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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.
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!
Whether you’re a hair color virgin or a total DYEhard, we’ve got all the pointers you need to get the Instagram-ready hair color of your dreams.
A: Manic Panic® is the original pioneer of vibrant hair color since 1977. It is woman-owned, minority-owned, and Latina-owned. We’re 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals, with formulas that condition while you color for DIY looks without damage. Rooted in punk culture and committed to inclusivity, advocacy, and creativity, we’ve been delivering color without compromise for decades.
A: Manic Panic Classic: The original semi-permanent hair color formula since 1977. Delivers vibrant color that lasts 4–6 weeks.
Manic Panic Amplified: Enhanced with 30% more pigment and castor oil for extra intensity and extended wear of 6–8 weeks.
A: Manic Panic hair color is formulated without harsh chemicals and does not require a developer, making it generally safe for all ages. Always perform a patch test to check for allergies and a strand test before coloring. If you have concerns, consult your physician.
A: Manic Panic dyes are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals, but they are formulated and tested for human use only. We do not recommend using them on pets. Animals are more sensitive to pigments and may experience skin irritation or ingest the product by licking their fur, which can be harmful.
A: Blue Lightning® Bleach Kit – 30 Volume with Mega Blue Powder includes blue-tinted bleach powder to help neutralize warm tones during lightening.
Flash Lightning® Bleach Kit – 30 Volume Cream Developer comes with standard bleach powder and 30 volume developer for high lift.
Flash Lightning® Bleach Kit – 40 Volume Cream Developer includes standard bleach powder and 40 volume developer for maximum lift. Not recommended for beginners.
Each kit contains everything needed for a single application to make the lightening process easier.
A: Yes. Manic Panic hair dyes contain no active ingredients, so they can be safely stored for future use. Keep the jar in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat; such as a closet or cabinet.
A: No. Once bleach and developer have been mixed, any leftover product must be discarded. It cannot be stored or reused later.
A: It depends on your hair length:
· Short hair (above jaw): ~1 jar or bleach kit
· Medium length (shoulder): ~2 jars or bleach kits
· Waist-length hair: ~3 jars or bleach kits
For thicker hair, add one extra jar or kit. Ensure hair is fully saturated for best results.
A: No. Manic Panic dyes are direct-depositing, semi-permanent colors—no developer required. They’re ready to use straight from the jar.
A: Performing a patch and strand test is essential for safety and color accuracy.
· Patch Test: Apply a small amount of dye to a quarter-sized area of clean, dry skin (e.g., inner elbow). Leave for 24 hours. Do not use it if irritation occurs.
· Strand Test: Select a small, hidden section of hair. Apply product as directed and review results for color outcome, fade, and longevity before full application.
These tests help identify allergies and preview your final look.
A: Manic Panic® wigs and extensions are heat-stylable and hand-washable.
· Wash after ~30 wears (or sooner if exposed to smoke or perfume).
· Brush gently after each wear, starting from the bottom up, using detangling spray.
· Store properly: wrap in a hair net and place in the original box or on a wig head—away from heat or fire.
Styling:
· Wigs can be cut, trimmed, and styled with hair scissors and sprays.
· Heat tools and blow dryers are safe—do not exceed 248°F (120°C).
Wash Instructions:
1. Soak in lukewarm water with a synthetic wig shampoo for 5 minutes.
2. Rinse gently under running water.
3. Use a small brush to remove makeup stains from the cap line.
4. Immerse in cool water with 2 capfuls of synthetic wig conditioner; work through with fingers.
5. Rinse, pat dry with a towel, and air dry on a wig stand.
6. Do NOT comb or blow dry while wet. Wait until fully dry, then detangle gently.
A: It depends on your hair and the results you want.
· For intense, vibrant color, we recommend lightening hair to at least level 7+ blonde.
· Neons, UV shades, and pastels perform best on a pre-lightened base.
· Some shades will give colorful tints on dark hair without bleaching.
Each product page includes before-and-after swatches on light and dark hair to help you choose.
Pre-lightening is recommended for longer lasting results, but everyone's natural hair is different, so we recommend doing a test strand first to preview the results!
A: No. Manic Panic dyes are free from harsh chemicals and are formulated to condition your hair while coloring. Plus, all products are vegan and cruelty-free.
A: Manic Panic semi-permanent colors last about 4–6 weeks. For extended wear, the Amplified formula lasts up to 6–8 weeks.
