AF Blog

Split dye:

A split dye is when you use one color per side of your head, giving a two toned look. 

@Die4whitney in a Transylvania and Virgin Pink split dye

 How to create a split dye at home:

1. Pre-lighten hair if you’re planning on doing pastels or any AF colors that aren’t great for darker hair. See this blog for the best colors for unbleached hair if you don’t want to pre-lighten.
2. Part hair down the center of your head starting from the top all of the way to the base of your neck. 
3. Clip the half of your hair that you are dyeing second to one side starting from the base of your neck, using more clips as needed to make sure the hair is secure to one side. 
4. Take the other half of your hair and clip the top of your head, leaving only one small section, starting from underneath.
5. Apply dye section by section, roots to ends, until you have reached the top of your head. Make sure the last section you are careful to only apply product on the side of your hair you are dyeing. Go slowly here! I recommend using a small amount of dye applied with a brush and repeating until the last section is fully saturated.
6. Apply steps 4 and 5 to the other side of your head with your second color.
7. When you are ready to rinse, use cold water and lean your head to each side to prevent bleeding. Or if you have a detachable shower head, rinse each side at a time. 
8. Air dry or style from there and take a selfie or video of your new look and share it with us on Instagram!

Money Pieces

@pret_a_paisley in Wrath, Ritual, and Violet Dream Money Pieces

Money Pieces are dyed face framing sections for a fun color pop!

How to create money pieces at home:

1. Part from the middle of your scalp from the top of your head about 1-2 inches back depending on how chunky you want your money pieces to be.
2. Section each side from the end of that part, moving down the side of your head towards each ear. Clip or tie back the hair behind the money piece sections to make sure it is out of the way.
3. Apply dye to each side of the hair starting from the root to the ends. If you have thicker hair, do this in sections moving from underneath to the top. I recommend using a brush to do this. Be sure your hair is very saturated.
4. When it’s time to rinse, use cold water and keep the back of your hair clipped or pulled back. Lean your head forward and rinse to prevent any bleeding.
5. Enjoy your new fun look! 

Color Melts:

Color melts can be applied to any sectioned portion of hair, whether that is all over color, money pieces, peek-a-boos, etc., and can include as many colors as you want. Just make sure you are using complementary colors so when you blend them, they work together! A color melt is exactly what it is called- you are melting or blending each color into the next. 

@Ciarasikes created this rainbow color melt

How to create a color melt at home:

1. Section hair into the style you want to do the color melt on.
2. Take a smaller section of hair and clip up the rest, sectioning from the base of the section to the top of your head.
3. Apply the color you are using for the top of the melt at the root, making downward strokes with the brush. Apply as far down as you want for that color.  
4. With the second color, apply starting about a centimeter from the end of the previous color. If you are only using 2 colors, apply all of the way to the ends of each section. If you are using more than two colors, apply as far down as you want each color section to go, and apply the last color to the ends.
5. With a gloved hand or brush, blend the two colors filling in the gap. The colors will mix creating an ombre gradient so there is no banding in the melt.

AF pro tip: Make sure you are making each color block the same size for an even melt for each hair section for an even look! 

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Here is a video for multi-colored rainbow color melt!

There are so many color placements and mixes you can create using Arctic Fox, but these are some of the trendiest placements for the summer! You can even get creative with combining all of them, like a color melt on a split dye, split dyed money pieces, or a combination of all three! What color color placement are you going to try next?

@gontscharowaa in Ginger Flare

Thinking about taking the big leap this summer and dyeing your hair red? Red is a very symbolic color in many cultures representing life, health, war, danger, and even love. It is considered to be a statement hair color choice. So what exactly does dyeing your hair red entail? Let’s chat on a need to know basis!

Red Hair Maintenance 

The common problem that seems to come up with red hair is that it takes a lot of time, money, and effort to maintain. It’s not as tricky as it seems. A good hair trick is to add some of your hair dye, (Arctic Fox Hair Color Wrath is always a good choice) into your conditioner to give your hair a quick pick me up every time you wash your hair. You also will want to reduce how often you wash your hair every week. Keep water at a warm temperature, not too hot or cold, to prevent hair damage. Add these small changes to your wash routine to maintain the vibrancy of that fiery head of red hair!

