How to Use Manic Panic Hair Dye [Instructions & Guide 2023]

how to use Manic Panic hair dye

Let’s unleash the power of Manic Panic on our hair! I’m in love with Manic Panic colors, especially pastel colors. 

There are thousands of hair dye colors, and most of them are offered by this iconic hair dye brand.

But hey – not all of us are hair dye experts, and that’s okay! Let me be your hair dye guide – in this article, I’ll show you all you must know about how to use Manic Panic hair dye with updated instructions in 2023. 

Quick Answer

To use Manic Panic hair dye, start by pre-lightening your hair if necessary and thoroughly shampooing and drying your hair. Then, put on gloves and apply the hair dye evenly with a brush, leaving it on for 45-50 minutes before washing it out with cool water and a gentle shampoo. Check the final result and apply more dye if needed, then gently towel dry your hair and style as desired. Avoid using heat styling tools for the first few days after dyeing to help preserve the color, then get ready to show off your new vibrant and bold Manic Panic hair color!

Table of Contents

Before Getting Started: Common Questions About Using Manic Panic

Before we get to our new Manic Panic adventure, I’m going to quickly answer some of the most common questions that people have before using Manic Panic.

 

1. What Is the Best Way to Apply Manic Panic?

When it comes to applying Manic Panic, there’s no one “right” way to do it – it’s all about finding what works best for you! Some tips to keep in mind include starting with clean, dry hair, using a tint brush or your fingers to apply the dye evenly, and experimenting with different techniques and color combinations.

 

2. Do You Have to Bleach Your Hair Before Using Manic Panic?

While bleaching your hair before using Manic Panic isn’t always necessary, it can help the color to show up more vibrantly. 

If your hair is very dark or you’re going for a bright, bold color, you may want to consider bleaching first. But if you have lighter hair or want a more subtle look, you can skip the bleach and go straight to applying the dye.

 

3. Do I Use Manic Panic on Wet or Dry Hair?

You can use Manic Panic on either wet or dry hair, but it’s generally recommended to apply the dye to dry hair for best results. Wet hair can dilute the color and make it less vibrant, so if you do choose to apply Manic Panic to wet hair, be prepared for a more subtle look.

 

4. What Do I Need to Dye My Hair With Manic Panic?

To dye your hair with Manic Panic, you’ll need the dye itself, a tint brush or gloves for application, and some old towels or clothing to protect your skin and clothing from staining. It’s also a good idea to have some conditioner on hand to help moisturize your hair after dyeing.

Be careful with the bed sheets! Manic Panic, and other hair products, can leave hair dye stains on bed sheets.

 

5. Should I Mix Manic Panic With Conditioner?

Mixing Manic Panic with conditioner can help to dilute the color and create a softer, more subtle look. 

It can also help to moisturize and nourish your hair while you dye it. However, if you’re going for a bright, bold look, it’s best to skip the conditioner and use the dye straight out of the jar for maximum vibrancy.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Use Manic Panic Hair Dye

 

  

How to Use and Apply Manic Panic: 5 Steps

Using Manic Panic is quite simple – in my opinion, this is one of the easiest-to-use hair dye brands out there. In this case, I used Manic Panic Cotton Candy Pink – click here to read my review about this product (spoilers: I love it!).

I’m going to simplify the process for you, so without further ado, let’s learn how to use Manic Panic together!

 

Step 1: Pre-Lighten Your Hair if Needed

If your hair is darker or you want a more intense color, it’s a good idea to lighten it beforehand. You can use bleach or a hair-lightening kit for this step. 

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and don’t leave the product on for longer than recommended to avoid damaging your hair.

 

Step 2: Prepare Your Hair and Hair Dye Materials

While you’re waiting for your hair to lighten, get your dye materials ready. This includes your Manic Panic hair dye, gloves, mixing bowl, and applicator brush.

It’s also a good idea to wear old clothes or a towel to avoid getting hair dye on your clothes.

 

Step 3:  Apply Manic Panic and Leave for 45 Minutes

Once your hair is lightened to your desired level, it’s time to apply the Manic Panic. Start at the roots and work your way down, making sure to saturate all of your hair with the dye. Leave it on for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how vibrant you want the color to be.

