AF Blog — Poison

The holidays are upon us (where TF did this year go!?) and the stars have aligned to bring you a gift guide ruled by the Zodiac elements for that special someone in your life. So let’s get started with the gifting magic shall we? 

Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Air signs are the thinkers and doers of the zodiac, with their intellectuality and curiosity being the driving force in how they move through the world. Their live and let live mentality allows them to breeze through life, rarely stopping to catch a breath. They analyze and probe, but easily make decisions, because they’re just THAT smart. Sound like anyone you know?

Air signs are synonymous with freedom, and bringing a breath of fresh air to our world. People under an air sign are adventurous, curious, and ever-changing (much like our hair). This personality can make them somewhat difficult to pin down and to peg exactly what gifts they’d enjoy.  So we have a few ideas to help you out!

Arctic Mist Diluter is designed to swish with other colors and create unique mixes, and pastel shades. These lighter, customized looks match well with air signs and appeal to their outgoing personality, and ever changing nature. 

@salinesimon in Arctic Mist Diluter and Aquamarine 

While air can seem elusive or confusing for some others under a different elemental star sign, they are very interested in other people and naturally analytical. The air element can sometimes be an overthinker, taking a while to ponder their next move. For that reason, people and products that ground them back into the present moment are great for air zodiac signs. 

Resurrected Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for the Gemini, Libra or Aquarius in your life. Air zodiac signs tend to be intellectual (many air signs are lawyers, doctors, writers, speakers, or scientists) and their minds can get a little busy. Treat them to a touch of pampering and down time with the Resurrected duo. She will help them nourish their hair and maybe even switch off that deep thinking mode for a while. 

If you want to treat an air sign with something that will appeal to their more adventurous side,  Celestial Shimmer is an electric member of Foxology’s latest Holiday Glitter Nail Polish drop! This eye-catching blue glitter brings seasonal shine and more than a hint of the stars - perfect to be the center stage at allll the holiday parties! 

Fire - Aries, Sagittarius, Leo 

Arguably the most perfect gift for that passionate fire sign in your life is Crimson Claus, a delightful crimson red shade for those who are not sure they made the nice list this year. But hey, it was a good time wasn’t it!?

Fire signs are known to be pretty fiery; (ironic we know!) sometimes they deliver a chaotic, disruptive energy due to excitement and passion, because well, fire signs are always in doing mode. They are trendsetters often leading the way and breaking new ground. They are confident and there is very little in life that they don’t feel they are equipped to take on.  

Fire signs will be well matched to Poison, our most fiery red tone that mirrors their personality. This shade will exude that confident, center-stage persona that belongs to Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo zodiac signs. 

@not_reagan in Poison

If there’s one word that comes to mind when we think of fire signs, it’s VOLUME. Pump up that hair with Vacay Volumizing Shampoo, and make any hairdo end in…WOW. 

Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Helloooo, practical and grounded queens!

Earth signs are known to be creators, and organizers with a loyal nature. Their artistic flair makes them innovative in their personal and professional lives. Rooted and grounded energy permeates the auras of earth signs, and they generally take on life with a practical approach and take time before making big decisions. Do you feel that calming energy already? 

Earth signs love anything tasteful and classy. Mix that in with self-care and you’ve got a winning gift on your hand! Our Stony Path Gel Nail Kit combines all of the above in a simplistic, yet classy design - that mix of gray and silver is enough to make an earth sign say yes, please!  

We can’t do our earth signs justice without highlighting a rich green that just GIVES earth, goddess energy. Phantom Green is THE shade for earth baddies, and you can pick the matching nail polish to fully embody the look! 

@aambriaa in Phantom Green

@jadetoblack in Phantom Green and Frosé

Earth signs are good at caring for themselves and their loved ones. This caring nature can even extend to their homes or objects they care about. Earth signs will go to war for the people and things they care about most.

