AF Blog

If you’ve ever tried our Purple AF hair dye before, you know she is the QUEEN of the AF hair color rainbow 🌈 Reigning high as our best selling hair dye, there’s no doubt why she’s held the crown for so long! 🥇👑 You may be asking yourself, “soo who is she”? If you haven’t met her yet, it’s truly an HONOR to introduce you! 

💜 Purple AF is a beautiful deep, yet vibrant purple hair color. While it looks relatively dark, it will still show up as an extremely vivid, intense purple hair color on a lightened base. Hair level should be at least a 7 if you’re looking the brightest and boldest purple. However, Purple AF hair color on a darker base will still achieve a visible purple tint (especially in the sunlight ☀️ because she definitely falls in the range of vivid hair dyes)! In fact, Purple AF is one of our best hair dye options for tinting unbleached hair. Let us show you what we mean… 

Purple AF on a lightened base is definitely giving… ‘Grape Goddess’ 🤤🍇

As you may notice, Purple AF hair dye will give a hint of a dark purple hue to a brunette base. It can even tint medium or dark brown hair with more of a deep eggplant or burgundy hue. Click here to watch this fox transform her brunette base into a deep purple!

If you’re not sure what hair level you are, take a glance below for a hair level chart! 👇

Levels 6-8 may be tricky to gauge what colors would appear best, so we pulled our favorite shades for level 6-8 hair for you here!

Now that you’ve officially met Purple AF, let’s just run through some other questions you may have about why this is quite literally the best purple hair color on the market.

What’s So Special About Purple AF? 

• Our colorful collection of semi-permanent hair dyes are special in their own way, but something they ALL have in common is the deeply hydrating formula with zero harsh chemicals, leaving your hair feeling totally soft post-dye. 
• Did we mention that delicious grape scent? Yep, we know our Foxes love to change it up frequently, so we made sure that our dyes would smell delicious just for you. We love using Purple AF and getting whiffs of grape because it feels like we’re completely immersed in purple grape glory. 
• Purple AF was one of the very first colors that launched Arctic Fox and it has been a best seller ever since. This color is SO versatile as it can cover several hair bases, create stunning mixes and melts, used as a toner (what?!), has a gorgeous fade, and is highly pigmented. She makes our list of “Best Colors for Unbleached Hair,” and “Best Shades for First Time Dyers,” plus we’ll show you some of the magical mixes she can make.
• We talk a lot about trends that come and go each season, but one thing remains true - Purple AF is timeless. This color is so gorgeous she’s in a league of her own and truly never goes out of style, especially with those violet undertones. We’ve seen some Foxes who have adopted Purple AF as their very own signature color and we get it, we live and dye by purple too. 
• Purple AF sits just between cool and warm tones on the color wheel. Because of those violet undertones, her complementary color is yellow which is why Purple AF hair dye can also be used to help tone. 

Let’s Get Faded With Purple AF

Like we said, her fade is GORGEOUS. Our purples are formulated to fade in more of a pink range over time (and then eventually silver on platinum hair). However, a true purple like Purple AF on a platinum base can also fade … You guessed it, PURPLE!  It’s important to note that the fade out depends highly on your hair level and undertones, so be certain to factor it all in and perform a handy dandy strand test!

Practically Purple Perfection

Purple AF is practically flawless, BUT if you’re not paying attention to the color wheel, fading, hair health or hair levels, it might not achieve your dream shade. Maybe Purple AF turned out a bit too dark for your taste? Try washing your hair in warm water to help speed up the fade, or use some Purple AF hair color with Arctic Mist Diluter for your next application to achieve a more medium purple result! 😌 Arctic Mist Diluter and Purple AF is one of the most gorgeous mixes you can make.

you add more and more Arctic Mist Diluter. (ex: Far right is a base of Arctic Mist Diluter and just a drop or two of Purple AF) 💜🤍

Purple AF As a Cover Up

Purple AF is a go-to when we’re looking to cover up another hair color. We love to paint over any pinks, greens and blues using Purple AF. Keep in mind, painting over blue will get you more of a burgundy depending on how faded it is! Our personal favorite is the way Purple AF covers Virgin Pink! 🤩

Like .. c’mon! 💕⏩💜

Purple AF Loves Our Gray Haired Foxes

We get this question a TON and our gray-haired foxes truly love Purple AF. Since gray hair tends to be more coarse and the hair follicles create less oil, it does make it harder for the color to stick. However, we’ve seen a lot of success with customers using our more pigmented shades for grays, to achieve the perfect tint of color! 

