Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow

Transform Your Locks with This Game-Changing Conditioning Color

Looking back, I can pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with purple hair. I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I spotted a photo of someone with the most enchanting lilac locks I’d ever seen. The color wasn’t harsh or overwhelming—it was delicate yet statement-making, like twilight captured in strands of hair. That was it. I knew I needed that color in my life.

After weeks of research and countless hours watching hair transformation videos, I discovered what would become my holy grail product: Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow Conditioning Hair Color. This wasn’t just another temporary color that would wash out after one shower or damage my hair beyond recognition. This was something different—something special.

Let me take you through my entire journey with this magical product, from discovery to application to maintenance. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly why Lilac Glow has become my signature look and how it might just become yours too.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow Conditioning Hair Color?

Before we dive into my personal experience, let’s talk about what makes this product unique. Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow is a semi-permanent conditioning hair color that simultaneously transforms your locks while nourishing them. Unlike traditional hair dyes that strip and damage your hair, this formula actually improves the condition of your strands while depositing that dreamy lilac shade.

The first thing that caught my attention was the word “conditioning” in the product name. As someone who’s fried their hair with bleach and harsh dyes more times than I’d like to admit, the promise of a color that actually cares for my hair seemed too good to be true. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

Strawberry Leopard created this color as part of their line of vibrant, cruelty-free, and vegan hair colors designed for self-expression. Lilac Glow sits in their purple family, but it has its own distinct personality that sets it apart from its purple siblings.

The Color Breakdown: Is Lilac Glow Pastel or Vibrant?

This was my first big question, and I’m guessing it might be yours too. Is Lilac Glow a subtle pastel or a stand-out vibrant shade? The answer is beautifully nuanced.

I’d describe Lilac Glow as sitting somewhere in the dreamy middle ground between pastel and vibrant. It’s not a whisper-soft barely-there lavender, nor is it a punch-you-in-the-face electric purple. Instead, it’s what I’d call a “medium-intensity” lilac with incredible dimension.

What makes Lilac Glow truly special is how it adapts to different base hair colors and lighting conditions. In direct sunlight, it comes alive with an almost iridescent quality that catches light and turns heads. In softer indoor lighting, it settles into a more sophisticated, subtle lilac that looks intentional without screaming for attention.

In terms of undertones, Lilac Glow leans slightly cool but has enough balance to flatter most skin tones. It doesn’t pull too blue or too pink, striking that perfect middle ground that makes it incredibly versatile.

The Big Question: Do I Need to Bleach My Hair First?

This is where things get interesting, and honestly, it’s the question I spent the most time researching before taking the plunge.

The short answer is: it depends on your starting color, but for the most vibrant, true-to-jar results, lightening your hair first will give you the best outcome. Strawberry Leopard designed Lilac Glow to show up on different hair colors, but your natural base will significantly impact the final result.

From my experience and extensive research, here’s what you can expect:

• On platinum blonde or pre-lightened hair: The truest, most vibrant expression of Lilac Glow. This is where you’ll get that Instagram-worthy, dreamy purple that probably drew you to the color in the first place.
• On light blonde hair: Still very effective with a beautiful payoff, though slightly more muted than on platinum.
• On medium blonde hair: A subtle but noticeable purple tint that leans a bit darker than the jar suggests.
• On light brown hair: A deeper, more mysterious purple sheen that’s more noticeable in direct light.
• On dark brown or black hair: Unfortunately, like most semi-permanent colors, Lilac Glow won’t show up much on very dark hair without lightening first.

When I first tried Lilac Glow, my hair was a faded blonde with some darker roots growing in. The result was a gorgeous ombré effect—more intense purple through my blonde ends and a subtle tint at my roots. I actually loved this natural-looking gradient, but for my second application, I decided to lighten my roots first for a more uniform color.

The Pre-Coloring Process: Preparation Is Key

Before diving into the actual application, proper prep work sets the stage for the best possible results. I learned this the hard way after rushing into my first at-home color job years ago.

If you’re starting with darker hair and want the full Lilac Glow effect, you’ll need to lighten first. I recommend doing this at least a week before applying Lilac Glow to give your hair time to recover from the lightening process. A level 9-10 blonde will give you the most vibrant results.

