Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel

From Boring to Bold: How This Conditioning Color Changed My Hair Game

As I sit here running my fingers through my metallic blue locks, I can hardly believe this is the same hair that was flat and uninspiring just last week. The transformation has been nothing short of magical, and it’s all thanks to Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel Conditioning Hair Color. If you’ve been on the fence about trying this shade or simply want to know more before taking the plunge, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide details everything I’ve learned through my own journey with Blue Steel — from application to maintenance and everything in between.

My Introduction to Strawberry Leopard

Before we dive into the specifics of Blue Steel, let me share a bit about how I discovered Strawberry Leopard. I’ve always been experimental with my hair, cycling through various brands and colors over the years. Some left my hair feeling like straw, while others faded faster than my motivation on Monday mornings.

When a friend showed up to brunch sporting a gorgeous metallic blue shade that caught the light perfectly, I had to know her secret. “It’s Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel,” she told me, flipping her hair dramatically. “And my hair actually feels healthier after using it.”

Skeptical but intrigued, I decided to research this brand I’d never heard of before making my purchase. What I discovered convinced me to give it a try, and now I’m here to share that knowledge with you.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel Conditioning Hair Color?

Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel is a semi-permanent conditioning hair color that delivers a striking metallic silver-blue shade. Unlike traditional hair dyes that can strip and damage your strands, Strawberry Leopard has formulated their products to actually improve your hair’s condition while coloring it.

The formula contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and various botanical extracts that work to hydrate and strengthen your hair during the coloring process. This makes it a fantastic option for those of us who love changing our hair color but hate the damage that typically comes with it.

Blue Steel specifically is a sophisticated, multi-dimensional shade that sits at the intersection of silver, blue, and gray. It’s neither too vivid nor too muted, offering a perfect balance that’s edgy yet surprisingly wearable for everyday life. The color has cool undertones that give it that distinctive metallic appearance, especially in natural light.

How Does Blue Steel Compare to Other Silver or Blue Shades?

Having experimented with numerous brands in the past, I can confidently say that Blue Steel stands out in several ways.

Compared to Arctic Fox’s similar shades, Blue Steel has a more sophisticated, metallic quality rather than a flat blue. While Arctic Fox delivers vibrant colors, their blue tones often lean more toward primary or neon blue rather than the sophisticated silver-blue that Blue Steel offers.

Against Overtone’s blue and silver options, Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel delivers more consistent color payoff and, in my experience, lasts longer between applications. Overtone is fantastic for maintenance, but Blue Steel provides a more dramatic transformation.

As for Manic Panic, which many of us used in our early hair-dyeing days, Blue Steel offers significantly more conditioning benefits. Manic Panic’s blue hues can be stunning, but they don’t provide the hair-loving ingredients that Strawberry Leopard infuses into their formula.

What truly sets Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel apart from competitors is its unique metallic finish combined with genuine conditioning properties. It’s not just marketing—my hair genuinely feels softer and looks healthier after using this color than it did before application.

The Burning Question: Is Blue Steel Vibrant or Muted?

This is perhaps one of the most common questions I hear about Blue Steel, and it’s a bit nuanced. I’d describe Blue Steel as having a “controlled vibrancy”—it’s certainly not a shy color, but it’s not shouting for attention either.

In indoor lighting, Blue Steel presents as a sophisticated silver-blue that looks polished and intentional. Step outside into natural sunlight, however, and the color reveals its multi-dimensional quality, with metallic undertones that catch the light beautifully.

If you’re concerned about it being too bold for professional settings, rest assured that Blue Steel walks that line perfectly. It’s noticeable enough to express your personality but refined enough not to seem unprofessional in most work environments.

The Bleaching Question: Do I Need to Lighten My Hair First?

This is where I need to be completely honest with you—if you want the true Blue Steel experience as shown on the packaging, pre-lightening your hair is essential, especially if you’re starting with darker hair colors.

