Strawberry Leopard Foxy

From Hesitation to Hair Victory: Everything You Need to Know About This Bold Color Choice

Let me start by admitting something – I’ve always been a bit of a hair color chameleon. From subtle highlights to full-on rainbow hues, my bathroom has seen more dye bottles than I care to count. But when I first spotted Strawberry Leopard’s Foxy shade on my Instagram feed, something about that vibrant red-orange made me stop scrolling. It was different from anything I’d tried before – not quite red, not quite orange, but a perfect fiery hybrid that seemed to catch the light in the most mesmerizing way.

That was six months ago, and I’ve been on a personal journey with this color ever since. After countless applications, experiments, and yes, a few mishaps, I’m ready to share everything I’ve learned about Strawberry Leopard Foxy hair color – the good, the challenging, and the absolutely stunning results that are possible when you get it right.

Whether you’re a seasoned hair color enthusiast or a nervous first-timer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about achieving and maintaining that perfect Foxy shade. So grab a cup of something delicious, settle in, and let me share my honest experiences with this game-changing color.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Foxy Hair Color?

Before we dive into application tips and maintenance tricks, let’s talk about what makes Foxy so special in the first place. Strawberry Leopard is a relatively newer brand in the hair color world, but they’ve quickly developed a cult following for their vibrant, long-lasting colors and conditioning formulas.

Foxy is one of their standout shades – a warm, intense red-orange that reminds me of autumn leaves, sunset skies, and yes, the gorgeous coat of its namesake animal. The first time I saw it in person, I was struck by how multidimensional it appeared – sometimes leaning more red in certain lighting, other times showing off its orange undertones.

What makes Strawberry Leopard different from other brands I’ve tried is their commitment to creating dyes that don’t completely wreck your hair. Their formula includes conditioning agents and is free from ammonia and peroxide, which means it’s kinder to your strands than traditional permanent dyes. That said, no vibrant color comes without some compromise – we’ll talk about that more when we get to the pre-coloring preparation section.

The Hunt: Where to Buy Strawberry Leopard Foxy

When I first decided to try Foxy, I went straight to my local Sally Beauty Supply, assuming they’d carry it. They did, but I’ve since discovered several other reliable sources. Here’s where you can typically find it:

• Sally Beauty (both in-store and online)
• Ulta Beauty (primarily online, but some stores carry it)
• The official Strawberry Leopard website
• Amazon (though be cautious about third-party sellers)

I personally prefer buying directly from Sally Beauty or the official website because I know I’m getting the genuine product. One thing I’ve noticed is that Foxy tends to sell out quickly – especially after TikTok or Instagram features the shade in viral videos. If you see it in stock and know you want it, I’d recommend grabbing it rather than waiting.

Price-wise, you’ll typically spend between $11-15 per jar depending on where you purchase it and whether there are any sales running. Each jar contains 4oz of product, which was enough for my shoulder-length hair with a bit left over for touch-ups. If you have particularly long or thick hair, you might want to grab two jars just to be safe.

The Shade Reality: What Color Is Foxy, Really?

Let’s talk color expectations versus reality, because this is where I initially got tripped up. On the box and in most marketing images, Foxy appears as a bright, vibrant red-orange – almost like a copper penny that’s been polished to perfection. But the actual result on your hair will depend enormously on your starting color.

When I first used Foxy, my hair was a faded blonde with some darker roots growing in. The color took beautifully to the blonde sections, giving me that true sunset-orange-red I was hoping for. The roots, however, ended up with more of a rich auburn tint – pretty, but definitely not as vibrant.

This brings me to an important point: Strawberry Leopard Foxy shows up best on pre-lightened hair. If your natural color is medium brown or darker, you’ll likely need to bleach first to get the vibrant result shown on the packaging. On unbleached dark hair, you’ll get a subtle red tint at best.

The brand describes Foxy as a “vibrant copper red,” and I’d say that’s accurate when applied to light blonde hair. It has warm undertones rather than cool ones, which is something to consider if you’re particular about whether red leans more orange or more pink.

Semi-Permanent or Permanent? The Truth About Longevity

Strawberry Leopard markets their colors as semi-permanent, which technically means they’ll gradually wash out over time rather than growing out with a hard line of demarcation. In my experience, though, Foxy behaves more like a demi-permanent color – it definitely fades with washing, but it doesn’t completely disappear the way some semi-permanent colors do.

