Warm vs Cool Hair Colors: How to Tell What Colors Actually Work For You

The key to flattering hair color isn't the shade itself, it's how well it matches your skin's undertones. Understanding whether you have warm or cool undertones helps you choose colors that enhance your natural features rather than clash with them.

This guide covers simple methods to identify your undertones, explains the distinction between warm and cool hair colors, and provides recommendations for selecting shades based on your undertone category. Whether you prefer warmer golden tones or cooler ashy shades, matching your hair color to your natural coloring creates a more harmonious, flattering result.

How to Tell if You Have Warm or Cool Undertones

Shades left to right: Emerald Fortune, Ginger Flare, Purple AF

These three quick and easy tests use everyday observations like checking your vein color, testing jewelry against your skin, and examining how white fabric looks next to your face to reveal whether you're warm, cool, or neutral toned.

1. The Vein Test

Flip your wrist over and check out the veins on the inside of your arm in natural light. If they look greenish, you've got warm undertones. If they appear blue or purple, you're team cool. See both? Lucky you! You're probably neutral, which means you can rock pretty much anything.

2. The Jewelry Test

Think about which metal makes you feel like the main character. Does gold jewelry make your skin glow? Warm undertones. Does silver jewelry make you look more radiant? Cool undertones. If both look equally good, you're likely neutral.

3. The White Paper Test

Hold a piece of pure white paper next to your face in natural lighting. If your skin looks yellowish or peachy against the paper, you have warm undertones. If it looks pink, red, or bluish, you're cool-toned. This one's a game-changer!

What Is The Difference Between Warm and Cool Hair Colors?

Shades left to right: Virgin Pink, Aquamarine, Cosmic Sunshine, Purple AF

The key difference between warm and cool hair colors lies in their underlying pigments, with warm shades leaning toward golden and red bases while cool shades are built on ashy, blue, and violet foundations.

Warm hair colors have golden, orange, or red undertones. Think sunset vibes like all of those gorgeous peachy, copper, fiery red, and honey blonde shades that feel like sunshine.

Cool hair colors have blue, violet, or green undertones. These are your icy platinum blondes, ashy browns, jewel-toned purples, and those dreamy blue-greens that give off major mermaid energy.

The magic happens when you pair your skin’s true undertones with hair colors that match. Warm undertones + warm hair colors = chef's kiss. Cool undertones + cool hair colors = absolute perfection.

How to Choose Hair Colors for Warm Undertones

Shade pictured: Ginger Flare

If you're working with warm undertones, you want colors that enhance that natural golden glow. The right warm hair color can take you from boardroom to dance floor, or anywhere in between.

Corporate baddie with an edge? Ginger Flare is that rich, warm copper that says professional but make it interesting. Poison brings deep red tones that command attention in the best way, perfect for when you want to be taken seriously but refuse to blend in.

All-night raver or festival regular? Go bold with Sunset Orange; it's vibrant, energetic, and absolutely unapologetic. Cosmic Sunshine delivers that warm yellow that glows under any lighting and matches your high-energy lifestyle.

Romantic bookworm? Virgin Pink gives you those bold pink tones that feel whimsical and grounded at the same time. It's subtly warm without screaming for attention, perfect for coffee shop hangs and forest walks.

Adventurous creative type? Warm undertones can absolutely rock blues and greens. Aquamarine has warmer teal undertones that complement your golden base while letting you experiment with cooler tones.

The key is choosing colors with warm bases. Even when you venture into blues or greens, look for versions with golden or peachy undertones that harmonize with your natural warmth.

How to Choose Hair Colors for Cool Undertones

Shades left to right: Emerald Fortune, Virgin Pink, Aquamarine, Cosmic Sunshine, Sorceress

Cool-toned individuals shine brightest in hair colors that mirror their skin's natural undertones, which means gravitating toward ashy blondes, cool-toned browns, platinum hues, and jewel-inspired shades like burgundy or violet that create a harmonious, flattering contrast with your complexion.

Medieval fantasy lover? Emerald Fortune gives you that enchanted forest green that’s rich and otherworldly. 

Cool girl who keeps it effortless? Poseidon is that perfect cool-toned blue that looks intentional without trying too hard. It's bold enough to be interesting but balanced enough to feel like it's just part of who you are.