For those who already have light hair or are working with previously lightened hair, prep still matters. Here’s my tried-and-true preparation routine:

1. Clarifying wash: Use a clarifying shampoo 1-2 days before coloring to remove any product buildup that might prevent the color from adhering properly. Don’t use conditioner after clarifying—we want the hair cuticles slightly open to accept the color.
2. Strand test: Always, always do a strand test. Clip a small section from an inconspicuous area, apply the Lilac Glow, and see how it turns out. This saved me from unexpected results more than once.
3. Gather supplies: Besides the Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow color itself, I recommend having gloves, an old t-shirt or cape, petroleum jelly for your hairline, a color brush, and sectioning clips.
4. Plan your timing: Lilac Glow works best when you have ample time to apply it carefully and let it process. I set aside a full evening for my color sessions to avoid rushing.

My Step-by-Step Application Method

After numerous applications (I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reached for my trusty jar of Lilac Glow), I’ve perfected my application technique. Here’s exactly how I do it:

1. Start with dry, unwashed hair: The natural oils help protect your scalp during the coloring process.
2. Section your hair: I divide my hair into four main sections—two in front and two in back. Then I work with smaller subsections for more precise application.
3. Apply petroleum jelly: Run a thin layer along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent skin staining.
4. Begin application: Starting at the back bottom section, apply Lilac Glow from roots to ends, making sure each strand is completely saturated. I use a color brush for precise application, then massage it in with gloved hands to ensure every strand is coated.
5. Work methodically: Complete one section before moving to the next. This helps ensure even coverage.
6. Pay special attention to roots and ends: These areas tend to absorb color differently. I focus on my ends first, then go back and do my roots to ensure even color.
7. Processing time: The standard processing time for Lilac Glow is 30 minutes, but I’ve found that leaving it on for 45-60 minutes gives me the most vibrant results. Since it’s a conditioning formula, the extra time won’t damage your hair.
8. Cover with a shower cap: This prevents the product from drying out during processing and keeps you from accidentally coloring your furniture!
9. Rinse thoroughly: When your processing time is up, rinse with cool water until the water runs clear. This can take some time, so be patient.
10. Skip shampooing: Don’t shampoo immediately after rinsing. Just apply a good conditioner to seal the cuticle and lock in the color.

A little professional tip I picked up: if you’re worried about staining your shower, rinse your hair over a sink first until most of the color is out, then finish rinsing in the shower.

The Magic Moment: Initial Results and Expectations

There’s nothing quite like that moment when you dry your hair after applying a new color. The first time I used Lilac Glow, I genuinely gasped when I saw myself in the mirror. The color was everything I had hoped for—a beautiful, multidimensional lilac that somehow made my eyes pop and my skin look more radiant.

What surprised me most was how healthy my hair felt. Usually after coloring, I deal with some dryness or straw-like texture for a few days. With Lilac Glow, my hair actually felt better than before coloring. The conditioning formula had delivered on its promise.

The initial color will be the most vibrant it will ever be, so take plenty of selfies! I noticed that Lilac Glow has a slightly different personality in different lighting—more blue-toned in natural daylight and warmer under artificial light. This chameleon quality quickly became one of my favorite aspects of the color.

The Fade Journey: What to Expect Over Time

All semi-permanent colors fade eventually, and how they fade is just as important as how they look initially. One of Lilac Glow’s greatest strengths is its graceful fade pattern.

In my experience, here’s the typical fade timeline:

• Weeks 1-2: The color remains vibrant and true to its initial appearance. With proper care (which I’ll detail later), minimal fading occurs.
• Weeks 3-4: Gradual fading begins, but the color remains distinctly lilac. You might notice it becoming slightly more pastel.
• Weeks 5-6: The color transforms into a soft, dusty lavender that still looks intentional rather than just “faded hair.”
• Weeks 7-8: For many people, this is when the color has faded enough to consider reapplication, though some of my blonde friends report still having noticeable lilac tones even after two months.

What I appreciate most about Lilac Glow’s fade pattern is that it doesn’t tend to turn brassy or greenish as it fades. Instead, it generally fades true to color, becoming a progressively lighter version of itself. This means even the “faded” stage looks intentional and pretty.

Of course, individual results vary based on:

• Your starting hair color
• How porous your hair is
• Your hair care routine
• How frequently you wash your hair
• Exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water

For me, washing my hair twice a week and using color-protective products, I find that I want to refresh my color about every 6 weeks, though I could probably stretch it to 8 if needed.

Maintaining the Dream: My Lilac Glow Care Routine

The way you care for your colored hair makes all the difference in how long the color lasts and how healthy your hair remains. After much trial and error, I’ve developed a maintenance routine that keeps my Lilac Glow looking fresh for as long as possible.

