Okay besties, Aquarius season is officially here (January 20 - February 18), and you know what that means—it's time to get weird, get bold, and absolutely *own* your main character energy. This is the season where playing it safe is basically a crime against the cosmos. Aquarius vibes are all about innovation, rebellion, and expressing your truest, most unapologetic self. Translation? It's the perfect excuse to finally try that hair color you've been stalking in your cart.

The Best Hair Color for Your Zodiac Sign

Whether you're an Aquarius ready to lean into your natural electric energy or you just want to ride the wave of this creative, boundary-pushing season, we've mapped out the ultimate hair color for every single zodiac sign. Trust us, the stars have *opinions* about your next dye job, and we're here for it.

Aries

@veronicavoorhees in Sunset Orange

Aquarius season pulls you out of hermit mode and into bigger social spaces. Expect convos about where you’re headed and who you’re headed there with to pop up. Collaboration is key this season! You’re starting to realize that momentum doesn’t always come from pushing harder, sometimes it comes from connecting and creating alongside the right people. Let input, ideas, and projects from others challenge you instead of threatening your independence. You don’t lose power by sharing it with the people around you. This season you’ll know this deeply and realize how much you gain in perspective, support, and closeness.

Your power color is: Sunset Orange

Taurus

@onyxoccultist in Phantom Green

Aquarius season pushes you into a space of visibility and long-term thinking, especially around your work and public life. This season’s energy asks you to take your ambitions seriously instead of putting them on the “to do” list and forgetting about them. If you’re holding yourself back waiting for the right moment, that moment is now and you can’t wait to feel ready when ready isn’t a feeling. Also, reminder: you’re allowed to want recognition, stability, and growth all at once. Step into rooms where you feel slightly underqualified, and incredibly inspired by those around you. That discomfort is the point. Comfort doesn’t equal security for you anymore.

Your power color is: Phantom Green, sometimes being seen and being understood are two very different things. Let your choices inspire people to be different!

Gemini

@callunadreams in Cosmic Sunshine

Aquarius season wakes up your curiosity and reminds you how alive you feel when you’re learning something new. Conversations over the next few weeks will shift your perspective, ideas will spark bigger questions, and suddenly the world will feel more expansive again. You’re putting the negativity and fear behind you and instead choosing during Aquarius season to stay inspired and optimistic. A gentle reminder with this new outlook: you don’t need to know what’s ahead in order to move forward right now. Instead, just focus on following what interests you, even if it doesn’t fit into a neat and tidy plan… yet. Exploration is productive in ways you can’t measure yet.

Your power color is: Cosmic Sunshine

Cancer

@jessltester in Cotton Candy Dreams

This season is bringing you deep, emotional awareness and a shift in how you share your time and energy with others. Aquarius energy encourages honesty, release, and healthier exchanges, especially within the relationships where you’ve been over-giving. You’re learning that closeness doesn’t require self-sacrifice, and that just because someone’s been in your life for a long time, that doesn’t mean they can treat you however they want to. Let support be mutual instead over the next few weeks. Trust that what (or who) you’re letting go of now is creating space for more reciprocity and balance later on.

Your power color is: Cotton Candy Dreams, the life that you’re building is just as sweet as you are!

Leo

@mikaalychee in Girls Night

Aquarius season turns your attention toward relationships and what it actually means to show up for someone without putting on a performance. The real you is ready for a big debut this season and watch how the right people start to flock to you! The life that you’re building with the people around you is rooted in reciprocity, collaboration, and choosing connections that feel energizing instead of draining over and over again.The right relationships don’t ask you to shrink, nor do they ask you to constantly be “on”. This is the time to find the ones that embrace you for you.

Your power color is: Girls Night, and host a few of them too!

Virgo

@tomoka.mocha in diluted Iris Green

This season zooms in on your daily life, habits, and the rituals that are quietly shaping your life. Aquarius energy asks you to experiment and step outside of the box rather than trying to “perfect” your life. Now is simply the time to live it. Over the next few weeks, try a new rhythm, change the process, let flexibility replace rigidity. You’re allowed to adjust things and make mistakes without calling it failure. Small shifts now will make your life feel lighter in the long run.

Your power color is: Iris Green, as a reminder that the grass is green wherever you water it.

Libra

@littlespookycute in Virgin Pink

Aquarius season is bringing you more joy, creativity, and play into your life. This is a reminder that seeking pleasure isn’t a waste of time, it’s actually the key to living your best life. Follow what feels fun without needing to justify it or turn it into a long-term plan. Create because you want to. Say “yes” because something (or someone) excites you. The most meaningful parts of life are often those that are unplanned and unpredictable!

Your power color is: Virgin Pink, go out and have fun in the world like it’s your first time!

