AF Blog — Sterling

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: endless parties, festive get-togethers, and that fresh-start New Year energy! Whether you're planning your holiday pics or prepping for your NYE debut, there's no better time to switch up your look with a hair color transformation. We're talking bold, beautiful, and totally doable at-home shades that'll have everyone asking, "Who does your hair?" Keep reading for our top holiday hair color picks that'll take your glow up to the next level!

Holiday Hair Colors You Can Do at Home

From frosty ice queen vibes to warm, cozy tones that feel like a hug in a cup, we've rounded up five show-stopping shades that capture every holiday mood. Each color is designed to be achieved at home with easy-to-follow steps, so you can skip the salon appointment and still get that professional-level glow up. Whether you're drawn to bold metallics or subtle, romantic hues, there's a shade here that'll match your energy and have you feeling like your most confident self all season long. Let's dive into your options!

Icy Platinum: Your Winter Wonderland Moment

Think Elsa meets editorial. This ultra-cool, frosty blonde is the ultimate winter flex. Icy platinum is bright, luminous, and gives major ethereal vibes with just a hint of lavender shimmer to keep those brassy tones in check. Cool-toned blondes are having a major moment right now, screaming sophistication and confidence while photographing like a dream under those twinkling holiday lights. If you're all about that clean, modern aesthetic and ready to fully commit to the blonde life, this one's calling your name. Perfect for platinum lovers, bold beauty enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to stand out and isn't afraid of a little maintenance.

How to Get the Look:

1. Bleach like a boss: Take your time lifting your hair to a level 9 or 10. Patience is key here, you might need multiple bleaching sessions to get there safely, so don't rush it! Your hair health comes first.
   
   

2. Tone it down (in the best way): Mix our Periwinkle shade into your conditioner for a soft, gradual tone that neutralizes any unwanted yellow hues. This gentle approach keeps your hair healthy while achieving that dreamy icy finish.
   
   

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: After washing and drying, follow up with a leave-in conditioner to replenish all that moisture. Bleached hair needs extra love!
   
   

4. Maintain the magic: Touch up roots with bleach as needed and refresh warm tones with your Periwinkle conditioner mix whenever you notice any brassiness creeping in.
   
   

Mulled Wine: Cozy, Rich, and Oh-So-Seasonal

Imagine the deep luxurious color of your favorite holiday drink, Mulled Wine. This gorgeous blend of burgundy and plum creates a rich, dimensional shade that's warm, inviting, and totally festive. Deep berry tones are everywhere this season because they're sophisticated, low-maintenance, and give off those cozy winter vibes we all crave (plus this color literally looks good on everyone.) Whether you want a dramatic change without going super bright, you're a brunette looking for a rich jewel-toned twist, or you simply love a moody, romantic aesthetic, this is your winter mood in hair color form.

How to Get the Look:

1. Start with your base: Begin with a level 7 or 8 base. If you're darker, use bleach to lift your hair to the right starting point.
   
   

2. Mix it up: Create a 50/50 blend of Wrath and Ritual. This combo is chef's kiss for that perfect mulled wine hue.
   
   

3. Apply and wait: Slather that gorgeous mix all over your clean, dry hair. Let it sit for at least 45 minutes to let the color really soak in.
   
   

4. Rinse and reveal: Use cold water to rinse out the dye (cold water helps seal the color!), then dry, style, and prepare to slay the holiday season!
   
   

Metallic Silver: Futuristic Glam for the New Year

Silver with a metallic sheen that catches the light like literal chrome. This shade is sleek, modern, and gives off major futuristic energy that's perfect for ringing in 2026. Metallic hair is having its moment, and silver is leading the pack as the edgy, fashion-forward choice that screams confidence. This shade is for the trendsetters and risk-takers who want to make a statement and those ready to be the main character at every holiday event. If you love turning heads, Sterling is your new best friend.

How to Get the Look:

1. Get to platinum: To achieve this metallic magic, you need to start with a level 10 platinum blonde base. Use bleach to get there if needed. Yes, it's a commitment, but the results are so worth it.
   
   

2. Apply Sterling: Once you've got that perfect platinum canvas, apply Sterling all over your clean, dry hair.
   
   

3. Let it marinate: Leave the dye on for at least 45 minutes, or even longer if you want maximum color absorption and that intense metallic finish.
   
   

4. Rinse and shine: Rinse with cold water, dry, style, and get ready to be the absolute life of your NYE party. You're about to sparkle, literally.
   
