AF Blog — Pro Tips

Let's talk purple hair, the color that's taken over our feeds and hearts! From dreamy lavenders to deep violets, purple has become THE choice for anyone wanting to express themselves through a truly head-turning color. 

Whether you're a purple rookie or ready for your next vibrant adventure, there's a perfect shade waiting for you. Ready to find your purple soulmate? Let's dive in!

How to Choose the Perfect Purple Hair Color

Finding your dream purple hair color depends on several factors:

Skin Undertones: Cool purples (lavender and periwinkle) complement cool skin tones, while warmer purples (plum and wine) flatter warmer complexions. But honestly, these are just a guide, so if you have a warmer complexion but want lavender hair, we say GO FOR IT! 

Current Hair Level: Depending on your ideal shade of purple, you might need to lighten your darker strands for vibrant results, while lighter bases (level 9/10) show purples more easily. Try our Bleach Please Bleaching Kit to get the right hair level for your desired shade.

Commitment Level: Some purple shades fade faster than others. Consider if you want something that lasts, like dark purple, or something you can change up frequently, like pastel purple.

Maintenance: Deeper purples generally require less upkeep than pastel purples, which may need more frequent application. Make sure to use cold water and color-safe hair care products to extend the longevity of your purple hair color!

Popular Shades of Purple Hair Colors

1. Dark Purple Hair Color: Purple Madness

This dark purple hair color is seriously a vibe! Trust us, it's the perfect way to turn heads without going over-the-top unicorn. Purple Madness gives off mysterious dark academia vibes, but you're still approachable. 

Style it with loose waves for dimensional action, or rock it sleek and straight for a more polished look. Honestly? It's the perfect first step into purple hair color if you've been wanting to try but have been too scared to go vibrant!

2. Royal Purple Hair Color: Purple AF

This royal purple hair color is straight-up legendary! If you want everyone's heads to turn when you walk in, Purple AF is that color! 

Our Fox Fam is obsessed with it for a reason—it basically screams, "I know I look good and I'm not sorry about it." Not quite ready to commit to the full purple lifestyle? Throw in some chunky highlights with your darker hair, and you've got the perfect pop that's still somehow appropriate for mimosas with your mom on Sunday. 

Trust us on this one!

3. Eggplant Purple Hair Color: Violet Dream

This vibrant, eggplant purple hair color with fuchsia undertones is literally what our mood board dreams are made of Violet Dream is giving "I'm a whole adult with a 7-step skincare routine, but I'll still be the first one on the dance floor" energy. 

If you already have highlights, apply this shade all over for some insane dimension—people will legit think you have your own personal glam team following you around. 

And if you've got curls? This color makes every single spiral pop in the most STUNNING way.

4. Periwinkle Hair Color: Periwinkle

This dreamy pastel blue-purple hybrid feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. Periwinkle is for the go-with-the-flow types who are also totally fine switching things up next month because, let's be real, this color can be high-maintenance! 

Try a Periwinkle base with platinum blonde money pieces to channel your inner bad b*tch just in time for festival season.

5. Lavender Hair Color: Girls Night

If you’re rocking lavender hair color, then you’re DEFINITELY the life of the party. Girls Night is the key to nailing this hair color, plus you can add soft beachy waves for the full mermaid effect. 

This shade photographs like a dream and manages to look good even in those awful fluorescent bathroom lights. 

Pro Tip: this shade only pops off on pre-lightened level 10 platinum blonde hair, so don't even try if you're not committed to the bleach process first! 

6. Smokey Purple Hair Color: 30% Violet Dream + 70% Sterling

This sophisticated gray-purple blend is literally the definition of "not trying too hard but still looking fire." Smokey Purple hair color is giving that model-off-duty vibe that has everyone wondering if you've got a secret Instagram where you're lowkey famous. 

Want the exact formula? Just mix 30% Violet Dream with 70% Sterling and thank us later! 

Pair it with that asymmetrical cut you've been too scared to try, and we promise your phone will be blowing up with "who does your hair???" texts. This isn't just any regular purple hair color, it's the shade that makes other purples feel basic!

7. Vibrant Indigo Hair Color: 95% Frose + 5% Purple AF

This electric blue-purple hair color is perfect for those who love to show OFF! Indigo is for the friend who texts "u up?" at 1 am with plans that become next month's best story. 

Want the exact recipe? Mix 95% Frosé with 5% Purple AF and watch the magic happen! 

It absolutely KILLS in a sunset ombré situation, think deep Virgin Pink roots fading into vibrant indigo ends that create the kind of gradient that makes strangers stop and compliment you mid-coffee order.