Creative maximalist or artistic rebel? Purple Madness is vibrant, cool-toned violet that refuses to apologize. Iris Green sits in that unique teal-meets-green space, perfect for anyone who thinks inside the box is boring.

Moody intellectual or nighttime wanderer? Go for the deeper shades. Witches Delight and Sorceress both deliver that dark, contemplative vibe that pairs well with vintage books and late-night city walks.

The secret for cool undertones is embracing ashy, blue-based, or violet-based colors. These shades complement your natural coloring and make your skin look luminous rather than washed out.

Warm vs Cool Hair Colors FAQ

Shade pictured: Emerald Fortune

How do you know if you look better with cool or warm hair?

1. Do the vein test: Check the veins on the inside of your wrist. Greenish veins = warm undertones, bluish/purple veins = cool undertones.

2. Try the jewelry test: Notice whether gold or silver jewelry looks better on you. Gold = warm, silver = cool.

3. Use the white paper test: Hold white paper next to your face in natural light. Yellowish/peachy skin = warm undertones, pink/red/bluish skin = cool undertones.

How do I know if warm or cool colors look good on me?

1. Identify your undertones using the three tests above (vein, jewelry, and paper test).

2. Match your undertones to your hair color: Warm undertones look best with warm hair colors (reds, coppers, peachy pinks, warm yellows). Cool undertones look best with cool hair colors (purples, blues, cool greens, ashy tones).

3. Test it out: Try on wigs or use virtual hair color apps to see how different tones look against your skin before committing.

How to tell what hair color suits you?

1. Start with your undertones: Use the vein, jewelry, and paper tests to determine if you're warm or cool-toned.

2. Consider your lifestyle: Are you corporate, creative, low-maintenance, or high-energy? Choose a color that fits your daily routine.

3. Think about maintenance: Bolder colors require more upkeep, while softer shades are easier to maintain.

4. Match your personality: Pick a shade that reflects your vibe—whether that's moody intellectual, all-night partier, or coastal chic.

How do I tell which colors look best on me?

1. Check your undertones first: This is your foundation for choosing any color, including hair color.

2. Do the fabric test: Hold different colored fabrics or clothes near your face in natural light. Colors that make your skin look bright and healthy (not washed out or dull) are in your color family.

3. Look at your current coloring: Notice which colors in your wardrobe get you the most compliments—those are likely in your undertone family.

4. Apply the same principle to hair: Once you know which color family flatters you, choose hair colors with similar undertones.

Shades left to right: Sorceress, Virgin Pink, Aquamarine, Cosmic Sunshine

Find Your Perfect Shade

Now that you've got the insider knowledge on warm vs cool hair colors, it's time to make some magic happen! Whether you're team warm and ready for that Ginger Flare glow or team cool and dreaming of Poseidon waves, Arctic Fox has your perfect shade waiting.

Ready to transform your look? Shop the full collection of vibrant, semi-permanent hair colors at ArcticFoxHairColor.com and find the shade that matches your undertones and your vibe.

And don't forget to follow us on Instagram @ArcticFoxHairColor for endless hair color inspo, tips, and tricks! Tag us in your transformation pics for a chance to be featured—we can't wait to see your gorgeous results. Your dream hair is just a color away! 💜✨

How to Make Your Hair Color Last Longer in 5 minutes: The Ultimate Guide

Keeping your hair color vibrant doesn't require a science degree, just the right routine. Whether you've gone bold with a new vivid color or opted for a subtle change, a few simple steps can keep your shade looking fresh for weeks. This guide covers the essentials: washing with cold water, choosing color-safe products, and protecting your hair from heat damage. Let's keep that color looking as good as the day you left the salon.

Hair Care Routine for Colored Hair

When it comes to maintaining that vibrant color, consistency is key. A solid hair care routine for colored hair doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, it just needs to be intentional. Let's dive into some of our game-changing tips that'll keep your color looking salon-fresh!

Color-Safe Hair Care

Here's the tea: not all hair products are created equal, especially when you're rocking vibrant color. The secret to make hair color last longer? Ditching anything with sulfates, parabens, and harsh alcohols that'll strip your color faster than you can say "root touch-up." These ingredients are basically color kryptonite.