🎨Purple AF Hair Dye Custom Mixes 🎨

Now for the fun part! If you’re a DIY-expert and custom color fanatic like us, Purple AF is a must-have! She can be used to create some of the most gorgeous and unexpected color mixes. 

Let’s jump in! 🏊♀️

Midnight Blue

This is one of our most requested Fox Fam mixes and of course Purple AF is part of the recipe. Start off with level 10 hair and mix together 1/2 ratio of Aquamarine Hair Dye + 1/2 Purple AF Hair Dye. The amount you use is going to depend on your hair length, but that’s your ratio to get this deep, gorgeous blue. If you’re looking to achieve a cooler blue hue, you’ll want to add just a little more Aquamarine hair dye!🌀🫐

Fiery Fuschia

Starting with level 10 hair, you’ll want to start off with Frosé hair dye in your mixing bowl. Add a drop of Purple AF hair dye and a drop of Ritual hair dye. Mix it all together and perform a strand test to be sure you’re getting this electric, yet soft purple color! ⚡️🦄

Fiery Cowboy Copper

One of the HOTTEST colors to date. Almost every Fox we know has asked for this mix and it’s true, Purple AF is needed to nail it. This mix works on hair levels 8-10 and starts with Ginger Flare hair dye. Starting with a base of Ginger Flare, add a drop or two of Purple AF hair dye to get this highly sought after deep auburn mix! 🌅🥕

Plum Wine

To get this stunning plum shade, you’ll want to start with a base level 10. Starting with a base of Wrath hair color, you’ll want to add a drop or two of Purple AF hair color until you get the perfect deep warm red! 🍓🍷This stunning mix could work for hair levels slightly lower than 10 as well since Wrath and Purple AF are two of our most pigmented dyes. 

Mystical Purple

At first glance, this color looks almost unreal but we promise you can have her all to yourself. Start off with pre-lightened hair to a level 10. Your base is going to be Frosè hair dye, and you’ll add a drop of the not-so-secret ingredient, Purple AF to achieve this eye-popping amethyst purple! 🔮

🎨How the Fox Fam Customizes Purple AF 🎨

@jamjam_beautyco used Purple AF over a brunette base

 @marilanae in Wrath and Purple AF 

@theeglamnaija used Ritual and a bit of Purple AF 🍒

@kunailuv is rocking the Ginger Spice Mix! 🍊🐅

✨ Purple AF’s Versatility ✨  

✨ In general, 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. 

✨ Feel free to leave the dye on for an hour… or a few 😉 Our formula is conditioning and non-damaging, so it’s like putting on a hair mask! Plus, this allows the colors to saturate longer to pull more pigment. Compromising color and hair health is never a struggle when you’re using Arctic Fox hair dyes! 🙅♀️💧

✨ If you’re coloring your hair blue and it appears teal due to some yellow undertones, just add some Purple AF to cancel out the yellow and give you a truer blue shade! We told you, she’s magic. 

✨ Love blue hair but hate a green fade? Add in a touch of Purple AF to prevent a green fade, violá! 

✨ Brassy/yellow tones in your hair when you were aiming for ashy blonde? Add a drop or two of Purple AF and Poseidon to your shampoo and conditioner for a DIY purple shampoo with a light toning effect.

OH, and if you’re looking for a way to truly tone your hair, Purple AF can do that too! 💅 

In a bowl of Arctic Mist, mix a few drops of Poseidon and Purple AF for a DIY hair toner!

Sooo what can’t she do?? Purple AF hair dye is our most popular color for a reason, Fox Fam! Let us know your favorite way to use this queen of color in the comments and as always, let us know if you have any questions! Stay colorful, Fox Fam! 🌈✨💕🤗

Support: support@arcticfoxusa.com

Socials: @arcticfoxhaircolor

Hey, Fox Fam! 🌈✨Having the perfect platinum doesn't stop at the bleach bowl – maintaining beautiful healthy hair after using Bleach, Please is just as important as bleaching properly. 

If you haven’t bleached yet, check out how to use Bleach, Please here, and then come back to learn why post-bleach aftercare is your blonde hair’s new bestie.

