Strawberry Leopard Sundown

Embracing the Sunset: How This Vibrant Shade Revolutionized My Hair Journey

There’s something magical about watching a sunset—those breathtaking moments when the sky transforms into a canvas of warm oranges, fiery reds, and golden yellows. For years, I’ve admired those colors from afar, never imagining I could wear them on my head. That changed when I discovered Strawberry Leopard’s Sundown Conditioning Hair Color. My journey with this remarkable product has been nothing short of transformative, and I’m excited to share every detail of my experience with you.

After years of playing it safe with my hair, I finally took the plunge into the world of vibrant colors. What followed was a deep dive into research, trial and error, and ultimately, finding my perfect match in Sundown. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this stunning shade—from understanding what makes it unique to application tips, maintenance secrets, and how it measures up against other brands.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Sundown Conditioning Hair Color?

Before I committed to this color, I needed to understand exactly what I was getting myself into. Strawberry Leopard Sundown Conditioning Hair Color is a semi-permanent hair dye that delivers a stunning sunset-inspired shade while conditioning your hair simultaneously. Unlike traditional dyes that can leave your hair feeling like straw, Strawberry Leopard’s formula nourishes and strengthens your hair while depositing vibrant color.

The brand itself is relatively new to the hair color scene but has quickly gained popularity among color enthusiasts for its unique shade range and hair-friendly formula. Their Sundown shade specifically stands out in their lineup as a versatile option that works beautifully on a variety of base colors.

When I first opened the jar, I was immediately struck by its rich, creamy consistency—much thicker than many other semi-permanent dyes I’ve tried. The color in the jar presents as a deep, warm orange-red with golden undertones that immediately evokes images of a perfect sunset. But of course, what matters is how it actually looks on hair, which I’ll get into shortly.

Breaking Down the Shade: Is Sundown a Red, Orange, or Sunset-Inspired Color?

This was my first big question when considering Sundown, and I suspect it might be yours too. The answer isn’t straightforward because Sundown is actually a beautiful hybrid that captures the essence of a sunset. It’s primarily a warm orange-red with golden undertones that create a multidimensional effect.

On my medium brown hair (which I pre-lightened), Sundown emerged as a vibrant copper-orange with subtle red highlights that catch the light differently depending on the angle. In natural sunlight, it truly lives up to its name—the color practically glows with warmth, creating an effect reminiscent of golden hour.

What makes Sundown particularly special is that it’s not a flat, one-dimensional shade. The formula creates subtle variations in tone throughout your hair, mimicking the multifaceted nature of an actual sunset. This complexity is what sets it apart from simple “red” or “orange” hair colors you might find elsewhere.

Understanding Undertones: Warm or Cool?

If you’re a hair color enthusiast like me, you know that understanding undertones is crucial to predicting how a color will look against your skin tone. Sundown definitely leans warm—it has prominent golden-orange undertones that give it that fiery, sunset quality.

This warmth makes Sundown particularly flattering on skin tones with yellow, olive, or golden undertones. However, I’ve seen it work beautifully on friends with cooler skin tones as well, where it creates a striking contrast that’s equally appealing in its own way.

One thing I appreciate about Sundown’s warm undertones is how they help neutralize the brassy orange that often appears when dark hair is lightened. Rather than fighting that warmth, Sundown embraces and enhances it into something intentionally gorgeous.

Vibrance Factor: How Bright Is Sundown and Will It Show Up on Darker Hair?

Let’s talk vibrance, because if you’re considering a sunset-inspired shade, you’re probably looking for something that makes a statement. On pre-lightened hair, Sundown delivers an incredible punch of color that’s hard to miss. The vibrancy is exceptional—bright enough to turn heads but sophisticated enough to avoid looking like a neon sign.

But what about darker hair? This is where things get a bit more nuanced. Based on my experience and research:

• On platinum or very light blonde hair: Sundown appears as a vibrant, true-to-jar copper-orange with red highlights
• On golden blonde hair: The color takes on a slightly deeper, more amber-like quality
• On light brown hair: You’ll get a subtle but noticeable reddish-copper tint
• On medium to dark brown hair without pre-lightening: Expect a subtle auburn tint in sunlight, but the effect will be much more subtle

When I first tried Sundown, my hair was a medium brown with some natural highlights. I did a strand test without bleaching and got a lovely warm glow, but it wasn’t the dramatic sunset effect I was hoping for. That led me to pre-lighten my hair to a level 7-8 blonde before applying Sundown, which gave me the full sunset experience I was craving.