My Weekly Hair Care Schedule

• Wash frequency: I limit washing to 2-3 times per week maximum. Every time you wash, some color molecules rinse away.
• Water temperature: Always use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows more color to escape.
• Shampoo choice: I exclusively use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos designed for vivid colors. My favorites are those specifically formulated for purple hair, as they often contain purple pigments that help refresh the tone.
• Conditioning commitment: After every wash, I use a color-depositing conditioner with purple tones to refresh my color slightly. This extends the life of my Lilac Glow significantly.
• Weekly treatment: Once a week, I apply a deep conditioning mask to keep my hair hydrated and healthy. Well-moisturized hair holds onto color molecules better.

Between-Wash Strategies

• Dry shampoo is your friend: I rely heavily on dry shampoo to extend the time between washes. Less washing equals less fading.
• Heat styling limitations: I minimize heat styling, but when I do use heat tools, I always apply a heat protectant that also has UV filters to protect against sun fading.
• Color refresh: About halfway between full color applications, I do a quick color refresh by mixing some Lilac Glow with my conditioner for a diluted refresher. This takes just 10 minutes but makes a noticeable difference.
• Swimming protection: Before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, I wet my hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner. This prevents my hair from absorbing as much of the damaging water.

Mixing and Customizing: Creating Your Perfect Purple

One of the most exciting aspects of Strawberry Leopard colors is their mixability. While Lilac Glow is gorgeous on its own, I’ve experimented with creating custom shades by mixing it with other colors in the line.

Some of my favorite combinations include:

• Deeper purple: Mixing Lilac Glow with a bit of Strawberry Leopard’s deeper purple shade creates a richer, more intense purple while maintaining the conditioning benefits.
• Silvery lilac: Adding a touch of their silver/gray shade to Lilac Glow creates a stunning, ethereal silvery-lilac that looks almost metallic in certain lights.
• Pastel lilac: Diluting Lilac Glow with Strawberry Leopard’s mixer or a white conditioner creates a softer, more pastel version that’s perfect for those wanting a subtler look.

The mixing possibilities are endless, and this versatility is one of the reasons I remain loyal to the brand. I can achieve a slightly different look each time without buying an entirely new product.

Specific Scenarios: Making Lilac Glow Work for You

Throughout my Lilac Glow journey, I’ve encountered various specific scenarios that required adaptation. Here’s my advice for some common situations:

Gray Hair Coverage

If you have gray or white hair, you’re actually at an advantage with Lilac Glow! These strands take semi-permanent color beautifully since they lack natural pigment. My friend who has about 40% gray hair uses Lilac Glow and gets the most incredible dimensional effect—her gray strands take on a brighter, more vibrant lilac while her naturally darker strands show a subtler version of the color.

For all-over gray hair, you can achieve a stunning lilac silver effect that looks incredibly modern and intentional.

Sensitive Scalp Concerns

As someone with occasional scalp sensitivity, I was initially concerned about having a reaction to Lilac Glow. I needn’t have worried. The conditioning formula is free from many harsh chemicals found in traditional dyes, making it gentler on the scalp.

That said, I always recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before application if you have sensitivity concerns. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your inner elbow and wait to see if any reaction occurs.

If you have extreme sensitivity, consider focusing the application on mid-lengths and ends, leaving a small root area untouched to avoid direct scalp contact.

Layering Over Faded Colors

One of my favorite discoveries was how beautifully Lilac Glow layers over faded fashion colors. When my friend’s faded pink hair needed a refresh, we applied Lilac Glow over it, resulting in a gorgeous pinky-purple shade that had people stopping her for hair advice.

I’ve personally applied Lilac Glow over faded blue, creating a periwinkle effect that I loved so much I’ve recreated it intentionally since then.

The key to successful layering is understanding color theory basics—Lilac Glow has both blue and red undertones, so it will interact differently depending on what color lies beneath.

Comparing Lilac Glow to Other Purple Contenders

Before settling on Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow as my purple of choice, I experimented with several other brands. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular competitors:

• Versus Arctic Fox: Arctic Fox’s purple shades tend to be more vibrant initially but fade faster in my experience. Lilac Glow has better conditioning properties and a more sophisticated tone.
• Versus Overtone: Overtone’s purple conditioners are great for maintenance but don’t deliver the same initial intensity as Lilac Glow. I sometimes use Overtone purple conditioner to maintain my Lilac Glow between applications.
• Versus Manic Panic: The classic Manic Panic purples are more vibrant and sometimes more blue-based. They also tend to stain everything they touch more than Lilac Glow does. Lilac Glow offers more hair benefits while still delivering good color payoff.
• Versus Good Dye Young: GDY purples are beautiful but in my experience don’t last quite as long as Lilac Glow. The conditioning aspect of Lilac Glow gives it the edge for regular users.

