When comparing Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids vs Special Effects, the Slant community recommends Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids for most people. In the question“What are the best semi-permanent hair dyes for unnatural colors?” Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids is ranked 1st while Special Effects is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids is:
Pravana stays a bright, vivid color for longer than most other semi-permanent dyes. Many people have mentioned 6 weeks before a sight fade is noticed (depending on their hair and the Pravana color).
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Long lasting
Pravana stays a bright, vivid color for longer than most other semi-permanent dyes. Many people have mentioned 6 weeks before a sight fade is noticed (depending on their hair and the Pravana color).
Pro Works well on virgin hair
The colors are so vivid that they show quite well even on medium virgin hair. This is a great option for those who don't want to bleach.
Pro Less messy than other semi-permanent dyes
Pravana doesn't bleed as much as other options.
Pro Variety of colors
Special Effects comes in 28 fun shades.
Pro UV reactive colors
Some dyes react under blacklight (Atomic Pink , Nuclear Red ,Cherry Bomb, Hi-Octane Orange, Joyride, Cupcake Pink , Bright as F#@$ Yellow, Napalm Orange).
Cons
Con Does not entirely wash out
Though the dye is semi-permanent, it leaves a much stronger permanent tint in the hair than the other options. Many reviewers mention that their hair never returned to it's natural colour.
Con Does not lift "normally"
If you do not have your hair done at a salon, do not try to remove Pravana at home... it will stain your hair (mint green if it's a cool color and coppery pink coral if it's a warm color) and have to be color corrected if you do not use the correct bleach and formula.
Con Never fade
I had their atomic pink on the ends of my hair and it tinted any color I put over it pink for six months after I dyed it and that was AFTER diluting it with conditioner.
Con Thick formula
The formula is so thick it’s difficult to apply. Also very difficult to get out of the bottle.
Con Fades quickly
Many of the colors start to fade noticeably after a week or so.