The Bleaching Question: Is It Necessary Before Using Sundown?

This brings us to one of the most common questions about vibrant hair colors: do I need to bleach my hair before using Sundown Conditioning Hair Color? The honest answer is: it depends on your starting point and desired outcome.

If you want the full sunset effect—that vibrant, eye-catching copper-orange that looks like it’s glowing from within—then yes, pre-lightening is likely necessary unless you’re starting with blonde hair. The level of lightening needed depends on your natural color and desired outcome:

• Natural blondes: Lucky you! You can likely skip pre-lightening entirely
• Light to medium brown hair: A single round of lightening to a level 7-8 should be sufficient
• Dark brown to black hair: You’ll likely need multiple sessions of careful lightening to reach a level where Sundown will show up vibrantly

However, if you’re okay with a more subtle effect—a warm auburn glow that’s noticeable primarily in sunlight—you might be satisfied with applying Sundown directly to your unbleached hair. I’ve seen gorgeous results on darker hair where Sundown creates a dimensional richness rather than an obvious color change.

My personal recommendation? If you’re new to vibrant colors, start by applying Sundown to unbleached hair first. You can always decide to lighten later if you want more intensity, but this gives you a chance to see how the color works with your hair and if you enjoy the maintenance routine.

Longevity: How Long Does Strawberry Leopard Sundown Last?

Before committing to any semi-permanent color, understanding how long it will last is crucial for planning your hair maintenance routine. Based on my experience with Sundown and feedback from others, here’s what you can expect:

• On pre-lightened hair: 4-6 weeks before significant fading begins
• On unbleached hair: 2-4 weeks, with the color becoming more subtle over time

Several factors affect longevity, including:

• How porous your hair is (bleached hair is more porous and both absorbs more color initially and releases it faster)
• Your washing frequency and water temperature (hot water accelerates fading)
• The products you use (sulfate-free shampoos help preserve color)
• Sun exposure (UV rays break down the color molecules)
• How often you heat style your hair

During my first application of Sundown, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the vibrant copper-orange lasted a full 5 weeks before I felt it needed refreshing. Even then, it hadn’t disappeared—it had simply shifted to a softer peachy-copper that was still quite pretty.

The Fading Process: Does Sundown Fade Gracefully?

Not all vibrant colors fade equally, and this is an area where Sundown really shines (pun intended). Unlike some vibrant shades that can fade to unflattering tones, Sundown fades through a beautiful spectrum of peachy copper hues that remain flattering throughout the process.

Here’s the typical fading progression I’ve observed:

1. Weeks 1-2: Vibrant copper-orange with red highlights
2. Weeks 3-4: Warm peachy-copper with golden undertones
3. Weeks 5-6: Soft peachy-blonde with subtle copper reflection
4. Beyond 6 weeks: Gentle golden-peach tint

This graceful fading process makes Sundown more forgiving than many other vibrant shades. Even when it’s time for a refresh, you’re not left with an awkward in-between stage that necessitates immediate action or a hat.

One thing to note: if your hair was previously colored with a different shade or has uneven porosity, the fading pattern might vary. In my case, I had some old highlights that faded slightly faster than the rest of my hair, creating a natural-looking dimension that I actually loved.

Application Guide: Getting the Best Results with Sundown

After trying various application methods, I’ve developed a foolproof process for applying Sundown that ensures even coverage and maximum vibrancy. Here’s my step-by-step guide:

Preparation

1. Start with clean, dry hair (I recommend washing with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before coloring)
2. Perform a patch test 48 hours before full application to check for allergic reactions
3. Protect your hairline with petroleum jelly to prevent staining
4. Wear gloves and an old shirt or cape
5. Section your hair into 4-6 manageable sections
6. Have plenty of hair clips, a wide-tooth comb, and a timer ready

Application Process

1. Starting with the bottom sections, apply Sundown generously from roots to ends
2. Use your fingers to work the color through each section thoroughly
3. Ensure even saturation by combing through with a wide-tooth comb
4. Pay special attention to the ends, which tend to be more porous and may need less product
5. Once all sections are covered, use your fingers to massage the color into your roots again
6. Twist your hair up and secure it, then wipe away any color that may have gotten on your skin

Processing Time

For maximum vibrancy, I leave Sundown on for 45-60 minutes. If you’re new to vibrant color, start with 30 minutes and check the result—you can always add more color later if needed.

