Strawberry Leopard Beets Me

A Passionate Love Letter to the Vibrant Hue That Transformed My Look (and My Confidence)

The wind whipped through my freshly dyed hair as I caught my reflection in a store window, stopping me dead in my tracks. The rich burgundy-red strands glimmered in the sunlight like a glass of fine merlot. I couldn’t help but smile. After years of playing it safe with my natural brown, I’d finally taken the plunge into the world of vibrant hair color, and Strawberry Leopard’s Beets Me Conditioning Hair Color had completely transformed not just my look, but my entire attitude.

That moment of hair-flipping joy didn’t come without research, hesitation, and plenty of YouTube tutorials. If you’re standing at the hair color crossroads like I was, debating whether to embrace the “Beets Me” shade from Strawberry Leopard, grab your favorite beverage and settle in. I’m about to share everything I’ve learned on my journey from hair color newbie to passionate Strawberry Leopard enthusiast.

The Beginning: My First Encounter with Strawberry Leopard

Let’s rewind to three months ago. There I was, scrolling through Instagram for the millionth time, when I stumbled across a photo that made me stop mid-scroll. A woman with the most mesmerizing burgundy-red hair was smiling back at me. The caption read: “Finally tried Strawberry Leopard’s Beets Me and I’m obsessed!” Her hair had dimension, shine, and a richness that looked salon-quality, not something achieved at home.

I immediately fell down a rabbit hole of Strawberry Leopard reviews, swatches, and before-and-afters. The more I researched, the more intrigued I became about this brand I’d never heard of before. Founded as an alternative to traditional hair dyes, Strawberry Leopard has been gaining cult status among color enthusiasts for their vibrant, conditioning formulas that actually leave hair feeling better than before coloring.

But what exactly is Strawberry Leopard Beets Me? I wondered if it was just another semi-permanent hair color that would wash out after a couple of shampoos, leaving my bathroom looking like a crime scene in the process.

What Makes Strawberry Leopard Beets Me Different?

After extensive research (and by “extensive,” I mean hours of YouTube videos and forum deep-dives), I discovered that Strawberry Leopard’s Beets Me is a conditioning hair color – emphasis on conditioning. Unlike many vibrant dyes that leave your hair feeling like straw, this formula includes nourishing ingredients that actually improve your hair’s condition while depositing that gorgeous burgundy color.

The shade “Beets Me” is described as a deep burgundy-red with purple undertones. In the jar, it looks almost intimidatingly dark – like the juice from the beets it’s named after. But on hair? Pure magic.

What really convinced me to try it was learning that Strawberry Leopard doesn’t use harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide. As someone who had previously fried my hair with bleach in my college years (we all make mistakes!), the promise of vibrant color without damage was too good to pass up.

The Big Question: Will It Work on Dark Hair?

This was my biggest concern. With naturally dark brown hair, I’d been told repeatedly that vibrant colors wouldn’t show up without bleaching first. And bleaching? No thanks. Been there, damaged that.

Strawberry Leopard claims that Beets Me can show up on darker hair, though the effect will be more subtle – more of a tint or sheen rather than the full vibrant color you see on the box. On lighter hair, you’ll get that true burgundy-red that makes people stop and ask where you got your color done.

After much deliberation, I decided to just go for it. If it only gave me a subtle tint, at least I hadn’t damaged my hair in the process. But if it actually worked? Well, that would be the start of a beautiful hair journey.

My First Application: The Moment of Truth

The day my package arrived, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. I cleared my schedule for the evening, gathered all my supplies, and prepared for my transformation.

First impressions: The packaging is gorgeous. Sleek, colorful, and eye-catching, it stands out from the clinical-looking boxes of traditional hair dye. Opening the jar, I was immediately hit with a pleasant fruity scent – nothing like the harsh chemical smell I was expecting.

The consistency surprised me too. Unlike runny dyes that drip everywhere, Beets Me has a thick, conditioning texture that makes application much less messy. It reminded me of a deep conditioning mask, just with pigment.