@kenzie_teague rocked Bleach, Please for her icy blonde, and added hydration with Money Hunny and Pool Party for air-dried waves. 🏖️

Hair Hydration Post Bleach

Hydrating your hair after bleaching is a MUST. Bleached hair gets a bit dry and fragile because the process opens the cuticle layer of the hair shaft, making moisture harder to lock in. Hydration is like a superhero shield, making your hair flexible, shiny, and less likely to break.  It's the secret sauce for saying bye-bye to those pesky split ends! 🌈✨ Show your hair some love and opt for hydrating products 💁‍♀️🌟 

✨AF Pro Tip✨ Drink water for healthy hair! Hydration isn't just important for your body, it's a game-changer for your hair too! Drinking water keeps your hair cells happy and well-hydrated, ensuring they retain moisture and stay flexible. When your locks are adequately hydrated from the inside, they're less likely to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. So, sip that H2O for hair that's as hydrated as your favorite skincare routine! 💦🌟 

Limit Wash Days

Limited washing is another ingredient in the secret sauce! 🚿💫 Too much shampooing strips away those natural oils that keep your locks glossy and thriving. Spacing out your wash days is the key to preserving those natural oils, maintaining vibrancy, and letting your hair shine - literally! ✨💖 

Enter the game-changer: dry shampoo! 🌬️🌟 Arctic Fox's dynamic duo, Vacay and Road Trip, are your go-to squad for refreshing those strands in between washes. They soak up excess oil, add volume, and keep your hair feeling fresh without the daily washdown. 

How Heat Affects Bleached Hair

Bleached babes, listen up – we already know excessive heat styling and hot water are the villains behind color fading, but they also are one of the biggest threats to bleached hair 🥵! To keep your hair health intact, go easy on hot tools and opt for warm, not scalding, water. Limit heat tool usage to 2-3 times a week at most to prevent damage. When you do use hot tools, stick to lower temperature settings – around 300°F or lower is your hair's happy place.

And here's the golden rule when using a hot tool: always, always use a heat protectant as a shield for your hair! Opt for embracing heatless styles, like braids, buns, sock bun curls, or air-dry with some Money Hunny to tame the frizz, so you can give your locks a break.

Don’t forget, the heat from harmful UV rays contributes to drying and damaging bleached hair. Shield those beach blonde strands from harsh sun with OG hair perfume & UV protectant ☀️ It is made with ingredients like Helioxine, a powerful sun shield derived from sunflowers that also keeps free radicals at bay, and humectants, one of the best hair hydrators🌻Plus, OG Hair Perfume & UV Protectant also has our signature grape scent, just like our dyes 🍇 The only thing that should be super hot, is how you look with your new hair 😏🔥

Hair Products to Use Post-Bleach

1. Hydrating Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner 

Foxes, when it comes to your hair game, always roll with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are the guardians of bleached hair. They're gentle, keeping your hair moisturized and frizz-free without stripping away all those natural oils. Check out AF’s Resurrected Shampoo + Conditioner – it's the sulfate-free fairy godmother your hair's been wishing for. Packed with goodies like argan oil and green tea extract, it's the ultimate combo for strong, shiny, and vibrant tresses. Plus, it's got your back in the color preservation game. No harsh detergents here, just pure love for your mane. And let's be real, nobody wants a red, irritated scalp after bleaching – not cute! Keep it sulfate-free, keep it fresh. 💁‍♂️✨ 

Say hello to your bleached-treated hair's dynamic duo! 💪🚿 

2. Conditioning Masks

Hair masks are heroes for your post-bleach hair! 🦸‍♀️✨ Use them weekly, or even daily if you're feeling extra! 

Arctic Fox’s Pool Party is the ultimate hydration haven 🌴✨ This foaming hair mask isn't just a product; it's a haircare experience. Apply enough to saturate dry hair, leave it in for a blissful 10 minutes (or more!), then rinse and condition. Your hair emerges revitalized, ready to conquer the day. But hold up, the magic doesn't end there – you can also use Pool Party as a leave-in conditioner! Just a dab on wet hair, and boom, you've locked in that moisture all day. 🌊

3. Hair Serums and Oils 

Hit the haircare jackpot and get you some Money Hunny! 💰✨ This serum, armed with Prodew®500, Keravis, and a blend of hydrating oils like argan and avocado, is your MVP for post-bleaching. 🌈💪 Give your locks the love they deserve – add 1-2 pumps, depending on hair length and thickness, from mid-length to ends. Money Hunny is lightweight, so it can (and should) be used daily to keep those locks hydrated and frizz free. 💁‍♀️💖 