That's where Arctic Fox's Resurrected shampoo and conditioner come in clutch for your wash days. They're formulated to lock in color while keeping your hair healthy and hydrated. For an extra boost of moisture once a week, slather on our Pool Party hair mask and let it work its magic. And don't sleep on our Money Hunny leave-in conditioner! Use it after washing to seal in hydration, or keep it handy as a styling product to smooth down flyaways when you're throwing your hair up in that cute messy bun.

Your 5-Minute Hair Care Routine for Longer-Lasting Color

Ready for the easiest routine ever? Here's your step-by-step guide to hair color that lasts:

Step 1: Wash your hair in cold water (we know this isn’t ideal but, trust us on this!) using a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Cold water keeps those hair cuticles sealed tight so your color stays put.

Step 2: Apply a color-safe hair mask and let it hang out for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it out with cold water. This is your weekly hydration boost that keeps your hair soft, shiny, and color-saturated.

Step 3: Towel dry your hair gently and work a leave-in conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends. This seals in all that moisture and creates a protective barrier around your color.

Step 4: Air drying is your color's best friend, so embrace that natural texture when you can! But look, we get it. Sometimes you need the hot tools. If that's your vibe, just make sure you're using a heat protectant first to keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy. Non-negotiable!

And here's an extra pro tip: add a little bit of your favorite Arctic Fox semi-permanent dye to your conditioner for a gentle color refresh with every wash.

How to Make Hair Color Last Longer

Want to stretch that color even further? First things first, temperature matters. Washing your hair in cold water keeps those cuticles closed and your color molecules safely locked inside. Hot water is basically an open invitation for your color to fade.

Next, let's talk about wash frequency. We recommend washing your hair about twice a week max. Your color will fade less, and your hair will be healthier too. On those in-between days, lean on dry shampoo or get creative with different hairstyles. French braids, space buns, slicked-back ponytails. The styling possibilities are endless!

Try to give your hot tools a break when you can. Heat is one of the fastest ways to fade your color, so embrace your natural texture or experiment with heatless styles like overnight braids or buns. But if you're a hot tool devotee (no judgment!), always use a heat protectant spray before styling.

Don't forget about sun protection either! UV rays can bleach out your color. Throw on a cute hat when you're outside for extended periods, or spritz your hair with a UV protection spray. 

Vibrant Hair Color FAQ

How to get your hair color to last longer?

1. Wash with cold water – Hot water opens your hair cuticles, allowing color molecules to escape. Cold water seals them shut, locking color in.

2. Cut back on shampooing (aim for twice per week) – Every wash strips away some color. Less frequent washing means less fading and more time between touch-ups.

3. Use color-safe, sulfate-free products – Sulfates and harsh chemicals act like detergents that strip color from your hair. Gentle, color-safe formulas clean without sacrificing your shade.

4. Minimize heat styling – High temperatures damage your hair cuticle and cause color to fade faster. When you do style, always use a heat protectant and lower temperatures.

How do I get my hair to hold color?

When you're applying semi-permanent hair dye, patience is your friend! Let that color sit in your hair for at least an hour (or even longer if you're feeling bold) to maximize pigment absorption. When it's time to rinse, use cold water only, and from that point forward, commit to color-safe, sulfate-free products. This combo helps your hair grab onto that color and hold it tight.

How to make hair look good in 5 minutes?

This is where dry shampoo becomes your MVP! Spray it on your roots, let it sit for a minute then give it a quick massage, and throw your hair up into a fun updo. Think messy bun, high ponytail, or half-up style. Add a cute scrunchie or hair clip and you're out the door looking effortlessly cool.

How do I keep my hair color from fading?

Protecting your color comes down to being smart about heat and water. Always rinse with cold water to keep those cuticles sealed, space out your wash days to twice weekly (dry shampoo is clutch here!), invest in quality color-safe products that won't strip your pigment, and say no to excessive heat styling. When you do use hot tools, heat protectant is non-negotiable. Follow these rules and your color will stay vibrant way longer!