After my first application, the vibrant copper-red lasted in full intensity for about 8-10 washes. Then it began to fade into a softer strawberry blonde that was still quite pretty but less vibrant than the initial color. By wash 20, I was left with a warm peachy tone that had almost completely faded from some sections while remaining stronger in others.

One thing worth noting: if you’ve applied Foxy to bleached hair, you may find that some of the color molecules lodge themselves quite stubbornly into your hair shaft. Even after it appears to have faded completely, you might notice that future attempts to bleach or color your hair are affected by lingering Foxy molecules. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing unless you’re planning to go much lighter or cooler in tone for your next color adventure.

The Bleach Question: Do I Really Need to Lighten First?

This is probably the most common question I see about Foxy, and the answer is both simple and complicated: It depends on your goals.

If you want the exact vibrant copper-red shown on the packaging? Yes, you’ll need to bleach first if your hair isn’t already light blonde. There’s simply no way around the fact that hair color is essentially a filtering process – you’re adding a translucent layer over your existing hair color, not completely replacing it.

However, if you’re open to a more subtle result, Foxy can be applied directly to light or medium brown hair for a rich auburn effect. On dark brown or black hair, you might see a slight reddish sheen in bright lighting, but that’s about it.

When I first used Foxy, I had grown out blonde highlights with about 2 inches of my natural light brown roots showing. After application, I had this beautiful ombré effect – intense copper-red on the blonde sections that gradually transitioned to a deeper auburn at the roots. I actually loved this look, and it convinced me that pre-lightening isn’t always necessary if you’re open to a more dimensional result.

That said, if you do decide to bleach, please do it carefully! Healthy hair will always hold color better and longer than damaged hair. I recommend waiting at least two weeks after bleaching before applying Foxy to give your hair a chance to recover.

Real Talk: Reviews and Experiences with Foxy

Before I committed to Foxy myself, I spent hours scrolling through reviews and watching YouTube videos of people using it. The consensus seemed largely positive, with a few consistent themes emerging:

1. People with pre-lightened hair were generally thrilled with the vibrant results
2. Those who applied it to darker hair without bleaching were often disappointed with the subtle effect
3. Most users found it lasted longer than other semi-permanent brands they’d tried
4. Many commented on how the color didn’t bleed excessively on pillowcases and clothing after the initial wash

My own experience largely aligned with these reviews. The color payoff was excellent on my lighter sections, less dramatic on my darker roots, and the longevity was impressive compared to brands like Arctic Fox and Manic Panic that I’d used previously.

One thing I noticed that wasn’t mentioned often in reviews is that Foxy seems to be slightly less conditioning than some other Strawberry Leopard shades. It didn’t dry my hair out, but it didn’t leave it feeling quite as silky as their Velvet shade did when I tried that. A good deep conditioning treatment afterward helped tremendously with this.

DIY Application: My Step-by-Step Process

After multiple applications, I’ve refined my Foxy application process to get the most vibrant, long-lasting results. Here’s exactly what I do:

Preparation (1-2 days before):

1. Stop washing my hair 1-2 days before application to allow natural oils to build up (these help protect your scalp during the coloring process)
2. Do a clarifying treatment to remove any product buildup that might prevent even color absorption
3. Deep condition to ensure my hair is in the best possible shape

Materials needed:

• 1-2 jars of Strawberry Leopard Foxy (depending on hair length/thickness)
• Gloves (the ones that come with the dye work fine, but I prefer nitrile gloves)
• Old towel and t-shirt you don’t mind staining
• Petroleum jelly for your hairline
• Plastic bowl and brush for application (optional, but makes it easier)
• Shower cap or plastic wrap
• Timer

Application day:

1. Start with dry, detangled hair
2. Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent skin staining
3. Section hair into 4-6 parts using clips
4. Put on gloves and apply the color from roots to ends, working in small sections
5. Make sure every strand is thoroughly saturated – this is key for even color!
6. Once all hair is covered, I use my fingers to massage the color through to ensure complete coverage
7. Twist hair up and cover with a shower cap
8. Clean any color from skin immediately with makeup remover

Processing time:

The instructions recommend 30 minutes, but I’ve found that 45-60 minutes gives the most vibrant, long-lasting results without damaging my hair. If you’re concerned about damage, stick to the recommended time.

Rinsing:

1. Rinse with cool water until it runs almost clear (this takes a while!)
2. Apply a color-safe conditioner and leave it on for 3-5 minutes
3. Rinse again with cool water
4. Wrap hair in a microfiber towel or old t-shirt (avoid white towels!)