Following the instructions, I started with clean, dry hair. I sectioned my hair (definitely don’t skip this step) and began applying the color from roots to ends with gloved hands. Some people prefer using a brush, but I found that massaging it in with my fingers gave me better control and coverage.

The application process was surprisingly pleasant. No burning, no overwhelming smell, just the satisfaction of watching my hair transform before my eyes. I covered my hair with a shower cap (to prevent any drips and to trap heat, which helps with color absorption) and set a timer for two hours. Yes, two hours—longer than the minimum recommendation, but I wanted maximum color payoff on my dark hair.

As I waited, I noticed something unexpected—my scalp didn’t itch or burn like it had with previous dyes. For someone with a somewhat sensitive scalp, this was a major plus.

When the timer finally beeped, I rinsed my hair with cold water (hot water can cause the color to fade faster). I watched as the water ran clear much quicker than expected. Most vibrant dyes seem to bleed forever, but Beets Me seemed to grip onto my hair instead of washing straight down the drain.

And the moment of truth? As I looked in the mirror at my wet hair, I could already see the transformation. It wasn’t just a subtle tint—my dark brown hair now had a definite burgundy cast to it. But the real magic happened once my hair dried.

The Results: Better Than Expected

After fully drying and styling my hair, I was genuinely shocked at how vibrant the color turned out. Without any bleaching, Beets Me had given my dark hair a rich, multidimensional burgundy-red that caught the light beautifully. Under direct sunlight, it was almost electric; indoors, it was a sophisticated deep red that looked natural despite being anything but.

The color had depth too—not a flat, one-dimensional shade but a complex burgundy with hints of purple that shifted depending on the lighting. My hair felt soft, looked shiny, and had more body than before coloring. The conditioning formula had actually delivered on its promise.

Within days, I was receiving compliments from strangers. A barista asked if I’d just come from the salon. My normally reserved manager mentioned how “interesting” my new hair color was (which, coming from her, was high praise). My Instagram post revealing the new color got more likes than anything I’d posted in months.

But the most surprising reaction came from my mother, who typically frowns upon any “unnatural” hair colors. “It actually suits you,” she admitted grudgingly. “It brings out your eyes.” Victory!

The Longevity Test: How Long Does Beets Me Last?

One of my biggest concerns was how quickly the color would fade. We’ve all been there—spending hours achieving the perfect color only to watch it wash away after a few shampoos.

Based on my experience, Beets Me has impressive staying power, especially compared to other semi-permanent dyes I’ve tried. I’m now three months into my Beets Me journey, and while the color has certainly evolved, it hasn’t disappeared.

The first two weeks were the most vibrant, with that fresh-dyed intensity that makes you feel like a walking color advertisement. Weeks three and four showed slight fading, but the color remained rich and noticeable.

By month two, the burgundy had softened into a slightly more muted version of itself, but still clearly red. Now in month three, my hair has a warm, reddish glow that’s less intense but still beautiful. The best part? It faded evenly, without any patchiness or odd yellow undertones that can happen with some red dyes.

For maximum longevity, I’ve adjusted my hair care routine significantly. I wash my hair only 2-3 times per week with cold water, using sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair. On non-wash days, dry shampoo has become my best friend.

The Maintenance: Keeping the Beets Fresh

Living with vibrant hair color requires some lifestyle adjustments. If you’re considering Beets Me, here’s what you should know about maintaining it:

1. Washing habits matter immensely. Each wash will remove some color, so extending the time between washes is crucial for longevity. When you do wash, use cold water—hot water lifts the cuticle of your hair, allowing more color to escape.
2. Invest in color-safe products. I switched to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair. My personal favorite pairing with Beets Me has been the Redken Color Extend Magnetics line, which seems to minimize color bleeding.
3. Protection from the elements is non-negotiable. Sunlight, chlorine, and salt water are all enemies of vibrant color. I’ve started wearing hats during extended outdoor activities and applied UV protection spray to my hair before beach days.
4. Heat styling accelerates fading. I’ve cut back significantly on my blow drying and straightening, opting instead for heat-free styling methods. When I do use heat, a high-quality heat protectant is essential.
5. Touch-ups can be strategic. Rather than re-dyeing my entire head each time, I now focus on my roots and any areas that have faded more noticeably. This approach minimizes potential damage from over-processing.