Scorpio

@holliemcdermott in Sorceress

This season pulls your focus inward, toward your emotional foundations, home, and what safety actually means to you now. Aquarius energy encourages you to redefine a sense of belonging on your own terms instead of holding onto old patterns out of fear or familiarity. Use the next few weeks to soften where you’ve been guarded. Utilize rest and view it as a productive thing. Whatever allows you to recharge is the priority right now. And remember: you don’t need total control over each aspect of your life in order to feel secure.

Your power color is: Sorceress, you have the magic to change what no longer works for you.

Sagittarius

@bananamilkbby in Peach Prosecco

Aquarius season keeps your mind busy and your world both fun and inspiring. Conversations are happening over the next few weeks that lead to new ideas, new ideas lead to movement. Your voice carries more influence than you realize right now. Share what you’re thinking without over-editing yourself. You don’t need a perfect message, just honesty and to keep up this momentum. Showing up and sharing is what will open doors for you right now!

Your power color is: Peach Prosecco, just as bubbly and delightful as you are!

Capricorn

@mollyhull_ in Wrath

This season is shifting your attention toward self-worth, resources, and what actually feels secure in your life right now. Aquarius energy asks you to question old definitions of success and build something that supports your future self, not just your reputation. How others view you is really none of your business. Instead, invest your time and energy where it feels aligned, not just impressive. Stability now comes from truly listening to (and trusting) yourself!

Your power color is: Wrath, it’s better to feel something powerful than nothing at all!

Aquarius

@mirandathekitten in Pistachio Macaron

Happy birthday Aquarius! It’s your season, and everything feels sharper, louder, and more personal now. This is a reset point, and a chance for you to show up as you are instead of who people expect you to be. Let your authenticity lead the way, even if what comes out surprises others. You’re not here on this earth to be predictable. You’re here to evolve in real time and let the right people keep up, so let yourself unfold more than ever over the next few weeks! What comes out might even surprise you!

Your power color is: Pistachio Macaron, because who says growing up means getting boring?

Pisces

@_.lilalou._ in Poseidon

Aquarius season is a quieter time for you, filled with reflection, epiphanies, and emotional releases abound. You’re closing chapters without needing to give explanations or get permission from others. Trust your need for solitude, rest, and softness right now. Not everything you’re brewing is ready to be shared yet. Some things are still forming beneath the surface, and that’s where the magic happens.

Your power color is: Poseidon, swim in the depths of your emotional ocean and relish in what you discover there!

Zodiac Sign Hair Color FAQ

What hair color suits Aquarius?

Aquarius thrives with electric blues, silver, platinum blonde, and vibrant teals that reflect their innovative spirit. These bold, futuristic shades perfectly capture the unconventional energy of this air sign who loves to stand out and break the mold.

What is the lucky color for Aquarius?

The lucky colors for Aquarius are electric blue, turquoise, and silver. These shades enhance Aquarius's natural creativity and independence while tapping into their visionary, forward-thinking energy.

What is Aquarius' hairstyle?

Aquarius hairstyles are edgy and experimental—think asymmetrical cuts, undercuts, choppy layers, and bold shaved designs. This rebellious sign gravitates toward anything that breaks traditional beauty standards and turns heads.

What is the best hairstyle for your zodiac sign?

The best hairstyle for your zodiac sign aligns with your element's energy: fire signs love bold volume, earth signs prefer polished classics, air signs embrace experimental cuts, and water signs favor romantic, flowing styles. Let your cosmic vibe guide you toward a look that expresses your most authentic self.

Find Your Cosmic Hair Color Match

There you have it, your cosmic hair color roadmap for Aquarius season and beyond! Whether you're channeling your fire sign intensity, embracing your earth sign stability, riding your air sign creativity, or diving into your water sign depths, there's a perfect shade waiting for you. Ready to let the universe guide your next hair transformation? Shop the best hair color for your zodiac sign at Arctic Fox Hair Color and bring your astrological aesthetic to life with our vegan, cruelty-free formulas.

And don't forget to follow us on social media @arcticfoxhaircolor and tag us in your hair transformations for a chance to be featured! We can't wait to see how you're expressing your cosmic energy.

The Hair Reset: How to Know When It’s Time to Refresh or Change Your Hair Color

You know that feeling when you look in the mirror and your hair color just isn't hitting the same anymore? Whether your once-vibrant purple has faded to lavender or you're simply craving a completely new vibe, figuring out whether you need a quick refresh or a full-blown transformation can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, bestie, we're breaking it all down for you.

What Is a Hair Color Reset?

Shades left to right: Wrath, Violet Dream, Aquamarine, Purple AF, and Cosmic Sunshine

A hair color reset is basically your hair's version of a glow-up. We're talking major transformation energy like going from sunny blonde to fiery ginger, or from candy apple red to midnight black.