Important note: That first rinse will look like a crime scene. Don’t panic! This is normal with vibrant red colors. It doesn’t mean all your color is washing out. The excess dye molecules are simply rinsing away.

First 48 hours after coloring:

This is crucial for color longevity. During this time:

• Avoid washing your hair
• Use cool water if you must rinse
• Avoid heat styling
• Keep hair out of chlorinated pools and salt water

Safety First: Is Foxy Right for All Hair Types?

While Strawberry Leopard is generally considered gentle compared to permanent hair colors, it’s not completely without risk. Here’s what I’ve observed about how different hair types respond:

Fine hair:

Tends to absorb the color quickly and vibrantly, but may also fade faster. Process for less time (30 minutes max).

Coarse hair:

May need longer processing time to fully penetrate the hair shaft. The color often lasts longer on coarse hair too.

Damaged/chemically treated hair:

Approaches with caution. While Foxy doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, any coloring process puts some stress on your hair. If your hair is already compromised, do a strand test first and consider using it diluted with conditioner.

Sensitive scalps:

The lack of ammonia and peroxide makes Strawberry Leopard gentler than permanent dyes, but some people still experience irritation. Do a patch test 48 hours before full application.

I personally have normal-to-fine hair that’s been color-treated for years, and I found Foxy to be gentler than most dyes I’ve used. My scalp didn’t itch or burn during application, and my hair didn’t feel significantly drier afterward.

That said, if you have any concerns about allergic reactions or sensitivity, always do a patch test first by applying a small amount behind your ear or on your inner elbow and waiting 48 hours.

The Fade: How Foxy Changes Over Time

One thing I particularly love about Foxy is how it fades. Unlike some vibrant colors that can go patchy or turn strange in-between shades, Foxy tends to fade gracefully through progressively lighter versions of the same color family.

In my experience, the fade progression looks something like this:

1. Weeks 1-2: Vibrant copper-red, exactly as intended
2. Weeks 3-4: Slightly softer red with stronger orange undertones
3. Weeks 5-6: Warm strawberry blonde with copper highlights
4. Weeks 7-8: Peachy blonde that’s still quite pretty

This gradual fade means you don’t have that awkward “I desperately need to recolor” stage that happens with some dyes. Each phase has its own charm, which extends the wearability of the color significantly.

That said, the fade isn’t always perfectly even, especially if your hair has different porosity levels throughout. My ends, which are naturally more porous, held the color longer than my midshafts, creating an unintentional (but not unattractive) reverse ombré effect after about six weeks.

Before and After: Setting Realistic Expectations

I wish I could share my own before and after photos here, but since I can’t, I’ll describe what you can realistically expect based on your starting color:

Platinum/very light blonde:

The most vibrant, true-to-jar results. Bright copper-red that’s eye-catching and dimensional.

Medium blonde:

Vibrant but slightly deeper copper-red. Still very impactful.

Light brown:

Rich auburn with definite red-orange undertones. Not as vibrant as shown on the box but still a noticeable change.

Medium to dark brown:

Subtle reddish tint in bright lighting. Not likely to be very noticeable indoors.

Black:

Minimal visible change except perhaps a slight reddish reflect in direct sunlight.

One thing worth mentioning is that if your hair has been previously colored with permanent dye, results may be unpredictable even if it appears blonde. Permanent hair color molecules remain in your hair shaft even after the color has faded visibly, and these can interact with new color in unexpected ways.

Ethics Check: Vegan and Cruelty-Free Status

For those who prioritize ethical beauty products, I have good news: Strawberry Leopard, including Foxy, is both vegan and cruelty-free. The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals.

This was actually one of the factors that attracted me to the brand initially. I’ve been trying to transition more of my beauty routine to cruelty-free products, and finding vibrant hair colors that perform well while meeting ethical standards isn’t always easy.

The packaging is also relatively minimal compared to some hair color brands, with recyclable plastic components. While not perfect from a sustainability perspective, it’s better than many alternatives on the market.

Breaking Down the Cost: Is Foxy Worth the Price?

At around $11-15 per jar, Strawberry Leopard Foxy falls somewhere in the middle of the semi-permanent color price range. Is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely.