To maximize longevity and prevent fading, use our color-safe shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for Manic Panic colors. Wash with cool water and minimize shampooing days; the more you wash, the faster the color fades. For in-between washes, use our dry shampoo to keep your hair fresh.
A: To prepare your hair for a new Manic Panic color:
· Let your current color fade naturally or use a clarifying shampoo like Prepare to Dye to help wash it out.
· You can also use color removers formulated for semi-permanent dyes.
Important:
· Do NOT bleach your hair again—this pushes pigment deeper into the hair shaft, making removal harder.
· If needed, try a bleach bath, a gentle alternative to lift color.
· For stubborn tints, tone them out using Pastel-izer mixed with a tiny amount of the opposite color on the color wheel.
A: Everyone’s hair is different, especially gray hair. Gray hair can be coarse or less porous, which makes it harder for color to fully adhere—even though it looks lighter.
Start with a strand test to preview results.
Highly pigmented shades work best for gray coverage. We recommend the colors in our Aging Disgracefully collection:
· Fuschia Shock
· Voodoo Blue
· Purple Haze
· Ultra Violet
· Vampire Red
· Pink Warrior
If grays still show through, you may need to pre-lighten first.
Our Love Color Collection of color-tinted condoners are also great way of giving natural grey, silver, or white a more temporary POP of color. We recommend playing with a few colors, so your hair can match your mood, or outfit. ;)
A: It depends on your current hair level and the color you want to achieve.
Toning after pre-lightening can help neutralize yellow or orange undertones and prevent unwanted results.
For Example:
· Toning brassy undertones before applying blue prevents hair from turning green.
· Toning before using a light pink shade avoids a peachy outcome.
A: To remove dye stains from skin:
· Rub dish soap and warm water on the area immediately.
· Use Dye Away® wipes for quick removal.
· For stubborn stains, gently rub with rubbing alcohol.
To prevent stains:
· Apply coconut oil or petroleum jelly along your hairline and neck.
· Keep paper towels or a dark towel nearby for drips.
A: If dye stains bathroom surfaces:
· Spray the area with a bleach-based cleaner immediately.
· Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
A: Instructions to Dye your hair with Manic Panic:
1. Complete your patch and strand tests first.
2. Start with clean, dry, unconditioned hair.
3. Section your hair and apply color evenly with a tint brush, ensuring full saturation for best results.
4. Leave the dye on for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Rinse with cool water until it runs clear.
A: How to bleach your hair with Manic Panic:
2. Start with dry, unwashed hair as natural oils help protect your scalp.
3. Mix bleach and developer according to package instructions.
4. Section your hair, put on gloves, and apply the mixture evenly with a tint brush, ensuring full saturation.
5. Check progress every 10 minutes by wiping a strand with a damp paper towel. Reapply mixture if needed.
6. Once you reach the desired lightness, rinse thoroughly with clarifying shampoo and follow with a deep conditioner.
· Do not leave bleach on for more than 40 minutes to avoid dryness and breakage.
· If you feel burning or irritation, rinse immediately with shampoo.
· Avoid contact with the eyes or skin.
A: No. Manic Panic dye or bleach should not be used on sensitive areas such as eyebrows or eyelashes. If eye contact occurs, rinse immediately with warm water and consult your physician.
A: Our loyalty and rewards program page is currently under construction. To redeem your points, please email customerservice@manicpanic.com. We’ll confirm your point balance, manually redeem your points, and create a discount code for you.
Point System:
· 100 points = $5
· 200 points = $10
· 400 points = $20
· 800 points = $40
A: Order Processing & Delivery:
· Please allow 1–2 business days for our warehouse to process your order.
· Expect possible delays during October–January (holiday season) or during promotional sales.
· You’ll receive an email with tracking information once your order is processed.
Shipping Times (U.S.):
· Orders typically arrive within 3–7 business days, depending on your distance from our warehouse.
A: Returns must be postmarked within 5 days of delivery and are at the customer’s expense.
Items must be unused, unopened, and in their original condition and packaging. Refunds exclude original shipping.
Ship to:Manic Panic NYC, IncATTN: RETURN ORDER #(6-Digit Order Number)44-02 11th Street, Suite 101Long Island City, NY 11101
Final Sale: Lifestyle products, including all print-to-order items, are final sale. These items cannot be returned or exchanged.
A: Route is an optional shipping insurance available at checkout for $1.95. It covers your package in case it is lost, stolen, or damaged. To file a claim, visit: https://claims.route.com/
A: If you have a question not listed: Please reach out to customerservice@manicpanic.com for further assistance! 🖤