Long-Lasting Hair Color Awaits

So there you have it. Your complete guide to keeping that gorgeous color looking fresh without dedicating your entire life to hair maintenance. With the right products and a few simple habits in your hair care routine for colored hair, you can rock vibrant color that turns heads for weeks on end. Now go forth and slay with that killer color! And don't forget to tag us in your gorgeous looks and follow us on Instagram @arcticfoxhaircolor for more tips, tricks, and endless color inspiration.

The Ultimate Semi-Permanent Hair Color Prep Guide

Do you want vibrant, long-lasting color that actually looks amazing? Here's the tea: preparing your hair before applying semi-permanent dye is literally the difference between "wow, gorgeous!" and "um, what happened?" The key prep steps? Check your natural base color first, wash your hair with clarifying shampoo, skip the conditioner before dyeing, and always do a strand test. These steps aren't just extra; they ensure even color absorption, prevent patchy application, and maximize color vibrancy so your new shade stays bright af way longer. This semi-permanent hair dye prep guide has all the insider tips you need for total color success. Let's get you dye-ready!

What to Do Before Dyeing Your Hair

Learning how to prep hair for dye properly is like laying the foundation before building something amazing. These essential semi permanent hair dye prep steps ensure your color turns out exactly as intended.

1. Understand Your Undertones and Current Base

Before choosing your shade, assess what you're working with. Your skin's undertones (warm, cool, or neutral) influence how certain colors complement your overall look. Warm undertones typically work well with rich reds, coppers, and golden hues, while cool undertones shine with jewel tones like purples, blues, and cool pinks. Neutral? You've got the most flexibility.

Understanding your current hair color and its natural porosity is equally important for predicting how semi permanent hair dye will take to your strands. Dark hair often needs lightening to show vibrant colors, while previously bleached or porous hair absorbs color more quickly. Knowing your starting point helps you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly. If you’re completely lost, have no fear our color specialists are here to help!

2. Determine Your New Hair Color and What's Needed to Get It

Now for the fun part—choosing your shade! Browse through Arctic Fox colors and pick the one that speaks to you. Here's the reality check: achieving certain colors requires extra steps.

If you have naturally dark brown hair and want pastel pink, you'll need to lighten your base significantly. Pastels require a super light, nearly white-blonde canvas to show true to color. Darker or more vibrant shades can work on lighter brown bases, but the lighter your starting point, the more accurate your results. Think of bleaching as creating a blank canvas for your color masterpiece.

3. Gather Your Arsenal

Make sure you have everything ready before you start:

• Hair dye (your chosen Arctic Fox shade)

• Bleach kit (if lightening your base)

• Mixing bowls (non-metal)

• Application brush or bottle

• Gloves

• Petroleum jelly for your ears, neck, and hair line

• Hair clips (for sectioning)

• Dedicated hair dyeing shirt

• Old towel

• Timer (your phone works fine!)

Pro tip: Set up your space beforehand so you're not scrambling mid-process.

4. Prep Your Base

This is a critical step in how to prep hair for dye. Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup, oils, or residue that could interfere with color absorption. A clean slate is essential for even, vibrant results.

Make sure your hair is completely dry before moving forward. If you need to lighten with bleach, now's the time. Follow your bleach kit instructions carefully, and remember: multiple gentle sessions are better than one aggressive round that damages your hair.

5. Test Your Base

We know you're excited, but strand tests are a crucial part of semi permanent hair dye prep. This step lets you preview how the color will look on your actual hair before full commitment.

How to perform a strand test:

1. Choose a small, hidden section of hair (underneath or behind your ear)

2. Apply your Arctic Fox color to this section following the instructions

3. Wait the recommended processing time (usually 30 minutes or longer)

4. Rinse, dry, and evaluate the results

5. Adjust your approach if needed—go lighter, process longer, or proceed as planned

This 30 minutes can save you from disappointing results and helps you gauge exactly how your hair will absorb color based on its porosity and condition.

What to Do Before Dyeing Your Hair FAQ

What Should You Do Before Dying Your Hair?

1. Understand your undertones and current hair situation

2. Choose your shade and determine if pre-lightening is necessary

3. Gather all your supplies

4. Wash with clarifying shampoo and let your hair dry completely

5. If lightening is needed, do that first

6. Perform a strand test to preview results

7. Skip conditioner and moisturizing products before applying—your hair should be clean and dry, but not conditioned

Is It Best to Wash Your Hair Before Coloring It?

