AF Blog — Purple AF

@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

Are you ready to say goodbye to your current hair color and switch things up? At Arctic Fox Hair Color, we believe that the best results often emerge from the most unexpected choices 😏. Get ready to dive into the world of "Unlikely Color Cover Ups," where we reveal four unlikely Arctic Fox shades that effortlessly conceal your existing hair color and reveal a STUNNING new look 👏.

1. Lavender Bliss 💜

Have faded blue or green hair that won’t quite go away? Prepare to be blown away by Violet Dream. By layering a VERY diluted Violet Dream over your faded green or blue, you'll experience Lavender Bliss. The blue and green undertones will be tamed into a soft, pastel dream, resulting in a perfect fusion of warmth and coolness that's sure to leave heads turning.

2. Teal Temptation 🌊

Arctic Fox's Aquamarine is a shade that dares to challenge convention. If you’re working with a faded pink or red, this shade will create a stunning contrast that revitalizes your fade. The bold teal hues mixed with the faded tones will create a purple shifting blue shade depending on how intense your color is underneath.

3. Rose Gold Stunner🌹

Brunette bases, we didn’t forget about you. Did you know that some of our shades work over brunette bases as gorgeous tints? Elevate your brown tresses by layering a mixture of Sunset Orange or Ginger Flare mixed with Purple AF. The warmth of our orange shades will give off a beautiful copper tint all on their own, but mixed with Purple AF this will give off a rose gold tint sure to stun. 

4. Slate Gray  🌫️

Got faded purple? Give Sterling a try! This smokey shade will transform into an ashy purple when applied over your faded color. Sterling is your go-to solution for gracefully transitioning from vibrant hues or evening out uneven tones, leaving you with the perfect smokey shade. *This shade will only appear on bases that were previously pre-lightened to a level 9+.

@averyrose1992 in Sterling and Girls Night

At AF, we understand that hair color is a canvas for self-expression, and we aim to offer a palette of possibilities. Not seeing a solution that might work for you? DM us on Instagram for custom color help or email our color specialists for more customized feedback ! 🌈

Fox Fam, ask and you shall receive! You wanted to know how and IF you can color your hair without bleaching and I’m here to set the record straight 🌟 😘

I'm going to be covering ALL the bases (literally), as we dive into getting the shade you want… Without bleaching, of course! If you’re just giving your hair a break from bleaching or newly entering into the world of color and you want to start somewhere simple, this is the place for you. Let’s jump right in 🤸‍♀️

First, let’s talk about our bases! 👩‍🦳

Light Brown - Dark Blonde

Generally, you can get a SUPER gorgeous light coverage or tint at this level using our more pigmented colors. Here is where you’ll find a list of our most pigmented shades 😉 our swatches show examples of how each color may turn out depending on your level!

Brown

With brown hair, it’s best to use warm and rich colors like Purple AF or Wrath!  Since these shades are deeper and contain a highly pigmented formula, the dye has the ability to really settle on the hair and ever so slightly within the hair cuticles. This will help to achieve a gorgeous tint! With semi permanent color you won’t have to worry about any dye damaging your hair's natural color. Even though the shade settles, it will wash out over time. Need color removal tips? Here’s some helpful information on how to fade your color.

Black/Deep Black

Black hair is typically too dark for any color payout, but this is common across the board. In order to achieve any vivid color, you’ll want to consider pre-lightening. Our Bleach, Please Lightening Kit has all that you need to easily bleach your hair at home! 

Gray

Since unbleached and/or gray hair can vary in how well it takes color, it’s not easy to say EXACTLY how the color will turn out but in general, if you stick with darker and more highly pigmented colors you should get at least a tint of color to gray hair!  Typically, gray’s are more coarse than your natural hair and gray hair follicles create less oil, this makes the hair more dry and harder for color to penetrate but we have SO many gray haired Foxes who look GORGEOUS in pinks, purples and blues. Fresh gray roots are also non-porous which can make it resistant to color, so you may have to leave the color on longer and add heat to open the hair’s cuticle.

Dark Gray

When I think Dark Grey, I think salt & pepper hair. If your hair is more of a dark gray, the color might turn out a few shades darker and more subtle than it would look on lighter shades of gray (as seen above), and unbleached hair does tend to lose color faster as well, so just a heads up! You can usually achieve a light ‘stain’ on salt & pepper roots! 

✨ AF Pro Tip ✨ Our dyes are conditioning and made with no harsh chemicals that are known to damage your hair, so leaving it on longer is completely okay! 

PAUSE… I have to get something off my chest. I cannot stress enough how important it is to perform a strand test. As everyone's hair is different, results can always vary! 💗 Strand tests are the best way to know for certain.

Okay okay, PROCEED ✌️🤪 Now that we have an idea of what we’re going for, we can get to the colors! We have lots to pick from 🎨

Sunset Orange

@blakejael

Aquamarine

Ritual

  @sarah_carollyn

Wrath

@queenbcyn

Virgin Pink

Here is a video of us applying Virgin Pink on multiple bases for you to see! 

Phantom Green

  @makeup.by.veny

Poison 

Purple AF 

@makeupbyaad

Ginger Flare

Here is a video of us applying Ginger Flare on multiple bases for you to see! 

