I’m a Manic Panic girl – if you go to Fantasy Hair Lover’s About Us page, you will see a picture of me with my signature pink hair.
Well, guess what? I dye my hair mainly with Manic Panic products because they are amazing.
However, I must say that most Manic Panic hair dyes are not as durable as products from other brands.
That’s why today, I’m going to teach you how to make Manic Panic last longer with these updated 2023 tips.
Quick Answer
You can make Manic Panic last longer by following the hair dye’s instructions, avoiding cold water and heating tools, and using the right amount of dye. Likewise, there are certain Manic Panic colors that last longer than usual – read further to learn more.
How Long Does Manic Panic Last?
In my experience, the longevity of Manic Panic ultimately depends on a few factors, such as the color you choose, how often you wash your hair, and the overall health of your locks. But let me give you the scoop.
If you’re going for a bold and vibrant shade like Electric Lizard or Hot Hot Pink, you can expect your Manic Panic color to last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. Of course, this is assuming you take good care of your hair, using sulfate-free shampoo, and avoid excessive heat styling and chlorine exposure.
Now, if you opt for a more subtle pastel hue like Mystic Heather or Cotton Candy Pink, you may find that the color fades a bit faster, typically lasting around 2 to 3 weeks.
In my case, Manic Panic Cotton Candy Pink lasted only 3 weeks, and let me tell you that I wash my hair only once a week, so it doesn’t last that long.
Does Manic Panic fully wash out?
Of course, Manic Panic fully washes out by itself! However, it depends on your choice of color.
If you’re looking to make a bold statement with a bright and vibrant color like Purple Haze or Electric Banana, then no, Manic Panic may not fully wash out that easily. These shades tend to stick around for a while, especially if you’ve lightened your hair beforehand.
However, if you’re feeling a bit more low-key and want to try out a softer shade like Cotton Candy Pink or Mystic Heather, then you’re in luck! These pastel hues are designed to fade gradually with each wash, so you won’t be stuck with a bright pink mane for months on end.
Clearly, there are certain ways to make Manic Panic fade out more quickly, but overall, I’d say that it will go away by itself if you simply wash your hair regularly.
How Do You Make Manic Panic Last Longer?
Before we continue, you should go and check my Manic Panic Cotton Candy Review – there, I will show you my experience with this hair dye, which was pretty pleasant!
Either way, I prefer semi-permanent hair dyes that fade out quickly because I’m constantly changing the tones I add to my hair.
However, if you want to make Manic Panic last longer, these are three basic tips that you can’t neglect.
1. Follow Manic Panic Instructions
It doesn’t matter what hair dye product you use – you always need to follow the instructions!
Fortunately, the packaging of Manic Panic is pretty great and straight to the point, and you can read the instructions right there.
You need the basics: a brush to dye your hair evenly, a bowl, gloves, etc.
If you don’t know how to use Manic Panic, then check out my related post to learn how to do this!
2. Leave the Manic Panic Dye In Longer
It depends on the color you are applying, but I recommend you leave Manic Panic on your hair for at least 45 minutes.
Usually, people only leave Manic Panic for around 30 minutes, which, in my opinion, is not enough.
An additional piece of advice here: don’t dilute Manic Panic with conditioner if you want it to last longer! I learned it the hard way a few years ago!
3. Avoid Using Heat Styling Tools and Hot Water
Manic Panic recommends their users avoid heat styling tools and cold water, and I couldn’t agree more with these recommendations.
Do not use hair irons or hair dryers regularly if you want Manic Panic to last more time than usual. Also, cold water is your friend – I know that it’s not pleasant, but hot water will make Manic Panic fade out more quickly than cold water for sure.
How Can I Make My Manic Panic Work Better?
The previous tips help you to make Manic Panic last longer, but they are basic tips that everyone should apply.
Now, let’s learn how to make Manic Panic work better than it usually does.
1. Only Apply in Pre-lightened Hair
Well, this only applies if your hair is not naturally light blonde. Only pre-lighten your hair if it is not light enough.
I have natural dark hair, so I have to pre-lighten it for better results. If you don’t use bleach and developer, then Manic Panic will not last in your hair, not even for a week!
2. Use the Right Amount of Hair Dye
The first time I used Manic Panic, I made the silly error of getting just one bottle of hair dye.
So, the second time I used it (and you can read it in my product review mentioned above), I made the same error once again – I should have bought more than one bottle of Manic Panic!