Yes! We recommend starting with a clean, dry base when using semi permanent hair dye. Washing with clarifying shampoo removes product buildup, excess oils, and residue that might create a barrier between your hair and the color. Clean hair means better saturation and more even results. Just make sure your hair is completely dry before applying color.

Should You Moisturize Hair Before Dying?

No, you should skip the conditioner and leave-in moisturizers before applying Arctic Fox semi permanent hair dye. These products contain oils that can prevent the dye from penetrating properly, leaving you with less vibrant, patchy results. However, Arctic Fox hair dyes are formulated with conditioning agents that nourish your hair during the coloring process, so your strands still get the care they need.

You're Ready for Your Hair Color Transformation!

You're now equipped with all the semi permanent hair dye prep knowledge you need to nail your hair transformation. Understanding how to prep hair for dye is the key to achieving vibrant results, take your time with these steps and you'll get the color you're after.

Ready to show off your new look? Follow us on Instagram @arcticfoxhaircolor for semi permanent hair dyeing tips, color inspiration, and stunning transformations. Tag us in your before-and-afters for a chance to be featured. We can't wait to see what you create! 

Whether 2025 was your year or just a year, there's something undeniably exciting about flipping the calendar to a fresh start. And what better way to embrace that "new year, new me" energy than with a bold hair transformation? Your signature shade is waiting, and trust us it's going to be game changing. Keep reading to discover our ultimate guide on how to choose your perfect 2026 hair color that'll have you feeling like your most confident, colorful self.

Understanding Your Undertones: The Secret Sauce to Your Perfect Shade

Okay bestie, let's talk undertones because this is literally the foundation of choosing a hair color that makes you look like a glowing goddess instead of washed out. Think of your undertones as your skin's permanent filter.

Here's the quick breakdown: Look at the veins on your wrist. Green veins? You're warm-toned (golden, peachy). Blue or purple veins? Cool-toned (pink, rosy). Can't tell because they look blue-green? Lucky you, you're neutral and can rock pretty much anything!

Warm undertones absolutely slay in rich coppers, warm reds, golden blondes, and sunset-inspired shades. Cool undertones look stunning in ash tones, icy platinums, jewel tones, and violet-based colors. Neutral undertones? The world is literally your oyster, experiment with everything!

Pro tip: If you're still unsure, check what jewelry looks best on you. Gold = warm, silver = cool, both = neutral. You're welcome.

2026 Hair Color Trends: What's Hot Right Now

Let's dive into the trends that are absolutely dominating 2026, because your hair deserves to be as current as your playlist.

Best for Cool Undertones: Icy Platinum

This ultra-cool, almost white-blonde is having a major moment. It's edgy, it's ethereal, and it screams main character energy. Perfect for cool-toned babes who want to make a serious statement.

Best for Neutral Undertones: Soft Pastels

Think dreamy lavenders, baby pinks, mint greens, and peachy tones that look like a sunset melted into your hair. Pastels are romantic, whimsical, and surprisingly wearable for everyday life. They're the "I'm fun but also sophisticated" vibe.

Best for Warm Undertones: Elevated Neutrals

We're talking next-level natural shades: spiced copper with dimension, rich auburn that catches the light, and rose mocha (yes, it's as delicious as it sounds). These aren't your basic browns, they're warm, multidimensional, and give serious expensive-hair vibes.

Main Character Vibes: Neons

Bold, bright, and unapologetically loud. From electric blues and hot pinks to lime greens and radiant yellows, neons are for the fearless souls who want their hair to be seen from space. If subtlety isn't in your vocabulary, this trend is calling your name.

Ethereal Energy: Jewel Tones

Deep emeralds, sapphire blues, amethyst purples, and ruby reds bring that luxurious, gemstone-inspired magic. These rich, saturated colors are perfect for making a sophisticated yet striking statement all year long.

Matching Your Hair Color to Your Personality and Lifestyle

Your hair should feel like *you*, not like you're wearing a costume (unless that's your thing, in which case, carry on). Let's match your vibe to your shade.

The Free Spirit

You live for spontaneity and creative expression. Pastels, neons, or a wild rainbow blend will feed your artistic soul.

