Have you ever wanted to undergo a complete hair transformation? Fashion hair colors are becoming more mainstream, and spring is the perfect time for a fresh do. Manic Panic and Arctic Fox both sell color lines that include fashion colors.
Both of these brands are used and loved by professional hairstylists. In addition, both Manic Panic and Arctic Fox provide unique and vibrant hair dye hues. Also, they are vegan formulas that provide intense color pay-off without harsh chemicals.
So, what is the difference between Manic Panic and Arctic Fox? Characteristics that set these two brands apart are color range, formula, packaging, etc. Also, these semi-permanent hair colors offer varied results depending on your hair.
Manic Panic focuses on depositing color without needing bleach. However, you can still bleach your hair if you want vibrant results. Also, Manic Panic can fade quicker over time, which is excellent if you wish to have colorful hair without making a commitment.
Arctic Fox will provide color that lasts. It’s recommended to bleach hair prior to coloring, but it’s not required for some natural hair colors. Arctic Fox does have a slightly smaller color range, but their formula is potent.
What else should you know? Well, keep reading and find out!
Manic Panic
Manic Panic Hair Color has a semi-permanent formula and offers multiple shades of fashion dye. Because they have a semi-permanent formula, this product will only deposit color into your hair without lifting or damaging your hair’s cuticle.
However, you can still bleach or pre-lighten your hair if you’re looking to achieve a neon or pastel finish. Manic Panic also formulated their color with conditioner so the product will act as a mask and color in one.
Your hair color results can vary due to multiple factors. For example, your base hair color, if you already have color on, and your desired finish can impact how Manic Panic works for you.
How To Use Manic Panic
Thankfully, Manic Panic is simple to use. Their processing time is about 30 minutes. In addition, Manic Panic recommends performing a patch test and test strand before coloring your entire head.
These tests will ensure your hair will take the dye, and that you’ll love the result.
First, Manic Panic recommends washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo and no conditioner. Then, you can blow-dry your hair and get ready to apply your color of choice. Manic Panic can stain, so it’s crucial to use a set-up that can get messy.
Once you’ve applied your Manic Panic color to the desired areas, you can let it process for 30 minutes. Then, if you’re looking to up your absorption rate, you can place a cap on your hair and blow-dry it for a few minutes.
In addition, Manic Panic is safe to use even for an hour because it doubles as a deep conditioning mask. You can also bleach your hair before this process if you desire an intense and vibrant finish.
If you want to see the process in action, take a look at this official tutorial from the founders of Manic Panic themselves, Tish and Snooky.
Pros
Manic Panic is ideal for those who want a subtle change in their hair color without the commitment.
Manic Panic fades quickly because it’s a semi-permanent coloring conditioner. Fading can be a pro and a con depending on your hair and desired outcome.
You can use Manic Panic over hair that’s never been colored or hair that’s been bleached. Also, Manic Panic’s Hair Color is 100% Vegan, and they’ve formulated this product without using potentially sensitizing ingredients.
Cons
If you’re looking for long-lasting and highly vivid colors, Manic Panic may not be the best option. We mentioned that Manic Panic could fade rather quickly. So this product won’t be ideal for intense color even if you decide to bleach your hair.
Also, Manic Panic’s packaging and usage can take some time to get used to. For example, the semi-permanent dye can stain and create a mess quickly. In addition, you’ll want to use gloves, old towels/t-shirts, and a coloring bowl with a brush to help apply.
Arctic Fox
Manic Panic can be confused with Arctic Fox, another brand that carries fashion hair colors.
Arctic Fox is also a semi-permanent hair dye that offers long-lasting color that works wonders for more porous hair types. In addition, it’s known to be the most durable semi-permanent color.
Like Manic Panic, Arctic Fox’s hair color is also vegan and is formulated with conditioner. Arctic Fox carries a wide range of hues, and you can mix them to customize your own shade.
You can rest assured knowing your hair will feel replenished with Arctic Fox color.
