Theoretically, you can put permanent dye over manic Panic, but the real question is: should you? And when you do decide to do so, what might be the consequences for your hair?
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What Is Manic Panic?
Manic Panic is a semi-permanent hair color dye. It’s popular not only for the colors it offers but because no animal byproducts are used in manufacturing making it totally vegan, and it boasts a strengthening herbal and protein blend to keep hair looking its best whatever the shade.
For those with blonde or pre-lightened hair, Manic Panic will produce some incredibly vivid colors. Darker shades like green, purple, or red will look stunning when highlighting darker hair.
The important things to know about Manic panic hair color include
1.) This semipermanent dye will not damage hair as it is formulated to hydrate and restore hair shafts.
2.) Peroxide or other permanent hair colors should not be mixed or added to manic Panic dyes.
3.) Manic Panic can stain skin, towels, sheets, clothing, etc.
4.) Manic Panic should not be used together with alkaline hair products as this will interfere with the formulated pH balance for maximum absorption.
5.) Manic panic should never be applied to eyebrows or eyelashes.
6.) It is not necessary to bleach hair before applying Manic Panic, but application on pre-lightened hair will ensure vibrant results.
7.) Always do a patch and strand test before dyeing with Manic panic to test for allergies and sensitivities
8.) Manic panic dyes can last anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks depending on which you choose and if your hair has been bleached previously.
Can Manic Panic Hair Color Be Removed from Hair?
Usually, those using Manic Panic will let the color fade naturally or a clarifying shampoo can be used to stimulate fading if a color change is desired.
Manic Panic hair color can be removed by using a hair color remover or semi-permanent dyes. Bleach should not be used with the intent of removing Manic Panic from hair as it may push pigment further into the hair shaft.
See also: Bleach vs Color Remover: Which One to Choose?
When Shouldn’t I Bleach My Hair?
Hair should not be bleached if:
- You already have hair color applied to your hair
- Your hair is damaged or breaking
- You have applied box dye to your hair
- You have an allergy to bleach or abrasions on your scalp
- Your hair is wet
- You want to remove permanent hair dye, especially black.
Does Manic Panic Hair Dye Expire?
Most hair dyes have a shelf life of one to two years when unopened and stored properly. If the dye consistency appears strange, do not apply it to your hair.
Can I Put Permanent Dye Over Manic Panic or Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes?
You may have selected to use a Manic Panic color on your hair. These hair colors are a terrific option if you like to change frequently or just aren’t sure which color is your favorite for a long-term choice. You may have chosen Manic panic because it fades naturally and does not need much upkeep.
Now you’ve finally decided which color is for you and want to know if you can just go ahead and apply a permanent dye over your current Manic Panic color.
Yes, the good news is that you can apply permanent hair dye over semi-permanent hair dye safely. Research indicates that semi-permanent dye only applies a coating to the outer hair shaft layer, so they don’t do too much damage.
Still, you do need to consider the color base to prevent surprises. For example, a semi-permanent dye cannot be applied over a permanent dye unless it is a darker shade.
The amount of time between colorings and the condition of the hair will also play roles in the success of applying permanent dye over semi-permanent hair color.
Theoretically, if your hair is undamaged, you could apply permanent dye immediately after the semi-permanent dye. However, it’s wise to consider how colors blend, if you need to fade your semi-permanent color, and which is the best permanent dye for achieving the results you want.
Be Aware of These Factors When Applying Permanent Dye Over Manic Panic or Other Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes
Base colors must be factored in for success. Usually, the application of a permanent hair dye over a semi-permanent hair dye will not create problems. Many permanent hair dyes will contain hydrogen peroxide in the hair developer lotion that will lift out the old color before depositing your new shade.
Manic Panic, like other semi-permanent dyes, does not contain this so it can never be used to lighten your hair. The temporary dye does not contain ammonia, so it cannot interfere with the permanent dye doing its job. Temporary hair colors cannot lighten the hair. Bleach is necessary for this.
If you want to lighten your manic panic before applying a permanent dye, it’s best to have this done by a hair care professional at a salon. If you cannot afford this, you can prepare your hair before applying the permanent dye by
- Shampooing it with a clarifying shampoo which will aid in fading the semi-permanent color faster depending on how often you shampoo your hair
- Applying a semi-permanent color remover. This can make a difference if your semi-permanent shade is dark or red as these are more difficult to remove from hair shafts. There are semi-permanent hair color removers that do not contain ammonia or bleach so they will not damage hair.
If your objective is to go blonde, you’ll probably need to apply bleach to your hair. Hair dye remover will lighten hair somewhat but not enough to turn it blonde if your final goal is a head of golden locks.
This is especially true for dark hair. Bleaching is best used when hair is healthy. If your hair is heavily damaged or in a compromised condition, avoid trying to lighten it.
The Bottom Line
You can apply a permanent hair dye over Manic Panic. It’s just important that you are aware of how the colors will react together with the condition of your hair.
Dried-out hair is never attractive regardless of the color. If you are removing old colors, make it a priority to moisturize and condition your hair.
When coloring anew, it’s easiest to go darker. Lightening your hair color will require more time and effort and risks more damage. When in doubt, consult your trusted hair care salon professional to get the best results for your money.