8. Dark Purple Hair Color Tint

Using Purple AF on level 6-7 brunette hair creates that secret-society purple that only reveals itself in certain lighting. It's perfect for those who want to whisper rather than shout their purple intentions. 

This subtle approach works wonderfully for natural brunettes wanting to dip their toes in the purple pool without cannonballing and bleaching their hair first. 

Pro tip: Add slightly lighter face-framing pieces for that "Is her hair purple? Wait... yes it is!" moment that keeps people guessing.

9. Wine Plum Hair Color: 15% Purple AF + 85% Wrath

This rich burgundy-purple mix, using 15% Purple AF and 85% Wrath, is basically autumn in hair form – warm, rich, and making everyone crave a good cabernet. 

Wine Plum hair color looks absolutely fantastic styled in voluminous curls or waves that showcase the shade in all of its glory. 

This shade loves darker skin tones, creating a stunning harmony that enhances your natural glow. It transitions seamlessly from office hours to after hours, proving purple can indeed be professional.

10. Amethyst Hair Color: 75% Frose + 25% Sorceress

Amethyst purple hair color is all the rage right now. This jewel-toned purple gives that magical quality that entrances everyone you pass, forcing them to do double-takes. 

It grabs attention without trying too hard and looks especially stunning as a balayage with natural roots, saving you from those constant touch-ups. 

Get the look on your own by mixing 75% Frosé with 25% Sorceress for a hair color that’s totally spellbinding. 

FAQ: Purple Hair Color Questions

How long does purple hair color typically last?

Purple hair color typically sticks around for 2-6 weeks before fading completely. Deeper purples tend to be more loyal than their pastel cousins. 

Want to extend your purple relationship? Cold water is your best friend when washing, along with sulfate-free shampoo and a weekly purple color-depositing conditioner. 

Hot tools speed up the breakup process, so maybe it's time to embrace your natural texture!

What are different ways to wear purple hair?

Purple plays well with others in so many ways:

• Purple highlights against your natural color for that "I'm adventurous but I still have a 401k" vibe

• Face-framing money pieces that light up your features like built-in ring lights

• Peekaboo underlayer for that surprise factor when you put your hair up

• Ombré or balayage with purple ends for those who are scared of commitment 

• Split-dye with purple on one side for when you want to live your cartoon character fantasy

• Dip-dyed ends for just a taste of purple magic without the full plunge

Will purple hair damage my hair?

Good news! Arctic Fox’s semi-permanent purple hair dyes actually condition while coloring, think of them as a color treatment with benefits. The potential drama comes from any pre-lightening needed for darker hair. 

Combat bleach damage by using hydrating and repairing products like hair masks and serums before and after coloring.

What hair colors does purple fade into?

Purple AF at different levels of diluted

Most purple hair colors are known to fade silver, blue, or even red, but Arctic Fox’s semi-permanent hair dyes are designed to fade beautifully within the color spectrum, guaranteeing a stunning purple at every stage! 

Darker purples mellow into gorgeous mauves while lavenders shift to pastel hues. Your starting shade, washing habits, and hair's porosity all affect how colors evolve. 

Many fox fam members love these changing tones, it's like getting multiple beautiful purples from just one application!

Ready to rock your purple hair dreams?

Whether you're feeling that eggplant energy or a lavender fantasy moment, there's a purple shade that perfectly matches your vibe. 

Take the plunge, embrace your inner color goddess, and watch how these stunning shades completely transform not just your look but your entire energy! 

Don't forget to follow Arctic Fox Hair Color on Instagram and TikTok for a daily dose of hair color inspo that'll have you planning your next hair adventure before this one even fades. 

We can't wait to see your purple transformations lighting up our feed, make sure to tag us so we can hype you up!

Ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Whoa, my blonde is looking more like a traffic cone"? Don't panic! 

Brassy orange tones happen to the best of us, especially after bleaching or when blonde hair color starts to fade. The good news? You've got options that don't involve hiding under a hat for weeks.

Understanding the Color Wheel: Why Blue Neutralizes Orange

Remember that color wheel from art class? It's about to save your hair!

Blue and orange are directly opposite each other, which makes them complementary colors and total besties when it comes to color correction. 

Here's why this matters for your hair: When these opposite colors meet, they cancel each other out! So when your blonde has gone all orange and you're freaking out, reaching for a blue toner isn't just random—it's color theory magic! The blue pigments swoop in and neutralize orange hair, leaving you with the cool, balanced color you actually wanted. 

This is exactly why we all need purple shampoo for yellow tones and blue products for those orange nightmares. Once you get this color wheel trick, you'll never panic over brassiness again!