   

Spiced Copper: Warm, Vibrant, and Full of Fire

A fiery, warm copper hair color with reddish-orange undertones that practically glows. Spiced Copper is cozy, vibrant, and seriously eye-catching. Warm tones are back in a big way, with copper shades at the top of the list, bringing energy, warmth, and a pop of personality to the cold winter months in a way that's bold without being too intense. Perfect for redhead enthusiasts, warm-toned beauties, and anyone who wants a color that feels alive and exciting, this shade is ideal if you want to bring some heat to your holiday look.

How to Get the Look:

1. Prep your base: Start with a level 8 or higher base. If you need to lift your hair, use bleach to get to your desired starting point.
   
   

2. Apply Ginger Flare: Slather this gorgeous copper shade all over your clean, dry hair. The formula is super pigmented, so you'll get rich, vibrant color.
   
   

3. Wait it out: Let the dye sit for at least 45 minutes before rinsing. The longer you wait, the more intense your color will be!
   
   

4. Rinse and rock it: Rinse with cold water, dry, style, and prepare to turn heads everywhere you go. This color is a serious showstopper.
   
   

Rose Brown: Subtle, Sophisticated, and Effortlessly Chic

Rose brown is basically the definition of understated elegance. This custom blend creates a dimensional hair color that's pink-toned but not too sweet, think modern, grown-up rose gold. Subtle, wearable hair colors are having a renaissance, and rose brown is sophisticated enough for any setting but still interesting enough to feel special, making it the perfect "I woke up like this" shade. This hair color is ideal for those who love a natural-looking color with a twist, professionals who want something office-appropriate but fun, or anyone who appreciates a more subtle transformation.

How to Get the Look:

1. Get to level 7: Start with a level 7 base using bleach if needed. Keep in mind: the brighter your blonde base, the pinkier the final result will look!
   
   

2. Create your custom mix: This is where the magic happens. Mix 95% Arctic Mist Diluter, 2% Ritual, 2% Iris Green, and 1% Sunset Orange. This precise formula creates that perfect rose-brown tone.
   
   

3. Apply carefully: Paint this custom blend onto clean, dry hair, making sure to saturate every strand for even color.
   
   

4. Wait and rinse: Let it process for at least 45 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
   
   

5. Style and celebrate: Dry, style, and bring in the New Year with the chicest hair color around!
   
   

FAQ: Your Holiday Hair Color Questions Answered

What are the biggest holiday hair color trends for 2025?

The biggest trend for 2025? Custom, dimensional colors that look natural yet elevated. We're seeing a mix of cool metallics (like our Sterling), warm coppers, and subtle blended shades (hello, Rose Brown!) that give you that expensive, salon-quality look at home. The key is personalization, colors that reflect your unique vibe.

What colors are in for winter 2025?

Winter 2025 is all about rich jewel tones, icy cool blondes, and warm metallics. Think deep burgundies like Mulled Wine, frosty Icy Platinum, chrome-inspired Metallic Silver, and vibrant Spiced Copper. These colors complement the season while making a bold statement.

What is the hair color trend for December 2025?

December is peak party season, so the trends are leaning into show-stopping shades! Metallic silvers are dominating for NYE, while rich berry tones like Mulled Wine are perfect for cozy holiday gatherings. We're also seeing lots of people embrace icy platinum looks and warm copper shades that photograph beautifully in holiday lighting.

Ready to Glow Up?

Your holiday hair transformation is just a few steps away! Whether you're going full ice queen with platinum, warming things up with spiced copper, or keeping it chic with rose brown, these shades are guaranteed to make your holiday season unforgettable. Shop all these 2025 holiday hair color trends at Arctic Fox and get ready to ring in the New Year with your best hair yet!

Want more holiday hair inspo, tips, and behind-the-scenes color magic? Follow us online @arcticfoxhaircolor we're serving up fresh ideas daily. Your dream holiday hair is waiting! ✨

2025 is just around the corner, and it’s bringing some MAJOR hair and nail inspo! This year is all about self-expression, bold color combos, and unapologetic glam. From dreamy mocha tones to eclectic mix-and-match vibes, we’ve got the lowdown on how to slay the upcoming trends. Let’s dive in!🌟🎉

Mocha Mousse Mania ☕️✨🤎

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is serving neutral but make it chic! Think soft, warm browns with just the right touch of creaminess. Pair this trend with glossy, latte-inspired nails or a rich, mocha balayage that screams “sophisticated baddie.” Perfect for those who love understated glam with a cozy twist.🧸🍫