@bhaddmakeuphabityt in Poison

Get Bright Red Hair 

So what steps can you take to achieve that vivacious bold red hair? You’re in luck if you’ve never dyed your hair before. Going bright red is very possible without bleaching your hair when you are dyeing virgin hair. If your natural virgin hair is extremely dark just opt for a higher developer! Now, color won’t lift color! So if you’ve recently dyed your hair any pastels or purples prepare to have to go through a process. You will most likely have to use a color remover to help get some of that pastel color off. You might be able to achieve a more bronzy color on your first go. If you’re looking for a super bright look you will need to bleach your hair to lighten it up to create a blank canvas for that hair dye. Opt for Arctic Fox Hair Color in Poison for that ultimate Rihanna red look!

@faux_face_maker in Poison

Tips and Tricks for Redheads

If you’re a newly red hair goddess and just looking for some advice on being a redhead we’ve definitely got your back! First, use sulfate free shampoo! Sulfate shampoos tend to do more stripping of color than anything else, so steer clear. Harsh UV rays are notorious for fading almost anything, so opt for thoroughly spritzing your hair with UV protectant before basking in the sun! Keep yourself on a retouch schedule. Sometimes we can forget and suddenly our red hair is truly on its last leg. Keeping yourself accountable to retouching will help keep your locks looking fresh.

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 @dos_of_jos refreshing her red hair with Wrath and Ritual

Make a statement this summer with that fiery red hair! Now that you’ve got some tips and tricks to long lasting red tresses you’re ready to take on this new persona.  Shop all Arctic Fox Hair Red Semi Permanent hair dyes here!

There’s nothing like the brilliant heat of the summer months that inspires us to reinvent ourselves, try a brighter color, or hit refresh on our favorite look. With beach days and pool parties ahead, nothing is more needed than a fool-proof summer hair care routine to make sure your color lasts as long as possible and shines as bright as the sun! Lucky for you, we’ve got all the hacks you need to keep your color vibrant and lasting.

1. Shower Safely 

The number one rule when it comes to caring for color is washing your strands with cold or lukewarm water, no matter the time of year. Hot water can dry out your hair, causing it to feel brittle and look more dull. You might also want to try a filter for your shower head to avoid the harsh minerals that some water contains which could lead to your color fading quicker. 

2. Stock Up on Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

The pair that’s ALWAYS good for your hair, is a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner - like our Resurrected Shampoo and Conditioner! They’re packed with amino acids and antioxidants for an extra boost of much-needed hydration. Carefully massage your scalp with shampoo, rinse with lukewarm water, and coat the ends of your hair with conditioner. Sulfate-free products help your hair retain its natural moisture to prevent the loss of natural shine and softness, so finding your winning shampoo and conditioner combo is totally essential for maintaining the vibrancy of color and keeping your hair texture moisturized and soft rather than dry and brittle.

3. Give Your Hair Some Extra TLC 

While there’s lot of hair products on the market that can help repair your split ends (hey, Money Hunny), or refresh your unwashed hair in a single spritz (enter Vacay Volumizing Dry Shampoo), there’s nothing quite like a good hair mask to take your hair texture from good to ah-mazing! Swap out your regular conditioner for a hair mask in the shower, or spoil your hair to self-care with a hair mask treatment a few times a week. Our Pool Party Hair Mask does all of the above and smells divine - when you include her in your routine your hair will thank you forever. 

4. Pool Day Prep

Going underwater isn’t great for colored hair, but there’s no way our Fox Fam is skipping the beach or missing pool parties! Before you take a dip, minimize salt or chlorine absorption by wetting your hair thoroughly. For bonus points, coat your strands with a hair mask or deep conditioner to protect your hair from the damage wreaked by pool or sea water. And you guessed it, Pool Party will do the trick! After all, she is the real life of the party.

5. Don’t Forget Your SPF!

SPF for your hair is JUST as important as it is for your skin. Fight off sun damage and dryness with a thorough spritz of protection from the OG Hair Perfume and UV Protectant. Not only will your hair smell amazing, you’re adding on an essential layer of protection that your colored strands absolutely need if they’re going to be out in the sun. 

6. Hit Refresh Real Quick

For all our bleached babes who want to fight off brassy tones, add a drop of Purple AF into your conditioner to create toner that will combat any bleached brassiness. If you have a single color, add a drop of the corresponding shade to your conditioner for a quick refresh when you hit the shower! Water and sun exposure will fade your color, and while all AF dyes are created to look stunning even as they fade, you might want to keep a little extra color on hand for when you want to up the vibrancy. 

