Splat Hair Dye Review: My Honest Thoughts on This Cult-Favorite Brand

Hey there, fellow hair chameleons! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the next big thing in the world of hair color. And if you haven‘t heard of Splat, well, let me be the one to introduce you.

In this ultimate Splat hair dye review, I‘ll be sharing everything you need to know about this iconic brand, from its humble beginnings to its current cult-favorite status. I‘ll dive into the nitty-gritty of the formulas, share my personal experiences with some of the most popular shades, and even compare Splat to some of its biggest competitors.

By the end of this post, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Splat is the right choice for your next hair transformation. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let‘s get into it!

What Is Splat Hair Dye?

First things first, let‘s talk about what Splat actually is. Founded in 1991 by a pair of punk rock hair stylists, Splat is a California-based company that specializes in bold, vibrant semi-permanent and temporary hair colors.

The brand‘s mission is to empower people to express themselves through their hair, offering a huge range of unconventional shades like neon green, electric blue, and hot pink. As they put it on their website, "We believe in being unapologetically you."

Over the years, Splat has grown from a niche indie brand to a mainstream sensation, with their products now available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Ulta. They‘ve even collaborated with some big names like Kesha and Hayley Williams of Paramore.

But Splat isn‘t just about the crazy colors. They‘re also committed to using vegan, cruelty-free formulas that are free of harsh chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and PPD. Instead, their dyes are enriched with nourishing ingredients like quinoa and baobab seed extract to help keep your hair healthy and shiny.

So whether you‘re looking to dip your toes into the world of fun hair colors or go all-out with a head-turning hue, Splat has got you covered.

The Pros and Cons of Splat Hair Dye

Now that you know a bit more about the brand, let‘s get into the good stuff: the pros and cons of using Splat hair dye. I‘ll be real with you – there‘s a lot to love about these products, but they‘re not perfect. Here‘s what you need to know:

The Pros

• Huge shade range: With over 40 colors to choose from, Splat has one of the widest selections of semi-permanent dyes on the market. From soft pastels to eye-popping neons, there‘s something for every style.

• Vegan and cruelty-free: All of Splat‘s products are 100% vegan and never tested on animals, so you can feel good about what you‘re putting on your hair.

• No harsh chemicals: Unlike some other dyes, Splat formulas are free of ammonia, peroxide, and PPD, which can be super damaging to your hair. Instead, they use gentler, nourishing ingredients to help maintain your hair‘s health.

• Long-lasting color: Depending on your hair type and the shade you choose, Splat dyes can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks before starting to fade. That‘s a pretty impressive lifespan for a semi-permanent color!

• Affordable price point: Compared to salon coloring or even some other at-home dyes, Splat is super budget-friendly. You can snag a complete kit for around $10-$15, or a single tube of color for $5-$8.

The Cons

• Requires pre-lightening: If you‘re starting with dark hair, you‘ll need to bleach it first to get the full effect of Splat‘s vibrant shades. That can be a bit of a hassle and may cause some damage to your hair.

• Can be drying: Even though Splat uses gentler ingredients than some dyes, it can still be pretty drying, especially if you‘re using it frequently. Make sure to deep condition regularly and use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

• Strong smell: I‘m not gonna lie, Splat dyes can have a pretty strong, chemically scent. It‘s not the worst thing in the world, but it‘s definitely noticeable and may linger for a day or two after coloring.

• Color bleeding: This is a common issue with most semi-permanent dyes, but Splat is definitely guilty of it. Be prepared for some color transfer onto your towels, pillowcases, and light-colored clothing for the first few washes.

• Can be messy to apply: The consistency of Splat dyes is a bit thinner and more liquidy than some other brands, which can make them a bit messier to work with. Make sure to use gloves and protect your surfaces while coloring.

Of course, everyone‘s experience with Splat will be a bit different depending on their hair type, color history, and application method. But in general, I‘ve found that the pros outweigh the cons for me personally – the vibrant colors and long-lasting results are worth a bit of extra maintenance.

How to Use Splat Hair Dye for Best Results

Alright, so you‘ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to take the plunge with Splat. Congrats! Here‘s how to use the dye for the best possible results:

1. Start with clean, dry, unbrushed hair. If your hair is freshly washed, wait a day or two before coloring to let your natural oils build up a bit – this will help protect your scalp from irritation.

2. If you‘re starting with dark hair, you‘ll need to pre-lighten it with bleach before applying the Splat color. Splat sells their own bleach kits, but I prefer using something a bit gentler like Manic Panic Flash Lightning. Follow the instructions on the bleach carefully and don‘t leave it on for longer than recommended!

3. Once your hair is lightened to at least a medium blonde, you‘re ready to apply the Splat dye. Put on an old t-shirt or dyeing cape and some gloves to protect your skin and clothes.

4. If you‘re using a complete kit, mix the color and developer according to the instructions. If you‘re using a single tube of color, you can apply it directly to your hair.

5. Starting at the roots, apply the dye evenly from front to back, using a tint brush or your gloved fingers to work it through your hair. Make sure every strand is fully saturated – you don‘t want any patches!

6. Once you‘ve applied the dye to your whole head, pile your hair on top of your head and cover it with a plastic cap or some cling wrap. This will help the color develop evenly and prevent it from drying out.

