AF Blog

@violentinside in Purple AF and Transylvania

Taking that first dip into vivids might sound a bit scary…but it definitely doesn’t have to be! AF dyes are totally safe for your hair (vegan, cruelty-free, and they deep condition!) so you never have to think twice before you take the plunge. Whether you’re going for the coveted purple hair with Purple AF, a deeper red with Wrath, or a classic ginger with Ginger Flare, we have ALL the tips to make your first time experimenting with hair dye well worth the wait. So let’s get started with those first timer tips, shall we? 

Before you get started with hair dye, you’ll need to know the color of your current hair and what shades are going to work for you - aka your hair level! If you’re thinking, WTF is a hair level anyway? Don’t worry! We’ll break it all down for you. Simply put, it’s the current color of your hair, and it fully impacts how the color will take to your strands. Hair level ranges from a deep black at level 1 all the way up to a white platinum shade at 10+. Your own natural hair color will fall somewhere along this gamut of options, and if you need some help finding it, this blog has it fully covered for you! 

Hair Dyes that Work for Your Hair Level

Your best strategy for a first time dye is sticking to the most pigmented and deeper shades, and not pastels or lighter colors. We know that pretty pastel is everyone’s envy, but they shine best on pre-lightened hair, so if you’ve never had your fun with bleach, you'll want to choose the semi-permanent colors that don’t require this step.  

The best part of using strong, pigmented shades is that they take easily to almost any hair base - giving you the best chance of an amazing result on your first attempt with color.  

The next part of your hair color master plan is to choose the right pigmented shade for you. We’re about to dive in with color inspo, and spill all the deets on which AF shades will work for our brunette, blonde, or red haired Foxes! 

Best Hair Color Shades for Brunettes 

Brunettes usually line up on the hair level range between 4-6, so the best colors to dress those tresses would be the deeper, warmer shades of the AF rainbow. You’ll rock a gorgeous tint of your chosen color on level 4 hair, without having to use any bleach! And when the sun hits…O.M.G. 😍

✨AF Pro Tip✨: The deeper the brown the more likely the color will show up subtly. A strand test is your best bet to see exactly how the colors will translate to those locks!

Ritual offers a deliciously dark purple that will look beautiful over a brown hair base. This shade is daring enough for brunette’s taking the first step into hair coloring, but it’s also classy enough to graciously take center stage at any and all events. 

If you’re a brunette and like the idea of going red, try stepping into the warm glow of Wrath. She’s a red cherry shade that offers brown-haired Foxes a risk free route to switch up their style. Thanks to her warming tones, Wrath compliments your brown hair level perfectly.  

Another stop off on the purple section of the color spectrum and we find a bold, true purple. Purple AF is an intense all-out look but one that definitely works on a brunette base. If you’re interested in greens and blues the good news is your brown shade can take these cold colors too. Check out Poseidon, Aquamarine, and Phantom Green. Ready to pull off the look of your dreams? 

Best Hair Color Shades for Redheads 

If you’re a Fox with natural red hair, well we’re in AWE! Red is one of our fave hair colors, but if you’re looking to switch it up, you can experiment with a whole range of new colors too. 

But, there is a small catch. Redheads often find that their hair holds its natural pigment more firmly than other hair colors. (Hair can be stubborn like that). The hair color might not take in the same way as with blonde or brunette bases, but do a strand test first and you’ll get your answers. If the strand test works as intended, you’re all set to give your new shade the go ahead.  

Of course, there is also the option to lighten your hair first using Bleach, Please, our hair lightening kit! We get that bleaching might feel scary given it’s your first time dyeing your hair - but Bleach, Please is an easy DIY method to ease yourself into it. Just make sure you use gloves and follow all our instructions (like avoiding your roots!) for a smooth transition into lighter locks. If you’re not down to go that route, we still have some shades that we think would look ah-mazing on you!  

Purple AF is a shade that will definitely work over your natural red hair and give your tresses a whole new dimension. If you want to go a little darker on the spectrum, Poseidon offers a blue hue, which when poured over natural red hair can appear a little purplish in color. It’s a shade that will totally WORK IT on our red-heads. 

If you want to enhance those fiery locks, try on Poison, Ginger Flare, or Sunset Orange! Because of their orange and auburn tones, they absolutely STUN on a red hair base. Virgin Pink poured over red hair can give a light, natural ginger, too! Who knew!? 