The Boss Babe 

Polished, professional, but with an edge. Elevated neutrals like rose mocha or a sleek jewel tone (think deep emerald or sapphire) command respect while showing personality.

The Trendsetter

You're always three steps ahead. Icy platinum or the latest color-melting technique keeps you at the forefront of what's next.

The Low-Key Cool Girl

You want color but don't want to think about it 24/7. Jewel tones and elevated neutrals are rich enough to make an impact but forgiving as they fade.

The Adventure Seeker

Your life is anything but boring. Neons and bold multi-color looks match your high-energy lifestyle and give you the confidence to try literally anything.

Also, consider your daily routine. High-maintenance corporate job? Maybe save the neon green for your vacation hair. Work from home or in a creative field? Go wild, friend. Your hair, your rules.

Tips for Maintaining Vibrant Color All Year Long

Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. Getting gorgeous color is one thing, keeping it poppin' is another.

Wash with Cold Water and Color-Safe Products

Hot water opens your hair cuticle and literally washes your color down the drain. Cold water keeps that cuticle sealed tight. And please, PLEASE invest in sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Your vibrant shade will thank you.

Avoid Hot Tools (When Possible)

Heat is color's enemy. If you must use hot tools, always use a heat protectant spray and keep temperatures below 350°F. Air-drying and heatless styles are your new BFFs.

Extend Time Between Washes

The less you wash, the longer your color lasts. Use dry shampoo to refresh your roots, and get creative with braids, buns, and updos. Not only will your color stay vibrant, but you'll also discover fun new styles.

Protect from the Elements

Sun, chlorine, and salt water are color killers. Wear cute hats when you're out in the sun, apply UV protection spray to your hair, and always wet and condition your hair before jumping in the pool or ocean. A leave-in conditioner creates a barrier between your hair and harsh elements.

FAQ: Your Burning Hair Color Questions Answered

Should You Go Darker or Lighter with Hair Color as You Age?

Hot take: Do whatever makes you feel most confident! There's this outdated rule that you should go darker as you age, but honestly? That's boring and limiting. If platinum blonde makes you feel like a rockstar at 60, do it. If rich auburn gives you life at 30, go for it. Age is just a number, confidence is everything. The only "rule" is to choose colors that complement your skin tone and make you feel incredible.

What is a Good Color for the New Year?

Anything that represents your fresh start! New year hair color is all about choosing something that aligns with your goals and how you want to feel. Want to feel bold and unstoppable? Try a neon or jewel tone. Seeking peace and romance? Soft pastels are calling. Looking to level up your professional game? Elevated neutrals bring sophistication. The best new year color is whatever makes you excited to look in the mirror every single day.

What Are the Biggest Hair Color Trends for 2026?

Right now in 2026, we're seeing a gorgeous mix of icy platinum for that cool-girl aesthetic, soft pastels for the dreamers, elevated neutrals like spiced copper, auburn, and rose mocha for sophisticated vibes, neons for the bold and fearless, and jewel tones for luxe dimension. Honestly, 2026 is the year of "anything goes", the trend is being unapologetically yourself.

What Color Hair Makes You Look Younger?

Vibrant fashion colors! There's something about bold, saturated hues that brings life to your complexion and takes years off your appearance. Whether it's a rich jewel tone, a playful pastel, or an electric neon, fashion colors create dimension, reflect light beautifully, and give you that youthful, playful glow. Plus, rocking an adventurous color shows confidence and vitality, and that energy is eternally youthful.

Your 2026 Glow-Up Starts Here

There you have it, babe! Your complete guide to finding and rocking your 2026 signature shade. Whether you're going full mermaid with pastels, channeling your inner ice queen with platinum, or embracing rich jewel tones, the most important thing is that your color makes you feel like the absolute best version of yourself.

Ready to make 2026 your most colorful year yet? Pick up your dream shade at Arctic Fox Hair Color and let's make this transformation happen! Our vegan, cruelty-free formulas are packed with conditioning benefits so you can color without compromise.

Don't forget to follow us on social media @arcticfoxhaircolor for endless hair inspiration, step-by-step tutorials, and to show off your stunning color transformation. We can't wait to see what shade you choose! Tag us in your before-and-afters, you might just be featured on our page.