Some people enhance the processing by applying gentle heat (like sitting under a hooded dryer or using a shower cap and the heat from a blow dryer for a few minutes), but I’ve found that simply letting it process at room temperature works perfectly fine.

Rinsing

1. When it’s time to rinse, use cool water and no shampoo for the first rinse
2. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear (it may never run completely clear, which is normal)
3. Apply a color-safe conditioner generously and leave it on for 3-5 minutes
4. Rinse with cool water again
5. Follow with a cool water vinegar rinse (1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water) to seal the cuticle and enhance shine

The first time I used Sundown, I was amazed by how conditioning the formula was. Unlike other vibrant dyes that left my hair feeling stripped, my hair felt softer after coloring than before—a testament to the conditioning properties in the formula.

Ethical Considerations: Is Sundown Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

For many of us, including myself, the ethical aspects of beauty products are non-negotiable. I’m happy to report that Strawberry Leopard, including their Sundown shade, is both vegan and cruelty-free. The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients and isn’t tested on animals.

Beyond that, the formula is also free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and PPD (p-Phenylenediamine), which are common irritants in traditional hair dyes. This makes Sundown not only an ethical choice but potentially a healthier one for your hair and scalp.

This ethical formulation was a significant factor in my decision to try Strawberry Leopard over some other brands, and it’s reassuring to know that my vibrant hair color doesn’t come at the expense of animal welfare or my hair’s health.

Color Mixing: Creating Custom Shades with Sundown

One of my favorite discoveries about Strawberry Leopard colors is how beautifully they mix together. Sundown in particular works as an excellent base for custom color creations because of its balanced warmth.

Some successful combinations I’ve tried:

• Equal parts Sundown and Rose Gold for a peachy-pink sunset effect
• 2 parts Sundown and 1 part Purple Smoke for a muted, dusty copper
• Sundown with a few drops of Deep Blue for a more subdued, slightly smokier orange

The conditioning base makes mixing colors straightforward—simply combine your desired ratio in a bowl before application. I recommend starting with small batches if you’re experimenting, as you can always mix more if needed.

My most successful custom creation was what I called “Desert Sunset”—a mix of Sundown with a touch of Strawberry Leopard’s Pink Prickly Pear, which created a spectacular coral-orange that garnered more compliments than any hair color I’ve ever worn.

Comparing Sundown to Other Strawberry Leopard Shades

If you’re torn between Sundown and other orange or red tones in the Strawberry Leopard line, here’s my comparative analysis based on personal experience and research:

• Sundown vs. Hot Sauce: Sundown is more orange-based with golden undertones, while Hot Sauce leans more true red with slightly cooler undertones. Sundown is the more sunset-inspired of the two.
• Sundown vs. Blood Orange: Blood Orange is deeper and more ruby-toned compared to Sundown’s brighter copper-orange. Blood Orange has slightly more purple undertones.
• Sundown vs. Coral Confession: Sundown is more vibrant and fiery, while Coral Confession is softer with more pink influence. For a true sunset effect, Sundown delivers more impact.

Each has its place depending on your desired outcome, but for capturing that magical golden hour glow, Sundown is unparalleled in the lineup. Its versatility also makes it an excellent candidate for mixing if you find yourself wishing it leaned slightly more in one direction or another.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Sunset Vibrant

The most beautiful sunset-inspired hair color deserves proper maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here’s my tried-and-true routine for extending Sundown’s vibrancy:

Hair Washing

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

Color Preservation

• Apply a weekly color-depositing conditioner or mask (you can make your own by mixing a small amount of Sundown with conditioner)
• Use UV-protectant products if you spend significant time outdoors
• Apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and color transfer

Strategic Touch-Ups

Rather than redoing your entire head every time, I’ve found that strategic touch-ups can extend the life of the initial application:

1. Keep a small amount of Sundown mixed with conditioner (1:3 ratio)
2. Apply to areas that fade fastest (typically around the face and ends)
3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes during your shower
4. Rinse thoroughly

This quick refresh takes minimal time but keeps your color looking fresh between full applications.