Best Hair Color Shades for Natural Blondes

Natural blonde hair is at the lighter end of the hair level range, falling between 7 and 10+ on the spectrum. To break that down just a bit more, 7 is a dark blonde, 8 is blonde, 9 light blond, and 10+ platinum!

Sunset Orange will come through slightly differently depending on how light your blonde hair is. For Foxes with medium blonde hair, you can expect a deep-red orange. For lighter blonde hair expect a stronger hue, delivering more of the red undertones of this stunner.

Phantom Green shows up wonderfully on lightened hair, however if you have medium to darker blonde hair, this shade will still look unreal and deliver a more subtle emerald nuance to your strands. 

Aquamarine is a delightfully intense blue shade that will have you dreaming of mermaid hair and crashing ocean waves. The good thing about using a blue shade like this on blonde hair is that it will hold the color for a while, so you can take time to enjoy that new shade to its full potential. 

Once you're ready to move to a new hair color, the blue can be gradually faded out with sulfate-free shampoos. Once it’s faded you can transition to a new hue, you can find complementary colors on the color wheel and cocktail up some stunning hair color combos! 

Because purple is a complimentary shade on the color wheel it works wonderfully well over blue. Purple AF, Periwinkle, and Girls Night are some of our fave purple shades to work over the top of faded out Aquamarine. 

Certain shades of green including turquoise or teal, can create a vibrant and mermaid-like appearance when combined with blue hair. Phantom Green and Neverland can deliver a rich green hue over a faded blue shade amplifying that sea-maiden siren vibe. A final tantalizing option for covering faded blue hair is to go pink! Try Virgin Pink over blue if you want something that really pops with a bubblegum pink shade. 

Whether it’s your first time dyeing, or your one thousandth, keep those looks comin’ and tag us at @arcticfoxhaircolor. We LOVE to see it! 

@bluepixiie in Aquamarine

@emma.cairo in Virgin Pink 

@honeybeecolorcollective in Wrath, Ritual, Poison

@yadeemua in Purple AF and Sunset Orange

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. 🥰

Fam. We spent all of 2023 looking back on how far we’ve come since the launch of Arctic Fox and the deep connections we’ve made with each other. The best part? We’ve had the chance to highlight all the work we’ve done with our rescues in the last 10 years and show you the impact YOU have helped make in the lives of our furry friends. 

Arctic Fox's Ongoing Commitment to Fighting Animal Cruelty

We’re super proud that we are able to use our platform to give back, obviously you know by now that 15% of our net profits go directly to preventing animal cruelty and promoting animal welfare. 

It feels awesome AF for us to be able to contribute to spreading awareness on animal welfare and know that we are partnered with organizations who’ve made it their mission to rescue animals all over the world. YOU, our Fox Fam, and your love of our amazing products are the main reasons we are able to do this work. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

We’ve partnered with various organizations over the years, including Viva Rescue, Judith A Bassett Canid Education and Conservation Center (JABCECC), Second Chance Rescue, Farm Sanctuary, Pup Culture Rescue, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and so many others. 

The projects we donate to are able to make a real difference in the lives of animals. In April 2022 we were able to assist IFAW in their efforts to help those fleeing the war in Ukraine with their pets. Over the years we have made several donations to Viva Rescue. Our impact helped Viva secure a new horse trailer to properly transport horses in need to their facility, build a beautiful chicken paradise and so much more.  

But…. rather than talk about us, we’d like to give a big shout out to the work of our animal rescue partners here and tell you a little bit more about the great work each organization is doing. We hope you continue to be inspired to live colorfully with us so we can keep up all this amazing work!  

JABCECC

The Judith A Bassett Canid Education and Conservation Center is home to rescued canids - members of the dog family: wolves, jackals, foxes (including Arctic Foxes!), coyotes, and domestic dogs. Most of these canids are rescued from fur farms, medical research, or the exotic animal pet trade. Aside from rescuing and housing animals, JABCECC travels all over the country with Lucan, their DorkWorld Ambassador (yes, he’s a real life wolf), educating the public about these amazing creatures to help protect them and create a brighter future. 

Our partnership has led to the building of an Arctic Fox Villa for Freddy Snowballs. The new enclosure is currently starting construction and the space will be dedicated to the arctic foxes the center has rescued. The new villa will be complete with an underground igloo for the foxes to stay cool in the summer! The enclosure will provide the foxes with a safe home environment to thrive with everything they need. We are SO excited to go back and visit! 

