AF Blog

@aambriaa in Phantom Green

Going green without bleaching

Welcome back, Fox Fam! We went dark last week, and the results we’re seeing are dangerously head-turning. One color, in particular, seems to be popping up as a common theme in your potions and mixes. Abundance, renewal, harmony, stability. Yes, that’s right, it is easy being green! The ultimate down-to-earth color can represent all of those wonderful things. Aside from being hella powerful, it’s damn easy on the eyes.

If a change is in the cards for you but you’re going to give the lightening step a skip this time, then you have come to the right corner. FACT: Aside from being a great transitional hue and an absolute gem of a color, green can bring lush living color to even unbleached hair. It’s true! 

Due to our expertise with the color wheel and the fact that you fashion-forward Foxes are excellent sharers, we’re seeing A LOT of creativity on our radar right now. So we’re taking this week as an opportunity to share some of the amazing green-based mixes that have been tried, tested, and adored. This week we give some great color inspo for our emerald-inclined babes, PLUS the exact ratios you need to get the mix just right.

If you’re already green…

…but if you want to darken the shade for fall, we went over two ways to darken your color last week. You can go back and read it here if you happened to skip last week’s blog, or here’s a recap:

One way to double down on green is to level up on intensity. Do this by blending in a darker level of green with your current color mix. For example, if you’re already rocking Neverland, punch it up with some Phantom Green to move from a brighter to a darker shade.

The other way we covered was more subtle and involves a look at our famously helpful color wheel blog post. This involves finding your current color on the wheel and then drawing a line to the opposite side of the wheel! If you’re Iris Green, a couple of drops of Wrath will help you darken just the green hues.

Go green with these custom blends

One thing that we love about our AF hair dyes is that they are so inventive! They bring out the magic-potion-blending witches and warlocks in all of us. Here are a couple of must-try green mixes that have been discovered by more than a few alchemists, and look really great on unbleached hair.

Olive — not just for martinis anymore🍸! Get the ultimate down-to-earth green by using Phantom Green, Cosmic Sunshine, Sunset Orange, and Transylvania. Watch our reel for the mix ratios, and enjoy responsibly ;) 

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Aquamarine & Space Cowgirl get together for a green-shifted teal mix. To make this color yours, start with a heavy base of Space Cowgirl and slowly add in drops of Aquamarine until you reach your desired shade.

#AFprotip Aquamarine is a VERY pigmented shade. So go slow on the mixing, or Space Cowgirl may get overpowered.

This swatch shows the strong result of this blend on bleached hair, so keep in mind that depending on your base shade, you’ll get a slightly different outcome.

Phantom Green and Aquamarine are a green team dream. 2:1 Phantom Green to Aquamarine is the magic formula, but remember that Aquamarine packs a punch, so start with your Phantom Green and add in the Aquamarine bit by bit so you don’t overdo it. This sample square is done on bleached hair, so depending on your base color, you’ll get a different (but still fabulous) outcome.

Diamonds, move over: emeralds are a girl’s best friend this fall. For the ultimate jewel tone, this mix is simply equal parts Phantom Green and Aquamarine, with a drop or two of Transylvania mixed in. If you want to be inspired, watch Stella Cini color-shifting into an emerald.

This swatch shows a dark outcome, even on bleached hair, so your hair color will be a little different, depending on your base level.

Green’s great and the options are endless

Now that we’ve shown you how to get shades of green that work better for you, make sure you’re using the mixing and application tools and techniques that will get you the best results (patch & strand test always!) Our Lime AF tint bowl and brushes make going green easy to do.

Don’t forget that blends and mixes are a fun way to get new shades, but they don’t need to be a whole-head change-up! Color combos that slay with green are always a fun way to express your inner color-fiend, or you can simply add in some DIY lowlights to your cut and flirt with some new styles to show them off.

@charliewakeman in Aquamarine and Phantom Green

Here are some of you showing off the glam that green gave ya, so don’t be shy to try it on for yourselves!

We hope we’ve given you the nudge you needed to go green this fall, and we want to see how it turns out! Share your hair change journey with the Fox Fam by tagging @arcticfoxhaircolor and share!

@iamzoeyluna in Transylvania 

Keep your look top-class this fall

You can embrace the change, or you can dread it. But you can’t deny it: summer is over, baby. We’re working on ditching our late sleep-ins (dry shampoo for the win!), have restocked our coffee supplies, bought the organizers, and are getting used to the sound of the alarm. But how has our Fox Fam been falling back into a routine? Let’s just say that leaves aren’t the only things that are changing color!

Lustrous, rich hair tones can make even the most boring schedules feel brighter, and with the onset of busy days, we’re seeing a rise in the deep, dark tones. They can be low-maintenance while still being high-impact, and they give the rich feeling of thicker hair that autumn styles show off the best. On top of that, blends and color combinations keep the looks as interesting as you are.

Whatever your day-to-day looks like this fall, we’re excited to see everyone in dark mode.

New you, new hue

Good news, stargazers: Venus is out of retrograde💫! As (we’re sure) you already know, this means it’s a great time to start fresh with whatever’s been blocked for you lately. Romance can get kicked into high gear, work and creativity will start flowing, and we can’t think of a better sign that it’s time for a brand-new look.

