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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.
Unleash your boldest self with the ultimate DIY hair color & punk rock beauty guide!
Written by Tish & Snooky, the legendary founders of Manic Panic, Living in Color is more than just a book—it’s a celebration of self-expression, alternative beauty, and DIY rebellion. Packed with hair dye techniques, color maintenance tips, and vibrant transformations, this visually stunning coffee table book is perfect for beauty lovers, punk rock enthusiasts, and hairstylists.
Featuring a foreword by RuPaul, Manic Panic: Living in Color takes readers through the NYC punk history, the CBGB scene, and the evolution of bold hair color trends—all while giving you expert how-to tips on achieving fantasy hair colors at home.
🌈A Foreword by RuPaul – The ultimate Manic Panic “Dye-Hard” shares their love for bold, fearless self-expression.🌈The Evolution of Alternative Hair & Fashion – Dive into the history of punk beauty, indie fashion, and rebellious style trends.🌈Expert Hair Coloring Techniques – Learn how to dye hair at home and keep vibrant color lasting longer.🌈Manic Panic’s Legacy – How two sisters turned a women-owned business into a cult beauty brand that revolutionized the industry.
🌈 The Original Punk Rock Beauty Guide – Explore the rise of Manic Panic and its impact on alternative beauty & DIY culture.🌈 DIY Hair Dye Tips & Techniques – Get step-by-step guidance on how to achieve bold, vibrant hair color at home.🌈 Fantasy Hair Color Inspiration – See hundreds of stunning transformations, from Vampire Red to Purple Haze. 🌈 Salon & Stylist Must-Have – A perfect reference book for hairstylists, beauty enthusiasts, and industry professionals.🌈 The Perfect Gift – Whether for a punk rock fan, beauty lover, or indie fashion enthusiast, this is a must-have collectible.
🌈For Beauty Enthusiasts – A stunning alternative beauty book filled with bold hair color transformations.🌈For Punk Rock & Indie Culture Fans – A deep dive into NYC’s underground music & fashion scene.🌈For Hairstylists & Salons – A perfect coffee table book and reference guide for creative hair styling.🌈For Collectors & Fashion Rebels – A punk rock gift that celebrates self-expression through beauty.
🌈Ready to live in color? Order your copy today!
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.
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