Beauty Splat Hair Dye Guide: Shades, Kits and How to Apply - Top P
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
What Splat hair dye is
Splat is a bold hair color brand known for vivid, unconventional shades like magenta, teal, violet and green. Unlike natural looking box dyes, Splat specializes in head turning color that shows up brightly on a wide range of starting hair colors. The brand offers several lines, including 10 Wash temporary color, 30 Wash semi permanent kits, bleach kits for dark hair, the Naturals line with cleaner ingredients, and Double Lift permanent kits. All formulas are vegan and cruelty free, and most skip ammonia, parabens, PPD and sulfates. Splat is sold widely and designed for at home use with no salon skills needed.
How the different formulas work
Temporary and semi permanent Splat colors are direct dyes, which means the pigment coats the outside of the hair shaft without chemical processing. They fade gradually with washing, which makes them low commitment. The 10 Wash line fades fastest and conditions the most, while 30 Wash kits use stronger pigment loads for deeper, longer lasting color. Double Lift kits are different, because they include developer that lifts your natural pigment up to four levels while depositing vivid color at the same time. Bleach kits do the lightening as a separate step for maximum brightness on dark hair. Results improve with steady, consistent use over several weeks.
How to apply Splat for even results
Start with clean, dry hair and no heavy styling products. Put on the included gloves and protect your hairline, ears and neck with petroleum jelly. Section hair into four parts and work the color through one section at a time, saturating every strand fully. Patchy application is the main cause of uneven color, so be generous and thorough. Set a timer for the processing time on the box, checking a small section as you go. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water until it runs clear, then use the included deep conditioner. Avoid shampooing for at least 24 hours. Consistency matters more than using a large amount.
Tips for longer lasting bold color
Wash less often and always with cool water, since heat opens the hair cuticle and releases pigment fast. Switch to a sulfate free, color safe shampoo to slow fading dramatically. Deep condition weekly, because healthy hair holds color better than porous damaged hair. Avoid long sun exposure and chlorinated pools, or wear a swim cap, since both strip vivid color quickly. Sleep on a dark pillowcase for the first week, because fresh color can transfer. Refresh the shade with a quick reapplication when it starts to fade instead of waiting until it is gone. Check the ingredient list if you have known sensitivities.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying to unsectioned hair leads to missed spots and uneven color, so always work in sections. Leaving color on far beyond the recommended time rarely makes it brighter and can dry hair out. Using hot water to rinse feels nice but flushes pigment straight down the drain. Forgetting to protect surfaces is expensive, because Splat stains counters, tubs and towels. Perhaps the biggest mistake is choosing a shade meant for blonde hair and applying it to dark hair, then being surprised at the subtle result. Match the kit to your starting level and strand test first. Always patch test a new product before full application.
Recommended Products
These are the products our research team rates highest in this category.
Best for: Brunettes who want vibrant permanent color without a separate bleaching step.
Splat Double Lift Permanent Hair Dye Kit, Plum Siren
- Lifts up to 4 levels and deposits color in one step
- No bleach needed, ideal for medium to dark brown hair
- Includes color cream, developer, concentrate and conditioner
- Vegan, cruelty free and gluten free formula
Pros
- Bold permanent color without pre bleaching
- Complete kit with gloves, cap and instructions
- Four vibrant shade options in the line
Cons
- Not for hair already dyed dark brown or darker
- One kit may not cover very long or thick hair
Best for: Anyone wanting bold pink hair with a damage free semi permanent formula.
Splat Midnight Magenta Semi Permanent Hair Dye Kit
- Semi permanent color lasting up to 30 washes
- No bleach required, works on medium brown to blonde hair
- Baobab and quinoa extracts nourish and add shine
- Includes deep reconstructor conditioner and gloves
Pros
- Intense magenta without damaging bleach
- Conditioning formula protects from UV damage
- Easy 45 minute at home application
Cons
- Best results still need lighter starting hair
- Color transfers to towels and pillowcases at first
Best for: First timers who want teal color without any long term commitment.
Splat 10 Wash No Bleach Temporary Hair Dye, Novel Teal
- Temporary color that fades in 5 to 10 washes
- Pastel teal in 5 minutes, bold turquoise in 30
- Formulated without bleach, peroxide, PPD or ammonia
- Baobab seed oil keeps hair moisturized and shiny
Pros
- Low commitment way to test a bold shade
- Adjustable intensity based on processing time
- Vegan, cruelty free and paraben free
Cons
- Fades fast on porous or damaged hair
- Limited shade depth on very dark hair
Best for: Blondes and light brunettes chasing a vivid violet shade at home.
Splat Rebellious Colors 30 Wash Hair Color Kit, Midnight Violet
- Semi permanent violet dye lasting up to 30 washes
- No bleach needed for bold color on light to medium hair
- Baobab and quinoa extracts add shine and prevent breakage
- Kit includes dye, conditioner, gloves and instructions
Pros
- Rich purple payoff on blonde and light brown hair
- Nourishing formula with UV protection
- Simple single application kit
Cons
- Needs pre lightening for the most vivid violet
- Stains skin and surfaces during application
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for splat hair dye, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.