The Magic of Color Theory: Periwinkle to the Rescue!

Before and after using Periwinkle to tone brassy orange hair

Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, which means it neutralizes those warm, brassy tones. 

This is why Arctic Fox's Periwinkle is your new BFF for toning orange hair.

Simply dilute Periwinkle with conditioner (the ratio depends on how intense your orange is) and apply it to dry hair. This creates a gentle, blue-based toner that cancels out the orange without compromising your hair's health. It's like a cool-toned hug for your stressed-out strands!

Apple Cider Vinegar: Your Kitchen Cabinet Savior

When you need a quick fix with what you have on hand, reach for that bottle of ACV! A diluted apple cider vinegar rinse can help remove mineral buildup that contributes to brassiness while balancing your hair's pH.

Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, apply it to your hair after shampooing, let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Your hair will not only look less brassy but will also feel softer and shinier. Win-win!

When All Else Fails: Embrace the Dark Side

If your orange tones are particularly stubborn, sometimes the best solution is to cover them up entirely with a darker shade. Think of it as a hair reset button! Some of our favorite Arctic Fox shades for covering orange hair include:

Wrath: A deep, vibrant red that transforms brassiness into intentional fire-engine fabulousness

Purple AF: A striking violet that makes orange disappear like magic

Transylvania: The ultimate deep black that gives you a fresh start with a dramatic edge

FAQ: Your Orange Hair Questions, Answered!

What color cancels out brassy orange hair?

Blue as it sits directly opposite orange on the color wheel, meaning it neutralizes the warm orange tones; therefore, a blue-based dye like Periwinkle is a great option for toning brassy orange hair.

How to get rid of orange brassy hair at home?

The best way to get rid of brassy toned hair at home is to use the above methods like tone your hair with our pastel blue semi-permanent hair dye in the shade Periwinkle, use a DIY apple cider vinegar rinse, or simply cover the brassy orange tones with a darker hair color like red, purple, or black.

How long should I leave the toner on to get rid of orange?

If you are using our Periwinkle semi-permanent hair dye as a toner, we recommend leaving it on for at least 15-30 minutes. However, you can leave it on even longer if you'd like since there are no harsh chemicals in any of our dyes.

Orange You Glad You Read This?

Don't let brassiness bring you down! With these simple solutions, you can kick orange tones to the curb and get back to loving your locks. 

Whether you choose the gentle approach with Periwinkle toner, the natural route with apple cider vinegar, or decide to transform completely with a new color, your hair journey is in your hands. 

Remember, even bad hair days are just opportunities for great hair transformations! Make sure to follow us on all socials @arcticfoxhaircolor for more hair tips and inspo.

Ready to switch up your fiery red locks? We get it! While that vibrant crimson hue may have been exactly what you wanted a few weeks ago, sometimes you're just ready for a change. 

Let's dive into some tried-and-true methods to help you bid farewell to your red tresses without sacrificing the health of your hair.✨

The Gentlest Option: Wash More Frequently 🧼

Poison fading

Shampoo is your bestie! Up your wash days to gradually break down red pigment over multiple washes. Red dye molecules are larger than other colors, which makes them both long-lasting and eventually easier to wash out as they start to break down.

Use warm water (not hot!) and our Resurrected Shampoo to gently encourage those pigments to release their grip. If you need some extra strength, add a clarifying shampoo to your routine once or twice a week.

PRO TIP: Use Money Hunny as a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and happy during this process. More frequent washing can be drying, so this step is crucial!

Next Best Thing: Vitamin C Hair Mask☀️

Ritual fading

For a bit more fading power without harsh chemicals, try this DIY vitamin C treatment:

1. Mix colorless vitamin C powder or crushed vitamin C tablets with your shampoo to create a paste

2. Apply to damp hair (not soaking wet)

3. Leave on for 30-60 minutes

4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

The acidic properties of vitamin C help break down artificial color molecules while being gentler than chemical removers.

PRO TIP: Follow up with a deep conditioning hair mask like Pool Party to re-hydrate your locks! This treatment can be slightly drying, so showing your hair some extra love afterward is essential.

Last Resort: Bleach Bath🛁

Wrath fading

When gentler methods aren't cutting it, a bleach bath can help lift that stubborn red dye color. This diluted bleach method is less harsh than full bleaching but still effective:

1. Combine 1 part bleach powder, 2 parts developer (20 volume or lower), and 2 parts shampoo to create a paste

2. Apply to damp hair

3. Leave on for 5-20 minutes (check frequently!)

4. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioner

PRO TIP: Use our White Powder Bleach for a colorless formula that allows you to easily monitor your lifting process. The transparent mix helps you see exactly when those red tones start to lift!