Cherry Coded🍒 

Get ready to pucker up and paint the town red! In 2025, cherry red is taking the beauty world by storm. This trend is berry delicious and oh-so-bold. Mix Wrath and Ritual for a rich, dimensional red that’s perfect for making a statement. Complete the look with sleek nails in matching tones to channel your inner femme fatale. Warning: this trend may cause major envy and cravings for cherry cola.🥤❤️✨

Embrace the Maximalist Movement 🌈✨

Unleash Your Inner Sea Witch🧜‍♀️🌊🔮

Pickle Green🥒🫙

Embrace Your Inner Aura ✨🌈

Rococo Revival🌹 

Embrace Your Inner Goddess ✨👑

Step aside—a goddess is coming through! This trend is all about ethereal, glowing beauty. Think radiant highlights, golden tones, and hair accessories fit for a queen. Combine shades like Cosmic Sunshine☀️, Sunset Orange🌅, and Poison🔥for a look that’s celestial AF. Add gilded nail art with gold and silver accents to complete the vibe.💅

Dolled Up💕🎀

Barbiecore is here to stay, and we're totally obsessed! Channel your inner doll with voluminous curls, glossy finishes, and dreamy pink hues like Virgin Pink and Electric Paradise. Pair your fabulous hair with shiny, doll-like nails adorned with rhinestones, glitter, and plenty of pink. It's time to live your best Barbie life! 💅✨

Embrace Your Inner Trendsetter🔥 💯 😎

2025 is shaping up to be a year of bold, beautiful hair and nails. We can't wait to see how you interpret these trends and make them your own. Remember to tag us @arcticfoxhaircolor so we can admire your stunning creations. Which trend will you be rocking first?💜✨

We've all been there. You wake up and your hair is a total disaster. Frizzy, flat, or just plain unruly, it seems like nothing you do can tame it. But don’t worry, even with the craziest hair day, you can still slay your day with a little creativity and the vibrant shades of the AF rainbow. 

AF hair colors are known for their boldness, vibrancy, and their ability to totally transform any look. Whether you’re rocking a classic black or a neon pink, these hairstyles will help you conquer even the worst hair day. Let’s dive in!

5 Hairstyles for Bad Hair Days

1. The Sleek Ponytail

@bigfatjenna in Electric Paradis

2. Space Buns

@hamiltonn_anna in Poison, Virgin Pink, and Electric Paradise

This playful and fun hairstyle is perfect for hiding unruly hair. Divide your hair into two equal sections and create two high pigtails. Twist each pigtail into a bun and secure it with hair ties or bobby pins. Space buns are a great way to add a touch of whimsy to your look, and your hair color will definitely stand out!

3. Twin Pigtails

@wweglamsquad in Poseidon

This youthful and energetic style is perfect for a bad hair day! Divide your hair into two equal sections and create two high pigtails. You can leave them straight or add a few waves for a more textured look. This is such an easy and fun way to show off your color and push wash day just a little farther out! 

4. The Half-Up, Half-Down

@hairpaintedwithlove in Violet Dream, Blue Jean Baby, and diluted Virgin Pink

This versatile style can be dressed up or down. Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a hair tie, bobby pins, or some fun hair clips! You can leave the bottom half loose, curl it, or straighten it, depending on your mood. You can even add some tinsel if you’re feeling extra fun ‘n flirty!

5. Accessorize! 

@brynnsideout in Girls Night and Sterling

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Add a bold hat, a stylish scarf, or a pair of statement earrings to distract from your hair - trust us, no one will even notice. And we KNOW your color will complement any accessory you choose.

Remember, confidence is key! No matter what hairstyle you choose, own it and rock your Arctic Fox hair with pride.

Do you have a go-to bad hair day hairstyle? Share your tips in the comments below!

