Foxy hair with artful tip contrasts.
Animal-inspired hair color trends have been prowling through salons lately – calico blends, stark skunk stripes, even subtle tortoiseshell tones. The foxtail hair color is the latest to join the lineup, and it’s a natural showstopper for redheads, whether fiery by birth or by bottle. Still, with a few adjustments, it works beautifully for blondes and brunettes, too.
@_cosmicglamhair
The concept is simple: mimic the coloring of a fox’s tail. Warm shades – rusty, auburn, or copper – fade into dark brown or black at the tips. Technically, it can be considered a reverse ombré or dip dye with an almost organic, graduated blend that catches the eye without looking overly graphic.
This color can go in many directions. For a low-key version, the gradient might be just two or three shades darker than the base, melting softly into the ends. On the other end of the spectrum, you could push for maximum contrast – rich, fire-bright length fading sharply into inky tips. Redheads have the advantage of working with their existing warmth, but brunettes can start with a chestnut or auburn tone before deepening the ends. Blondes can reverse the palette altogether, using a golden base and toffee or chocolate tips, or even experiment with vivid purples and crimsons for a more dramatic twist.
@cotyplecieszrybnik
One of the perks of foxtail coloring is that it often doesn’t require bleach, so your ends avoid extra stress. That’s one reason this method is easier on your hair than full-head lightening. If you’re naturally brunette, you may need a lightening step to make the darker tips visible. Bleached blondes should expect more frequent touch-ups – porous hair tends to release pigment faster.
@mizzbethany
This gradient works best on layered cuts that put the ends on display. A butterfly cut or wolf cut allows the darker tips to frame and highlight each tier of texture. The layers give a gradual, airy transition between the base and tips. That said, blunt cuts can also look fierce with foxtail color. The key is having a skilled colorist who can blur the demarcation so the fade flows with the natural fall of your hair.
@beautyqueenbee
Styling options are half the fun. A classic blowout shows off the gradient in motion. Ponytails are especially fun, mimicking the swing of an actual fox’s tail. Half-up styles show off the color shift at the back, and messy updos with a few darker ends poking out add an artfully wild touch. Hair accessories work best when minimal – go for understated clips or bands that won’t compete with the color story.
@sadiiestyles_
The foxtail trend spices up your look without locking you into high-maintenance bleaching. It adds definition to your haircut’s structure, works with a range of natural tones, and can be trimmed away if you decide to move on. On red hair, it’s almost unfair how good it looks, but its adaptability makes it worth considering if you’re craving a seasonal update.
For more red-toned inspiration, take a look at our features on red balayage and red hair with highlights.