Remember to always use the right amount of hair dye to ensure better results – that way, you will make Manic Panic work better and last longer.
3. Don’t Wash your Hair that Often
Water is the worst enemy of Manic Panic, especially if we talk about light or pastry colors.
I wash my hair once a week, but if you wash it twice or even three times a week, then the color will not last for long in your hair.
Either way, if you want it to last even more, then use salt-free shampoo products.
Which Manic Panic Colors Last the Longest?
As a hair dye expert with years of experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to colorful locks. From bold and bright to subtle and pastel, there’s a Manic Panic shade for every personality and style.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which ones will stand the test of time (and multiple washes).
Fear not, my friends – I’ve got you covered. I’ll be sharing my personal favorite Manic Panic colors that have proven to last the longest. So buckle up, get ready to show off your vivid tresses, and let’s dive in!
1. Manic Panic Raven Black
Manic Panic Raven Black is the perfect shade for anyone looking to make a bold statement with their hair. As a hair dye expert, I can tell you that Raven is a rich, deep black color that’s designed to last longer than Manic Panic’s Classic formula, thanks to its Amplified formula.
This means that not only will you get the intense and eye-catching black color you crave, but you’ll also be able to enjoy it for longer, even with regular washing. So, whether you’re looking to create a full-on goth vibe or just want to add a touch of edge to your everyday look, Raven is the perfect shade to help you stand out from the crowd.
2. Manic Panic Cobra Light Brown
I love Manic Panic Cobra Light Brown! This unique and edgy shade is a gorgeous light brown with just a hint of green undertones, giving your hair a bold and unexpected twist. And the best part? Cobra Light Brown also uses Manic Panic’s Amplified formula.
If you’re looking to add some serious personality to your hair without sacrificing quality or longevity, Cobra Light Brown is definitely worth checking out.
3. Manic Panic Blue Moon
Blue lovers, this one’s for you – Manic Panic Blue Moon. This stunning shade of blue is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their hair.
This means that you can enjoy your vibrant and electrifying blue hair for longer without having to worry about it fading away too quickly. And with the nourishing ingredients packed into the formula, your hair will feel healthy and nourished even after coloring.
Blue Moon is the perfect shade for anyone looking to add a pop of color to their look without going overboard. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a variety of styles that are sure to turn heads.
4. Manic Panic Green Envy
I am also thrilled to recommend Manic Panic Green Envy! This captivating shade of green is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their hair. Its Amplified Formula lasts longer than standard Manic Panic colors.
The deep, lush green tone of Green Envy is as beautiful as it gets, and it lasts up to 8 weeks in your hair. It’s perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their hair but don’t want to have to keep touching it up every few days.
5. Manic Panic Vampire Red
Finally, Manic Panic Vampire Red! This sultry and intense shade of red is perfect for those who want to add a touch of drama to their look, and it has the added benefit of lasting even longer than Manic Panic’s Classic formula, thanks to its Amplified formula.
The Amplified formula means you can enjoy your vibrant red hair for weeks without worrying about it losing its luster.
Vampire Red is perfect for anyone looking to experiment with different styles, as it stays vibrant even after multiple washes.
Fantasy Recap: Which Manic Panic Dye Lasts the Longest?
Congratulations, my fellow fantasy hair lovers – you are now equipped with the knowledge to make your Manic Panic color last longer! From prepping your hair to using the right products and avoiding certain activities, these tips will help you maintain that vibrant hue for as long as possible.
But remember, even the most long-lasting dye job won’t stay perfect forever. So, embrace the inevitable fading and color changes as an opportunity to experiment with new shades and styles. Who knows, you might just discover a new look that you never thought possible!
So go forth, my friends, and keep your colorful locks looking fierce and fabulous. And always remember, life is too short for boring hair!
FAQ
Can You Use Manic Panic on the Beach?
Yes, Manic Panic can be used on the beach, but it’s important to take precautions to prevent the color from fading or washing out quickly. You should apply the dye in a shaded area, use leave-in conditioner or UV protectant spray, and avoid swimming or dunking your head underwater until the dye has set. Learn how to protect dyed hair from saltwater here.
Can You Use Manic Panic On the Pool?
Yes, you can totally use Manic Panic on the pool, but be careful not to turn the water into a psychedelic swirl! To avoid that, make sure your hair is fully dry before diving in, and rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming to prevent any color bleeding. Enjoy the splash with your new hair hue!