Battle of the Color: Arctic Fox vs. Pulp Riot

Welcome to the Battle of the Color, where two giants in the world of creative hair dye go head-to-head: Arctic Fox and Pulp Riot. Both brands are well-known among hair color enthusiasts for their vibrant hues and bold pigments, but which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s break it down by ethics, performance, and staying power.

Round 1: Ethics – Vegan & Cruelty-Free

In today's conscious beauty world, it's not just about the color—it's about the cause. Thankfully, both Arctic Fox and Pulp Riot have stepped up.

Arctic Fox was founded with a mission: to offer long-lasting color without harming animals. The brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and they go even further by donating 15% of their profits to animal welfare organizations. That’s a big win for the compassionate colorist.

Pulp Riot is also vegan and cruelty-free, certified by PETA. While they don’t make animal charity donations a core part of their brand identity, their commitment to ethical ingredients and testing practices is solid.

Winner: Arctic Fox, for combining ethical ingredients with ongoing charitable giving.

Round 2: Color Range & Application

When it comes to variety and vibrancy, both brands offer stunning palettes.

Arctic Fox is beloved for its neon brights, deep jewel tones, and creative color names like “Poison,” “Purple Rain,” and “Aquamarine.” The formula is semi-permanent, conditioning, and smells pleasantly fruity. It’s easy to apply at home and gentle enough for frequent use.

Pulp Riot, on the other hand, was created for professional salons. Their colors are ultra-pigmented and designed for artistic application. Shades like “Jam,” “Velvet,” and “Fireball”and Absinthe are intensely vibrant and blend beautifully. They also offer a broader professional spectrum of toners and developers that pair well with their colors.

Winner: Pulp Riot, for professional-grade vibrancy and blendability.

Round 3: Staying Power – Who Lasts Longer?

Now for the main event: staying power. A beautiful shade means nothing if it fades after a few washes.

Arctic Fox offers decent longevity for a semi-permanent dye, lasting about 4 to 8 weeks depending on hair porosity, color maintenance, and how often you wash your hair. Lighter colors like pinks and pastels tend to fade faster, while blues and purples hang on a bit longer.

Pulp Riot, known for its salon-level formulation, has a stronger grip on the hair shaft. When applied correctly and cared for properly, colors can last 6 to 12 weeks—sometimes even longer. It tends to fade more gracefully, maintaining vibrancy without getting patchy or dull.

Winner: Pulp Riot, hands down, for superior longevity and fade-resistance.

Round 4: DIY Friendliness

For at-home colorists, ease of use is a huge factor.

Arctic Fox is designed with the DIY user in mind. It requires no developer, goes on like a conditioner, and is gentle enough for repeated applications. Plus, it smells great and leaves hair feeling soft.

Pulp Riot is primarily meant for salon use. While some experienced DIYers use it at home, it’s more technical and may require a developer or toning knowledge, especially for mixing or fading techniques.

Winner: Arctic Fox, for accessibility and user-friendliness.

Final Verdict

• Ethics: Arctic Fox

• Color & Vividness: Pulp Riot

• Staying Power: Pulp Riot

• DIY Ease: Arctic Fox

  Overall Winner: It’s a Tie—Choose Based on Your Needs

If you're a home colorist who values ethical practices, soft hair, and easy application, Arctic Fox is your go-to. But if you want salon-quality color that lasts, with vibrant payoff and professional blending, Pulp Riot takes the crown.

In the end, both brands deliver stunning results—but your perfect match depends on whether you're coloring for convenience or performance.

Let the battle of the color begin—ethically, beautifully, and boldly.