If you’d like to read a little more about JABCECC and our work with them you can check out our previous projects.  

Viva Rescue 

Located in Menifee, California, Viva is run by Kalli and Maya who rescue and rehab animals on a daily basis. The Viva mission is to provide unwavering care to farm animals and equines that have suffered from abuse, neglect and extreme medical conditions or birth defects. 

There’s too many heartwarming stories from this rescue, we couldn’t stop thinking about Thomas the Lamb after our visit! But first up, let’s meet Olivia. 

Olivia the goat was dying of septic arthritis and needed urgent medical care to survive. At Viva’s Sanctuary she received urgent lifesaving medical support including a blood transfusion. With support, physical therapy and the assistance of her wheelchair, she was able to thrive and learn to walk after healing! 

Olivia’s favorite activities include playing on the goat seesaw and eating (sounds good to us!)  Olivia also loves hanging with the amazing Viva volunteers! Because of our consistent donations, Viva Rescue were able to say yes to saving Olivia when they got the call. We LOVE this happy outcome for Olivia. 

We fell in LOVE with a little but incredible lamb named Thomas during our recent trip to see the team at Viva Rescue. Thomas needed specialized treatment to overcome some severe health challenges. He arrived at Viva at just one day old, after being born on a farm with his legs deformed, the farm vet recommended euthanizing him. He was unable to walk and even the vets at Viva were not sure he would make it, but the sanctuary gave him all the medical care he needed and helped him learn to walk again giving him a second chance at a healthy and fulfilling life. Our donations and your support made all this possible. Way to go Fox Fam!  

We previously donated $50,000 to Viva Global Rescue to assist with their mission of providing professional rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary to horses and animals in need.⁠ This donation sponsored the care of four horses in their sanctuary for one year as well as bringing in two additional horses. This includes high quality food, supplements, bedding, medical care and any other financial needs. We also partnered with Viva to build a chicken paradise. This included chicken coops, a chicken quarantine area, a large fully enclosed predator proof run, and an enrichment area.

Second Chance Animal Rescue 

Second Chance is a unique kind of animal rescue organization that provides programs to help make lives better for pets, and helps them find their forever home. 

The rescue improves the lives of over 44,000 pets every year, and offers facilities such as subsidized animal hospitals for low or no cost treatment for sick and injured animals as part of the Community Healthy Pet Initiative. 

Second Chance also provides shelter for animals alongside a program to help prevent overpopulation through spaying and neutering services, and education.

Our donations made it possible for animals like Charlie and Prancer to lead amazing healthy lives.

Charlie came to Second Chance with a broken leg but is now on his way to a full recovery. With his new found ability to use his leg more normally now, we will be able to live his best puppy life in no time.

It's been almost a year since Prancer came to Second Chance in pain. He had fallen through a grate onto a cement pad one story below, fracturing his femur. With the help of their vets, he made a full recovery and was adopted by a loving family who shared an update on him when he turned one last month:

"Our little Ozzy once Prancer at SCAS just turned one!  He has made such a great addition to our family!  Dr Cormier fixed his leg and he now enjoys running around keeping up with his kitty brother and canine sisters!!"

We remain extremely grateful for the work of the rescue organizations and their volunteers as well as our readers. You truly are our biggest supporters! Choosing non toxic, cruelty-free hair color from a brand with a commitment to donating to animal rescues can and does have a HUGELY positive impact on the lives of animals. 

And next time you’re looking for a hot new hair color and want to do even more good in the world, visit the Arctic Fox website and keep dyeing for a cause.

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

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!

The Fox Fam are already totally head over heels in love with the awesome AF hair color range. But hold up, there’s more?! Yup. 

NEED more of THOSE bright colors? Sure you do. Want even more intricate shades, patterns, and prints, but this time for your nails? Well, duh! 

That’s why we’ve been mixing up some of our most popular shades into the Foxology collection of nail lacquers with all the bold AF colors you know. Sprinkle in patterns and prints and your nails can become a canvas with unlimited possibilities; you can paint almost anything your mind can imagine. 

Before you unleash your nail art work worthy of the Louvre, we need to do a little basic prep, but don’t worry we’ve made it simple to follow, even for Nail Art novices. 

Nail Art: The Basics 

Start With a Clean, Dry Base 

Just like when dyeing your hair, you’ll want to always start off your nail art with clean, dry nails. 