One unexpected maintenance tip I discovered: adding a small amount of Beets Me to my conditioner creates a color-refreshing treatment that extends the life of the original dye job. Just a teaspoon mixed into a palm-sized amount of conditioner, left on for 5-10 minutes, gives the color a noticeable boost without the full commitment of a complete re-dye.

The Nitty-Gritty: Answering Those Burning Questions

After living with Beets Me for three months and becoming somewhat of an evangelist for the product among my friends, I’ve fielded countless questions about the experience. Let me address the most common ones:

Does Beets Me stain everything it touches?

This was a major concern for me, especially after a disastrous experience with another brand that left my favorite white pillowcase looking like evidence from a murder scene. With Beets Me, I’ve found that it’s relatively well-behaved for a vibrant dye.

During application, yes, it will stain surfaces if not promptly wiped away. I recommend applying petroleum jelly along your hairline and wearing old clothes you don’t mind potentially sacrificing to the hair color gods. My bathroom counter emerged unscathed thanks to immediate cleanup of any drops.

After the initial dye and rinse, the color bleeding is minimal compared to other brands I’ve tried. My pillowcases have remained mostly unaffected, though I did use dark ones for the first week just to be safe. The shower shows some color runoff during the first 3-4 washes, but nothing a quick spray of shower cleaner can’t handle.

Is it truly suitable for sensitive scalps?

As someone who has experienced burning and irritation with traditional dyes, I approached Beets Me with caution. To my delight, I experienced no irritation whatsoever during the entire processing time. The absence of ammonia and peroxide likely contributes to this gentler experience.

That said, allergic reactions are always possible with any product. The standard advice applies: do a patch test 48 hours before full application, even with a supposedly gentle formula like Strawberry Leopard’s.

Can I mix Beets Me with other Strawberry Leopard shades?

Yes, and this is where the fun really begins! After gaining confidence with my first application, I’ve experimented with mixing Beets Me with a touch of Strawberry Leopard’s “Velvet” (a deeper purple shade) to create a more burgundy-purple hybrid for my ends, creating a subtle ombré effect.

The consistent formula across their color line makes mixing straightforward. Just remember to maintain the same processing time regardless of whether you’re using a single shade or a custom blend.

Is Strawberry Leopard truly vegan and cruelty-free?

This was important to me, and I’m happy to report that yes, Strawberry Leopard proudly advertises as both vegan and cruelty-free. Their packaging carries the leaping bunny certification, which gives me confidence in their ethical claims. The formula is free from animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals.

How does Beets Me compare to similar shades from other brands?

Before committing to Strawberry Leopard, I researched similar burgundy shades from brands like Arctic Fox and Manic Panic. While I haven’t personally tried these alternatives with this specific color, I have used other shades from these brands in the past.

In my experience, Strawberry Leopard’s conditioning properties set it apart. Arctic Fox has excellent staying power but doesn’t provide the same level of hair nourishment. Manic Panic, while a classic, tends to fade faster in my experience and isn’t as conditioning.

Price-wise, Strawberry Leopard falls somewhere in the middle—not the cheapest option but certainly not the most expensive either. Considering the quality and how far one jar stretches (I’ve done three full applications from a single jar, with enough left for at least one more), the value is excellent.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Beets Me Techniques

Once I mastered the basic application, I started exploring more creative ways to use Beets Me. If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some techniques I’ve tried:

The Shadow Root

For a more dimensional look, I left my natural color at the roots for about an inch before applying Beets Me. This creates a more natural transition and makes regrowth less obvious, extending the time between full applications.

The Color Melt

Using different Strawberry Leopard shades (or diluting Beets Me with conditioner for lighter sections), I created a gradient effect from roots to ends. This takes more time and precision but creates a stunning multidimensional result.

The Peek-a-Boo

Rather than coloring my entire head, I experimented with just dyeing the underneath sections of my hair. When worn down, the color peeks through subtly; when styled up, it creates a surprising pop of color.

