Strawberry Leopard Loyal Blue

A Love Letter to Bold Blues and the Brand That Perfected Them

When I first decided to take the plunge into blue hair territory, I had no idea I was about to embark on a technicolor journey that would transform not just my look, but my entire approach to self-expression. After weeks of research and countless hours scrolling through #bluehair on social media, I finally settled on Strawberry Leopard’s Loyal Blue Conditioning Hair Color. Now, several months and many compliments later, I’m ready to share everything I’ve learned about this game-changing product and why it might just be the blue you’ve been searching for.

Understanding Strawberry Leopard Loyal Blue Conditioning Hair Color

Let’s start with the basics. Strawberry Leopard is a vibrant hair color brand known for their commitment to creating bold, conditioning color formulas that don’t compromise hair health. Their Loyal Blue shade has developed something of a cult following online, and for good reason.

Loyal Blue is a rich, deep royal blue with subtle cool undertones that manages to be both striking and sophisticated at the same time. Unlike some blue dyes that lean into pastel or navy territory, Loyal Blue strikes that perfect balance – intense enough to turn heads but not so bright that it feels costume-like for everyday wear.

What sets Strawberry Leopard apart from competitors is their conditioning formula. The color isn’t just pigment – it’s infused with nourishing ingredients that actually improve your hair’s condition while coloring. This was a major selling point for me, as my previous experiences with fantasy colors left my hair feeling like straw.

The Pre-Coloring Reality Check

Before we dive deeper into the specifics of Loyal Blue, let’s address the elephant in the room: the bleach question.

The honest truth? If you want the vibrant, true-to-jar color that you see in those Instagram posts, you’ll need to pre-lighten your hair before applying Loyal Blue. This is the case with most semi-permanent fantasy colors, not just Strawberry Leopard.

During my testing, I found that Loyal Blue shows up best on level 8-10 hair (light blonde to platinum). On my level 9 blonde hair, the color was absolutely stunning – a deep, vibrant blue that looked almost electric in sunlight and deeper, more mysterious indoors.

That said, if your hair is naturally light blonde or previously bleached, you’re already good to go. For those with darker hair tones, the color will still take, but expect more of a blue-tinted sheen rather than the full vivid effect. On unbleached brown hair, Loyal Blue creates a subtle blue-black effect that’s gorgeous in its own right but very different from the promotional images.

My Application Experience

The application process with Loyal Blue was surprisingly straightforward. Here’s exactly how I applied it for the best results:

First, I washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup, skipping conditioner completely. After towel-drying until my hair was just slightly damp, I sectioned it into four parts for easier application.

I donned the provided gloves (absolutely necessary – this stuff will stain!) and began applying the color from roots to ends, working in small sections and making sure every strand was saturated. The formula has a pleasantly thick consistency, similar to a hair mask, which meant minimal dripping and easy control during application.

One thing I immediately noticed – and appreciated – was the lack of that harsh chemical smell many hair dyes have. Loyal Blue has a mild, almost fruity scent that made the 45 minutes of processing time much more pleasant than I expected.

After the processing time was up, I rinsed my hair with cold water until it ran clear. And let me tell you – this step takes patience! Blue dyes are notorious for their long rinse-out time, and Loyal Blue is no exception. I spent a good 10 minutes rinsing before the water ran mostly clear.

The final result? Absolutely worth it. My hair emerged from the bathroom looking like something out of a fantasy film – a deep, multi-dimensional blue that caught the light beautifully.

Color Longevity and Fading Process

The million-dollar question with any fantasy color is always: how long will it last? With Loyal Blue, I’ve found that with proper care, the vibrant color lasts about 3-4 weeks before beginning to fade noticeably.

What’s interesting about Loyal Blue’s fading process is that it doesn’t immediately turn green like many blue dyes tend to do. Instead, it gradually lightens to a softer blue, then a pale sky blue, before eventually fading to a slightly green-tinged platinum on my blonde base. The entire fading process took about 8-10 weeks before I felt it needed a refresh.

