I’m obsessed with Lunar Tides’ Magic Salem hair dye, and you should be too! This vegan, cruelty-free, semi-permanent dye delivers a stunning purple-black shade that’s vibrant, gentle on your hair, and perfect for anyone craving a bold yet sophisticated look.
Whether you’re a hair color newbie or a seasoned pro, Magic Salem’s shimmering mica and non-damaging formula make it a must-have for transforming your locks into something magical. Trust me, this isn’t just hair dye—it’s a statement. Ready to cast a spell on your hair? Let’s explore why Magic Salem is your next go-to.
My Experience With Lunar Tides Magic Salem
Let me take you back to the moment I decided to try Lunar Tides’ Magic Salem. I’ve always been drawn to dark, mysterious hair colors, but I wanted something with a twist—something that wasn’t just plain black but had a little magic to it.
When I stumbled across Magic Salem’s purple-black shade with its shimmering mica, I knew I had to give it a shot. The idea of a multi-dimensional color that could catch the light and turn heads was too tempting to resist.
I started with my hair pre-lightened to a pale blonde, as recommended, to ensure the color would pop. The application process was a breeze. I grabbed a tint brush, sectioned my hair, and slathered on the thick, creamy dye. The cherry blossom and citrus scent was a pleasant surprise—no harsh chemical smells here!
I left it on for about 40 minutes, rinsed with cold water, and couldn’t believe the result. My hair transformed into this deep, enchanting purple-black that shimmered under the light, giving off a subtle yet captivating vibe. It wasn’t just black—it had this rich, dimensional quality that made my hair look alive.
What struck me most was how soft my hair felt afterward. I’ve used other dyes that left my strands dry and brittle, but Magic Salem’s conditioning ingredients, like hydrolyzed oat and rice proteins, made my hair feel silky and healthy. I got compliments everywhere I went—friends, coworkers, even strangers at the coffee shop couldn’t stop staring. The color lasted about eight weeks with proper care, fading gracefully into a softer charcoal-purple that still looked intentional. I was hooked. This wasn’t just a hair dye; it was an experience that made me feel bold, unique, and a little mystical.
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Pros Of Lunar Tides Magic Salem
- Vibrant, Multi-Dimensional Color
You know that feeling when your hair color just pops? That’s Magic Salem. The purple-black shade isn’t flat—it’s infused with shimmering mica that gives your hair a magical, almost iridescent glow. Whether you’re in sunlight or under dim bar lights, this color catches attention with its depth and richness. I loved how it looked different in various lighting, making every day a little more exciting.
- Gentle and Nourishing Formula
I can’t stress enough how kind this dye is to your hair. Unlike some brands that leave your strands feeling like straw, Magic Salem’s formula includes conditioning agents like safflower seed oil and hydrolyzed proteins. My hair felt softer after dyeing than it did before, which is practically unheard of. If you’re worried about damage, you can rest easy—this dye is as nurturing as it is bold.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free
For me, knowing that Lunar Tides is 100% vegan and cruelty-free is a huge win. I love that I can experiment with my hair without compromising my values. The brand’s commitment to ethical beauty means you’re not just coloring your hair—you’re supporting a company that cares about the planet and its creatures.
- Long-Lasting for a Semi-Permanent Dye
Magic Salem’s staying power impressed me. With proper care, it lasted about two months, which is fantastic for a semi-permanent dye. Even as it faded, it didn’t turn patchy or splotchy—it transitioned into a softer, charcoal-purple hue that still looked intentional. You won’t be running back to re-dye every week, which saves time and money.
- Easy Application
The dye’s thick, creamy consistency makes it a dream to apply. It doesn’t drip everywhere, and the 4 oz. jar is generous enough to cover my shoulder-length hair with some leftover. Using a tint brush, as suggested, gave me even coverage, and the process felt almost professional. Even if you’re not a hair dye expert, you’ll find this straightforward to use.
Cons Of Lunar Tides Magic Salem
- Best Results Require Pre-Lightened Hair
Here’s the deal: if you want Magic Salem to shine in all its purple-black glory, you’ll need light blonde or platinum hair. I had to bleach my naturally dark brown hair to get the full effect, which added an extra step (and some prep work) to the process. On darker hair, the color might come out more subtle, like a tint, which could disappoint if you’re expecting a bold transformation.
- Potential for Staining
I’ll be honest—Magic Salem’s high pigmentation means it can stain your skin, nails, or bathroom surfaces if you’re not careful. I learned this the hard way when my hands turned slightly purple after my first application. Wearing gloves and applying petroleum jelly around your hairline can help, but you’ll need to be proactive to avoid a mess.
- Bleeding with Initial Washes
The first few washes can be a bit of a purple waterfall. Even with cold water and color-safe shampoo, I noticed some bleeding, which stained my towels and pillowcases. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you love your white linens. After a few washes, the bleeding subsided, but those early days require caution.
- Limited Vibrancy on Non-Lightened Hair
If your hair isn’t pre-lightened, don’t expect the same vibrant results. I tried a strand test on my unbleached roots, and the color was barely noticeable—just a faint purple tint. This isn’t unique to Lunar Tides, but it’s worth noting if you’re hoping to skip the bleaching step.
