally icy look, and play around with the blues of the AF rainbow to find that wintery wonderland ‘do. Not sure what your starting point is? Check out our breakdown on the Color Wheel! 


    And of course, we wouldn’t be your hair bestie without dishing our top inspo that’s making us reach for a new bottle of dye because OMG. 

    @tejamaechele in Electric Paradise over Periwinkle

    @lizzvargashair in Purple AF and Girls Night 

    @faithlrobertson in Sterling

    @pasteljacqueline in Poseidon   

    @shealla in Arctic Mist Diluter, Bleach, Please, and Sterling  

    @shemmysux in Periwinkle  

    @kirathesith in Phantom Green and Transylvania

    @_.lilalou._ in Poseidon 

     

    Feeling inspired yet? Create your next look and tag us @arcticfoxhaircolor so we can repost, cheer you on, and even get some creative inspiration when we’re itching to switch it up. 

     

    Common Hair Dye Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Common Hair Dye Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    @briannahoang in Poison

    No need to worry about a hair-tastrophe over here! With us in your corner, you’ll be safe from the most common hair dye mistakes and get your dream hair every time.


    If you’ve been here a while, you already know how your fav AF shades show up boldly on their own, and brilliantly in mixes. Our formulations are always vegan and cruelty-free, not to mention packed with hydration so you’re already caring for your hair even when you’re coloring it!  


    Now that we have that covered, it’s a good time to say hair dye mistakes can, and DO happen (We’ve all seen ‘em.) Here are our top hair dye hazards to watch out for, and how to fix them.

    Common Hair Coloring Mistakes 

    Choosing the wrong color for your current hair level 


    Picking a color that won’t show up on your hair’s current level might not be a total hair disaster, but it can be anticlimactic when you’re all amped and hyped for a bold new shade, and your results are a bit lower than anticipated. 


    It’s important to know your hair level BEFORE picking a color so it shows up as vividly as it's meant to. Don’t know what a hair level is and how to figure it out? You know we got that covered, right here


    And always ALWAYS do a strand test! You’ll be able to see how the color will actually take on your hair, before going full steam ahead and pouring a new color over your tresses. If the color doesn’t pop the way you wanted, refer back to our blog on WTF is a hair level? And the tried and true color wheel breakdown to test something else. Once you're happy, it’s time to apply your new hue. 


    If you have darker hair and you’re not totally down to lighten it, this range of shades will be your bestie as you dip your toes into the world of vivids! 

    @rosabelarosado in Poison

    Switching your hair color shade 


    Shifting gears from one shade to the next is an obvious moment in time where there can be some kind of hair color implosion you just didn’t see coming. If you want to avoid this mistake you need to be well prepared and armed with the knowledge you need to switch. 


    Let’s give you a few pro tips on the process. If you’re currently rocking a blue hue and want to pick up a vibrant new shade, it’s a step by step process. First up we need to fade that shade a little lighter. Once the blue has faded to something lighter, it is ready to take a hot new color - but some shades will work better than others. 


    Purples, and lavender shades work well with blues, as do greens like turquoise or teal. Even a pink shade like Virgin Pink can look unreal over a blue tone!


    If you’re changing color and need to counteract orange or brassy tones with a red, orange or yellow tinge running through the strands, then color theory can point us in the right direction to neutralize those unwanted tones. For brassiness, the tones are orange or yellow, so consult the wheel to see which colors sit opposite to cancel out excess warmth.


    If you want to get a grasp of the basics of color theory, head right this way. We have a full blog on the color wheel that you can take learnings and inspiration from. Hair learning nerds assemble! 


    And if you’re a visual learner, watch @stellacini (aka the color shifting MASTER) transform her copper base into this gorgeous emerald. Are you kidding!? 

     

    Leaving the dye on for the right length of time 


    If you’re a first-time dye-er, you might be unsure how long you can actually leave the dye on for before it, idk, totally ruins the look you were going for.


    The upside is you're in the right place, Fox. Some dyes are harsh to hair, but AF dyes are safe to leave on for long periods of time. So make sure you let the dye sit for a while so it can be absorbed by your strands, and your resulting color will knock it out of the park. 


    A longer processing time will allow your hair to absorb MORE color and get that vibrant shade you’re going for. Conversely taking the dye off too soon reduces the processing time and the dye won’t penetrate the hair enough to achieve the intended color. 