This gradual, relatively pretty fade-out is a huge selling point for me. There’s nothing worse than investing time and money into a beautiful color only to have it look awful after two washes. With Loyal Blue, even the faded stages looked intentional enough that I received compliments throughout the entire color cycle.

Maintenance: Keeping That Blue Vibrant

Maintaining Loyal Blue requires some dedication, but it’s no more demanding than any other fantasy color. Here’s what worked best for me:

1. Washing your hair less frequently is the single most important factor in color longevity. I scaled back to washing just twice a week, using dry shampoo in between when necessary.
2. When I did wash, I used only cold water (warm or hot water is color’s worst enemy) and sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for colored hair.
3. I incorporated a blue-tinted conditioner into my routine once a week to refresh the color between full applications. This extended the vibrancy significantly.
4. Heat styling accelerates fading, so I minimized blow drying, straightening, and curling, opting instead for air-drying and heat-free styling methods.
5. Before swimming in chlorinated pools, I would wet my hair with regular water and apply a leave-in conditioner as a protective barrier. This prevented that dreaded green pool hair!

Following these maintenance steps, I was able to go nearly a month before needing to touch up my color, which is pretty impressive for such a vibrant shade.

The Conditioning Effect: Does It Really Work?

Strawberry Leopard claims their formula conditions while it colors, which initially sounded like marketing hype to me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my hair actually felt softer and looked healthier after coloring.

The formula contains nourishing ingredients that seem to temporarily fill in damaged portions of the hair shaft, resulting in smoother, shinier hair. My ends, which tend to be dry from previous bleaching, felt noticeably more hydrated after application.

This conditioning effect lasted through several washes, gradually diminishing but never leaving my hair feeling worse than before I colored it – which is more than I can say for many other semi-permanent dyes I’ve tried in the past.

Is Loyal Blue Right for Different Hair Types?

I’ve seen Loyal Blue used on various hair types and textures with consistently good results. The thick, mask-like consistency makes it particularly effective on curly and coily hair types, which can sometimes struggle with even color distribution using thinner dye formulas.

For those with gray or white hair, Loyal Blue takes extraordinarily well – sometimes almost too well! The absence of underlying pigment in gray hair means the blue can appear extremely vibrant and may last longer than on other hair colors. My friend with about 40% gray coverage tried Loyal Blue and ended up with beautiful dimension – her gray strands took the color more vividly, creating a natural highlighting effect.

For those with sensitive scalps, I found Loyal Blue to be relatively gentle. Unlike permanent dyes with developers, Loyal Blue doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that typically cause irritation. That said, I still recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before full application if you’re concerned about sensitivity.

Mixing and Customizing Loyal Blue

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

Through experimentation, I’ve tried:

• Mixing Loyal Blue with their Purple AF shade for a gorgeous galaxy-inspired indigo
• Diluting Loyal Blue with their Clear Conditioning Treatment to create a pastel blue
• Layering Loyal Blue over sections previously colored with their Pink Freeze for a cotton candy effect

The mixing possibilities are virtually endless, and Loyal Blue serves as an excellent base for color experimentation due to its consistent pigmentation and good mixing compatibility.

The Staining Question

Let’s address the inevitable: blue hair dye is notorious for staining everything it touches. Does Loyal Blue live up to this reputation? Unfortunately, yes – but with proper precautions, it’s manageable.

During application, the dye will stain skin, countertops, cloth, and pretty much anything porous it comes into contact with. I protect my hairline with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, wear old clothes, and place old towels on any surfaces that might get splashed.

For skin staining that does occur, I’ve found that oil-based makeup remover works wonders for removing blue stains, followed by gentle exfoliation with a washcloth.

As for staining during daily wear after the initial application, it’s minimal once the excess dye has been rinsed out. I do use a dark pillowcase for the first week after coloring, but beyond that, I haven’t experienced issues with the color transferring during day-to-day activities.

How Loyal Blue Compares to Other Blue Hair Colors

Having tried numerous blue hair colors over the years, I can confidently say that Loyal Blue holds its own against popular competitors like Arctic Fox, Manic Panic, and Overtone.