7. Rock That Natural Look!

Embrace your natural hair texture and ditch the hot tools. We all know that using heat excessively on your hair causes damage that affects the shine and texture of your hair and can even impact how the next color you try actually looks on your locks. Rock an effortless summer style with a new hairstyle, or by fully embracing your natural look for hair that’s healthier and shinier than ever! 

Are you ready to take on your hair color journey from home? Dyeing your hair at home allows for so much creativity with your look, and with the right products and techniques, you can achieve stunning, salon-worthy results. In this guide, we'll explore the must-have tools and techniques that will help you achieve your dream hair!

Choosing the Right Products:

1) Bleach, Please: The foundation for any vibrant hair color transformation, Bleach, Please by Arctic Fox is a powerful, yet gentle bleach kit designed to lighten your hair before applying your desired color. With its unique formula, Bleach Please minimizes damage and ensures a clean canvas for any vibrant colors.

2) Color Mixing Tools: Unleash your creativity with AF’s bowls and brushes! These essential accessories allow you to customize your hair color by creating unique shades and hues. Mix different Arctic Fox shades together to create your signature color or experiment with the color wheel to achieve your dream look.

Preparing for the Dyeing Process:

1) Protecting Your Skin and Clothes: Before starting the dyeing process, we recommend applying  petroleum jelly along your hairline and wearing an old shirt or a color cape to prevent staining.

2) Strand Test: Perform a strand test to determine the exact processing time and final color result. Take a small section of hair and follow the dyeing process to ensure you achieve the perfect color.

The Dyeing Process:

1) Applying the Bleach: Follow the instructions provided with Bleach, Please to prepare and apply the bleach mixture evenly throughout your hair. Make sure to saturate thoroughly to avoid uneven patches!

2) Rinsing and Conditioning: Once the desired level of lightness is achieved, rinse the bleach thoroughly and apply a deep conditioner to nourish your hair (we recommend our Pool Party Hair Mask). This step helps restore moisture and minimize damage caused by the bleaching process.

3) Color Application: Now comes the fun part! Apply your chosen Arctic Fox shade(s) using a brush or gloved hands. Start from the roots and work your way down, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. For a more subtle result, mix your desired color(s) with Arctic Mist Diluter, which allows you to create pastel shades or tone down intensity of our dyes.

4) Processing Time: Follow the recommended processing time on the Arctic Fox packaging OR leave your color on even longer. Our dyes are created with no harsh chemicals or ammonia, so the longer you wait, the more nourished your hair will feel! Use this time to relax and let the color do its thing.

Aftercare and Maintenance:

1) Shampooing and Conditioning: After the recommended processing time, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (like our Resurrected Shampoo and Conditioner) to maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your color.

6) Extend the Color: To refresh your color or maintain vibrancy, mix a bit of your Arctic Fox dye into your conditioner and refresh while you shower as often as you’d like!

With the right products and techniques, dyeing your hair at home can be so much fun! Arctic Fox offers a HUGE range of products to help you achieve your dream hair color at home. Whether you're using Bleach, Please for a stunning light base or experimenting with Arctic Mist Diluter for a personalized touch, your DIY hair dyeing journey starts here. Happy dyeing!

[Disclaimer: Before dyeing your hair, it's important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with the products. Conduct a patch test to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivities. In case of uncertainty or concerns around mixing your own shades, consult our color specialists!]

@rubyhair3 in Wrath, Virgin Pink, Electric Paradise, Sunset Orange

Want to start getting creative with your AF shades and don’t know where to start? Well take a deep breath because you are exactly where you need to be 💕 The last thing we want to do is overwhelm you, so allow us to ease you into some information and a few of my favorite beginner friendly mixes to achieve a custom shade! 

Pro Tip ✨: It is important that before applying a mix of shades to your hair that you perform a strand test to be sure the outcome on your hair is what you’re looking for. It is much easier to adjust the shades in the bowl than it is after you’ve already colored your hair ☺️

Let’s first go over the 5 things to ask yourself before you color your hair and understanding the best AF colors for your undertone, as this is the best place to start, if you’re unsure. Now, if you aren’t familiar with the color wheel, here’s a full explanation on how to easily understand the magic of mixing! Once you’ve got an understanding of this, you’re ready to go.

Purple AF: Purple is a VERY versatile color simply because it’s a combination of warm and cool tones, made with red and blue. Just about any color or mix can include Purple AF for added depth and can also be used for color correcting, fixing brassy tones, adding to blue dye to counteract green results OR you can add a few drops to your conditioner to create your own purple shampoo! Moral of the story, if you’re a custom color addict like us or you’re just beginning your custom color journey, purple is a must-have so let’s jump right in!

