Earth Loving Hair Stylists Share on hair, makeup, design, living green and more!: What Is Pulp Riot?

By: Tia Tocci

If you have been following our social media, or any hair-related social media, you've probably been hearing about "Pulp Riot." There is some amazing buzz around this amazing hair color. Pulp Riot is the latest addition to Verde's color stock. This is a direct dye line of 16 vibrant and pastel semi-permanent shades. Let's clear up what a direct dye is: this is a color that you don't need to mix with peroxide, so it is pretty gentle and generally lives on the outside of your hair strand or stains your hair cuticle. Traditional permanent color opens the cuticle and crams the color molecules inside your hair shaft. (Just a little bit of science for ya :)) Compared to other direct dye lines we have tried, Pulp Riot is easier to apply, more vibrant, lasts longer and fades better. Also, Pulp Riot stays true to Verde's eco mission as it is 100% vegan, ammonia free, cruelty free, and powered by quinoa! So cool.

Ocean inspired blues by Tia

Home Maintenance and What to Expect:

Your color will bleed. These beautiful inky colors will spread their vibrant selves whenever wet. Be mindful of light colored shirts, pillow cases, towels, shower curtains, etc. After a few washes this should subside, but continue to use caution!

Your color will fade. Pulp Riot is not permanent, so your color will definitely fade. How quickly it will fade depends on MANY factors.
1- The condition of your own hair. Depending on the porosity and health of your own hair, sometimes it grabs and holds great, sometimes it rinses through like a sponge.
2- How many times has it been applied? Generally if you apply the same tone over and over it holds a little better.
3- How often you are washing? Temporary or semi-perm colors live on the outside, so each shampoo takes a little more off. As stylists we will push it to (don't judge us) one or two shampoos a week. I mean, the less work the better! So grab yourself a KEVIN.MURPHY FRESH.HAIR dry shampoo and stretch that style.
4- What products you are using. I can't stress this enough. This can honestly make or break your color longevity. For any color line. When you do wash be sure to use a color safe, sulphate free shampoo and conditioner. And no, I don't have a recommendation for CVS. Your best bet is to invest in professional products. Especially if you want to protect your color investment! The best color saver trick? Use KEVIN.MURPHY STAYING.ALIVE leave in treatment after each time you wash. This is a spray in treatment that actually helps lower the pH of your hair to close the cuticle.
5- How much are your heat styling. Using a heat protectant is imperative. The KM YOUNG.AGAIN, LEAVIN-IN.REPAIR, or ANTIGRAVITY will do the trick. Also, keep that tool under 400. I'm gonna guess if you have Pulp Riot you have had some bleaching done as well, in which case, 365 should be your max.

Pink and purple swirl by Shannon

You may not be able to get rid of it. Now that I scared you about fading, let's talk about something else that happens. Occasionally the cuticle gets really stained and it can be difficult or damaging to remove the color. Your best bet is to let it fade on its own then your stylist has less to fight with.

Candy Girl by Taylor!

Results can be inconsistent. We all see the countless amazing pics on insta, and try as we might, sometimes the results can vary. Because the color is very gentle and not damaging, it sometimes doesn't have the power to cover 100%. In this case various applications can be needed. Chances are this is no fault of the stylist, it-s hard work creating a unicorn masterpiece!