If you've ever experimented with vibrant hair color, chances are you've come across the iconic neon jars from Manic Panic. This legendary brand is the OG for bold, unapologetic, semi-permanent shades that are both vegan and cruelty-free.
But when you're ready to explore other options with a similar creative spirit or even wilder shades, you're in the right place. Here are 16 other brands that deliver seriously electric hair colors for your next transformation.
Arctic Fox is a hugely popular vegan and cruelty-free brand known for its vibrant, long-lasting colors and gentle formulas. Their semi-permanent dyes are free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide, and they're infused with nourishing conditioners. While they offer the same bold intensity as Manic Panic, Arctic Fox is also praised for its extensive range of softer, pastel-friendly shades that fade gracefully over time.
Shop now at arcticfoxhaircolor.com
Lime Crime's Unicorn Hair line is all about fantasy shades and statement-making looks. With a spectrum of bold neons, deep jewel tones, and dreamy pastels, their semi-permanent dyes are vegan, cruelty-free, and smell fantastic. Compared to Manic Panic's classic punk aesthetic, Lime Crime offers a more modern, edgy, and Instagram-ready vibe that delivers bright, intense color at a similar price point.
Shop now at limecrimemakeup.com
If you're looking for salon-quality results, Pravana is a go-to for professional stylists and serious color enthusiasts. Their Chromasilk Vivids collection features high-impact, long-lasting shades that are exceptionally pigmented. While more of a premium, professional-grade product than the DIY-friendly Manic Panic, Pravana is perfect for anyone wanting intense, dramatic color that really lasts.
Shop now at pravana.com
Don't let the old-school website fool you - Special Effects is a cult-favorite brand adored by hair dye veterans for its insane pigmentation. Like Manic Panic, it’s a vegan and cruelty-free semi-permanent dye that's been around for ages. The colors are known for being incredibly long-lasting, and they offer unique, darker shades that are hard to find elsewhere, making it a staple in goth and punk circles.
Shop now at specialeffectsusa.com
For those who love to switch up their hair color often without breaking the bank, Adore is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. Their semi-permanent colors are gentle, ammonia-free, and come in a massive range of shades from electric neons to natural tones. While the color may not last as long as Manic Panic, their unbeatable price point makes them perfect for experimenting freely.
Shop now at adorecolours.com
Another brand often spotted in salons, Joico's Color Intensity line is designed for bold, high-impact shades that condition hair as they color. These semi-permanent dyes are formulated to deliver shockingly vibrant color payoff with impressive longevity. Think of it as a more professional-leaning alternative to Manic Panic, intended for those who prioritize long-lasting brightness and hair health.
Shop now at joico.com
Co-founded by Paramore's Hayley Williams, Good Dye Young captures the same spirit of self-expression as Manic Panic but with a modern, minimalist edge. The line offers beautiful, highly pigmented semi-permanent colors that are all vegan and cruelty-free. Standout products include their Lighter & Brighter kit for lightening hair at home and unique shades like an electric yellow-green creatively named "Kowabunga."
Shop now at gooddyeyoung.com
Pulp Riot was "created for artists, by artists" and quickly became a favorite among professional stylists for its incredible performance. Their vegan and cruelty-free dyes are known for creating luminous, bright colors that don't stain and are easy to remove when you're ready for a change. It's a high-performance option that gives professional control and lasting vibrancy over pre-lightened hair.
Shop now at pulpriothair.com
A staple at Sally Beauty, Ion Color Brilliance offers highly pigmented semi-permanent brights at a super affordable price. It’s known for providing surprisingly durable, vibrant results that can last for weeks. While initially developed for professional stylists, its accessibility and price have made it a favorite for at-home users seeking intense, reliable color without the designer price tag.
Shop now at sallybeauty.com
If you're curious about vibrant color but aren't ready for a full-on neon commitment, Clairol's Natural Instincts Brights are a perfect starting point. As a widely available drugstore option, these ammonia-free dyes offer fun pops of color like teal and fuchsia in a gentler, less intense formula. It’s great for getting a subtle tint or trying a dip-dye look for the first time.
Shop now at clairol.com
Revlon's ColorSilk Colorshots are another easy-to-find drugstore product great for adding a boost of vibrant color. These semi-permanent shades come in a range of bright hues like hot pink and electric blue, are affordable, and formulated without damaging ammonia. They offer a temporary way to have fun with color, delivering less pigment intensity than Manic Panic but more convenience and accessibility.
Shop now at revlon.com
Splat is well-known for its all-in-one kits that include everything you need to create a vivid look, including bleach and the dye itself. Their semi-permanent colors are famous for being incredibly bold, long-lasting, and a bit stubborn to remove - so they're for the truly committed! Splat shares Manic Panic’s rebellious vibe and budget-friendly price point, with a focus on dramatic, edgy results.
Shop now at splat.com
While not a dye brand itself, Color Oops is an essential tool for any vibrant hair color enthusiast. This brand specializes in color removers that help you safely strip out old dye to either correct a mistake or prep your hair for a new shade. For anyone who loves the experimental nature of Manic Panic, having Color Oops on hand is a lifesaver that makes transformation fearless.
Shop now at coloroops.com
If hair health is a top priority, Joico's K-PAK Color Intensity line is designed to nourish hair while depositing vibrant color. It blends Joico’s high-performance pigment with keratin to reconstruct and protect hair strands during the dyeing process. This line is ideal for those who want intense, lasting looks similar to styles achieved with Pravana but with an added focus on hair repair.
Shop now at joico.com
Born in the UK during the 1970s punk rock explosion, Crazy Color shares a similar origin story and edgy aesthetic to Manic Panic. This brand offers a massive rainbow of semi-permanent shades that are vegan, cruelty-free, and great for creating statement looks. With a huge European following, it's a fantastic alternative that delivers bright, intense results with its own unique color palette.
Shop now at crazycolor.com
For a more natural approach to vibrant hair, Herbatint is the perfect solution. This brand uses botanical extracts and focuses on gentle, minimalist formulas that are free of ammonia and PPDs. While their shades are generally more "natural" than Manic Panic's neons, they offer beautiful, vibrant options like Flash Fashion reds and violets for color with a conscious, eco-friendly twist.
Shop now at herbatint.com
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Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.