Frequently Asked Questions💭

Is red hair dye hard to get out?

Red hair can be a blessing and a curse because it lasts a long time on one hand, but on the other, once you're ready to switch gears, it can be a little stubborn to remove. This is especially true for permanent red dyes, which penetrate the hair shaft and chemically alter the structure, making them significantly more difficult to remove than semi-permanent red dyes that only coat the hair's outer layer and gradually wash out over 4-12 weeks.

Luckily, there are several ways to remove red hair dye such as washing more frequently, using a DIY vitamin C hair mask, or doing a bleach bath. The approach you choose should depend on whether you're dealing with semi-permanent or permanent color, as permanent formulas typically require more intensive removal methods. Please reach out to our color specialists via email at support@arcticfoxusa.com for personalized assistance!

How can I remove red hair color without damaging my hair?

Your gentlest options are frequent washing with warm water and Resurrected shampoo or trying the vitamin C mask method. Both of these approaches gradually fade the color without harsh chemicals. You can also check out our previous blog on the best colors to cover red if you're looking to transition rather than remove it completely!

Can I use bleach to remove red hair dye?

Yes, the bleach bath method mentioned above is effective, but always do a strand test before proceeding with your whole head. 

Remember that bleach will always cause some level of damage, so use with caution, follow all instructions carefully, and never leave it on longer than recommended.

How do I tone out stubborn red tones in my hair?

Use a cool-toned shade like Periwinkle mixed with Arctic Mist Diluter to neutralize leftover red tones. The blue-purple pigments in Periwinkle will help cancel out any lingering warmth.

Ready For Your Next Color Adventure?🎨

Remember, hair color removal is a journey—sometimes it takes multiple sessions to achieve your desired result. Be patient with your locks and give them lots of TLC between treatments!

Ready for inspiration for your next hue? Follow us @arcticfoxhaircolor for endless color combinations, styling tips, and transformation stories that'll have you planning your next hair adventure before this one's even complete!

So, you've been rocking that fierce red hair but feeling ready to switch things up? We totally get it and we're here to help you navigate your next hair color adventure! 

Whether you're looking to tone down your current shade or make a bold change, let's dive into the world of coloring over red hair.

Color Theory 101: Your BFF for Hair Color Success

Before we jump into specific shades, let's have a quick chat about color theory (we promise to keep it fun!). Picture the color wheel as your personal hair color GPS. 

Here's the tea:

- Colors that are besties (right next to each other on the wheel) will give you the smoothest transition. Think red to purple or red to orange - they're practically meant to be!

- Colors that are across from each other on the wheel (complementary colors) can be a bit tricky. They cancel each other out, which sounds cool but might leave you with an unexpected muddy shade. Not exactly the vibe we're going for!

How to Tone Down Red Hair Dye: Colors That Neutralize Red

Purple💜

Since purple is red's next-door neighbor on the color wheel, it creates one of the smoothest color transitions possible. 

When you apply Purple AF over faded red hair, you'll get a gorgeously deep purple shade that can range from rich royal purple to a multi-dimensional, sunset-inspired blend. 

The purple pigments work with your existing red hair color to create depth and movement in your hair, rather than fighting against it. 

This harmonious color relationship means you'll get more predictable, vibrant results than if you tried to go with a hair color that's further from red on the wheel.

Blue💙

While Poseidon over red hair is one of our more challenging color transitions, it can create some seriously stunning results with the right preparation! 

Since blue and red are further apart on the color wheel, you'll want to fade your red hair color first to give Poseidon the best chance to shine. 

When you apply Poseidon over red, you might notice some gorgeous purple undertones emerging as the two colors interact - think of it as getting two amazing shades in one! 

This combination can create a unique, multidimensional color that shifts between deep blue and rich purple hair dye tones, giving you a totally mesmerizing mermaid-worthy look.

Orange🧡

Sunset Orange is your perfect match for a seamless hair color evolution! Since orange and red are right next to each other on the color wheel, Sunset Orange melts beautifully into red hair, creating a fiery glow that looks incredibly natural. 

When applied over red hair color, it adds warmth and brightness, transforming your existing shade into a trendy copper tone. 

The result is a dimensional, sun-kissed look that appears to glow from within - perfect for anyone wanting to keep their hair in the red family while adding that extra pop of warmth and vibrancy.

FAQ & Pro Tips for Color Success

Is it possible to cover red hair with another color?

