My Cart
Manic Media™: Your Source For All Things Color
How TO
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.
Bring on the glitter, the flash, and the DIY drama. Glam Gold™ Temporary Hair Makeup Gel , from Manic Panic’s Dye Hard® collection delivers a rich metallic gold hue with shimmer that shines as hard as your outfit. This strong-hold gel sculpts styles in place while adding bold temporary color that rinses out easily. Perfect for glitter roots, punk spikes, and Y2K hair moments that demand attention.
Why You’ll Dye for It
💖 One Night Strands™ – Perfect for concerts, parties, and all-night dance floors.💖 Mix, Match, or Clash – Intermixable with all Dye Hard® shades.💖 Liquid Chalk Finish – Apply, dry, comb through, or layer for drama.💖 Strong Hold Styling Gel – Keeps styles in place from dusk ‘til dawn.💖 Cruelty-Free & Vegan – Always tested on celebrities, never on animals™.💖 Color With a Conscience™ – 15% of profits go to charities supporting people, animals, and the planet.
How to Dye
1. Apply in thin layers to avoid weighing hair down. Build gradually for bolder effects.
2. Let it dry completely before touching or styling further.
3. To remove, simply shampoo thoroughly—we recommend using Manic Panic® Prepare to Dye® Clarifying Shampoo for the cleanest reset.
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.
Sign up for exclusive Dye Hard community perks: content, tips, discounts, and more!