Maintenance Tips For Magic Salem
- Wash with Cold Water
If you want Magic Salem to stay vibrant for as long as possible, cold water is your best friend. Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, causing the color to fade faster. I switched to lukewarm or cold showers for my hair, and it made a huge difference—my color stayed rich for weeks longer than I expected. It’s a small sacrifice for such a stunning shade.
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Invest in a good color-safe shampoo and conditioner. I used a sulfate-free formula designed for colored hair, and it helped lock in the purple-black hue. Avoid clarifying shampoos, as they can strip the color. I also found that washing my hair less often—every three or four days—kept the vibrancy intact.
- Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can fade your color faster. I noticed that when I skipped the blow-dryer and let my hair air-dry, the shimmer in Magic Salem lasted longer. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low to preserve your color’s magic.
- Refresh with Diluted Dye
To keep the color looking fresh, I mixed a small amount of Magic Salem with my conditioner every couple of weeks. This little trick boosted the vibrancy without needing a full re-dye. Just blend a teaspoon of dye with a dollop of conditioner, apply it like a hair mask, and rinse after 10 minutes. It’s like giving your hair a quick magical touch-up.
- Protect Your Linens
Those first few washes can be messy, so protect your pillowcases and towels. I used dark-colored towels and an old pillowcase for the first week to avoid any staining. If you do get dye on your skin, a bit of makeup remover or micellar water works wonders to clean it up.
Also read: My Thoughts on Royal Bonding Hot Oil Treatment.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Arctic Fox
I’ve used Arctic Fox before, and it’s a solid contender in the vegan, cruelty-free hair dye world. Their shades, like Aquamarine and Purple Rain, are vibrant and fun, much like Lunar Tides. However, I found Arctic Fox fades a bit faster—usually within three to four weeks, even with careful maintenance. Magic Salem, on the other hand, lasted closer to eight weeks for me. Arctic Fox also has a similar conditioning formula, but I noticed more bleeding with their darker shades compared to Magic Salem. If you’re after a bold, long-lasting black-based color, Lunar Tides has the edge.
- Manic Panic
Manic Panic is a classic in the semi-permanent dye game, known for its wild colors like Electric Amethyst. I love their commitment to vegan formulas, but their dyes can be hit-or-miss in terms of longevity. My Manic Panic colors often faded unevenly, leaving patchy spots after a couple of weeks. Magic Salem, with its deeper, more dimensional tone, held up better and faded gracefully. Manic Panic’s application can also be messier due to its thinner consistency, whereas Lunar Tides’ thicker formula makes it easier to control.
- Ion Color Brilliance
Ion Color Brilliance is another brand I’ve tried, and it’s great for vibrant, long-lasting results. Their dyes, like Brights Violet, are highly pigmented and fade evenly, which is a plus. However, Ion’s formula isn’t always vegan or cruelty-free, which was a dealbreaker for me. Magic Salem’s ethical credentials and nourishing ingredients gave me peace of mind that Ion couldn’t match. Plus, Ion’s colors sometimes felt harsher on my hair, while Lunar Tides left my strands feeling pampered.
- Lush Henna
Lush’s Henna dyes, like Caca Rouge, are a natural option that appealed to me when I wanted something gentler. The process is messier, though—mixing the henna paste and letting it sit for hours isn’t as convenient as Lunar Tides’ ready-to-use formula. Henna also commits you to one color for longer, as it’s harder to remove. Magic Salem offers more flexibility as a semi-permanent dye, and its purple-black shade is more unique than Lush’s reddish tones. If you want a quick, vibrant change, Lunar Tides is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lunar Tides Smell Good?
Oh, absolutely! Lunar Tides’ Magic Salem has a delightful cherry blossom and citrus scent that makes the dyeing process feel like a spa day. Unlike some dyes with that harsh chemical smell, this one is light and pleasant. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, you can contact Lunar Tides for a list of potential allergens, but I found the scent refreshing and not overpowering.
Is Lunar Tides Dye Damaging?
Not at all! Lunar Tides’ formula is designed to be non-damaging, with conditioning ingredients like safflower seed oil and hydrolyzed proteins. My hair felt softer and healthier after using Magic Salem, which is rare for a dye. It doesn’t require developer, so you’re not exposing your hair to harsh chemicals. It’s a win for both style and hair health.
Is Lunar Tides Better Than Arctic Fox Reddit?
This is a tough one, as both brands have their fans on Reddit. From my experience, Lunar Tides’ Magic Salem lasts longer and bleeds less than Arctic Fox’s darker shades. Some Reddit users praise Arctic Fox for its bright colors, but others, like me, find Lunar Tides’ black-based hues, like Magic Salem, more dimensional and longer-lasting. It depends on the shade you’re after, but for purple-black, I’d pick Lunar Tides.
Do You Use Lunar Tides on Wet or Dry Hair?
Lunar Tides recommends applying Magic Salem to clean, dry hair for the best results. I tried it on dry hair, and the color took evenly without any issues. Wet hair can dilute the dye and make it harder to achieve vibrant results, so stick to dry hair and use a tint brush for even application.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to transform your hair with a color that’s bold, ethical, and downright enchanting, Lunar Tides’ Magic Salem is calling your name. This vegan, cruelty-free dye delivers a stunning purple-black shade that’s vibrant, long-lasting, and gentle on your hair. From its shimmering mica to its nourishing formula, it’s everything you need to make a statement. Don’t wait—grab a jar, do a strand test, and let Magic Salem work its spell. Your hair deserves this kind of magic, and so do you.