How To Use Arctic Fox
While Arctic Fox formulates with sensitive-safe ingredients, they still recommend performing a patch test/test strand. Everyone can have a different outcome with semi-permanent dye due to your base color, desired effect, and application method.
You can use Arctic Fox on unbleached hair, but you will get a more vivid result if you bleach your strands.
If you plan to bleach your hair, do so before applying Arctic Fox. In addition, make sure you don’t have color from a previous session for a seamless finish.
Arctic Fox’s application method is similar to Manic Panic. First, you’ll wash your hair with shampoo, skip conditioner, and blow-dry thoroughly. Then, you’ll apply your color of choice, wait 30 minutes, and rinse to reveal your results.
If you’d like to see the process in action, here’s a perfect tutorial from Kristen Leanne, the founder of the company herself!
Pros
Arctic Fox is great for people who want to make a bold statement with their hair. In addition, you can mix colors to create your own shade. Also, this formula contains conditioner and no harsh agents so that it will keep your hair’s integrity.
Arctic Fox has a potent and vivid formula that lasts and works excellently on porous hair. It won’t fade as quickly as Manic Panic, and you can keep your color for weeks. Also, you can remove your color with a color remover or by a professional hairstylist.
Cons
Because Arctic Fox is so vivid, some colors can bleed or stain. However, some shades are more potent than others. So, it’s always a great idea to work in a space that can get messy if need be.
While Arctic Fox does have a sizable shade range, you have fewer options than Manic Panic. However, we mentioned earlier that you could mix various shades to create a new one.
Lastly, you most likely need to bleach your hair beforehand if you’re looking to achieve the same color on the bottle.
Similarities Vs Differences
Arctic Fox and Manic Panic are surprisingly similar. So, how do you know which one to choose?
What sets these brands apart are their color range, price, longevity, formula, and more. Based on your hair’s current state and your desired look, you can decide what works best for you.
Color Range
Both Manic Panic and Arctic Fox offer unique fashion hair colors.
However, Manic Panic has a more extensive selection. If your only concern is choosing a color, Manic Panic has an extensive line, and you won’t have to buy multiple colors to mix your own, like Arctic Fox.
However, Arctic Fox offers vivid hues that you can make your own.
Dye Formula
Both of these brands have a semi-permanent formula.
Most semi-permanent colors are meant to last 4-6 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. In addition, these products will only deposit color, and they have moisturizing properties like a conditioner.
Both formulas can potentially stain or bleed, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution.
Packaging
Manic Panic is available in a pot and squeeze bottle. Both can be messy, but a pot is easier to use if you don’t want to grab a separate coloring bowl. However, it’s wise to use a color bowl and brush to have more control over your semi-permanent dye.
Arctic Fox is also available in a squeeze bottle which may be challenging to use at home. You can also use a brush and bowl for even distribution of your color.
Product Size
Both colors are available in 4oz and 8oz bottles. In addition, you may need 2-3 bottles of Manic Panic depending on how long your hair is because this formula isn’t as vivid as Arctic Fox.
However, Arctic Fox also recommends buying two bottles for longer hair. This can also affect the price. So, if you want longer-lasting color, you can opt for Arctic Fox.
Longevity
Arctic Fox is one of the longest-lasting semi-permanent dyes on the market. Their colors can be tough to remove, but they are great if you want lasting hues. Manic Panic tends to fade more quickly, especially if you don’t bleach beforehand.
Manic Panic can last for 4-6 weeks on average. Meanwhile, Arctic Fox can last 2-8 weeks, depending on if your hair was bleached or not.
Which Hair Dye Is Right For You?
Overall, both Manic Panic and Arctic Fox are fantastic brands that provide unique hair dyes. It can be worth trying out both if you’re undecided.
Manic Panic is ideal for people who don’t want to commit to hair color without damaging their hair. In addition, it’s a good option if you want a dye that easily washes out over time.
Arctic Fox is excellent for anyone who wants to make a lasting statement, thanks to its potent formula. Which product are you most likely to try?
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