Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I love the Manic Panic products; Vegan, no chemicals, not tested on animals and it does what it says. I am a brunette (dark, dark brown!) and refuse to lighten/bleach my hair to achieve the purple. I know it's silly, but I refuse to put chemicals in it. So, for the Manic Panic, here's what I do: 1.) Pre-wash and dry hair (I use DevaCare No Poo shampoo & conditioner...you don't have to have curly hair to use Deva's line - there are no harsh chemicals which is why I use it, even though I do have curly hair, I recommend it anyway) 2.) Add color to hair. I separated my hair and did Manic Panic in Ultra-Violet, Midnight and Vampire Red. NOTE: Prior to adding color, you might want to slap some vaseline around hair line, ears, neck...or get a hair coloring stick called Remedy from Sallys...either way, protect the skin because it WILL stain. 3.) Slap on a shower cap...because you can never be too sexy! 4.) I bought a 'heat helmet"...it's like a heating pad for your hair :) I put it on for 30 minutes, off for 30. I did this for a total of 3 hours. NOTE: Because this is a conditioning color, it will NOT harm your hair no matter how long you keep it in! The longer the better because it is like a conditioning mask 5.) OK...the RINSE! :) Mix 50/50 of vinegar and cold water and spritz into hair and comb. I got impatient and just dumped the bottle on my hair (upside down over sink) and combed it. YES, it will stain, but COMET takes it right out of a porcelain or cast iron tubs/showers. I've had no problems. 6.) DO NOT wash with shampoo or conditioner...because you just conditioned it anyway. 7.) Style and go :) To make the color last longer, don't wash so often. Mix some water and essential lavender oil together and spritz on scalp and rub with fingertips if you want a 'clean scalp' in between wash days. Plus, it's good for you to not wash your hair daily anyway! My color stays vibrant for about 3 weeks, but I wash my hair only 1-2 times/week. But, I've gotten a good 6 weeks of noticeable color. Like I said, I had super-dark hair. However, in the sun light, flourescent lights, my flood lights outside...the red, blue and purple really add a gorgeous ting without being 'punk' (since I had a professional job, I have to be careful...however I'm a Zumba instructor too, so I gotta have fun!) I have used the HOT PINK as well from Manic Panic and loved the results on that as well. I'm excited to try the turquoise and green to see what happens with that as well. My hairdresser was jealous of the color because she's been trying to achieve it on me anyway with Framesi color line, but without lightening it, we couldn't do it. Manic Panic actually gave me the color I wanted without hurting my hair :) Check out Manic Panic's website as well for more tips. I would've never tried it if it weren't for reading all their tips. For the price, it's worth trying out...even if you do have dark hair! Have fun with it! Update 5/21/15 - was asked for pics. Since that time, I ended up having my hair professionally lightened (which I regretted). I got tired of the $120+ upkeep and used Manic Panic for my touch-up. They're bleached about 4 inches from root and down (but not BLEACH blonde). Color held very well and looks great. I wish I had a pic of it on my actual natural dark hair, but I can tell you this, it shows up like it does in the "wet hair" pic.