Hair colour trends continue to evolve, and the Fox Tips technique is emerging as a creative way to give long hair a fresh, high-contrast finish. Inspired by the distinctive tail of a fox, the look combines warm roots and mid-lengths with dramatically darker ends to create a reverse ombré effect.
According to Lloyd Court of seanhanna Salons in Wimbledon, the trend offers a striking two-tone finish that can be adapted for a variety of hair colours.
“Fox Tips is a vibrant two-tone look where the ends of the hair are colour a contrasting dark shade – so black or deep brown for blondes; copper or deep purples for darker hair,” explains Lloyd Court.
Below, Lloyd shares his professional advice for achieving clean, well-blended Fox Tips.
Layer the Hair Before Colouring
The haircut plays a key role in the final result. Lloyd recommends layering the hair before applying colour, as the shape and movement of the layers determine how the darker ends are displayed.
Understanding where the layers naturally fall helps ensure the colour follows the haircut, creating a more balanced and visible effect.
Pre-Section the Hair
Preparing sections before applying colour improves accuracy and consistency throughout the service.
Taking the time to carefully map out the hair allows for greater control over colour placement, which is essential for achieving the Fox Tips look.
Work with the Hair’s Natural Fall
One of the defining principles of the technique is applying colour where the hair naturally sits rather than repositioning it.
Lloyd advises lightly spraying each section with water, combing it through, and allowing it to fall into its natural position before colouring. The moisture creates a slight barrier that helps soften the transition between shades while improving the blend.
Change Gloves Between Sections
When working with black or highly pigmented fashion shades, Lloyd recommends changing gloves between each section.
Fresh gloves reduce the risk of colour transfer, helping prevent unwanted marks, muddy tones and uneven placement while maintaining a clean, precise finish.
Prioritise Seamless Blending
Blending is the most important step in creating successful Fox Tips.
“The biggest thing with fox tips is blending. Blend, blend, blend!” says Lloyd.
Careful blending prevents the darker ends from appearing heavy or harsh, resulting in a smoother transition between colours and a more polished final look.
As high-contrast colour techniques continue to gain popularity, Fox Tips offer colourists another way to personalise long hairstyles with bold yet carefully placed dimension. By focusing on layering, precise sectioning and seamless blending, stylists can create a striking reverse ombré effect tailored to each client’s haircut and natural movement.