Hey Fox Fam! Today I’m spilling ALL of the tea about Arctic Mist Diluter. If you've ever dreamt of rocking those pastel shades or creating your own custom color blend, this little bottle of magic is about to become your new bestie. 😌🤍👯‍♀️

Imagine this: you've got that perfect shade in mind—maybe it's a soft lavender or a delicate baby blue—but you're not quite sure how to achieve it without ending up with a neon surprise. 😱 Enter Arctic Mist Diluter, the hero of our hair color adventures! 🤩

It’s not necessarily a dye and it’s not a toner…. So what is it?😳

Well, think of it as the chill pill for your color.🧊💊 Arctic Mist Diluter is a dye base, without pigment added to it. This miracle mix tones down the intensity of our vibrant Arctic Fox shades, giving you the power to customize your color to exactly how you want it! It's like having a palette where you can mix and match until you find your perfect hue. 🌈🥰

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use a conditioner that’s already in my shower instead?” but that would be a rookie mistake! 👎🛑 😵‍💫 The difference being, conditioners usually have oils or silicone that can prevent the pigment in the dye from sticking correctly to your hair, causing a patchy or faded result.🥴 NO THANKS! I’ll stick with Arctic Mist Diluter instead. 😅

Here’s why I love it:

It’s super easy to use! Just add a few drops to your favorite Arctic Fox shade until you reach the desired level of pastel perfection. 😍 Want a slightly lighter shade? Add a bit more. It’s all about experimenting and having fun, without the fear of ending up with a color catastrophe. So go ahead and embrace your inner artist!👩‍🎨 

And guess what? It’s not just for pastels.😏 You can use Arctic Mist Diluter to create custom shades, tone down a color that turned out bolder than expected, or even just to give your current hue a softer, dreamier vibe.☁️✨

Just remember, the lighter the color, the lighter the hair needs to be in order for the color to show, so make sure your hair is lightened to an appropriate level for your goal shade to get the best results!☝️⚡

Pro Tip: Use our Bleach Please collection to get the perfect starting base!

Oh, and did I mention it’s vegan and cruelty-free? Yep, Arctic Fox always has our furry friends in mind, so you can feel good about using our products.🐰💕🌿

Whether you're a seasoned color pro or dipping your toes into the world of DIY vibrant hair for the first time, Arctic Mist Diluter is here to make your life easier and your hair dreams come true. 🥳 It’s like having a stylist in a bottle, ready to help you achieve Instagram-worthy locks.💇‍♀️

You know I got you on the inspo besties, check out these stunning Arctic Mist Diluter mixes! 💡💖🎨

Dusty Blue: 95% Arctic Mist + 5% Transylvania on a level 10 base

If you’re looking for a subtle color with a little bit of drama then this mix is for you!😏💙

Mauve: 90% Arctic Mist + 10% Violet Dream on a level 10 base

It’s giving fairy godmother in the best way possible!😍💜

Marigold: 30% Arctic Mist + 30% Ginger Flare + 40% Cosmic Sunshine on a level 10 base

This foxy mix will definitely turn some heads!🦊🧡

Seafoam Green: 90% Arctic Mist + 10% Iris Green on a level 10 base

You’re destined to be the baddest mermaid at the beach with this hair!🧜‍♀️💚

Salmon Pink: 85% Arctic Mist + 15% Virgin Pink on a level 10 base

 Let's be honest, this shade of pink NEVER goes out of style!🌸💕

If you’re not convinced yet then surely these foxes will change your mind! 🦊💭

@Metamorefix in Arctic Mist Diluter, Periwinkle, Purple AF, Blue Jean Baby, and Sterling

@Kellkaneki in Arctic Mist Diluter, Iris Green, and Aquamarine

@Harbsy in Arctic Mist Diluter, and Virgin Pink

@La_main_d_argent_ in Arctic Mist Diluter, Aquamarine, Neon Moon, and Neverland

@Christystarmua in Arctic Mist Diluter, and Frosé

The best part about using AF semi-permanent hair dye? The absolutely ENDLESS customizability of our colors. ✨ You can create your own custom mixes and unleash your inner artist on your hair with just about any hair dye color combo you can dream of. 

Let's dive into the realm of dynamic duos, perfect pairings, and all things Arctic Fox that effortlessly blend together - like peanut butter and jelly or your favorite color combo! Our Fox Fam would argue that mixing Arctic Fox hair dye is an art form. You can easily create a unique blend of color right from the comfort of your home. Our DIY formula is perfect for anyone wanting to experiment. Here are some of our most underrated color combinations you didn’t know you needed in your life!

Dusty Rose Gold 

Frosé and Space Cowgirl

Let’s get dreamy with it! Frosé hair dye and Space Cowgirl hair dye create an unexpected color combo that GIVES springtime dream for our pastel lovers out there. Get out your AF mixing bowls and brushes and pour in a ratio of 70% Frose to 30% Space Cowgirl to get this lustrous color combo! It’s important that Frose hair dye a majority of this mix to nail the color on pre-lightened hair. 