Adding a post-bleaching oil routine will level up your hair health 🛢️✨ Use the power trio: argan, avocado, or jojoba (a blend of all of them is great too). They’re all oils that can penetrate the hair shaft – it’s like a spa day for your hair, drenching it in the hydration it craves. The frequency of use depends on your hair type and needs, but generally, using hair oils 1-2 times a week as a treatment or leaving them in overnight can work wonders in restoring vitality to your strands. Just don't OD on the oil, or you might end up with a greasy situation – balance is key! 🌿✨ 

✨AF Pro Tip✨ Add some Money Hunny Repair Serum and oil from mid-length to ends before your wash routine. 🌈💰 This power move shields your locks, keeping that precious moisture locked in. Shampoo, we see you – you're all about cleaning the scalp and roots, right? 👀 But the less shampoo gets to your luscious lengths, the better! 🚿🌟 Keep those tresses hydrated pre-wash, and watch how shampoo won't dry out your hair. 🌊💖

4. Bond Builders

Don't skip the bond-building! 🔗✨ after you've given your locks the bleach treatment, it's time for some real talk about bond builders – the unsung heroes of post-bleach life! 🚀✨ Bond builders are like your hair's repair squad. They help mend any broken bonds caused by bleaching, making sure your hair stays strong. 💪🌈 Think of it as insurance for your strands – when you use it, the more resilience and bounce your hair retains. Your hair will thank you 💖

5. Silk Accessories 

Wearing a silk bonnet or using a silk pillowcase is like giving your bleached hair a VIP treatment while you catch those Zs! 🌙✨ Bleaching makes your tresses more delicate, and silk protects your mane from tangles and breakage. 🦸‍♀️💖 The smooth silk surface is like a cozy hug for your hair, preventing it from getting all tangled up and keeping that fresh bleach job intact. Plus, it's a chic bedtime accessory that adds a touch of glam to your beauty sleep routine! 😴🌟 So, slip on that silk bonnet and pillowcase, dream big, and wake up with hair that's as smooth as the day before.

How Often Can You Bleach Your Hair Without Damage?

1. Understand Your Hair's Limit

Understanding the factors that determine your hair's bleach tolerance is a personal equation involving your hair type, its natural strength, and past treatments. Some of the red flags of over-bleaching: if your once vibrant strands start resembling a tumbleweed, feel straw-like, or if you spot breakage– Your hair's talking to you; listen up and adjust those bleach sessions accordingly 🚫

2. Time Between Bleaching Sessions

When it comes to bleach sessions, don’t push your hair past the limit 🚫⏰ Typically, you should be waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks between bleaching. This golden window lets your hair recharge, repair, and maintain its moisture. However, there's no one-size-fits-all here! 🌈💇‍♀️ We always recommend consulting a professional’s personalized advice. Whether your hair craves a little extra time or is ready for your next color adventure, let the experts guide you. 🌟💖 

✨Achieving and maintaining the perfect platinum locks with Bleach, Please is a journey that extends beyond the initial bleaching process. Your post-bleach aftercare routine is crucial in ensuring your blonde hair remains vibrant, flexible, and healthy. Hydration is the key, and Arctic Fox Hair Care products like AF’s Resurrected Shampoo + Conditioner, Pool Party hair mask, and Money Hunny hair serum play essential roles in keeping your locks nourished and frizz-free. Don't forget that bond builders can help repair and strengthen your hair after the bleaching adventure. Understanding your hair's limit, waiting between bleach sessions, limited washing, and minimizing heat exposure are vital components in the recipe for luscious, long-lasting blonde locks. With the right aftercare routine, your bleached hair can shine with radiance and resilience 💖✨Embrace the journey and slay your way to healthy, happy hair! 💁‍♀️💖 

@marijantunez in Wrath 

New year, new me is a cliché that rings true every year. If you found yourself itching for a glow up the second the clock turned midnight, you’re not the only one! Certain hair color trends are still on the rise, while newer hues are catching our eye. Let’s dive into what’s trending in 2024 and how you can make them trendy AF with Arctic Fox hair color and custom hair dye mixes! 