Here's the thing: getting bored with your hair color is totally normal and honestly? It should be celebrated! Your hair is one of the easiest ways to express yourself and switch up your entire vibe. Life's too short to take your hair (or anything, really) too seriously. If you're feeling the urge to change things up, lean into it!

Signs You Only Need a Refresh

Shades pictures: Aquamarine, Purple AF, and Cosmic Sunshine

Not every color crisis requires a complete overhaul. Sometimes your hair just needs a little pick-me-up. You're in refresh territory if:

1. Your color has faded evenly. No weird patchy spots or unexpected tones? A quick reapplication of your current shade will bring back that vibrant pop.

2. You still love the shade. Deep down, you're not actually over your color. You just miss how bright and bold it used to look.

3. Your hair feels healthy. When your hair is in good condition, a refresh is perfect for maintaining your color without additional stress on your strands.

Signs It's Time for a Full Change

Shades left to right: Aquamarine, Purple AF, Cosmic Sunshine, Wrath, and Violet Dream

1. Your color no longer matches your vibe. When your hair color doesn't align with how you're feeling or who you're becoming, it's time for a change.

2. You've got a patchy or uneven tone. Weird, splotchy fading means a full color change gives you the chance to start fresh with an even canvas.

3. You're going through a seasonal or lifestyle shift. New job? New city? Major life changes often call for a hair transformation to match.

How Often Should You Change Your Hair Color?

Shades pictured: Wrath, and Violet Dream

The honest answer? As often as you want! But here's the practical side:

Semi-permanent hair dyes are your best friend if you love switching things up regularly. They don't require developers, they're free of harsh chemicals, and they gradually fade over time, making experimenting way easier and less stressful for your hair. You can go from pink to purple to blue over a few months without your hair throwing a tantrum.

Permanent hair color is much more of a commitment. It's great if you've found your signature color, but if you get bored easily or love following trends, it can be really straining on your hair health when you're constantly changing it up.

The bottom line: Sticking with semi-permanent dyes allows you to change up your hair color and vibe as often as your heart desires without compromising your hair health. Want to be pink for a music festival, then switch to blue for fall? Go for it!

How to Reset Without Damaging Your Hair

Shades left to right: Wrath, Violet Dream, Aquamarine, Purple AF, and Cosmic Sunshine

Fading Your Current Hair Color First

Violet Dream fading

No matter what your next hair color move is, fade out your current shade as much as possible first. Our favorite methods:

1. Wash more frequently in warm water with clarifying shampoo
2. Soak your hair in epsom salt (and enjoy a relaxing bath, win-win!)
3. DIY hair mask: mix crushed vitamin C tablets with shampoo, apply to damp hair, and let sit for 30-60 minutes

Layering Hair Colors

Left: Wrath Right: Purple AF layered over Wrath

Layering can go really well or really wrong. If you're going this route, use semi-permanent dyes only. Permanent dyes layered on top of each other are more damaging.

Remember basic color theory: shades mix with what's underneath. Pink or red hair + blue dye = purple. Green hair + purple dye = muddy brown. So carefully consider your next shade based on what you're currently working with, not just impulse. Stuck? Hit up our color specialists for personalized guidance!

The Safest Hair Color Reset Option

Use the color wheel to choose your next semi-permanent shade and avoid harsh chemicals found in bleach or permanent dyes. Simply pick a shade next to your current hair color on the wheel. Blue hair? Go green or purple. This ensures your hair won't turn out a hot mess and keeps it healthy since you're working with your current color, not fighting against it.

Choosing Your Next Hair Color With Confidence

Shades left to right: Aquamarine, Purple AF, Cosmic Sunshine, Wrath, and Violet Dream

Okay, so you're ready for a change, but which color should you actually go for? Let's match your next shade to your vibe. If you're in your edgy era, lean into those deeper, more dramatic shades. Think stark black, luscious dark purple, or fiery red that makes people do a double-take. More of a kawaii babe? Soft pastels like baby pink, mint green, or icy periwinkle blue will give you that dreamy energy. Feeling like a total baddie? Go for platinum blonde, copper spice, or rich cherry cola for that effortlessly stunning look. And if you're the life of the party type, neons are literally made for you: hot pink, bright blue, UV reactive green, or orange brighter than the sun.

Not quite ready to commit to a full head of new color? You can dip your toes in by trying split dyes, money pieces, or just coloring your ends. It's a great way to play around with new shades before taking the full plunge.

Your Hair, Your Rules

Your hair is your canvas, and you're the artist. Whether you're refreshing your current color or going for a complete transformation, the most important thing is that you feel confident and excited about it. So go ahead, stock up on your favorite semi-permanent dye or reach out to our color specialists for guidance. Your perfect hair color reset is waiting!

Want more hair color inspiration and tips? Follow us online @arcticfoxhaircolor and don't forget to tag us in your hair transformations for a chance to be featured. We can't wait to see what you create!

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!