Compared to Arctic Fox’s blue shades, Loyal Blue has a similar longevity but a slightly creamier formula that’s easier to apply evenly. Against Manic Panic’s After Midnight Blue, Loyal Blue has better staying power and fades more gracefully. When compared to Overtone’s blue conditioning treatments, Loyal Blue delivers more initial pigmentation but requires more frequent reapplication.

What sets Loyal Blue apart is its particular shade – not quite navy, not quite electric blue, but a royal blue with depth that’s versatile for both professional environments and creative expression. It’s also worth noting that Strawberry Leopard’s formula seems to have less color bleeding in the shower during wash days compared to some competitors.

The Vegan and Cruelty-Free Factor

For those concerned about ethical beauty choices, you’ll be pleased to know that Strawberry Leopard products, including Loyal Blue, are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The brand doesn’t test on animals and doesn’t use animal-derived ingredients in their formulations.

This commitment to ethical practices extends to their packaging as well, which is recyclable and minimalist to reduce environmental impact. In today’s beauty landscape where consumers are increasingly conscious about these factors, Strawberry Leopard scores high marks.

Where to Find Strawberry Leopard Loyal Blue

Strawberry Leopard products, including Loyal Blue, are available at several retailers. I purchased mine at ULTA Beauty, but it’s also available through the brand’s official website and some specialty beauty supply stores. The price point hovers around $11-14 per jar, which is comparable to other premium semi-permanent color brands.

One thing to note is that Loyal Blue occasionally sells out due to its popularity, so if you find it in stock and are considering trying it, I’d recommend grabbing it rather than waiting. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way when wanting to refresh my color!

Application Resources and Tutorials

For visual learners, there are plenty of resources available online showing application techniques specific to Loyal Blue. The brand’s official Instagram page (@strawberryleopard) features user-submitted photos and application tips that I found extremely helpful when first using the product.

YouTube is also a treasure trove of Loyal Blue application videos, with creators demonstrating the color on various base shades and hair types. These real-world examples were invaluable in setting my expectations for how the color would look on my specific hair color and texture.

Creating Dimensional Effects with Loyal Blue

One of my favorite techniques with Loyal Blue is using it to create dimensional, multi-tonal effects rather than a single flat color. This can be achieved in several ways:

• Applying Loyal Blue over hair that already has color variation (like balayage or ombré)
• Deliberately leaving some sections of hair with shorter processing times
• Blending Loyal Blue with different shades at the roots, mid-lengths, and ends

When I applied Loyal Blue over my blonde balayage, the result was a beautiful gradient effect – deeper blue at the roots transitioning to a brighter blue at the ends. This dimension made the color appear more natural (well, as natural as blue hair can be!) and created interesting light reflection.

The Final Verdict

After months of wearing, maintaining, and eventually refreshing Loyal Blue, my verdict is overwhelmingly positive. The color delivers on its promises – it’s vibrant, relatively long-lasting for a semi-permanent dye, and genuinely conditions while it colors.

The shade itself fills a perfect niche in the blue spectrum – not too dark, not too bright, but a beautiful royal blue that’s both dramatic and wearable. The formula spreads easily, rinses eventually (though be prepared for a long rinse time), and fades through relatively attractive stages.

If you’re looking for a blue that makes a statement while still being versatile enough for everyday wear, Strawberry Leopard’s Loyal Blue Conditioning Hair Color deserves a spot in your hair color arsenal. Whether you’re a fantasy color veteran or taking your first step beyond natural shades, this particular blue strikes that perfect balance between bold self-expression and practical wearability.

Remember that achieving and maintaining vivid blue hair requires commitment – to pre-lightening if necessary, to careful maintenance, and to the inevitable touch-ups. But for those willing to put in that effort, Loyal Blue rewards you with the kind of head-turning color that makes you feel like the main character in your own story.

In a world where self-expression through personal style becomes increasingly important, products like Loyal Blue give us the tools to visually represent our inner selves. For me, this royal blue has become more than just a hair color – it’s become a signature, a conversation starter, and a little bit of everyday magic in an otherwise ordinary world.

So go ahead, take the plunge into the blue. I promise the water’s fine – and perfectly Loyal Blue.