Visionaries like us (tongue slightly in cheek) need a clean slate to work with. Start by scrubbing away any old polish to reveal your blank canvas. But it’s not quite time to dip the brush into the paint yet.

First up, cleanse the nail bed to make sure your nails are clean underneath too, because this will not only give you healthier nails, but also a better overall look once you add your custom nail art. We always use lukewarm water to soak and clean under nails to reduce the drying impact on the skin and prevent aging (it’s totally preferable to scorching your skin in molten hot water). We’re always looking out for you, Fox.

Now, you might want to trim and file your nails BEFORE painting to get them in tip-top shape for your design. Since you're creating nail art, try not to cut them too short -  you might need that extra real estate to work with for your exquisite patterns. 

Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon have a perfect clean surface to add a base coat before you add polish!

Use a Base Coat 

You’ll want to set up the right foundations for your inner Picasso with a base coat. Apply one layer of base coat and allow it to completely dry before moving forward. *Waits impatiently* *Twiddles thumbs* 

Base coats are usually clear or slightly bluish in color and protect your nails from getting stained or damaged by nail polish and other nail art materials. The long story short is, your base coat will help the polish stay in place longer, without chipping the design, so it’s kind of a must have if you want your dazzling nail display to last. 

We have a fab base coat with all the juicy and healthy vitamins you nails need to thrive in our Foxology line up. It sets things up perfectly, ready for your masterpieces. (Muse entirely optional). 

Intricate Designs 

For intricate designs, make sure your base layer is fully dry and has enough coats (2- 3 usually works) this will make your design easier to realize and it will last MUCH longer. 

Fox Pro Tip: Plan out your design! It’s easy to get carried away and jump right into painting, but.... planning the execution of intricate designs before-hand and knowing what you want to create step-by-step usually results in something more beautiful and refined. 

Here’s another couple of pointers for your application technique. 

Ombre

If you’re going for an ombre effect, use a sponge. Apply the polish with the sponge from the tip of the nail downwards with a tapping or pressing motion. 

With the first coat decide where the ombre line will finish. Use a clean side of the sponge to dab and fade out the finishing line. Finally, apply a second coat over the top section of the nail and gently fade it out to blend in with the previous coat and achieve the ombre pattern to faded perfection. 

Need a little more ombre inspo? Try out Sunset Orange and Cosmic Sunshine for an ombre that’s prettier than a sunset. Or completely switch temperatures and blend Periwinkle into Sheer Nude for a cool blue and white winter ombre tone. 

Patterns

To shape intricate designs on your nails with patterns use a much smaller pointed brush to have greater control over the lines and artwork you create. You are working in a small space so it makes sense to use a smaller tool, right!? 

For bonafide proof this works, check out how @nailartbysig created this awesome blood drip effect design ready for Halloween with Foxology shades and a fine brush. It’s the inspo you need! 

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And there’s more. @nailartbysig has been maxing out the potential of the Foxology collection with some delicious color and pattern combos. 

Going as a “Pink Lady” with your crew this Halloween? This powerful pink mix of Frose and Virgin Pink has us calling our squad immediately. With a unique pattern on each nail this look has some added complexity that we find completely satisfying. 

@nailartbysig in Frosé and Virgin Pink

Next up, let’s take a look at this perfect autumnal blend. Purples, oranges, and a frosted pink help set up an impressive display for your digits. This design is anything but uniform, with block colors contrasted with a small circle dot on each nail. There’s even room for a seasonal ghost wearing a witches hat for Halloween. Loving your work! 

@nailartbysig in Sunset Orange, Frosé, and Purple AF

Blue Jean Baby with a single stand out leopard print pattern is the flawless go to design when you want to unleash your Queen of the jungle phase.

@jadetoblack in Aquamarine and Blue Jean Baby

Want to add a little pop to your prints? Try this kaleidoscopic design from @jadetoblack in Aquamarine, Phantom Green, Cosmic Sunshine, Poison, and Virgin Pink to add complexity and contrast. 

@jadetoblack in Aquamarine, Phantom Green, Cosmic Sunshine, Poison, and Virgin Pink

Finally, why not try making waves and your friends green with envy via this Phantom Green and Frosé combo.  Block forest green colors are contrasted with a single digit in Frosé with a wavy Phantom Green line pattern. 

@jadetoblack in Phantom Green and Frosé

Want to inspire someone else with your artistic flair? Paint a colorful picture for the rest of the Fox Fam by tagging us @arcticfoxhaircolor.