Hair Color Trends for 2024 

Trend: Peach Blonde 

Peach blonde is expected to heat up this year, which is no surprise considering Peach Fuzz was announced by Pantone as 2024’s Color of the Year. Similar to the muted tones of Strawberry Blonde, Peach Blonde mimics that subtlety in a soft pastel peach tone -  like a peach sorbet! It’s close enough to a red-toned blonde, but still has a beautiful orange hue that softens up the shade just slightly. 

Trendy AF: Peach Sorbet 

This custom mix is a fun, vivid spin on the peach blonde trend, with a bit more pink! Because of the soft hue, you’ll need a minimum level 10 hair. Start with a base of Arctic Mist Diluter, and add in a few drops of Virgin Pink and Neon Moon. Remember, a base of color (or diluter) depends on the length and thickness of your hair! Your base should be determined by the amount of product you’ll need  to cover your hair and mix in the rest of the hair dye according to the ratios specific in the mix recipe! As you mix your peach blonde hair color together, the portion of Virgin Pink and Neon Moon should be equal drops! Add more Virgin Pink to lean more pink, or Neon Moon to lean more yellow - whatever your heart desires! It’s giving peach sorbet on a summer day. 🤤

Trendy AF: Orange Creamsicle

For most of our mixes, you’ll need to start off with a minimum level 10 to achieve the desired swatch, especially this creamy orange! Results may vary depending on hair level and overall hair health. If you’re looking to lean towards a softer orange, diluting Arctic Fox’s Sunset Orange hair dye will get you there. Use our Arctic Mist Diluter and just keep on adding until you reach your desired shade! 

Trendy AF: Burnt Peach

@sheaella 

We are obsessed with this burnt peach perfection. It feels like it falls right in between the pink and orange portion of the peach spectrum and we think you’ll rock it no matter the season. On Level 8 hair or lighter, start out with Cosmic Sunshine hair dye, add a dollop of Frosé hair dye, plus a few drops of Sunset Orange and violá! 

Trend: Violet Hair

Purple hair is always in, that’s why Purple AF is at the top of the charts year after year! In 2024, we’re going to be seeing A LOT of purple and violet on darker bases, giving a deep purple or Burgundy tone. Perfect for the Foxes who are looking to give bleach a break, this “trend” is just enough to boast a bold color. Just wait until your locks hit in the sunshine….OMG. 

Trendy AF: Tinted Purple 

Purple AF will forever be a Fox Fam fave. Painting it over a medium brown or dark brown base for all our dark-haired Foxes will absolutely do the trick! We’re obsessed with the subtle take on this style, highlighting certain areas instead of all her locks. You see what we mean by the sun, right? 

@violentinside in Purple AF and Transylvania 

Trendy AF: Lilac Dreams 

Now for even more experimenting! Any dreamy hue, you’ll need to start on a Level 10 Platinum base (really anything is possible when that’s your starting point!) This cool violet hue came from our very own dreamland and is made up of a bowl of Neverland mixed with 2-3 drops of Violet Dream. This mix stays on the cooler side, but it’s making us want to open our favorite book underneath a lilac tree.  

Trendy AF: Violet Magic 

For a smokier take on the violet hair color trend, mix up ⅔ Sterling hair dye with ⅓ Violet Dream hair dye. We can almost hear that witch cauldron bubbling up with this shade. Work your ✨magic✨ fox! 

Trendy AF: Vivid Violet

Now for the brightest violet of them all, on Level 10 hair, start with a base of Girls Night hair dye, and add a drop or two of Purple AF depending on how deep you want to take it. This is a HOT take on vivids, but it gives an undeniable twist to the violet hair trend that will stop anyone in their tracks. 🤩

Trend: Pop Star Red

If you’ve spent any time scrolling on TikTok (or know someone who has), you’ll know that red was the RAGE all of 2023. We saw celebs like Dua Lipa and Megan Fox take red hair color up a level and it definitely made us stock up on enough bottles to last all of 2024. Lucky for us and all the red dyes we’re staring at, not only is red hot, hot, hot for 2024, but it’s getting even bolder. We’ll be seeing bolder, brighter reds with blue undertones that may just take the center stage over the copper trend we saw everywhere in 2023. 

Trendy AF: Red Hot Fox 

We know you love a custom mix, and there’s nothing like combining two of our most popular red hair dyes to really turn up the heat! Mix up equal parts Wrath hair color and Ritual hair color for this take on red hot hair. 