    There are various other factors here, such as the color you are covering and the tone you are shifting to. If you have followed our other tips on fading your hair gradually to get the right hair level before coloring, then the color will take well when left on for the correct amount of time…. AND your awesome new color will last much longer.  

    @thegothwife in Transylvania, Aquamarine, and Poseidon

    Not understanding your hair type 

    Your hair type has a HUGE influence on how hair dye is absorbed by your stands. Our vegan hair formula is safe to use on all hair types - straight hair, curls, waves, spirals and corkscrew hair - they all look to DYE for in AF colors. Different hair types absorb color differently however, so it’s worth figuring out exactly what you’ve got up top. 

    @iridescentsoulx in Frosé over faded Poison

    Here’s some key considerations. Thick hair takes longer to absorb color, so you may need to leave the dye on a little longer. At the other end of the spectrum thin hair can absorb color much faster and may need a shorter processing time. Hair porosity (yes that’s a thing) impacts how well your hair absorbs moisture and retains it. High porosity hair may take color quickly and go darker, and the color may fade more quickly once applied. Low porosity hair may be more resistant to absorbing color, because the cuticles are more difficult to open. Finally, elasticity can also impact how well dye is absorbed. Hair with higher levels of elasticity will absorb color well and be less prone to breakage.

    Low elasticity can make hair more resistant to color and other treatments. The good news is you can regain elasticity by caring and nurturing your hair over time (hello, hair care routine), which will make your hair stronger and more elastic.

    Once you understand your hair type, AND texture - thin, thick, or medium hair, you can apply the knowledge to your color choices. 

    If you need extra guidance, we’re already one step ahead of you! Find your type and how to color it right here

    Lightening up your hair color

    Perhaps you want to try out a new pastel shade but need a lighter base to work with first? Or maybe you have deep purple hair right now and want to jump to something new!  Sometimes it’s necessary to lighten hair with bleach before adding a color to ensure it takes fully to the hair and stands out. Our Bleach, Please hair lightening kit is also vegan and cruelty-free like the rest of our range, and has detailed instructions on how to lighten your hair correctly, so it’s a great option if you’re dipping your toes into the lightening world!

    The key here is to check how each color will show up depending on the hair level first, and ensure your hair is at the correct level for the look you want to achieve. 

    For any Foxes out there that don’t already know, hair level just means lightness of your hair - from 1 being a deep black, to 10+ as a platinum blonde. 

    To achieve a pastel pink look with Frosé for example, you would need a base hair level of 9 or above. If you want the lovely light purple of Periwinkle, start with Level 10+ platinum hair! 

    @chris0712 in Frosé

    @asapashleeyy in Purple AF and Periwinkle

    Mo damage, mo problems 

    If your current hair is just too damaged to take color, all you’ll need is some patience and a nutrient-packed hair care routine. Lucky for you, our vegan and cruelty-free line is waiting to give some much needed TLC to your locks! 

    Start with Pool Party for a pre-shower hair mask (at least 3 times per week), lather up with Resurrected Shampoo and Conditioner, and finish off with some Money Hunny repair serum on those ends. Consistency is key, fox, so keep that hair regime in check! And don’t forget to treat your locks to heatless hairstyles to keep the hair repair on the upward climb. 

    And bonus! When your hair is ready for some stunning color, you won’t have to worry about damage when you stick to our range of dyes. Why? They’re packed with nutrients and have deep conditioning properties. Plus, they smell sooo grape! 

    Post color hair care routine 

    Taking care of your hair is always important, and post color it pays to nourish your hair and help lock in the new shade and shine for longer.  

    The AF hair care range is crafted for colored hair making it the perfect option for giving your hair that health kick and new hair day bounce it deserves. Look how @dose_of_jos uses the entire AF hair care range on wash day, working the products together in harmony for optimum hair health and style. 

     

    Our pro tip is to wash your hair as sparingly as possible with cool water to maintain it’s condition. If you do need to clean your hair a little more often, try the AF Vacay Volumizing Dry Shampoo for that little refresh you crave in between wash days. 

    Now you’re all set, Fox! What shade will you try next? Don't forget to tag us  @arcticfoxhaircolor in your next look!

    *Greece has a three-item limit due to customs restrictions* close