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We’ve got answers! Whether you’re a hair dye virgin or a total dye hard, we’ve got all the pointers you need to get the Instagram-ready color of your dreams.
Because we’re the OGs in colorful vegan and cruelty-free hair color. But if that’s not reason enough, our hair colors are free of harsh chemicals and fortified to condition your hair while you color. With each Manic Panic® color, you can get the DIY look without the damage. That’s color without compromise!
Before coloring your hair, you should perform a patch or strand test with your hair color or bleach to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions. You can also see if you like the color before coloring your hair all over!
Yes and no. Some of our colors (especially neons, UVs, and pastels) work best on a pre-lightened base. If you want our signature intense color, we recommend lightening your hair to at least a level 7+ blonde. But we also have colors that give gorgeous colorful tints to dark hair. Each product on our website comes with hair swatches so you can see before and after results on light and dark hair.
Your base color is SUPER important since it affects the appearance of tones. If you apply blue pigment on top of a yellow-toned blonde, the results can veer toward a more teal or green hue. The whiter the hair, the truer the color tone. Before you color your hair blue, watch a tutorial by Mykey O’Halloran on how to avoid green tints!
Our semi-permanent formula lasts for about 4-6 weeks. But stronger formulas (like our Amplified collection) last longer because they contain 30% more pigment.
If you want to fight the fade for longer, we have color-safe shampoos and conditioners made specifically to maintain our hair colors. Use cool water when shampooing and try to wash hair only once a week (the more you wash, the faster the color fades). We also have dry shampoo to keep your color fresh on days when you skip a wash.
Shade
More Vivid Hair Dye Shades
Dark Star is a very deep, slightly purple-toned gray hair dye. For best results, lighten your hair to the lightest level 10 blonde before use. Dark Star may also be used to make your favorite Manic Panic shades deeper for a custom tone
Dark Star is also the perfect background shade for the popular prism hair effect movement or as a mix-in to make smoky versions of your favorite Manic Panic semi-permanent hair colors. Pastels/Greys/Toners contain less pigment than our vivid shades and will fade from your hair faster.
Tested on celebrities, not animals™.
dye like you mean it
Our semi-permanent hair colors shine brighter and bolder for much, MUCH longer than other dye brands.
Your hair, your vision, your way! Get a salon-quality dye job in the comfort of your own home.
100% vegan and cruelty free since ‘77. You can always count on Manic Panic to bring the Guilt-Free Glamour.
Overall rating: 4.382353 / 5 from 34 reviews.
Review topics: ["color","looks","hair","star","tone","bleach"].
"My test strand came out the perfect dusty grey-lavender color, but when I applied to freshly bleached level 10 roots they came out bright blue! The rest of my hair (which had previously been dyed with my beloved discontinued ColorPop silver) was the expected lovely color. It just seemed like all of the pink, purple, and grey tones didn't stick at all to my roots!"
— Sarah K. (3/5)
"I've been using Dark Star since it's release and I still only have good things to say about it. The color is exactly what I've wanted ever since I was a fresh teenager (the majestic 4-0 now) Sometimes if my hair is being stubborn midst the the lightening / bleaching process, I'll add a a small glob ( table spoon size or so ) of ultra violet to half the jar get a temporarily deeper cool tone which still looks delightful -- and helps negate any of that stubborn brassy tone that toner doesn't fix."
— Stefanie K. (5/5)
"I followed the instructions exactly, and I was even doing a pretty dark color over lighter hair but it didn't even noticeably change the color of my hair. This might be because of user error or because it was the first time I was ever trying to dye my hair."
— Evey R. (1/5)
"As the title says. The dye lasted a week in my hair before it washed out almost entirely. I used this colour and electric pink pussycat for different sections and both washed out in two washes. I use cool water and hair care made for vibrant dyed hair so I know it's the dye. Been bleachijg and dying my own hair for almost 8 years and this is the only brand I've used that washed out this fast."
— Jaime L. (1/5)
"When first applied, it's gorgeous! appears like historic Pewter. Love it. After 1st wash, becomes pastel blue! I apply to unbleached, mostly naturally white hair. . . . Love the product line."
— B B. (4/5)
"I had forgotten how much I love Manic Panic colors and Dark Star reignited the love! I diluted it with the pastelizer and it made this smoky purple-y grey. My dream hair had been achieved🙌🏾"
— Jack (5/5)
"I use this shade to mix with every color to create a more muted tone. I use it with Fleur Du Mal to make more of a light mauve color and I use it on my boyfriends hair with Purple Haze and conditioner to make a smoky purple."
— Chayla (5/5)
"I love Dark Star. It is great for those of us who have naturally graying hair or salt and pepper and want to blend or darken up the whiter grays. I love adding in a little more purple by mixing in a small amount of deadly night shade and/or ultra violet which adds a fun touch. Fades out nicely (but relatively quickly) and doesn't create brassiness/yellowing of the grays. Whenever I color my hair with this combo I consisstently get compliments from random strangers. Adds a little fun and a more youthful look without being over the top or dealing with permanent dye issues/demarkation lines. Highly recommend!!!"
— Elisa (5/5)
"The color turned out perfect and my hair was even healthier after use. Surprisingly easy to cover my head and the dyeing tools I bought from Manic Panic all worked out. No big messes in my all white bathroom. I have just enough dye left to add to my conditioner for a booster! Will definitely be back for more color and tools!"
— Jojo S. (5/5)
"I've found Dark Star works really good when mixed with other colors, especially Amplified tones. However, when it was used alone, I found it didn't really show on my hair. I'm not too surprised, though, considering I've found that a lot of the non-amplified manic panic colors don't absorb into my hair well (3a, light/medium brown, low porosity hair)."
— Isaak C. (3/5)
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