Part of your 2023 back-to-real-life glow-up should be a hair color that you’re stoked to show off — not to mention the noticeably hydrated and healthy hair that comes with using our AF deep-conditioning hair dyes. We’ve mentioned a few times lately that we are really digging the transition from summer ‘cools’ to autumn ‘warms’, and that means going for a darker tone than what you rocked during the sunny season. Plus your hair will be totally in step with Fall 2023’s palette, making your hair the perfect accessory and always on-point.

There’s something else that a darker tone gives to your updated ‘do—aside from all that lovely confidence that comes with a makeover, that is. Going to the dark side of the color wheel gives the gift of a low-maintenance mane. 

In our previous blog on warm hair colors, we explained how a simple warm color can add depth to your hair that will give you a thicker, fuller-looking style without needing extra time with your diffuser. When you combine your warm-color lowlights with a time-saving volumizing shampoo you’re going to have a full look all day.

✨Remember that changing your look doesn’t have to mean changing your beliefs, and that’s why as much as we love watching your evolution, we’ll never be anything other than vegan and cruelty-free. Dye away, and with AF dark hair dyes, you’re dyeing for a cause.

To Bleach or Not to Bleach?

Real talk: Summer puts your hair through the wringer with chlorine, salt water, and sun damage. Keep in mind that even though we pack our potions to the brim with hair-helping ingredients, you can choose to skip the bleaching step now and again. You can also be creative and use it only in sections. Our influencers have found some truly jaw-dropping ways to only color parts of their hair—and still stun. Money pieces are a great example of a simple switch-up that can change your whole look, without changing your entire head.

@_negatronn in Iris Green and Neon Moon

@tavujesus in Frosé

@lazybonesbeauty in Cosmic Sunshine

AF’s Bleach, Please is as gentle as a lightener can get, and even has added goodness to keep your hair healthy while it works. And yes, AF’s range of hair color dyes produces a truer color match when they are used on lighter hair. But if you’re looking for a tint without putting your hair through the bleaching process, you can opt for a beautiful color undertone that will come through even on darker or already dyed hair. 

For an idea on how your color will turn out with your natural or current base color, have a look at our guide to using AF hair dyes on unbleached hair. If you like how these look, we’ve grouped all the colors here for easy shopping! 

Pro-tip: Knowing your hair’s color level will be key to planning your look, and we can help you with that, too! Just cruise by this gem of an explainer which breaks it down for you.

Of course, the only way to get the strong, intense pop of color you see on some of our most colorful influencers is to lighten your hair first.

@christystarmua in Aquamarine and Periwinkle

@violentinside in Purple AF and Transylvania 

Stir it up for some killer color

Remember: going dark doesn’t mean melting into the surroundings, and it certainly shouldn’t mean you’re stuck with one color! Blend your pastes for a unique shade, or combine multiple colors into your locks for a truly standout fall look. In our last blog, we talked about this fall’s trending hairstyles, and there was a lot of mention of color accents and how to use them. 

 In particular, the money pieces and the peekaboo styles work best when the color is applied precisely (and only!) where you want it. Because we want our Fox Fam’s hair dreams to come true and your looks exactly as you envisioned them, we recommend that you use our gentle-on-hair alligator clips to keep your sections secured and under control while you work.

Here are the results of perfectly applied color.

@yadeemua in Ginger Flare

@wonderingminds_420 in Ritual and Electric Paradise

@onedreamparis in Virgin Pink

How to Darken Your Current Shade

Looking for a darker shade that isn’t a total change of color? Easy peasy! 

There are two ways you can do this:

1. The first method will neutralize the color you have and deepen it slightly. Take a quick look at our color wheel blog (honestly, just bookmark it already) to find out what the opposite color is to the one you already have! Once you’ve got that, simply mix in a drop or two to your current color, and voila.
2. Method number two is using a darker shade of the same color to help deepen the tone. Let’s say you have Aquamarine, you can add a bit of Blue Jean Baby to darken it. Again, the color wheel blog has a wheel that shows where all the AF colors fall on the wheel so it’s a snap to find out which one you need.

 To keep the blending simple and the colors separate while you apply, our tint bowls are going to be some of your besties.

Peep these dark hues on our Fox Fam!

As always, we look to you, our boldest and bravest Foxy trailblazers for our inspiration. After all, we can talk about change, but you are the gorgeous bunch that does it, flaunts it, and shares it with the world! Here are some superb examples of falling into the dark for autumn.

@makeupbytiffanybanks in Poseidon covered in Ritual

@lil.mishroom in Cosmic Sunshine, Sunset Orange, and Purple AF 

If you’re thinking of going green, stay tuned! Next week we’ll give some precise mixing tips for gorgeous green hues that need a little bit of alchemy to get just right.

So lovelies, as you traipse into autumn vibes this year, remember that you can go dark and shine! Treat your hair right by using AF conditioning hair dyes, and for the love of gosh, share your hair journey with your Fax Fam by tagging @arcticfoxusa on your socials!

@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 ! 🌈