7. Let the dye process at room temperature for the amount of time specified on the packaging – usually around 30-45 minutes. Don‘t leave it on for longer than recommended, as this can cause damage to your hair.

8. When the time is up, rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. This may take a while, so be patient! Follow up with the included conditioner or a deep conditioning mask to help nourish your hair.

9. Style your hair as usual, but be prepared for some color bleeding for the first few washes. To help minimize this, rinse your hair with cold water and avoid washing it too frequently.

And that‘s it! With proper application and care, your Splat color should last anywhere from 4-8 weeks before starting to fade. To help maintain the vibrancy, you can mix a bit of the dye into your conditioner for a color-refreshing treatment between full coloring sessions.

Real Talk: Is Splat Hair Dye Damaging?

One of the biggest concerns people have about using semi-permanent dyes like Splat is the potential for damage. And I get it – we all want to have fun with our hair, but not at the expense of its health.

The good news is that compared to permanent dyes, which use harsher chemicals like ammonia and peroxide to open up the hair cuticle and deposit color, semi-permanent dyes like Splat are generally much gentler. They coat the outside of the hair shaft rather than penetrating it, which means less damage and dryness overall.

However, that doesn‘t mean Splat is completely damage-free. The biggest issue is that most of Splat‘s vibrant shades require pre-lightening your hair with bleach, which can be super drying and damaging if not done carefully. Bleach works by stripping the natural pigment from your hair, leaving it more porous and prone to breakage.

Even if you‘re starting with already-lightened hair, the Splat dye itself can still be somewhat drying, especially if you‘re using it frequently or leaving it on for too long. The best way to minimize damage is to use a deep conditioning treatment like Olaplex or Briogeo Don‘t Despair, Repair! at least once a week, and to space out your coloring sessions as much as possible.

It‘s also important to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping the color and moisture from your hair. Splat actually sells their own line of color-safe hair care products, which are specifically formulated to work with their dyes.

At the end of the day, all hair coloring carries some risk of damage – it‘s just the nature of the beast. But by taking proper care of your hair and using high-quality, gentle products like Splat, you can definitely minimize the impact and keep your locks looking healthy and vibrant.

Splat vs. Manic Panic vs. Arctic Fox: How Do They Compare?

Of course, Splat isn‘t the only player in the semi-permanent hair dye game. Two of its biggest competitors are Manic Panic and Arctic Fox, both of which have similarly devoted followings and wide shade ranges.

So how do these brands stack up against each other? Here‘s a quick breakdown:

Brand	Texture	Scent	Longevity	Vegan/Cruelty-Free	Shades
Splat	Thin, liquidy	Strong chemical smell	4-8 weeks	Yes	40+
Manic Panic	Thick, creamy	Mild floral scent	4-6 weeks	Yes	40+
Arctic Fox	Thick, creamy	Fruity, sweet smell	4-8 weeks	Yes	23

In terms of formula, I‘ve found that Manic Panic and Arctic Fox have a thicker, creamier consistency that‘s a bit easier to work with and less messy than Splat. They also have much more pleasant scents – Manic Panic has a light floral fragrance, while Arctic Fox smells like sweet, fruity candy.

Longevity-wise, all three brands are pretty comparable, with most colors lasting around 4-8 weeks before fading. However, some users report that Arctic Fox tends to last a bit longer than Manic Panic or Splat, especially on pre-lightened hair.

When it comes to shade range, Splat and Manic Panic are pretty evenly matched, with 40+ colors each ranging from natural-looking hues to totally wild shades like neon green and hot pink. Arctic Fox has a slightly smaller selection with 23 shades, but they‘re all super vibrant and long-lasting.

All three brands are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using them no matter which one you choose.

Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you‘re looking for a huge shade range and don‘t mind a bit of a learning curve with application, Splat is a great choice. If you prefer a thicker, creamier formula and more pleasant scent, Manic Panic or Arctic Fox might be better options.

The Bottom Line: Is Splat Hair Dye Worth Trying?

So, after all of this information, what‘s the final verdict on Splat hair dye? In my opinion, it‘s definitely worth trying if you‘re looking for a fun, affordable way to experiment with bold hair colors.

While it‘s not the most beginner-friendly dye out there and does require some extra maintenance to keep your hair healthy, the huge shade range and long-lasting results make it a great option for those who are willing to put in a bit of work.

I especially love Splat for its vibrant, unique colors that you just can‘t find from most other brands. Whether you‘re looking for a soft pastel, a bold neon, or a deep jewel tone, Splat has got you covered. And at such an affordable price point, it‘s a great way to try out a new look without breaking the bank.

Just remember to take proper care of your hair before and after coloring, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and deep condition regularly to keep your locks looking and feeling their best.

At the end of the day, hair color is all about self-expression and having fun. So if you‘re feeling drawn to a particular Splat shade, I say go for it! Life‘s too short to have boring hair.

I hope this in-depth review has been helpful in your hair color journey. If you have any other questions or experiences with Splat dye, feel free to leave a comment below – I‘d love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time, keep on rocking those rainbow locks.

Sources

• Splat Hair Dye official website
• "The Science of Hair Dye: How It Works and How It Can Damage Your Hair" by The Cleveland Clinic
• "The 7 Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes of 2021" by Byrdie
• "How to Dye Your Hair at Home Like a Pro" by Allure
• Personal experience with Splat, Manic Panic, and Arctic Fox hair dyes