Let’s break down the value proposition:

• Each jar contains 4oz of product, which is enough for one full application on short to medium-length hair
• The color lasts 4-8 weeks depending on your hair care routine
• The formula includes conditioning ingredients that help maintain hair health

If we compare this to salon services, even a single professional color application would cost $60-150+ depending on your location and salon choice. From that perspective, Foxy offers tremendous value.

When compared to other semi-permanent at-home color brands:

• Arctic Fox: Similar price point ($16.99 for 8oz), similar longevity
• Manic Panic: Slightly cheaper ($13.99 for 4oz), but in my experience fades faster
• Good Dye Young: More expensive ($18 for 4oz), comparable longevity

The one additional cost to consider is pre-lightening if needed. If you’re starting with darker hair and want true vibrant results, you’ll need to factor in bleach, developer, and possibly a toning step before applying Foxy.

The Ingredient List: What’s Actually in Foxy?

I always like to know what I’m putting on my body, so I made a point of researching the ingredient list for Foxy. While I’m not a cosmetic chemist, I can share the key components and what they do:

• Water: The primary carrier for the color
• Cetearyl Alcohol: A conditioning fatty alcohol (not drying like ethyl alcohol)
• Stearalkonium Chloride: A conditioning agent
• Various dye molecules: These provide the actual color
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Helps strengthen and condition hair
• Hydrolyzed Keratin: Protein that helps repair damaged hair
• Citric Acid: Adjusts the pH of the formula

Notably absent are ammonia, peroxide, PPD, and resorcinol – harsh chemicals commonly found in permanent hair colors that can cause significant damage.

The formula does contain some synthetic dye molecules, which is unavoidable for achieving vibrant, long-lasting color. If you’re looking for 100% natural hair color, you’d need to look to henna-based options, which won’t give you the vibrant copper-red of Foxy.

Color Mixing: Can Foxy Play Well with Others?

One of the fun aspects of semi-permanent color is the ability to customize by mixing shades. I’ve experimented with mixing Foxy with other Strawberry Leopard colors and had great results.

My favorite combinations include:

• Foxy + Velvet (their deep red): Creates a rich, multidimensional red with slightly less orange undertone
• Foxy + a small amount of Cheeky (their pink): Gives a beautiful coral-red that’s slightly softer
• Foxy + a tiny bit of Indigo Blue: Deepens to a more burgundy tone while maintaining warmth

When mixing colors, I recommend starting with small amounts and testing on a strand before committing to your whole head. The proportion matters significantly – even a 10% addition of another color can dramatically shift the result.

I also discovered that you can dilute Foxy with white conditioner to create a softer pastel version. This works especially well on very light blonde hair and creates a beautiful peach shade that’s perfect for spring and summer.

Maintenance Matters: Keeping Foxy Vibrant

The way you care for your hair after coloring makes an enormous difference in how long Foxy lasts. Here’s my maintenance routine that helps me stretch the color to its maximum longevity:

Washing:

• Wait at least 48-72 hours after coloring before first wash
• Use cold to lukewarm water (never hot!)
• Wash no more than 2-3 times per week
• Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo exclusively
• Consider co-washing (washing with conditioner only) for some of your washes

Products I swear by:

• Color-safe shampoo (I like Matrix Color Obsessed)
• Weekly color-depositing conditioner (Overtone’s Ginger works well to maintain Foxy)
• Heat protectant spray before any styling (crucial!)
• UV protection spray in summer months

Styling considerations:

• Minimize heat styling when possible
• Use the lowest effective heat setting when you do style
• Always use heat protectant
• Consider protective styles like braids or buns to minimize exposure

Environment factors:

• Wear a hat in direct sunlight
• Use swim caps in chlorinated pools
• Apply hair oil before ocean swimming to create a barrier

Touch-up strategy:

Rather than reapplying to my entire head each time, I’ve found that doing targeted touch-ups to the most faded areas (usually around my face and crown) helps maintain a vibrant look while minimizing overall damage to my hair.

Dark Hair Dilemma: Can You Skip the Bleach?

This is probably the question I get asked most often about Foxy: “Will it work on my dark hair without bleaching?” The short answer is: not in the way you’re hoping.

I’ve tried applying Foxy to an unbleached section of my natural light brown hair, and while it did impart a subtle auburn tint, it was nowhere near the vibrant copper-red shown on the packaging. On darker brown or black hair, the effect would be even less noticeable.

