When comparing Special Effects vs Ion Color Brilliance, the Slant community recommends Ion Color Brilliance for most people. In the question“What are the best semi-permanent hair dyes for unnatural colors?” Ion Color Brilliance is ranked 8th while Special Effects is ranked 9th.
Question Ranking
Pros
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 Variety of colors
Special Effects comes in 28 fun shades.
Pro Vibrant colors that lasts a while, even when washed three times a week
Cons
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 Color didn't take
The color washes out with the dye, leaving a splotchy discolored look. Works best with lighter colored hair.
Con Only lasted two washes
Con Takes a lot of dye for anyone with thick hair
For just below shoulder length you’re looking at at least three boxes to cover all your hair if you have thick hair
Con Hard to get out of hair
It takes a few color removers to get the color out to a bleachable level.