Did you select your next color yet? I know it may seem impossible to choose when they all look THIS good but the best part of semi permanent colors like ours, is that you can change up the color often without risking your hair's health. Fun, isn’t it?! 💖😍

Now that you’ve got your color picked out, let’s walk through some tips that you can add into your application process to ensure that you get the most out of your color: 

• Apply the dye to freshly washed and dried hair (shampoo ONLY. No conditioner) ✨AF Pro Tip✨  It's best to shampoo 12 - 24 hours before coloring!

• Leave the color on longer if you’d like. Our dye contains no harmful chemicals, so essentially you’re using a conditioner 💧

• You can also feel free to add heat to the process (about 10 min) to keep the cuticle open while processing. This will help the color really settle 🌈

• After you color and it’s time to rinse, be sure to rinse your hair in cold water (as cool as you can handle it but you may need a detachable shower head) until the water runs clear 

• If you haven’t before, feel free to use a color sealant to lock in the shade

Post Care: 

• Try to avoid washing your hair too often. Dry shampoo in between washes will save you 😜

Not sure what a color might look like on your hair? Check out our Fox Fam Facebook Group which is a great place to request pics from other members of the Fox Fam so you can see some results first-hand!

Let us know what you want to see 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! 🦊  

@berlinstacy in Arctic Mist Diluter, Virgin Pink, Sunset Orange, Cosmic Sunshine, Iris Green, Aquamarine, Purple AF, Violet Dream, and Poseidon 

What is the Color Wheel?

The color wheel is a visual tool to explain and visualize the relationship between colors. When it comes to coloring hair, the color wheel is your personal hack to understand how colors will combine or cancel each other out when you’re creating your dream shade!

Understanding the color wheel will help you better understand color theory so you can better predict how specific colors will mix together and how to avoid results you weren’t expecting.

Color Definitions

When speaking to the color wheel, there are a few terms to know.

Primary Colors - What we learn in Kindergarten! Red, yellow and blue. These colors cannot be made from any other colors.

@erez_ivan in Poseidon 

Secondary Colors - Two primary colors mixed together that create orange, green, and violet.

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

Intermediate Colors - One primary and one secondary color mixed together: blue-violet, red-violet, red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, and blue-green.

@lilygraceglam in Blue Jean Baby, Purple AF, Violet Dream, Poseidon 

What Are Complementary Colors?

Complementary colors are two colors that live opposite each other on the color wheel. For example: violet and yellow, red and green, orange and blue.

When mixing these colors, you will get a brown shade. We receive a lot of questions around natural shades from the Fox Fam, so this color wheel hack is good to know in case you want to go back to natural color OR to avoid mixing colors or applying over faded color that might yield a muddy result.

Knowing complementary colors can also be great in creating looks that are bold and contrasting, especially for split dyes or layering colors.

@ashley.smit17 in Space Cowgirl, Aquamarine, Virgin Pink, Violet Dream, and Purple AF

@hairwaytoheavennn in Poison, Phantom Green, and Space Cowgirl

What Is Your Base?

When choosing a color, it’s important to consider how your base shade will affect the final outcome. Using the color wheel and color theory, you can have a better educated guess on what might happen or how to plan to get the result you’re looking for.

Starting From A Natural Base

Your natural hair color will affect the outcome of your look. Learn all about hair levels here and which AF colors will work best for your natural base. 

Starting From A Processed Blonde

Most Arctic Fox hair dyes will look and perform best on hair that’s a level 9 or higher, for some, that will require processing. Using the color wheel to figure out the tone of your blonde will help determine which colors to choose to get the results you want. Most natural hair colors that are bleached to blonde will start with an orange undertone and may reach a yellow/brassy color at the lightest. There are multiple ways to cancel out unwanted yellow/orange tones. One option is to use a commercial toning product found at your favorite beauty supply store. A second option is to use the color wheel and “tone” with AF colors. If your hair is leaning toward the yellow side, pre-dye using Arctic Mist Diluter and Purple AF to create an extremely diluted purple color. If your hair is leaning toward the orange side, you might try pre-dyeing with Arctic Mist Diluter and Poseidon to create an extremely diluted blue. 

@salinesimon in Arctic Mist Diluter and Aquamarine

For example, if you want a Poseidon to appear as a nice true blue, but are starting out with yellow undertones, your color might pull green. Since we know that violet is opposite the color wheel from yellow, mixing in a little bit of Purple AF may help counteract those yellow tones.

Starting From A Faded Color

If you’re a DIY dye queen, you might already have a faded color on your hair. Using color theory, you can get to the next color seamlessly without creating a muddy mess!

This video by Stella Cini is a great example of how to use color theory to get your desired color or read this blog by Thuy Pham on how she shifted her hair from green to purple.

AF Colors Charted

Each of our colors have specific undertones. Knowing where our colors fall on the color wheel, can help you make decisions on which dyes to mix to get the results you’re looking for.

@nadine.xoo in Cosmic Sunshine and Sunset Orange 

@chjango_john.n115 in Violet Dream, Cosmic Sunshine, Sunset Orange, and Virgin Pink

@angelicabarragan3 in Space Cowgirl and Neon Moon

@_kenzurrito in Poison, Purple AF, Periwinkle, Aquamarine