Arctic Fox hair dye is a popular semi-permanent hair color that produces fun, vibrant results without harsh chemicals. But to get the most out of it, it’s important to leave the dye in your hair for the optimal amount of time.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about processing time for Arctic Fox hair color, including:
- What is the recommended time on the bottle?
- Why you may need longer than the instructions say
- Ideal leave-in times for different results
- What happens if you leave it in too long?
- Tips for maximizing color vibrancy and longevity
- Washing out the dye properly
- How long the color lasts
What Does The Arctic Fox Bottle Recommend?
The usage instructions on bottles of Arctic Fox hair dye recommend leaving the product in hair for 30 minutes before rinsing out.
This 30 minute processing time is the minimum amount needed to deposit color onto hair. However, many users find they need to leave Arctic Fox in for longer to get the best color payoff.
Why You May Need More Time Than The Instructions
There are a few reasons why the standard 30 minutes may not be enough processing time for Arctic Fox dye:
- Your hair is dense or thick
- You have dark hair and want a vivid shade
- You want the color to last as long as possible
- You have semi-permanent dye still in your hair
- You are touching up your roots only
The longer you leave the dye on, the better it can fully saturate and adhere to every strand. An extra 30-60 minutes makes a big difference!
Ideal Leave-In Times For Arctic Fox
Here are some general guidelines for how long you should leave Arctic Fox dye in to achieve different results:
- 30-45 minutes – minimum for lighter or pre-lightened hair
- 1 hour – standard time for most medium to dark hair colors
- 2+ hours – for extra vivid or long-lasting color on dark hair
As you can see, leaving the dye in for 1-2 hours is ideal to maximize the vibrancy and longevity of the color, especially on darker shades.
What Happens If You Leave Arctic Fox In Too Long?
Arctic Fox is formulated to be gentle on hair. The company says you can even sleep in it overnight with no issues!
However, some users report drying or irritation if left on for 8+ hours. As a general precaution, aim to rinse out the dye within 5 hours maximum.
Tips For Maximizing Your Arctic Fox Color
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Arctic Fox hair dye:
- Shampoo hair without conditioner before applying
- Use a tint or stain-blocking balm on skin
- Section hair & saturate every strand thoroughly
- Keep hair warm while processing with a cap or towels
- Agitate/massage in the dye every 30 minutes
- Rinse with coolest water you can tolerate
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and limit washing
Taking these steps will boost hair cuticle opening, dye penetration, and color payoff.
Washing Out Arctic Fox Dye
When time is up, you’ll want to properly rinse the dye from your hair. Follow these steps:
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water until it runs clear
- Shampoo once with a gentle, sulfate-free formula
- Apply conditioner and let it soak 3-5 minutes before rinsing
- Gently towel dry hair and allow to fully air dry
- Avoid heat styling for 1-2 days after dyeing
Washing with cool water seals the cuticle and locks in the vibrant color. Limit shampooing and heat exposure afterwards too.
How Long Does Arctic Fox Hair Color Last?
With proper maintenance, Arctic Fox hair dye will last 4-8 weeks before noticeably fading, depending on your hair color and porosity.
To make it last even longer:
- Use a tinted conditioner or hair mask weekly
- Refresh color every 4-6 weeks by reapplying dye
- Avoid hot water, sulfate shampoos, and heat styling
- Get a gloss treatment at the salon
Vibrant Arctic Fox hair color doesn’t have to be temporary! With some TLC, you can rock your dream shade for months.
The Bottom Line
While Arctic Fox instructions say to leave dye in for 30 minutes, you’ll get much better color payoff by keeping it on for 1-2 hours, especially for dark hair. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after.
Next time you use Arctic Fox hair dye, wait at least one full hour before rinsing for dazzling, long-lasting results. Your new vibrant locks will definitely be worth the extra processing time!