Potential Staining: What to Expect and How to Prevent It

Let’s address a practical concern—does Sundown stain everything it touches? In my experience, Sundown can indeed stain skin, clothing, and surfaces, but with proper precautions, this is manageable.

For skin staining:

• Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck before coloring
• Keep a makeup wipe handy to immediately remove any splashes
• If staining occurs, use oil-based makeup remover or a paste of baking soda and dish soap
• Most skin staining fades within 1-2 days with regular washing

For surfaces:

• Cover countertops, floors, and bathroom surfaces
• Wipe spills immediately with bleach-based cleaners (on suitable surfaces)
• For shower staining, spray a bathroom cleaner right after rinsing your hair

For clothing:

• Wear dark clothing during application and the first few washes
• Sleep in a dark pillowcase for the first week
• Use color-catching sheets in your laundry

The good news is that compared to some other vibrant shades I’ve tried, Sundown is actually less prone to transfer after the initial rinse. Once properly rinsed and set, the color stays remarkably well on your hair rather than on your pillowcase.

Gray Coverage: Does Sundown Work on Silver Strands?

If you’re wondering whether Sundown can cover gray or white hair, the answer is yes—but with some caveats. Gray and white hair tends to be more resistant to semi-permanent color due to its different texture and lack of natural pigment.

In my experience helping a friend with about 40% gray coverage try Sundown:

• The color took beautifully on her gray strands, creating stunning highlights
• The grays appeared more vibrant and slightly lighter than the rest of her hair
• The contrast created a natural-looking dimension similar to an intentional highlight effect
• The color lasted about 3-4 weeks on her gray hair before significant fading

For complete coverage of gray hair:

1. Consider pre-treating gray areas with a protein filler
2. Process the color slightly longer on resistant areas (up to 15 minutes extra)
3. Apply the color more generously to gray sections
4. Use heat during processing to help open the cuticle

Many people actually love how Sundown creates a highlighted effect on gray hair, giving dimension rather than flat, uniform color. If you’re looking to embrace your grays while adding a fiery glow, Sundown could be perfect for you.

Scalp and Hair Health: Is Sundown Gentle Enough?

Having dealt with a sensitive scalp in the past, I was initially cautious about trying any vibrant color. What I discovered with Sundown was reassuring—the formula is remarkably gentle compared to many other hair colors I’ve tried.

The ammonia-free, peroxide-free formulation means there’s no harsh chemical smell during application, and I experienced no burning or irritation. This makes Sundown suitable for most people with sensitive scalps, though a patch test is always recommended.

For those with damaged hair, Sundown’s conditioning formula can actually help improve hair texture and appearance. The color coats the hair shaft, temporarily filling in damaged areas and creating the appearance of healthier, thicker hair. My ends, which were somewhat damaged from previous highlighting, actually looked and felt better after using Sundown.

That said, if your hair is severely damaged or breaking, it’s best to focus on repair treatments before adding any color. Healthy hair will always hold color better and more evenly than damaged hair.

The Conditioning Factor: Hair Benefits Beyond Color

One of Sundown’s standout features is right in the name—it’s a conditioning color. But what does that actually mean for your hair?

The formula contains several beneficial ingredients that nourish while coloring:

• Plant-based conditioners that soften and smooth the hair shaft
• Proteins that temporarily strengthen and repair damage
• Humectants that help retain moisture

After my first application, I noticed:

• Significantly reduced frizz for about two weeks
• Enhanced shine, especially in sunlight
• Softer texture that made styling easier
• Less tangling during brushing

This conditioning effect is particularly noticeable if you’re coming from traditional permanent dyes, which tend to be more drying. The hydrating properties make Sundown an excellent option for those transitioning from chemical dyes to semi-permanent colors.

Where to Purchase Strawberry Leopard Sundown

When I first decided to try Sundown, finding it was my next challenge. Strawberry Leopard has expanded its availability significantly in recent years, making it easier to get your hands on their products.

Currently, you can find Strawberry Leopard Sundown at:

• Sally Beauty (both in-store and online)
• The official Strawberry Leopard website
• Select specialty beauty retailers
• Some larger online marketplaces

In my experience, purchasing directly from Sally Beauty or the official website ensures you’re getting fresh product with the longest shelf life. The color typically retails between $11.99-$14.99 depending on promotions and location, making it reasonably priced compared to many other premium semi-permanent colors.