@cygoesmeow in Wrath and RItual 

Trendy AF: Revenge Red

Say what you want about babes with red hair, all we know is they ooze confidence whether it’s their signature shade or their latest look on their revenge tour. A standout stunner will forever be Wrath hair dye solo.🤌 Wrath looks the brightest on Level 7 hair and above, but will add a dark red dimension to hair Levels 6 and lower. She’s one of our most popular shades for first-time dyers and is an excellent choice for those who want to switch it up without taking the plunge into bleach! 

@marijantunez in Wrath 

Trend: Cherry Coke Anyone? 

Rich, red based browns were on the up towards the end of 2023 but they’re continuing to take over in 2024! The Cherry Coke hair color trend is one that undoubtedly turns heads and we’ve got some secret recipes we’re ready to share with you. 

Trendy AF: More Cherry Than Coke

Ritual is the secret sauce when it comes to nailing this shade. On Level 7 hair and above, she runs a rich, jewel-toned burgundy, and leaves a vibey velvet tint on hair levels 6 and below.

For a rich, red spin on that Cherry Coke vibe, mix up equal parts Ritual hair dye and Wrath hair dye and pour it all over a brown base. This hair is sweeter than fine wine, baby! 🍷

@laurellevictoria in Ritual and Wrath 

Trendy AF: Berry Babe

Leaning into a dreamy berry vibe, this 50/50 mix of Violet Dream hair dye and Purple AF hair dye over a faded red base is definitely a winner.  The key here is the base! Starting out with a faded red already brings out the reddish tones from the purple hair dye being used. 

@atouchofmurphy in Violet Dream and Purple AF over faded red

Trend: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a color that’s predicted to make a MAJOR comeback in 2024 - and luckily we have that exact color in our AF hair dye rainbow! With teal hair on the rise, you’ll want to stock up soon because we know this will be something you’re dyeing for on a whim! Aquamarine shines the brightest on level 10 hair, but our dark-haired foxes can still expect to see a deep teal tint. 

@adriassight in Aquamarine

@hadar_kawaii_hair in Aquamarine, Iris Green, and Phantom Green 

@cozywithsam in Aquamarine 

I mean…you really can’t go wrong. Our Aquamarine hair dye is all you need to NAIL this trend. 😮‍💨

Trend: Blue Jean Baby

It’s no surprise that retro vibes are trending. Nostalgic fashion and beauty trends from the 90s and 2000s have made their way back around and this denim hair color trend is the perfect way to pay tribute. While it may be within the realm of blue hair trends, this one differs from Aquamarine as it skews a bit darker. 

Blue Jean Baby hair dye is the go-to color to achieve this denim look - the proof is in the name itself! For hair that goes with everything, pour Blue Jean Baby over Level 7 hair or lighter. Even when she fades, she’ll give a smoky hue that feels just as good as those worn in jeans you never want to get rid of. 

@ariannakenyon in Blue Jean Baby and Aquamarine 

@x__marylune___x in Blue Jean Baby

@jeks951_ in Poseidon and Blue Jean Baby 

Any of these looks calling your name? We can’t wait to see if you try one or all of them this year. And remember, most of our custom mixes start on level 10 hair, so if you’re looking to get to that starting point, we recommend kicking your year off with a little bit of Bleach, Please. 

Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Tik Tok @arcticfoxhaircolor so we can see how you take these shades into the New Year and show off! Cheers to a bolder and more colorful 2024. 

While we say goodbye to another year, one of the most anticipated things about the year ahead is Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement and how it applies to what’s happening around the globe. Did you know Pantone first started their Color of the Year program in 1999? For the last 25 years, the team at Pantone has found a way to visualize the current state of the world through color, something our Fox Fam can really get behind!

Before we look ahead, we thought it would be fun to look back one last time. We spent all of 2023 celebrating our 10th anniversary, so before moving into the next decade of AF we’re time traveling to see how Pantone encompassed the last 10 years in terms of color and why. SO many of these colors are still some of the Fox Fam’s favorite shades to play with!

2013 - Emerald, a hue that enhances a sense of well-being further by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony.

2014 - Radiant Orchid is still a custom hair dye mix that we love to see and according to Pantone it’s “expressive and exotic blooming with confidence and warmth.” 