Yes! Purple, orange, and blue are ideal shades for covering red. Before making any color change, remember that everyone's hair journey is unique. Your current shade, previous colors, and hair porosity will all affect how your new color transforms. That's why we ALWAYS recommend doing a strand test first to get a sneak peek of how your hair will react to its new shade!

How can I prep my red hair for another color?

Start by using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and help fade your current color to a lighter base. Between clarifying sessions, make sure to give your hair plenty of love with deep conditioning treatments to keep your strands healthy and happy. And before you commit to your full hair transformation, always do a strand test to ensure you'll get the results you're dreaming of!

Can you dye red hair brown?

Yes, you can dye red hair brown! Using Arctic Fox Hair Color, mix 98% Ginger Flare with 2% Transylvania for a stunning dark natural warm brown hair color. This combination works beautifully since adding dark pigment to red hair is an effective color transition. Results will vary depending on the shade of red hair color you’re starting with, please reach out to our color specialists via email at support@arcticfoxusa.com for personalized assistance!

Will black hair dye cover red hair color?

Black hair dye like Transylvania will effectively cover red hair color, making it one of the most reliable options for concealing vibrant reds. Since black is the darkest hair dye shade, it contains maximum pigment to overpower existing color. However, be aware that depending on the intensity of your red, some warm undertones might still show through in certain lighting. Remember that going black is a commitment, transitioning away from black later will be a challenge!

Ready to Transform Your Red?

There you have it, color lovers! Whether you're leaning towards purple, blue, or orange, you've got options for your next hair color adventure. Remember, your hair journey is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way! 

Tag us in your transformation pics @arcticfoxhaircolor we can't wait to see what you create! 🦊✨

@Sophiaxnova_ in Purple AF

Dyeing your hair with vivids can feel like a bold move, but trust us, it doesn’t have to be intimidating! If you dream of vibrant locks but want something beginner-friendly and low-maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our favorite shades that are perfect for any skill level and stay stunning with minimal effort.💕

Purple AF 💜

Looking for a color that’s bold but easygoing? Purple AF is your new bestie. This deep, cool-toned purple works on all hair levels, from platinum blonde to dark brown. Purple AF’s highly pigmented formula means the color will stick around longer so you don’t have to touch up your color as often. It fades gracefully into a lavender shade on lighter hair and a muted purple on darker tones, no awkward in-between stage here! 🔮

Wrath 🔥

This juicy red is a fan favorite for a good reason! Wrath delivers a deep, ruby hue that’s striking on any hair color. This shade is a deep red with berry undertones which can become more pink as it gradually fades. It shows up well on brassy tones and gives dark, dimensional tints to darker hair. This shade is most vivid on hair pre-lightened to a level 7 or lighter.🍒❤️

Sunset Orange 🌇

Bring the golden hour to your hair 24/7 with Sunset Orange! This shade is a fiery, deep red-orange that looks captivating on light and dark hair. Brassy tones won’t cause any problems for this color, if anything they will make it even brighter. The red undertones of Sunset Orange may come through stronger on light bases around a level 9 or 10. This highly pigmented shade takes a while to fade but once it does, it turns into soft peach tones that are just as dreamy.🍊🧡

Virgin Pink 🌸

If pink is your thing, Virgin Pink is a must-try! This playful magenta pops beautifully on lighter hair while giving darker hair a stunning berry tint. As it fades, it transitions to a softer, pastel pink that’s equally charming. While this shade is eye-catching on every base, it looks brightest on a level 7 or higher.🌹💕

Aquamarine 🌊

Channel mermaid vibes with Aquamarine, a vivid blue with teal undertones that’s absolutely mesmerizing. Light hair gets a vibrant blue turquoise, while darker bases show off a teal ocean blue tint. This gorgeous jewel tone stays vibrant for a long time but when it does eventually fade, it transforms into a dreamy seafoam green. For vibrant results, apply Aquamarine to level 10 platinum blonde hair.🫧💙

Tips for Keeping Your Vivid Color Fresh ✨

Rinse with cold water: It helps seal the hair cuticle to lock in color and prevent bleeding and fading.🧊

Extend time between washes: Dry shampoo is your BFF!💨

Style smart: Braids and buns are not only cute but also color-safe.🎀

Use the right products: Stick to sulfate- and alcohol-free hair care to keep your color vibrant.🧴

What Are You Waiting For? 🎨

Grab your favorite easy-to-maintain shade from arcticfoxhaircolor.com and get ready to fall in love with your vivid hair. Make sure to tag us on socials @arcticfoxhaircolor for a chance to be featured, we can’t wait to see your colorful creations! 💕

@sxneadbailey in Sunset Orange