Make sure to use a brush! Also, some colors can be applied in just 30 minutes, whereas lighter colors will take almost 60 minutes to take effect.

I used Manic Panic Cotton Candy Pink, which is a fairly light color, so I left it on my head for almost 50 minutes if I recall correctly. 

 

Step 4: Check the Color and Rinse Your Hair with Shampoo

After the time is up, check your hair to see if you’ve achieved the desired shade. If it’s not quite there yet, you can leave it on for a bit longer. 

Once you’re satisfied with the color, drench your hair in cool water and rinse away the excess dye. Lather up with shampoo to eliminate any leftover pigment, but keep the water cool to keep your vibrant shade from slipping away.

 

Step 5: Dry Your Hair and Enjoy Your New Manic Panic Hair Dye Color!

Once your hair is fully rinsed of the Manic Panic dye, it’s important to take care of it to ensure that the Manic Panic color lasts as long as possible. 

Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water, being careful not to rub too vigorously or cause any tangles. If you have long hair, you can even wrap it in a soft towel or t-shirt and leave it for a few minutes to absorb the water.

As you show off your new, vibrant, and fun Manic Panic hair, it’s important to continue to take care of it. With proper care and maintenance, your Manic Panic hair dye will keep your hair looking fabulous for weeks to come!

This is the final result – do you like it?!

 


3 Tips After Applying Manic Panic Hair Dye

Congratulations! Manic Panic is ready to provide you with a brand-new look that you will love!

Now, let’s quickly address some of the most common questions that take place after applying Manic Panic to your hair.


Can I Leave Manic Panic on Overnight?

While leaving Manic Panic on overnight may seem like a tempting way to achieve a more intense color, it’s generally not recommended. Leaving the dye on for too long can lead to uneven coloring, dryness, and damage to your hair. 

Plus, sleeping with dye in your hair can be messy and uncomfortable! It’s best to follow the instructions on the jar and leave the dye on for the recommended amount of time (usually 30 minutes to an hour), then rinse thoroughly and style as desired.


Do You Shampoo After Dyeing Hair With Manic Panic?

I always apply shampoo after dyeing my hair, regardless of the brand I use. In the case of Manic Panic, I’d say that only apply shampoo if you are sure that the hair dye is already firm and ready in your hair.

Otherwise, wait for a while before using shampoo. I don’t like the feeling of hair dye in my head as it is, so I always try to wash it right after dyeing it, but it depends! You can check out Manic Panic recommendations to learn more. 


Does Manic Panic Damage Hair at All?

While all hair dye has the potential to cause some damage, Manic Panic is generally considered to be one of the gentler options. 

Because it’s vegan and free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide, it’s less likely to dry out or damage your hair. That being said, it’s still important to follow the instructions carefully and take steps to nourish and protect your hair before and after dyeing.


Fantasy Recap: Step-by-Step Guide to Use Manic Panic Hair Dye

Congratulations! You’re now a certified Manic Panic expert, ready to rock your new bold and beautiful hair color.

 Remember to have fun with your new look, experiment with different styles and outfits, and don’t be afraid to let your colorful personality shine through. 

Whether you go for a subtle pop of color or a full-on rainbow, with Manic Panic, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead and express yourself with confidence and style! And, if you need more assistance, you can go to Fantasy Hair Lover’s contact page and I will help you out myself – you have a Manic Panic friend here for you. 


FAQ

Will Manic Panic Work on Dark Hair?

Not always. For best results, it’s recommended to lighten your hair first using bleach or a hair-lightening kit. This will help the color to show up more vividly and last longer. If you’re not ready to go all-out with bleach, you can also try a color remover to help lift some of the natural pigment from your hair before applying the Manic Panic.

How Do You Remove Manic Panic Hair Dye?

There are different ways to remove Manic Panic – I prefer to use clarifying shampoo or simply wait for the dye to fade out after a few weeks. You can check out our guide about how to remove Manic Panic hair dye to learn more.