That brings us to 2024…. We say it every year, but it feels like the folks at Pantone are reading our minds, or maybe, we just know what we’re talking about when it comes to color too 😀The 2024 Color of the year is PEACH FUZZ! According to Pantone, “Peach Fuzz is a heartfelt hue bringing a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration. A warm and cozy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others or for enjoying a moment of stillness and the feeling of sanctuary.” As a brand who puts our community first, we could not love this more. 

Peach Fuzz sits between pink and orange on the color spectrum, and we’ve already been dreaming of ways for you to give this a try in 2024. We fully expect this color to be EVERYWHERE in the spring. 

If you’re looking to nail “Peach Fuzz,” you’ll want Sunset Orange Hair Dye and our Arctic Mist Diluter. If you’re already at a level 10 for your base color, use Arctic Mist Diluter the heck out of Sunset Orange until the color appears as warm and fuzzy as you’d like. Of course, perform a strand test FIRST to be sure you’re peachy keen! 

Faded Sunset Orange 

For a more pinky peach hue, take your diluted Sunset Orange and mix her with Frose or Electric Paradise Hair Color, depending on how pink you want to take your peach. 

@siren.style in Sunset Orange and Electric Paradise 

For a darker take on the Color of the Year, start out with Cosmic Sunshine hair dye, add a dollop of Frose hair dye and a few drops of Sunset Orange.

@sheaella in Cosmic Sunshine, Frosé, and a few drops of Sunset Orange

One of our most coveted mixes is this dreamy peach made with equal parts Arctic Mist Diluter and Girls Night hair color plus a dollop of Poison! 

So, are you ready to embrace that warm fuzzy feeling? Don’t forget to tag us @arcticfoxhaircolor with your new look! 

@norelle.k in Bleach, Please

Thinking about bleaching that hair? 👀 We’re about to dive into our essential guide for using AF’s At-Home Bleaching Kit: Bleach, Please! Since launching, Bleach, Please has become a staple in the Arctic Fox Hair Color Line with our 100% vegan and cruelty formula. And YES she’s totally DIY friendly. Let’s answer some FAQs and give all the newbies and Fox Fam veterans the best tips to achieve the platinum hair of your dreams!  

So, What in the AF is Bleach, Please?

Bleach, Please is a complete hair lightening kit that comes with a 3 oz tube of violet-toned cream bleach, a 6 oz bottle of 35-volume developer, and latex-free gloves. Like all other Arctic Fox and Foxology products, our best-selling Bleach Kit is 100% vegan and 100% cruelty-free. As far as bleach goes, our 35-volume developer is pretty high which means you can see up to 8 levels of lift! A perfect starting point if you’re looking for pastels this spring. 

Bleach, Please is also supplemented with tons of ingredients to help protect and repair your hair, such as Polycare® Split Therapy which helps prevent split ends. Other key ingredients include açaí, papaya fruit extract, castor oil, mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter, sunflower seed oil, and arginine. Unlike other bleach kits, we formulated Bleach, Please with key ingredients like açaí, papaya extract, mango seed butter, and cocoa seed butter to help prevent hair loss, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. Castor oil is renowned for promoting hair growth, as well as improving the health of your hair by boosting keratin production. Sunflower seed oil keeps the locks hydrated, and arginine is an essential amino acid responsible for stimulating hair growth. All these ingredients work together to keep your hair as healthy and happy as possible, all while getting you to a clean, light base (and canvas for the most vibrant colors).

Quick tip before you bleach: Make sure you’ve got our custom bowls and brushes to mix up the bleach and developer. If not, any applicator brush and non-metal bowl should do the trick! 

Before you bleach!

We’ve formulated Bleach, Please to be as gentle as possible - but at the end of the day, all bleach has the potential to cause damage since it opens up the hair cuticle to remove pigment from the strand, which can leave hair feeling dry or rough. Keep this in mind and take care of your hair both before AND after you bleach it! Every Bleach, Please kit comes with full instructions, but the basics of bleaching will always apply. Always perform a strand test and a patch test prior to application to ensure you don’t have any kind of allergic reaction to the product!!

Leading up to bleaching you'll want to give your hair plenty of TLC and conditioning to give it the healthiest starting point!

How to Do It Yourself: Bleaching Your Hair at Home

Let’s break this down into steps, shall we!? 

1. Take all the Safety Precautions 

Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated room when you’re applying the bleach, and always wear gloves to protect your hands. Your hair should be fully saturated for an even lift, and you’ll want to work as quickly as you can to ensure it all lightens to the same level! 