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: endless parties, festive get-togethers, and that fresh-start New Year energy! Whether you're planning your holiday pics or prepping for your NYE debut, there's no better time to switch up your look with a hair color transformation. We're talking bold, beautiful, and totally doable at-home shades that'll have everyone asking, "Who does your hair?" Keep reading for our top holiday hair color picks that'll take your glow up to the next level!

Holiday Hair Colors You Can Do at Home

From frosty ice queen vibes to warm, cozy tones that feel like a hug in a cup, we've rounded up five show-stopping shades that capture every holiday mood. Each color is designed to be achieved at home with easy-to-follow steps, so you can skip the salon appointment and still get that professional-level glow up. Whether you're drawn to bold metallics or subtle, romantic hues, there's a shade here that'll match your energy and have you feeling like your most confident self all season long. Let's dive into your options!

Icy Platinum: Your Winter Wonderland Moment

Think Elsa meets editorial. This ultra-cool, frosty blonde is the ultimate winter flex. Icy platinum is bright, luminous, and gives major ethereal vibes with just a hint of lavender shimmer to keep those brassy tones in check. Cool-toned blondes are having a major moment right now, screaming sophistication and confidence while photographing like a dream under those twinkling holiday lights. If you're all about that clean, modern aesthetic and ready to fully commit to the blonde life, this one's calling your name. Perfect for platinum lovers, bold beauty enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to stand out and isn't afraid of a little maintenance.

How to Get the Look:

1. Bleach like a boss: Take your time lifting your hair to a level 9 or 10. Patience is key here, you might need multiple bleaching sessions to get there safely, so don't rush it! Your hair health comes first.
   
   

2. Tone it down (in the best way): Mix our Periwinkle shade into your conditioner for a soft, gradual tone that neutralizes any unwanted yellow hues. This gentle approach keeps your hair healthy while achieving that dreamy icy finish.
   
   

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: After washing and drying, follow up with a leave-in conditioner to replenish all that moisture. Bleached hair needs extra love!
   
   

4. Maintain the magic: Touch up roots with bleach as needed and refresh warm tones with your Periwinkle conditioner mix whenever you notice any brassiness creeping in.
   
   

Mulled Wine: Cozy, Rich, and Oh-So-Seasonal

Imagine the deep luxurious color of your favorite holiday drink, Mulled Wine. This gorgeous blend of burgundy and plum creates a rich, dimensional shade that's warm, inviting, and totally festive. Deep berry tones are everywhere this season because they're sophisticated, low-maintenance, and give off those cozy winter vibes we all crave (plus this color literally looks good on everyone.) Whether you want a dramatic change without going super bright, you're a brunette looking for a rich jewel-toned twist, or you simply love a moody, romantic aesthetic, this is your winter mood in hair color form.

How to Get the Look:

1. Start with your base: Begin with a level 7 or 8 base. If you're darker, use bleach to lift your hair to the right starting point.
   
   

2. Mix it up: Create a 50/50 blend of Wrath and Ritual. This combo is chef's kiss for that perfect mulled wine hue.
   
   

3. Apply and wait: Slather that gorgeous mix all over your clean, dry hair. Let it sit for at least 45 minutes to let the color really soak in.
   
   

4. Rinse and reveal: Use cold water to rinse out the dye (cold water helps seal the color!), then dry, style, and prepare to slay the holiday season!
   
   

Metallic Silver: Futuristic Glam for the New Year

Silver with a metallic sheen that catches the light like literal chrome. This shade is sleek, modern, and gives off major futuristic energy that's perfect for ringing in 2026. Metallic hair is having its moment, and silver is leading the pack as the edgy, fashion-forward choice that screams confidence. This shade is for the trendsetters and risk-takers who want to make a statement and those ready to be the main character at every holiday event. If you love turning heads, Sterling is your new best friend.

How to Get the Look:

1. Get to platinum: To achieve this metallic magic, you need to start with a level 10 platinum blonde base. Use bleach to get there if needed. Yes, it's a commitment, but the results are so worth it.
   