What sets Lilac Glow apart is its perfect balance of color payoff, hair conditioning benefits, fade pattern, and versatility. It’s not necessarily the most vivid purple on the market, but it’s the most wearable for everyday life while still being noticeable and special.

Common Questions and Concerns About Lilac Glow

Throughout my purple hair journey, I’ve fielded countless questions from curious friends and followers. Here are answers to the most common questions:

“Does it stain everything it touches?”

All purple dyes have some staining potential, but Lilac Glow is actually less prone to staining than many other brands I’ve tried. That said, I still take precautions:

• Wear old clothes during application
• Use dark towels for the first few washes
• Apply petroleum jelly along my hairline
• Wipe up any spills immediately

The first 2-3 washes after coloring will release the most excess dye, so be particularly careful during this time.

“Is it really conditioning or is that just marketing?”

Based on my experience, the conditioning claim is legitimate. My hair feels noticeably softer after using Lilac Glow compared to before application. The formula contains moisturizing ingredients that help counteract any potential drying effects of the color molecules.

That said, it’s not a miracle worker—if your hair is severely damaged from bleaching, you’ll still need dedicated repair treatments. But compared to other semi-permanent colors I’ve tried, Lilac Glow definitely leaves my hair in better condition.

“Can I use it on unbleached dark hair?”

While you can technically use it on darker hair, you won’t see much color payoff unless your hair is at least a medium blonde. On dark brown or black hair, you might see a very subtle tint in bright sunlight, but it won’t be the lilac color you’re expecting.

If you have dark hair and want to see true Lilac Glow results, lightening first is necessary. However, you don’t need to go platinum—even lifting to a level 7-8 blonde will give you nice results.

“Is it truly vegan and cruelty-free?”

Yes, Strawberry Leopard is committed to being both vegan and cruelty-free. Their products contain no animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals. This was a significant factor in my decision to use this brand consistently.

Where to Find Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow

Strawberry Leopard has grown significantly in availability since I first discovered it. You can now find Lilac Glow in several major retailers:

• Select beauty supply stores
• Some major drugstore chains
• Various online retailers
• The official Strawberry Leopard website

I personally prefer purchasing directly from their website or authorized retailers to ensure I’m getting the genuine product and the freshest stock. Price-wise, it falls in the mid-range for semi-permanent colors—not the cheapest option available, but the quality and conditioning benefits justify the slightly higher price point in my opinion.

My Final Thoughts: Is Lilac Glow Worth It?

After nearly two years of loyalty to Lilac Glow, my verdict is a resounding yes. This color has become more than just a hair dye to me—it’s become part of my identity. I can’t count the number of compliments I’ve received or the conversations my hair has started.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, what keeps me coming back to Lilac Glow is the overall experience. The application process is pleasant, the color payoff is reliable, the fade is graceful, and my hair remains healthy throughout the process.

Is it perfect? No product is. It does require maintenance, it will eventually fade, and you do need to take precautions to prevent staining. But these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the joy of catching my reflection and seeing that beautiful lilac shade framing my face.

If you’ve been considering taking the plunge into purple hair, Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow offers one of the most accessible and forgiving entry points into the world of vivid color. Whether you’re a fashion color veteran or a first-timer, this product has something to offer.

Remember that everyone’s hair journey is unique. Your results may vary based on your starting color, hair porosity, and maintenance routine. But with proper preparation and care, Lilac Glow can give you that dreamy purple hair you’ve been coveting on your social media feeds.

The most beautiful aspect of Strawberry Leopard Lilac Glow isn’t just the color itself, but how it makes you feel when you wear it. There’s something transformative about sporting a color that exists somewhere between fantasy and reality—a shade that doesn’t occur naturally but somehow feels like it was made specifically for you.

So if you’ve been on the fence about trying Lilac Glow, consider this your sign to take the plunge. Life’s too short for boring hair, and there’s nothing quite like the confidence boost that comes from wearing a color that makes your heart happy every time you catch your reflection.

Here’s to purple hair days ahead—may they be as vibrant and joyful as the color itself!