Q&A for How to Dye Your Hair With Manic Panic Hair Dye

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Is Manic Panic hair dye long lasting?

Angela Justice
Master Hair Stylist
Angela Justice is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of Payton Place Salon based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. With over 33 years of experience, she specializes in styling and cutting hair, coloring hair, providing hair repair and strengthening services, and installing tape-in hair extensions.

Angela Justice

Master Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Not especially! Manic Panic dye has really large color molecules that can't penetrate into the hair shaft—instead, they just sit on top. Because of this, the color only lasts for a couple of weeks.

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Can you use Manic Panic on wet hair?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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You can, but the results may be patchier and less vivid than they would be on dry hair. Dye tends to adhere better to your hair when it’s dry, and dampness can dilute the color.

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Can you use Manic Panic without bleaching your hair?

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Yes, but keep in mind that it may not show up as well on darker hair. You’ll get the most vivid results if your hair is bleached, lightened, or naturally light in color.

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Is Manic Panic bad for your hair?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Staff Answer

Manic Panic is designed to be gentle and non-damaging on your hair. It’s semi-permanent, so it doesn’t penetrate your hair or change its structure like permanent color. However, keep in mind that everyone’s hair reacts differently to dyes and other hair products, so try it out on a small part of your hair if you’re concerned.

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Question

How old do I need to be to dye my hair?

Community Answer

There's no age requirement for buying or using any sort of hair dye, but if you are very young, you should ask a parent's permission before doing so.

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Question

How well will the colors show on dark, unbleached hair?

Community Answer

Hair dye is typically translucent, so the colors will not show up very well. Instead, they will add to your existing hair color. For example, adding red over dark-colored hair will create a deep red or burgundy. They will show up the best in sunlight, but will be more discrete indoors.

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Question

Does Manic Panic require a developer?

Community Answer

No. You use the color straight from the jar. You can mix it with white conditioner to lighten the color, but you do not use a developer like with other dyes.

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Question

What about if I have medium/light brown hair? Do I need to bleach first?

Community Answer

It will show up pretty well without bleaching, but the color won't be as vibrant. Be advised that frequent bleaching can be damaging to your hair.

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Question

How many jars of semi-permanent color will I need to get my desired shade?

Community Answer

For very thick hair or hair longer than shoulder length, use two jars to make sure every section gets saturated thoroughly.

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Question

Can I use conditioner with this method?

Community Answer

Yes, you can add conditioner to lighten the color or use conditioner on your hair after. You just want to steer clear of shampoo, as it will remove some, if not most, of the color.

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Question

Will it cover grey hair?

Community Answer

Yes!

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Question

How long does the color last?

Community Answer

On the website it says 4-6 weeks, but that might change depending how much you wash your hair, which color you use, etc.

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Question

How do I best store leftover dye for the next time?

Community Answer

Manic Panic containers have a tight sealing lid, so just close the lid after use and store it at room temperature until you need to use it again. The hair dye expires at a minimum of 12 months, so do not worry if you haven't used it in a short while.

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Question

If I dye the tips of my hair, should I use the same directions?

Community Answer

Yes you would just try and keep the dyed parts away from the parts of your hair you do not want colored. The only difference is you dye the ends of your hair! It's that easy.

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Question

If I use blue, will it turn my hair green while it fades?

Community Answer

Yes, most likely. Blue is extremely difficult to get out of hair; it doesn't just come out after a couple of bleaching sessions, and even if you dye your hair a darker color, the green may still seep through. The temporary blue color isn't worth the months-long process of removing it.

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Question

How many jars of manic panic will I need for thick, 2-foot-long hair?

Community Answer

You will need about 4 to 5 jars. It's better to be safe than sorry because you don't want to run out half-way through!

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Question

Am I allowed to dye (permanent) my hair after using Manic Panic?

Community Answer

Since Manic Panic is a semi-permanent dye, once you've washed it out, you are free to do anything you want with your hair.

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Question

Will this work on white hair?

Community Answer

Yes. your hair will take the dye and you won't have to leave it on for a long time. The color should be very vibrant.

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Question

What about root only touch up? How would it take to new hair?

Community Answer

Depending on how dark your original color is, you might want to lighten your roots first. Otherwise, it should affect your roots the same as the rest of your hair.

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What is the material that you place in the hair to separate sections? Can it be aluminum foil?

Community Answer

Usually it's aluminum foil, or occasionally I've seen people use Saran wrap. Foil is probably the best option.

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Should I shampoo and dry my hair prior to dying it?

Community Answer

Yes, you should. Manic Panic is a conditioner-based dye, so your hair needs to be "thirsty."

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Question

What if you can't blow dry your hair?

Community Answer

Air dry and then use a flat iron to apply heat. Essentially, using heat makes the colors a bit brighter.

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Question

I've previously dyed my hair brown with henna. Can I still dye my hair with the manic panic hair dye?

Community Answer

It should be fine, but the colors may not show up well depending on how dark your hair currently is, so you may want to lighten or even bleach it first.

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Question

What kind of comb should I use?

Community Answer

Use any medium comb that can get hair dye on it and can be washed out.

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Will these methods work with Jerome Russel Punky Color?

Community Answer

Yep! I have used both dyes at the same time for rainbow hair, and they came out the same!

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Will the dye come out in chlorine?

Community Answer

Yes, chlorine will likely strip the color from your hair.

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How do I need to prep my hair before I dye it? Can it be applied to dirty hair with product in it?

Community Answer

It is possible to apply Manic Panic to dirty hair, but I advise you not to do so. It won't work as well as if you applied it to shampooed hair.

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