Lean into the protective, nurturing nature of the earth sign personality with the OG Hair Perfume and UV Protectant. This product keeps locks hydrated and protected from UV, because you KNOW our earth signs are spending all the time they can in the outdoors. Combined with that luscious grape scent? It’s the perfect stocking stuffer. 

Water - Pisces Scorpio, Cancer

Water signs are intuitive, emotional, sensitive, and sentimental. So yes, they love all the extra love they can get! 

Water signs have an elite ability to sense the world around them, and understand feelings and emotions of themselves and others. They tend to absorb the environment and emotions around them like a sponge, so having the right circle is important to them. This zodiac group needs clarity in their mind, body, and spirit.  

When you’re thinking of the water sign in your life, a gesture of nurturing self-care will go a long way! Throw in Pool Party, our foaming hair mask with allll the yummy nutrients for a spa day you can squeeze in before a shower or long, relaxing bath. 

Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer signs are also capable of transformation in order to reach their potential, with more focus on building a fulfilling life than awards or material things. 

If you want to gift your loved one with a new look to aid their outward transformation, Blue Odyssey is a navy blue, and steel blue marbleized nail kit that can perfectly fit the spiritual and intuitive sense of a water sign, allowing them to transform their look with ease. 

Because of those heavy feels, water signs can be cautious at times, and tend to seek comfort in life, but this doesn’t stop them looking for depth and emotional fulfillment by any means! 

The color that best channels this feel-y energy is Aquamarine! The gorgeous blue with teal undertones that brings the watery element to life and channels intuitive, imaginative, and free energy. Take it to another level with Aquamarine’s matching nail polish and omg, you know that’s a winning combo.

@rike.m in Aquamarine

@jadetoblack in Aquamarine and Blue Jean Baby 

Whether you’re treating yourself or your loved ones to our Zodiac picks this year, we can’t wait to see what you come up with! If you’re testing out a new color, or a special nail look, tag us at @arcticfoxhaircolor on Instagram - you know we LIVE for it. 

Bonus tip! If you’re a Fox Fam Rewards program member, you can send any of your friends a gift of $5 to use towards their first purchase! You’ll get $10 off your next order with every successful referral. Spread the Fox Fam love, we adore a big fam. 🥰

@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.

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! 

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!? 

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A post shared by Arctic Fox Hair Color (@arcticfoxhaircolor)

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. 

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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!

@azrael.does.hair in Wrath and Poison

Warm up your hair color for fall 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@not_reagan in Poison

@itslauren in Cosmic Sunshine

What do warm colors do for our skin tones? 

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

“Wut?”

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

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

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

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

What can a warm color do for our hair?

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

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

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

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

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

@vivisterling is set to ‘stun’ in Cosmic Sunshine

Peep @xtinebetch on fire with Ritual

What changing weather does to hair

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

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

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

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

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

Which warm hair color should you choose?

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

Easy! Pick your fave. 

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

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

Warm hair color looks we are loving this fall

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

@siren.style in Sunset Orange and Electric Paradise

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

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

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

We want to see what you choose!

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

@emma.cairo in Virgin Pink

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

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

@kingyayis in Ginger Flare 

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

@gabyhrndz

 @laurellevictoria in Ritual and Wrath 

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

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

@gontscharowaa in Sunset Orange

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

@lanismithhair in Virgin Pink and Diluted Virgin Pink

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

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

Sunset Orange + Poison + Cosmic Sunshine 🥵 

@theeglamnaija

Sunset Orange + Wrath 🧯

@a.dragon.soul

Sunset Orange + Violet Dream  🌶️ 

@evelina.forsell

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

Poseidon + Aquamarine 🌊

@jessicamoralemusic

Aquamarine + Periwinkle + Transylvania 💙

@billiedawningle

Aquamarine + Phantom Green 🐚

@arisa_hair

Arctic Mist Diluter + Aquamarine 

@salinesimon

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

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

Electric Paradise + Poison 🌺

@tamaracamps

Cosmic Sunshine + Frosé ☀️ 

@itslauren.jpg

Periwinkle + Purple AF 

@_gumshoe_

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

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

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