Tish & Snooky: The Punk Rock Sisters Who Changed Beauty Forever This Women's Month, we celebrate the fearless founders who proved that two sisters with a vision could revolutionize an entire industry. From the Bowery to Beauty Empire In 1977, sisters Tish and Snooky Bellomo opened a tiny boutique in New York City's East Village. But this wasn't just any store, it was a haven for punk rockers, artists, and anyone who refused to conform to mainstream beauty standards. As members of the punk band Sick Fucks (later The Bleep) and fixtures in the legendary CBGB scene, Tish and Snooky lived the lifestyle they were selling. They understood what their community needed because they were part of it. They were loud and proud from top to bottom with vibrant, long-lasting hair color to express their true self. What started as mixing their own hair dye formulas in their apartment became Manic Panic, a brand that would define alternative beauty for generations to come. Trailblazers in Every Way 🌱 Vegan & Cruelty-Free Pioneers Long before it was trendy, Tish and Snooky committed to creating products that were 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Their ethics weren't a marketing strategy, but they were core values that guided every decision from day one. 👩💼 Women-Owned Business Leaders In an era when women entrepreneurs faced countless barriers, these sisters built a global brand on their own terms. They proved that staying true to your vision and community could create lasting success. 🎨 Champions of Self-Expression Tish and Snooky didn't just sell hair color, but they created a safe space for misfits, rebels, and anyone who colored outside the lines, literally and figuratively. The Manic Panic Legacy Nearly five decades later, Tish and Snooky's impact extends far beyond hair color. They've: Created over 50 iconic shades that have become cultural touchstones Remained independently owned and operated, never compromising their values Colored the hair of everyone from punk legends to pop superstars Proven that ethical business practices and commercial success can coexist Their Signature Shades These are the colors that started it all. Formulated by Tish and Snooky themselves: 🔥 Vampire Red The original punk red that started the revolution. A deep, blood red that can give burgundy tones to virgin, unbleached hair. Shop Now 💗 Fuschia Shock The darkest of the pinks. A deep, cool fuchsia hair dye. Shop Now 💚 Enchanted Forest A deep teal green with blue undertones that gives hair dark, earthy tones. Shop Now 💙 Atomic Turquoise Electric, eye-catching, and impossible to ignore. Just like the sisters who created it. Shop Now Still Rocking After All These Years What makes Tish and Snooky's story even more remarkable is that they're still at the helm of Manic Panic today. While many founders sell out or step back, these sisters remain actively involved in the brand they built from scratch. Their commitment to their original vision of creating high-quality, ethical products for people who dare to be different, has never wavered. Manic Panic is a brand that has inspired multiple generations and continues too. Join the Revolution This Women's Month, honor Tish and Snooky's legacy by expressing your authentic self. Choose colors created by women who believed in breaking rules and making your own path. Shop Manic Panic Frequently Asked Questions Everything you want to know about Manic Panic, Tish & Snooky, and our iconic hair color. Who founded Manic Panic and when? Manic Panic was founded in 1977 by sisters Tish and Snooky Bellomo in New York City's East Village. The brand grew out of their involvement in the punk music scene and their desire to create bold, expressive hair color for their community. Is Manic Panic vegan and cruelty-free? Yes — Manic Panic has been 100% vegan and cruelty-free since day one. Long before these values became mainstream in the beauty industry, Tish and Snooky made them a non-negotiable part of the brand's identity. No animal testing, no animal-derived ingredients. Is Manic Panic a women-owned business? Yes. Manic Panic is independently owned and operated by its founders, Tish and Snooky Bellomo. They have remained at the helm of the company for nearly five decades, never selling out to a larger corporation. What type of hair dye does Manic Panic make? Manic Panic specializes in semi-permanent hair color. Their Classic High Voltage® line is their most iconic range, offering vivid, bold shades that deposit color without bleach on pre-lightened hair — and can add tones to darker, unbleached hair depending on the shade. What are Manic Panic's most iconic hair color shades? Some of Manic Panic's most beloved shades include Vampire Red, Fuschia Shock, Enchanted Forest, and Atomic Turquoise. These colors were among the originals formulated by Tish and Snooky themselves and have become cultural touchstones in alternative beauty. How long has Manic Panic been in business? Manic Panic has been in business since 1977 — nearly 50 years. It is one of the longest-running independent alternative beauty brands in the world, and remains founder-led to this day.