That said, there are a few alternatives if you want to avoid bleaching:

1. Color-depositing products: Products like Overtone’s Ginger or copper-enhancing shampoos can gradually build up a reddish tint on darker hair.
2. Temporary spray-on color: For special occasions, products like L’Oreal Colorista Spray can give you temporary vibrant color without commitment.
3. Strategic partial bleaching: Instead of lightening your entire head, consider doing just a few face-framing pieces or underlayer that can be colored with Foxy.
4. Accept a subtle result: If you’re open to a more subtle enhancement rather than a dramatic change, applying Foxy directly to dark hair will give you a reddish sheen in certain lighting.

Remember that bleaching doesn’t have to be extreme – even lifting your hair 2-3 levels lighter than your natural color will allow Foxy to show up more vibrantly while causing less damage than taking hair to platinum.

Tutorial Time: Learning from Others

While I can’t link to specific tutorials here, I can tell you what to search for to find helpful application guides. On YouTube and TikTok, search for:

• “Strawberry Leopard Foxy application”
• “Strawberry Leopard on unbleached hair”
• “How to maintain red semi-permanent color”
• “Foxy hair color review”

The most helpful tutorials I found showed:

1. The application process from start to finish
2. Before and after comparisons on different starting hair colors
3. Updates showing how the color faded over several weeks
4. Maintenance routines specific to vibrant red shades

I’d particularly recommend looking for content creators with a similar hair type and starting color to yours for the most relevant guidance.

Store vs. Online: Where to Shop

You have several options for purchasing Strawberry Leopard Foxy, each with pros and cons:

In-store options:

• Sally Beauty: Most reliable brick-and-mortar source, staff can often offer application advice
• Ulta: Some locations carry it, but stock is less consistent
• Independent beauty supply stores: Varies by location

Online options:

• Sally Beauty website: Often has the best combination of price and reliable shipping
• Official Strawberry Leopard site: Full range of colors, sometimes exclusive shades
• Amazon: Convenient but watch for third-party sellers with outdated stock
• Ulta online: Good option if you’re combining with other beauty purchases

I personally prefer shopping in-store for hair color because I can check the packaging dates and ensure I’m getting fresh product. However, if Foxy is consistently sold out in your local stores, online is a perfectly good alternative.

Comparing Shades: Foxy vs. Other Strawberry Leopard Colors

Strawberry Leopard has several red-family shades that might seem similar at first glance. Here’s how Foxy compares to its cousins:

• Foxy: Vibrant copper-red with orange undertones
• Velvet: Deeper red with less orange, more burgundy
• Cheeky: Pink-red with cool undertones
• Sassy: Bright true red, less copper than Foxy

If you’re torn between these options, consider:

• For warm skin tones: Foxy tends to be most flattering
• For cool skin tones: Velvet or Cheeky often work better
• For maximum vibrancy: Foxy or Sassy
• For a more subtle effect: Velvet

I’ve tried both Foxy and Velvet, and while I loved them both, Foxy gave me that “wow factor” I was looking for. The orange undertones brought out warmth in my complexion that I hadn’t expected. That said, if you want a more sophisticated, less attention-grabbing red, Velvet might be more your speed.

My Final Verdict: Is Foxy Worth Trying?

After six months of experimenting with Strawberry Leopard Foxy, would I recommend it? Absolutely, with a few caveats:

Definitely try Foxy if:

• You’re willing to pre-lighten your hair for maximum impact
• You want a warm, vibrant red-orange that stands out
• You’re looking for a semi-permanent option with good longevity
• You prefer cruelty-free, vegan hair products
• You don’t mind some maintenance to keep the color vibrant

Maybe reconsider if:

• You’re unwilling to bleach and have very dark hair
• You want a one-and-done color that never needs refreshing
• You prefer cool-toned reds (try Velvet or Cheeky instead)
• You wash your hair daily with hot water (the color won’t last)
• You’re looking for something extremely low-maintenance

For me, Foxy has been a game-changer in my hair color journey. The warm, vibrant copper-red perfectly complements my skin tone and has brought me more compliments than any other color I’ve tried. Yes, it requires some maintenance, and yes, I need to touch it up every 6-8 weeks, but the results are absolutely worth the effort.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that vibrant hair color is as much about the maintenance as the initial application. With the right care routine, Foxy can remain stunning for weeks, gradually shifting through beautiful shades of copper and peach rather than fading to a disappointing dull orange.

If you’ve been on the fence about trying this shade, consider this your sign to go for it. Life’s too short for boring hair, and that perfect copper-red sunset might be just one color session away!