1. Avoid Your Roots 

Our developer is so high that we recommend avoiding your roots when using Bleach, Please. Start ⅛ of an inch away from your roots for best results! 

1. Check and Rinse! 

Check your hair every 5 minutes or so to monitor the lightening progress and rinse the bleach out completely within 30-45 minutes. You don’t want to let the bleach sit any longer than 45 minutes regardless of the level of lift to prevent any serious damage from occurring. Bleach, Please is formulated with some of the best ingredients to prevent damage but remember… it’s still bleach. 

With our 35 Volume developer your hair can lift 3-4 shades per session! The darker your natural hair level, the more pigment it packs, meaning it might need a bit more sessions to lighten up, so be patient! Make sure to space out the processes at least a week apart - this will allow the natural oils in your hair to build back up and help protect it during the lightening process. The road to platinum is a marathon, not a sprint! 

✨AF Pro Tip✨ We only recommend using Bleach, Please on un-dyed hair, and it shouldn’t be used to try and remove dye from the hair, whether Arctic Fox Hair Color or others - doing so can cause unexpected color results or permanent staining of the hair! If you do need to remove color, please use a color remover formulated for the type of hair color in your hair! 

After care!

Bleach, Please makes the process simple, but lightening your hair at home can get tricky! If after using Bleach, Please, your hair turned out brassy or uneven, there are steps you can take to color correct. 

A little bit of brassiness won’t affect most Arctic Fox colors applied on top, especially if you’re using a darker or more highly pigmented color. But if you do want a light, cool-toned blonde, a toner will help remove any unwanted brassy tones! You can get a light toning effect on brassy hair by using Periwinkle or Girl’s Night, or a VERY diluted Purple AF, either applied alone or added to your shampoo and conditioner like a purple shampoo! 

An uneven lift can be trickier to troubleshoot, though, especially if you’ve got a significant difference in color. There are many different reasons that your hair might have lifted unevenly - so here’s some Q’s to take into consideration!

• Had some parts of your hair already been lightened while others were natural? 
• Could there have been any lingering pigment in your hair from a previous color, particularly a permanent dye? 
• Did some parts of your hair process under the bleach longer than others? 
• Sometimes just going back over the darkest parts of your hair for a shorter processing time after a few days will do the trick to even everything out, but if there’s a major difference or you’re not sure where the unevenness is coming from, consulting a professional for color correction is the safest bet. The health of your hair is always worth it!

Other Uses for Bleach, Please

Bleach Baths 

Arctic Fox Hair Colors are known for their customizability, but bleach is different and can’t really be customized the way dyes can. But you can still use the kit for more than just all-over lighting! You can use Bleach, Please as part of a bleach bath by adding shampoo to your mix. A bleach bath is a bit gentler than a full on bleaching session, so if you’re afraid to go full force, this might be the way to get started! 

Tone, Tone, Tone! 

If the provided 35-volume developer is a bit strong for your hair type, you can cut it with a lower-volume developer or substitute it entirely for a different developer while keeping our violet-based cream bleach for that extra toning effect. Just make sure the 2:1 ratio of developer to bleach stays the same to ensure you get the most effective lightening possible!

The Best AF Hair Dyes for Bleached Hair

So what AF shades are best to use after bleaching? Look no further than our data-mce-fragment="1">pastel hair dyes of the AF rainbow! From pastel purples, pink, green, yellow, and orange, these hair dyes STUN on a bleached base. Because pastel hair dye is so light, the pigment will not show up on hair levels 1-6. Your best bet for pastels is to start at 9 close to 10 hair level for that true pastel shade. And when you nail it, OMG, does it look pretty!

@chris0712 in Frosé

@colorgeek__maureennaudts in Periwinkle, Neverland, and Aquamarine

@tejamaechele in Electric Paradise over Periwinkle

@salemmooncosmetics in Iris Green and Neverland    

You can always opt for another darker shade after bleaching, but most darker hues don’t require a lightening process. Although, darker shades will still show up very pigmented on lightened hair. It all depends on the look you’re going for!

@paintedbyzach Purple AF

We can’t wait to hear what you think of Bleach, Please, Fox Fam! Let us know when you give it a try, and of course, feel free to reach out to us via email at support@arcticfoxusa.com if you have any questions or concerns. We’re always happy to help!