Directions Flavine?

Manic Panic Flavine is now Electric Banana however I would definitely try a strand test before using any of these dyes as this colour name was changed years ago before we started stocking Manic Panic (which was in 2006) so the dyes you have are at least 4 years old.  These type of dyes have a minimum 30 months shelf-life and are good for a minimum of 12 months after opening however the colours can separate and change over time so although the dyes may be fine for you to use you don't know if they are only a few years old or perhaps 7,8,9 etc.  The dates given by Manic Panic are minimums so with a good shake or mix you may be ok with these ones but as the colour can change (espec on lighter colours like some yellows which is why we cannot stock SFX BAF Yellow) you should def check the results before using these dyes on your hair.

More info on the shelf-life and after-opening times here - How Long Do The Hair Dyes Last Unopened?

😮 Really, at least 4 years-thats sort of scary? Does that mean that at some point Manic Panic and Directions were the same company? I opened the pot of dye up, and it had separated a bit. No bad smell or other bad indication. Upon strand test it ends up being a deep golden yellow. The lot included more modern types of dye too like MP Amp. Atomic Turquoise so maybe someone was cleaning out their back room?  😉

I am so sorry - I completely misread your post and was referring to Manic Panic Flavine and not Directions.  My apologies it has been a long 24 hours here.

We have been selling Directions since July 2007 and as far as I know Flavine was not around then as we stocked the full Directions range of colours at that time and it was not included in Direction's brochure's back then (or now). So it seems the dye's are at least 3 years old which although is not ideal it is better than the 4+ years quoted for Manic Panic Flavine 🙂 

As Directions say these dyes should last a minimum of 30 months we cannot officially say they will still be ok to use after this time however many people do use these type of dyes when they are older then this and as long as you try strand tests first and mix the dyes well before use you should be fine. Just bear in mind the colour may differ on the hair from photos of the normal dye result as consistency and colour pigments can change and seperate over time.

Hi, I contacted Directions to find out more about Flavine and they have said...

"With regard to the Flavine, I'm not sure exactly how long ago this colour was discontinued but i do know it was over 5 years ago, so definitely well over its shelf date".