Application Tips

  • How do I use Arctic Fox Hair Color?

    Because everyone’s hair is different, do the strand test and see the result of the color before full application. We also recommend doing a patch test to confirm you're not allergic. **Step 1:**Shampoo and dry hair thoroughly.  Do NOT use conditioner. **Step 2:**Use coconut oil (or petroleum j...

  • Do I need to lighten or bleach my hair first?

    You can definitely dye your natural hair without bleaching or lightening! But you will get different results depending on what level your hair is. If you want the brightest color, you'll need to be in a blonde range of around level 8 or above for most AF shades. If you have darker hair, the color...

  • How do I do a strand test?

    Shampoo and fully dry the hair.  Do NOT use conditioner.   Select approximately 1 inch strands of hair in a hidden area of your hair.  Evenly distribute the Arctic Fox hair color to the selected test strands until it becomes frothy. Wrap the test strands with tin foil to protect the surrounding h...

  • How do I do a patch test?

    A preliminary patch test should be conducted on your skin before the product is applied. Select a small test area of skin behind the ear or in the inner fold of the elbow. Wash the test area of skin with mild soap and water and dry with a clean towel. Apply a thin coat of your specific Arctic Fo...

  • What colors work best on unbleached hair?

    For unbleached hair, you want to stick with our most pigmented colors like Purple AF, Ritual, or Aquamarine. If you are unsure which colors will show up best on your base color, take a look at our blog for suggestions. You can check it out here! If you’re in need of more assistance, send us a cha...

  • Do I need to use a developer/activator?

    No developer/peroxide is needed with our dyes! All of our colors are semi-permanent direct dyes, so they are ready to use straight from the bottle! You can mix/customize any color by adding Arctic Mist Diluter or another color from the Arctic Fox Hair Color line!

  • How long does the color last?

    It can depend on a few factors such as the color you are using, the level of your hair, and your personal hair care regimen, but on average the color typically lasts between 4-8 weeks on bleached hair and about 2-6 weeks on unbleached hair. We have formulated our color to be one of the longest la...

  • What are the ingredients in Arctic Fox hair colors?

    *No unicorns, fairies, mermaids or other creatures (mythical or not) were harmed in the making of Arctic Fox. Aqua Cetyl Alcohol Glycerine Glycerol Stearate PEG-100 Stearate Propylene Glycol Stearalkonium Chloride Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Quaternium-52 Cetearyl Alcohol Ceteareth-20 H...

  • How long can I keep an open bottle of dye?

    An opened bottle of Arctic Fox Hair Color is good in the bottle for up to 12 months after opening, so you’ll have plenty of time to use it all up! And if it’s unopened it should last up to 2 years! Just make sure to store it in a cool dry place.

  • What is Arctic Mist for? Will it make my hair white?

    Our Arctic Mist diluter is not a dye or lightening product. It has no pigment, and if applied on its own will have no effect on the hair color - while it has a slight toning property, it will only help maintain a white hair color if the hair is already lightened to that level, and will not furthe...

  • Do I have to use Arctic Mist to dilute the dye or can I use a conditioner?

    If you are going to dilute a color, we recommend using Arctic Mist since it is specifically formulated to work with our colors. Conditioners may contain oils or silicone, which can prevent the dye from taking properly, which can occasionally result in a patchy application and/or unpredictable res...

  • Can I Apply Arctic Fox on Wet Hair?

    You definitely want to apply color on dry hair! Any product, moisture, or buildup in the hair can prevent the pigment from adhering correctly and may result in a more patchy or faded result. So applying the dye to hair that has been freshly washed with shampoo only, no conditioner, and fully drie...

  • Can I Mix a UV Color with a Non-UV Shade?

    Yes! Mixing a small amount of regular pigment in with a UV reactive dye won’t affect the UV reactivity, but the more regular pigment that is added, the more diluted the UV reactive pigment becomes until the effect fades out entirely. So to preserve as much UV reactivity as possible, you will want...

  • Can I use Arctic Fox on children?

    In general, yes! Arctic Fox colors are 100% vegan, contain no animal by-products or any of the harsh chemicals often found in permanent dyes such as peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol and PPD. They are very gentle and safe; of course, if you are concerned, we’d always recommend consulting your pedi...

  • Can I use Arctic Fox on Gray Hair?

    Generally, yes! It can be hard to say for sure since unbleached hair can vary a lot in how well it takes color, but if you stick with darker and more highly pigmented colors you should get at least a tint of color to gray hair! If your hair is more of a dark gray, the color might turn out a few s...

  • Can I use Arctic Fox on my pet?

    In general, yes! Arctic Fox colors are 100% vegan, contain no animal by-products or any of the harsh chemicals often found in permanent dyes such as peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol and PPD. They are very gentle and safe; of course, if you are concerned, we’d always recommend consulting your vete...

  • Can I use Arctic Fox while pregnant?

    In general, yes! Arctic Fox colors are 100% vegan, contain no animal by-products or any of the harsh chemicals often found in permanent dyes such as peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol or PPD. They are very gentle and safe; of course, your doctor knows best, so we always recommend consulting with th...

  • DIY Tips?

    Although fading will occur naturally, here are a few suggestions things you should try to **AVOID** to get the most out of your color: Excessive exposure to water and/or sunlight. Frequent shampooing of hair and using Deep Cleansing or anti dandruff shampoo. Using alcohol based hairspray, gel or...

  • How much color do I need?

    One of our smaller 4oz bottles will usually cover hair right around shoulder length of average thickness, while our larger 8oz size covers hair closer to mid-back length of average thickness. We're one of the only companies to offer dye in an 8oz size, so this larger bottle is often enough for mo...

  • Tips for application?

    To start, make sure the hair is washed with shampoo only (no conditoner, toner, gel, etc) and fully dry. Its best to do this the same day as applying if possible! Next, heavily saturate the hair with color and use heat for about 15 minutes. After this, be sure to leave the color on for at least 3...