Brunette Bombshell

Ginger Flare + Transylvania

Our foxes are always asking for natural colors - and we have great news, you can totally create your own natural color mix at home! If you’re ready for a drastic transition from neon to natural, start with a base of Ginger Flare hair dye and add a few drops of Transylvania hair dye. To achieve that gorgeous reddish-brown, you’re going to need 80% Ginger Flare with 20% Transylvania ratio. This mix is shown on level 10 hair, so be sure to do a strand test before you try this beautiful brown hue to see how it will show up on your current hair level. 

The Witch

Girls Night and Transylvania

This purple haze is guaranteed to put a spell on anyone.  👀 Give a smoky hue to Arctic Fox’s Girls Night hair dye by adding a few drops of Transylvania hair dye. You’ll want a ratio of 80% Girls Night and 20% Transylvania for this dreamy purple shade. This mix is shown on a level 10 base, so make sure you’re there or lighten up with Bleach, Please. A tiny may take to darker bases (no guarantees) but be sure to do a strand test to see how it looks on your locks!

Peach Princess

Arctic Mist Diluter, Girls Night, and Poison

You’ll never guess what AF hair dyes make up this rustic shade! Start with 75% Arctic Mist Diluter, then add in 20% Girls Night hair dye, and finish off with 5% Poison hair dye. As always with lighter shades, you’ll need to start with a base level 10 hair for the mix to show up as pictured! This peachy perfect mix will turn heads throughout festival season, you’ll be dyeing to keep it all summer long.  Give it a go next time you want to spice up your look, and tag us so we can see! 

Rich B*tch

Ritual and Sterling

Show off your expensive a** taste with this delicious berry shade that looks good enough to eat! Go halfsies with a mix of Ritual hair dye and Sterling hair dye to get this smokey berry color. This is perfect for wanting to turn things up a notch and opt for a more natural looking shade while still exploring purple hues! The mix pictured is on a level 10 base, so go with a strand test to see how it shows up on you.

Creative Hair Dye Color Placements 

Split Dyes

Ritual and Arctic Mist Diluter + Sterling and Electric Paradise

Talk about a perfect pairing! This stunning split dye is a mix of 50% Ritual hair dye and 50% Arctic Mist Diluter on one side with Sterling hair dye and Electric Paradise hair dye mixed together for the other. If you’re looking for a trendy but daring color combo for Vday (or year ‘round), this color placement should definitely be next up on your list. Oh, and the adorable puppy, you ask? We partner with rescues like Pup Culture to prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare! If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can apply to adopt the adorable doggos they rescue. Visit @pupculturerescue on Instagram where they post their pups weekly! 

Dreamy Color Melt

Girls Night and Periwinkle

If a split dye isn’t calling your name but you still want to show off two colors at once, a color melt is your move! A color melt is simply starting with one color on the top part of your hair that quite literally melts beautifully as it meets with another color towards the bottom half of your hair! This stunning color melt is Girls Night hair dye and Periwinkle hair dye - and OMG it’s a literal dream. Girls Night and Periwinkle are on the lighter end of our vivid hair dyes, so you absolutely need to start with level 9 hair or lighter! Use our Bleach, Please hair lightening kit to get your hair to the desired level if you need, and always always do a strand test.

Halo

Virgin and Poison

Looking to mix it up even more? 👀 Check out halo hair, it’s literally everywhere right now! A halo color placement is one color on your first layer of hair, and a different color on the layers beneath it. It gives a gorgeous peekaboo effect and the styling options are truly endless! This fiery look from @alexajdmakeup was made using Virgin Pink hair dye and Poison hair dye. We love this color combo, especially during the month of February when red and pink hues reign supreme. Lucky for you AF shades are made for creating these daring looks at home! Virgin Pink hair color is a vibrant hot pink and will appear as a magenta tint on brown hair, its most vibrant form comes with pre-lightened hair. Poison hair color has a slight orange undertone that will prevent it from fading to a pink. Poison will give a dark, subtle tint to darker tones of hair but will turn out most vibrantly on hair that is pre-lightened to around a level 8. Give it a go the next time you’re feeling spicy!

Now that you’re a pro at color combos make sure you tag us on IG @arcticfoxhaircolor if you try out any of these mixes or split dyes. We love to see you explore your inner hairstylist with our DIY friendly hair dye colors!