When I first used Blue Steel, my hair was already lightened to a level 9-10 (very light blonde), which allowed the color to deposit exactly as advertised. On unbleached hair, particularly anything darker than a light brown, Blue Steel will provide a subtle tint at best or might not show up at all.

If you have naturally blonde hair, you may achieve a decent result without bleaching, though it won’t be as vivid as what you see in promotional images. For those with light brown hair, you might get a slight blue sheen in certain lighting, but the full metallic effect will be limited.

Dark brown or black hair? Unfortunately, Blue Steel won’t make a noticeable difference without prior lightening. There’s simply no way around the science of hair coloring here—darker pigments will overpower the blue and silver tones.

Application Process: My Step-by-Step Guide

After testing various application methods, I’ve found what works best for achieving that perfect Blue Steel look. Here’s my detailed process:

Preparation

1. Start with clean, dry hair. I recommend washing your hair 24-48 hours before coloring to allow natural oils to protect your scalp.
2. Conduct a patch test 48 hours before full application to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
3. Gather your supplies: gloves, petroleum jelly or barrier cream, old towels, hair clips, a mixing bowl (though you can apply directly from the bottle in a pinch), and a tint brush for more precise application.
4. Wear old clothes or a coloring cape—Blue Steel can stain fabrics.
5. Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent skin staining.

Application

1. Section your hair into four parts: two in front and two in back.
2. Starting with the back sections (which are typically darker and more resistant to color), apply Blue Steel from roots to ends, ensuring thorough saturation.
3. Use a fine-tooth comb to distribute the color evenly after applying to each section.
4. Once all sections are covered, I like to gently massage my scalp and lengths to ensure the conditioners in the formula penetrate deeply.
5. Secure your hair in a loose bun and cover with a shower cap to prevent dripping and help the color develop.

Processing and Rinsing

1. Leave the color on for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense result, I leave it for 45-60 minutes.
2. Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid hot water as it opens the cuticle and can cause premature color fading.
3. Skip shampooing for the first rinse—just use a color-safe conditioner if needed.
4. Gently towel-dry and style as usual, though I recommend air-drying when possible to preserve the color.

Longevity: How Long Does Blue Steel Last?

Based on my experience and feedback from others, Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel typically lasts between 20-30 washes, depending on several factors:

• Hair porosity (more porous hair tends to accept color better but may also release it faster)
• Water temperature when washing (cooler is better for longevity)
• Frequency of washing
• Hair care products used
• Sun exposure

On my moderately porous, pre-lightened hair, Blue Steel maintains its vibrant metallic appearance for about 3-4 weeks with washing every other day. After that, it begins a gradual fade rather than an abrupt disappearance.

The Fade: What to Expect as Blue Steel Wears Off

One of the most pleasant surprises with Blue Steel is how it fades. Unlike some blue dyes that can turn green or muddy as they wear off, Blue Steel fades to a soft, pastel blue-silver that remains appealing throughout the process.

In my experience, the fade follows this general pattern:

• Weeks 1-2: Vibrant metallic blue-silver, exactly as advertised
• Weeks 3-4: Slightly softened but still distinctly Blue Steel
• Weeks 5-6: Pastel blue-silver with increased transparency
• Beyond 6 weeks: Subtle blue tint that gradually returns to your base color

This graceful fade means you don’t have to rush to reapply or worry about an awkward transition period—a significant advantage over many other fantasy colors.

Sensitive Scalp Concerns: Is Blue Steel Gentle Enough?

As someone with occasional scalp sensitivity, I approached Blue Steel with caution. The good news? It’s notably gentler than most hair colors I’ve tried.

The formula is free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which are common irritants in permanent hair colors. Instead, it relies on gentler pigments suspended in a conditioning base.

During application, I noticed no burning, itching, or discomfort—just a pleasant cooling sensation from the aloe vera. Post-application, my scalp felt normal with no increased dryness or irritation.

That said, individual sensitivities vary widely. The patch test I mentioned earlier is crucial, especially if you have a history of reactions to hair products. If you experience any discomfort during the full application, rinse immediately and discontinue use.