I recommend checking for sales—Sally Beauty frequently offers buy-one-get-one or percentage-off promotions that make stocking up more economical.

Learning Resources: Tutorials and Application Guides

When I first ventured into vibrant hair color, tutorials were my lifeline. For Strawberry Leopard Sundown specifically, there are several excellent resources:

• The official Strawberry Leopard Instagram account features application tips and color inspiration
• YouTube has numerous creator-made tutorials specific to Sundown application
• The Strawberry Leopard website offers basic application guidelines
• Sally Beauty’s online platform includes video tutorials for various hair types

My personal recommendation is to search for tutorials featuring people with a similar hair type and starting color to yours. This gives you the most realistic expectation of results and often includes specific tips relevant to your hair situation.

The brand itself also provides detailed instructions in each package, though these tend to be more general rather than shade-specific.

Brand Comparison: How Does Sundown Stack Up Against Competitors?

Before settling on Sundown, I tried similar shades from several leading vibrant hair color brands. Here’s how Sundown compares to its closest competitors:

Sundown vs. Arctic Fox Sunset Orange

• Sundown has more red influence and greater dimension
• Arctic Fox typically lasts 1-2 weeks longer but fades less gracefully
• Sundown has a thicker, more conditioning formula
• Arctic Fox has a stronger scent but slightly less transfer after initial application

Sundown vs. Manic Panic Psychedelic Sunset

• Sundown delivers more consistent results across different hair types
• Manic Panic is slightly more vibrant initially but fades faster
• Sundown’s formula is significantly more conditioning
• Manic Panic is more readily available in some regions

Sundown vs. Overtone Ginger

• Sundown is more vibrant and true to a sunset shade
• Overtone is designed as a color-depositing conditioner rather than a full dye
• Sundown lasts longer with a single application
• Overtone is better for gradual color building or maintenance

The main advantages I found with Sundown compared to these alternatives were its balanced formula (not too runny, not too thick), exceptional conditioning properties, and the way it fades through flattering stages rather than shifting to unexpected tones.

Creative Techniques: Sundown for Sunset Ombré and Layering Effects

One of my favorite ways to use Sundown is in creative color techniques that maximize its sunset-inspired quality. Here are some techniques I’ve tried or observed:

Sunset Ombré

Creating a gradient effect from roots to ends:

1. Apply a deeper shade (like Strawberry Leopard’s Blood Orange) at the roots
2. Blend into Sundown in the mid-lengths
3. Finish with a lighter shade like Rose Gold or Coral Confession on the ends

This creates a stunning vertical sunset effect that mimics the color transition of the sky at dusk.

Layering Over Faded Colors

Sundown works beautifully when applied over previously faded vibrant colors:

• Over faded pink: Creates a gorgeous peach effect
• Over faded purple: Produces a multidimensional auburn
• Over faded blue: Creates interesting smoky copper tones

Root Smudge Technique

For a more subtle approach:

1. Apply a darker shade at the roots
2. Blend Sundown from mid-lengths to ends
3. This creates a more natural-looking grow-out pattern

These creative applications extend Sundown’s versatility beyond a single-process color, allowing you to customize your sunset-inspired look to your exact preferences.

My Final Verdict on Strawberry Leopard Sundown

After months of testing and wearing Sundown, I can confidently say it’s earned a permanent place in my hair color rotation. The vibrant, warm copper-orange shade captures the essence of a perfect sunset in a way that’s both eye-catching and sophisticated.

What truly sets Sundown apart from other vibrant colors I’ve tried is the combination of its multidimensional tone, conditioning formula, and graceful fading process. These qualities make it approachable even for those new to vivid hair colors.

If you’re considering taking the plunge into sunset-inspired hair, Strawberry Leopard Sundown offers the perfect balance of impact and wearability. Whether you apply it to pre-lightened hair for maximum vibrancy or use it to add a warm glow to your natural color, Sundown delivers a stunning result that evolves beautifully over time.

The true magic of Strawberry Leopard Sundown isn’t just in its initial impact—it’s in how it transforms your relationship with your hair, bringing warmth, confidence, and a touch of sunset magic to every day.