   

2. Apply Sterling: Once you've got that perfect platinum canvas, apply Sterling all over your clean, dry hair.
   
   

3. Let it marinate: Leave the dye on for at least 45 minutes, or even longer if you want maximum color absorption and that intense metallic finish.
   
   

4. Rinse and shine: Rinse with cold water, dry, style, and get ready to be the absolute life of your NYE party. You're about to sparkle, literally.
   
   

Spiced Copper: Warm, Vibrant, and Full of Fire

A fiery, warm copper hair color with reddish-orange undertones that practically glows. Spiced Copper is cozy, vibrant, and seriously eye-catching. Warm tones are back in a big way, with copper shades at the top of the list, bringing energy, warmth, and a pop of personality to the cold winter months in a way that's bold without being too intense. Perfect for redhead enthusiasts, warm-toned beauties, and anyone who wants a color that feels alive and exciting, this shade is ideal if you want to bring some heat to your holiday look.

How to Get the Look:

1. Prep your base: Start with a level 8 or higher base. If you need to lift your hair, use bleach to get to your desired starting point.
   
   

2. Apply Ginger Flare: Slather this gorgeous copper shade all over your clean, dry hair. The formula is super pigmented, so you'll get rich, vibrant color.
   
   

3. Wait it out: Let the dye sit for at least 45 minutes before rinsing. The longer you wait, the more intense your color will be!
   
   

4. Rinse and rock it: Rinse with cold water, dry, style, and prepare to turn heads everywhere you go. This color is a serious showstopper.
   
   

Rose Brown: Subtle, Sophisticated, and Effortlessly Chic

Rose brown is basically the definition of understated elegance. This custom blend creates a dimensional hair color that's pink-toned but not too sweet, think modern, grown-up rose gold. Subtle, wearable hair colors are having a renaissance, and rose brown is sophisticated enough for any setting but still interesting enough to feel special, making it the perfect "I woke up like this" shade. This hair color is ideal for those who love a natural-looking color with a twist, professionals who want something office-appropriate but fun, or anyone who appreciates a more subtle transformation.

How to Get the Look:

1. Get to level 7: Start with a level 7 base using bleach if needed. Keep in mind: the brighter your blonde base, the pinkier the final result will look!
   
   

2. Create your custom mix: This is where the magic happens. Mix 95% Arctic Mist Diluter, 2% Ritual, 2% Iris Green, and 1% Sunset Orange. This precise formula creates that perfect rose-brown tone.
   
   

3. Apply carefully: Paint this custom blend onto clean, dry hair, making sure to saturate every strand for even color.
   
   

4. Wait and rinse: Let it process for at least 45 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
   
   

5. Style and celebrate: Dry, style, and bring in the New Year with the chicest hair color around!
   
   

FAQ: Your Holiday Hair Color Questions Answered

What are the biggest holiday hair color trends for 2025?

The biggest trend for 2025? Custom, dimensional colors that look natural yet elevated. We're seeing a mix of cool metallics (like our Sterling), warm coppers, and subtle blended shades (hello, Rose Brown!) that give you that expensive, salon-quality look at home. The key is personalization, colors that reflect your unique vibe.

What colors are in for winter 2025?

Winter 2025 is all about rich jewel tones, icy cool blondes, and warm metallics. Think deep burgundies like Mulled Wine, frosty Icy Platinum, chrome-inspired Metallic Silver, and vibrant Spiced Copper. These colors complement the season while making a bold statement.

What is the hair color trend for December 2025?

December is peak party season, so the trends are leaning into show-stopping shades! Metallic silvers are dominating for NYE, while rich berry tones like Mulled Wine are perfect for cozy holiday gatherings. We're also seeing lots of people embrace icy platinum looks and warm copper shades that photograph beautifully in holiday lighting.

Ready to Glow Up?

Your holiday hair transformation is just a few steps away! Whether you're going full ice queen with platinum, warming things up with spiced copper, or keeping it chic with rose brown, these shades are guaranteed to make your holiday season unforgettable. Shop all these 2025 holiday hair color trends at Arctic Fox and get ready to ring in the New Year with your best hair yet!

Want more holiday hair inspo, tips, and behind-the-scenes color magic? Follow us online @arcticfoxhaircolor we're serving up fresh ideas daily. Your dream holiday hair is waiting! ✨