Gray Coverage: Does Blue Steel Work on Silver Foxes?

Gray and white hair present a unique canvas for fantasy colors, often accepting vivid shades more readily than pigmented hair. With Blue Steel specifically, I’ve observed (on my mother’s partially gray hair) that the results are stunning.

Gray and white strands absorb the Blue Steel pigments exceptionally well, creating a dimensional effect where the naturally silver strands appear to have enhanced metallic qualities. The contrast between different strands creates a natural highlighting effect that’s quite sophisticated.

One caveat: gray hair can sometimes be more resistant to color due to its texture, so a slightly longer processing time may be beneficial. I had my mother leave the color on for the maximum recommended time (60 minutes), and the results were remarkable.

The Undertone Question: Is Blue Steel Cool or Warm?

Blue Steel has a distinctly cool undertone, which makes it particularly flattering for skin with cool or neutral undertones. The silver component adds sophistication while the blue adds depth, creating a color that reads as cool without being harsh or severe.

This cool quality makes Blue Steel an excellent choice for creating contrast against warmer clothing colors and complementing cool-toned wardrobes. I’ve found that it makes my blue and purple clothing look richer while creating a striking contrast with orange and yellow pieces.

If you typically look better in silver jewelry than gold, Blue Steel will likely be very flattering on you. If you prefer gold jewelry and warm colors, it will still look good but might create a more contrasting effect against your natural coloring.

Dark Hair Challenges: Can Blue Steel Work Without Bleaching?

I touched on this earlier, but it deserves a deeper dive. The reality is that Blue Steel cannot significantly alter dark hair without pre-lightening. This is true of most fantasy colors, not a limitation specific to Strawberry Leopard.

On dark brown or black hair, you might achieve a subtle blue sheen visible only in bright light, but the metallic quality and true color will not be apparent. Even dark blonde hair will only show a muted version of the intended color.

If you’re committed to achieving Blue Steel on darker hair, professional pre-lightening is the safest approach. DIY bleaching carries significant risks of damage and uneven results. I recommend consulting with a professional colorist who can lighten your hair safely to the appropriate level (ideally a level 9-10) before applying Blue Steel.

Staining Concerns: Will Blue Steel Leave Its Mark?

Let’s address the practical concern of staining—both temporary skin staining and potential damage to clothing and furniture.

In my experience, Blue Steel does temporarily stain the skin during application, but it’s much less persistent than many other blue dyes I’ve tried. With proper barrier cream application along the hairline and prompt cleanup of any spills, skin staining is minimal and typically washes away within 1-2 days.

For clothing and fabrics, however, caution is warranted. While applying the color, I recommend:

• Wearing dark, old clothing you don’t mind potentially staining
• Using dark towels for the first few washes after coloring
• Being careful with light-colored pillowcases for the first week (I use a dark satin bonnet to protect mine)

The good news is that after the first 2-3 washes, the color stabilizes significantly and bleeding becomes minimal. By week two, I can confidently wear light-colored clothing without worrying about transfer.

Ethical Considerations: Vegan and Cruelty-Free Status

For those of us who prioritize ethical beauty products, Strawberry Leopard offers excellent news. The entire line, including Blue Steel, is 100% vegan and certified cruelty-free. No animal ingredients are used in the formulation, and the products are never tested on animals.

This ethical stance extends to their packaging as well, which uses recyclable materials where possible and minimizes excess packaging waste. In today’s beauty landscape, these considerations matter more than ever, and I appreciate that I don’t have to compromise my values for beautiful hair.

Mixing and Customizing: Creative Possibilities with Blue Steel

One of the most exciting aspects of Strawberry Leopard colors is their mixability. Blue Steel can be combined with other shades in the line to create custom colors that are uniquely yours.

Some successful combinations I’ve experimented with:

• Blue Steel + a small amount of Purple Smoke for a more lavender-leaning metallic finish
• Blue Steel + Dirty Blonde for a more subdued, grayed-out blue
• Blue Steel + a touch of Fuchsia Moon for a cooler, slightly purple-tinted metallic

The conditioning base means you can mix these colors without worrying about creating a damaging formula. When mixing, I recommend starting with small amounts until you achieve your desired shade, documenting your ratio for future applications.

