When comparing Special Effects vs Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids, the Slant community recommends Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids for most people. In the question“What are the best purple hair dyes?” Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids is ranked 2nd while Special Effects is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids is:
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.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Super pigmented and long lasting
The only pink dye I have found that stays in my hair more than 2 or 3 washes. If you want long lasting and bright this is one of the best dyes.
Pro Very long lasting
Another user put atomic pink refusing to fade as a con, that color in particular is notorious for refusing to leave the hair. It fades to a pale pink but resists bleaching and remains after being dyed over. Whether this is a pro or a con depends on how long you want the color
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).
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 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 Less messy than other semi-permanent dyes
Pravana doesn't bleed as much as other options.
Cons
Con No longer available
The company has closed their business and the dye is no longer sold anywhere.
Con Bleeds and stains
This dye bleeds for several weeks after applying and stains towels, bedding, and shirts.
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.
Con Doesn't work
The color is so translucent coming out of the tube it was looks almost void of all pigment.
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 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 STRONG men's cologne smell
If strong perfume scents and fragrances bother you, avoid this color at all costs. Your hair will retain the perfume through several washes. It might be long-lasting with beautiful colors, but if you get headaches from strong perfumes, it's not worth it.