The Refresh Technique

Between full applications, I’ve maintained vibrancy by mixing a small amount of Beets Me with my regular conditioner, creating a color-depositing treatment that I leave on for 10 minutes once a week. This extends the life of the color significantly.

The Unexpected Benefits of Burgundy Hair

Beyond the obvious aesthetic change, embracing Beets Me has had some surprising effects on other aspects of my life:

1. My wardrobe choices have evolved. Colors I previously avoided now become go-to options because they complement my hair so beautifully. Deep greens, golds, and certain blues have become staples in my wardrobe.
2. My makeup preferences shifted. With burgundy hair framing my face, I’ve found that more minimal eye makeup and stronger lip colors create a balanced look. My burgundy hair actually makes my eyes appear brighter by contrast.
3. My confidence has increased. There’s something emboldening about walking around with head-turning hair. I find myself standing taller, making more eye contact, and generally feeling more comfortable in my own skin.
4. I’ve connected with a community. The vibrant hair color world comes with its own subculture of enthusiasts. I’ve found myself exchanging tips with strangers in beauty supply stores and receiving knowing nods from fellow colorful-haired people on the street.
5. I’ve become more experimental overall. Taking the plunge with Beets Me opened the door to other forms of self-expression I’d previously been too hesitant to try. If I could pull off burgundy hair, what else might suit me that I hadn’t considered?

Is Strawberry Leopard Beets Me Right For You?

After three months of living with, maintaining, and falling in love with my Beets Me hair, I feel qualified to offer some guidance on whether this particular shade and brand might be right for you.

You might love Beets Me if:

• You’re drawn to rich, multidimensional burgundy-red tones
• You value hair health alongside color payoff
• You have the patience for proper maintenance routines
• You’re looking for a statement color that still feels sophisticated
• You want a dye that fades gracefully rather than patchily
• You prefer products with gentler ingredient lists
• You’re committed to cruelty-free and vegan beauty options

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You’re looking for a true fire-engine red (Beets Me leans more burgundy)
• You have very dark hair and aren’t willing to accept a more subtle result without bleaching
• You want a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require special care
• You prefer colors that wash out completely within a few weeks

Where to Purchase and What to Expect

When I decided to take the plunge, finding Strawberry Leopard products was initially challenging. They’re not yet as widely available as some other vibrant hair color brands. I purchased mine directly from their website, but they’re also available at select beauty supply stores and through some online retailers.

Price-wise, expect to pay around $12-15 per jar, which is mid-range for semi-permanent vibrant colors. As mentioned earlier, one jar has lasted me through multiple applications, making it quite economical in the long run.

The packaging is user-friendly and includes detailed instructions. If you’re new to home hair coloring, I’d recommend also watching some tutorial videos specific to Strawberry Leopard applications—seeing the process in action helped me avoid some potential mistakes.

Final Thoughts: My Ongoing Love Affair with Beets Me

Six months ago, if you’d told me I’d be sporting burgundy hair and writing passionately about it, I would have laughed. I was the person who played it safe, who worried about what others might think, who fretted about potential hair damage.

Now, I can’t imagine going back to my natural color. Strawberry Leopard’s Beets Me has become more than just a hair color—it’s become part of my identity, a constant reminder to embrace boldness in other areas of my life.

The compliments are nice, certainly, but the real reward has been the personal transformation that accompanied my external one. There’s something profoundly liberating about looking in the mirror and seeing a vibrant reflection of your inner self staring back at you.

If you’re on the fence about trying Beets Me, consider this your gentle push. Hair grows, colors fade, but the experience of embracing something new—something that makes you smile every time you catch your reflection—that stays with you.

Whether you go full-head vibrant like I did, or start with just a few peek-a-boo strands, Strawberry Leopard’s Beets Me offers a relatively low-risk opportunity to express yourself. In a world that often feels increasingly standardized, there’s something revolutionary about walking around with hair the color of ripe berries and autumn leaves.

And if anyone asks you about your gorgeous new color? Just smile and say, “Beets me!”—and then watch their confusion turn to curiosity as you introduce them to your new favorite hair color obsession.