Maintenance: Keeping Blue Steel Looking Its Best

Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the life and vibrancy of your Blue Steel color. Through trial and error, I’ve developed a maintenance routine that significantly improves longevity:

Washing Routine

• Wait at least 72 hours after coloring before washing your hair
• Use lukewarm or cool water only—hot water is the enemy of color longevity
• Limit washing to 2-3 times per week when possible
• Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo only at the roots
• Consider co-washing (washing with conditioner only) for some of your washes

Recommended Products

The best products for maintaining Blue Steel are:

• Sulfate-free shampoos specifically formulated for silver or blue hair
• Color-depositing conditioners in blue or silver to refresh the tone between full applications
• Weekly deep conditioning treatments to maintain the health and vibrancy of colored hair
• Heat protectant products before using any hot tools

Color Refreshing

To maintain the metallic intensity between full applications:

• Mix a small amount of Blue Steel with your regular conditioner for a quick color refresh
• Apply to damp hair and leave on for 10-15 minutes
• Rinse with cool water for an instant boost that extends your color’s life

The Conditioning Benefits: Hair Health and Blue Steel

One of my favorite aspects of Blue Steel is that it actually improves my hair’s condition rather than damaging it like so many other coloring products.

The formula contains:

• Aloe vera for soothing and hydrating the scalp and hair
• Shea butter for deep moisture and protection
• Botanical extracts that help strengthen and nourish the hair shaft
• Conditioning agents that improve manageability and shine

After using Blue Steel, my hair genuinely feels softer, looks shinier, and has better elasticity than before coloring. This is a remarkable contrast to my previous experiences with fantasy colors, which often left my hair feeling dry and brittle despite following up with intensive conditioning treatments.

Pro Tips for a Metallic Finish

To maximize the metallic effect that makes Blue Steel so special:

1. Ensure your hair is evenly lightened before application—uneven base color will result in uneven metallic effects
2. Apply slightly more product to the mid-lengths and ends, which tend to be more porous and can create a natural dimension
3. After coloring, use a shine spray or hair oil to enhance the metallic reflection
4. Style with loose waves rather than tight curls to allow light to hit larger surfaces of the hair
5. Use cool-toned lighting to photograph your new color—warm lighting tends to diminish the metallic blue effect

Where to Purchase Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel

Strawberry Leopard has expanded its availability significantly since I first discovered the brand. You can now find Blue Steel:

• At major beauty supply stores like Sally Beauty
• Through various online retailers
• Occasionally at mass-market stores in their expanded beauty sections

The price point is mid-range for fantasy hair colors—more than some drug store options but less than professional salon products. Given the conditioning benefits and color longevity, I find it offers excellent value for money.

My Final Verdict: Is Blue Steel Worth It?

After months of using Blue Steel and cycling through various fantasy colors over the years, I can confidently say that Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel offers the perfect combination of stunning color, hair-loving ingredients, and reasonable longevity that makes it worth every penny.

The sophisticated metallic finish sets it apart from similar blue and silver shades on the market, offering a mature, elegant option for those who want to express themselves through their hair color without looking like they’re trying too hard.

The conditioning formula means I don’t have to choose between color and hair health—a compromise I had reluctantly made with previous brands. And the graceful fading pattern means I’m never stuck with an awkward transition phase that forces me to either recolor prematurely or hide my hair until I can.

For anyone considering a metallic blue-silver shade, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Strawberry Leopard Blue Steel a try. With proper preparation, application, and maintenance, you’ll likely find yourself as impressed as I’ve been with both the color results and the overall experience.

Have you tried Blue Steel or are you considering it? What has your experience been with fantasy hair colors? Whatever your hair color journey, I hope this comprehensive guide helps you make an informed decision and achieve the metallic locks of your dreams.