For a deep cobalt hue, use a half-and-half ratio of Purple AF and Poseidon, or for a more pigmented shade use Aquamarine instead of Poseidon!

Adding in less purple will achieve this gorgeous blue, so I’d recommend starting with a base of Poseidon and adding in small amounts of Purple AF until you’ve reached your desired shade. 

However, for a more purple leaning shade, I’d recommend a base of Purple AF and slowly incorporating your Poseidon for a “blurple”! 

Now, if you didn’t know already, purples look SO good with other purples and Purple AF is the perfect shade to punch up our other purple shades. For example, here is a base of Girl’s Night + Purple AF for a vibrant indigo:

@ashley_the_fairy_color_mother

More Purple AF mixes: 

Basically, Purple AF is a necessity when it comes to mixing and can also be used to cover leftover green, red, orange, or blue tones that simply won't budge 🍇  💅

Pro Tip ✨: If you haven’t noticed it by now, when mixing, we suggest using the lighter shade as your base and adding the more pigmented shade in smaller amounts to not overpower your lighter base shade. This allows you to control the colors easily! 

Ritual: This color is a gorgeous burgundy all on its own, but today we wanted to showcase some of the awesome mixes you can create with this versatile tone! Whether you’re looking for a deep, dark red, or a soft, smoky pink, the possibilities are limitless. 

Base of Poison and added in Ritual for this hot look 🤤

Believe it or not, this mix of Sunset Orange, with a bit of Cosmic Sunshine and a drop of Ritual created this must have ginger shade 🤩

A moment for Ritual alone because she’s stunning 👏

🤤 Okay okay okay. We still have so many mixes to get to! 🏃‍♀️

How about a base of Ritual and Wrath for when you’re feeling a merlot moment? I’ll cheers to that 🍷

More Ritual Mixes: 

Note: Arctic Mist is not a dye, toner, or lightening product. This diluter will have no effect on the hair if applied by itself - it’s meant to be mixed with other colors to create custom shades.

Up next… Aquamarine! 

Aquamarine is one of our most pigmented blues with aquamarine/teal undertones. If you’re looking for an easy to mix shade, this is it! Starting strong with one of my favorite Aquamarine mixes: 
Aquamarine + Phantom Green 🌱: The jewel toned green can be achieved by combining two super pigmented shades! Starting with Phantom Green, slowly incorporate small drops at a time of Aquamarine for an unreal shade, guaranteed to turn heads.

I mean, c’mon! …

If you’re wanting more of a blue mix, we have this Poseidon + Aquamarine mix, which is a base of Poseidon and slowly incorporates Aquamarine until you get to your preferred custom shade.

For an extra deep blue, try Blue Jean Baby + Aquamarine 👇 Lots of Blue Jean Baby and small add-ins of Aquamarine. 

Maybe you want something on the lighter/softer side? PERFECT because this next mix is just that and it’s gorgeous! 

Diluted Aquamarine and Neverland (base of Neverland + drops at a time of Aquamarine + Diluted using our Arctic Mist Diluter) 

You could also try adding in a bit of Iris Green to your Aquamarine + Neverland mix (without diluter).

One of the last shades that I’d like to showcase is Sunset Orange. It may not seem like it at first, but Sunset Orange is a surprisingly versatile shade and can be used in lots of different mixes for custom colors! As you may or may not know, she is BRIGHT and on her own, this shade is a jaw dropper. However, let’s unveil some of these mixes, shall we? 😏 Buckle up, Fox Fam.. She’s coming in HOT!

Sunset Orange + small drop of Cosmic Sunshine.

Sunset Orange + 2 drops or so of Cosmic Sunshine

Sunset Orange + Purple AF for a rich red

Looking for an even spicier red? How about a base of Poison + Sunset Orange added in? 

Sunset Orange + Electric Paradise? Yes, please! This mix can be used to achieve that peachy vibe 🍑

I hope you enjoyed these simple custom mixes and we can’t wait to make more of these! 

Let us know your favorite color recipes with Sunset Orange, Ritual, Aquamarine and Purple AF in the comments!

Need more inspo pics before making a decision? Check out our Instagram for tons of inspiration! And of course, if you ever have any questions or need help mixing up the perfect custom shade, send us an email at support@arcticfoxusa.com. We’re always here to help 🫶 

 Happy coloring, Fox Fam! 🎨