Strawberry Leopard Teal The Show

Diving into the Vibrant World of Bold Hair Color

When I first decided to take the plunge into the world of vibrant hair color, I had no idea how transformative the experience would truly be. After months of research and contemplation, I finally settled on Strawberry Leopard’s “Teal The Show” Conditioning Hair Color—and what a journey it’s been! If you’re considering this bold shade for your next hair transformation, I’ve compiled everything you need to know based on my personal experience and extensive research. Choosing the right vibrant hair color isn’t just about picking a pretty shade—it’s about finding a formula that works with your hair type, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic.

Let me guide you through everything you need to know about this stunning teal shade that has completely revolutionized my look and boosted my confidence in ways I never expected.

Understanding Strawberry Leopard “Teal The Show” Conditioning Hair Color

What Exactly Is This Product?

Strawberry Leopard’s “Teal The Show” is part of their conditioning hair color line, which sets itself apart from many other vibrant color brands on the market. Unlike traditional hair dyes that can leave your hair feeling like straw, this product is formulated with nourishing ingredients that actually condition your hair while depositing color. This dual-action approach means you’re not sacrificing hair health for vibrant color—you’re getting both in one beautifully designed bottle.

When I first discovered Strawberry Leopard, I was immediately drawn to their philosophy of creating products that care for your hair while delivering stunning color results. The conditioning formulation was particularly appealing to me since I’d experienced damage from bleaching and dyeing in the past. Who doesn’t want gorgeous color AND healthier hair?

The Exact Shade: What Is “Teal The Show”?

Let’s talk specifics about this shade, because “teal” can mean different things to different people. “Teal The Show” is a vibrant, medium-to-deep teal that leans more blue than green, though it definitely has those gorgeous green undertones that give teal its distinctive character. It’s neither a pastel nor an ultra-dark shade—it sits beautifully in that perfect middle ground where it’s bold enough to make a statement but not so intense that it looks unnatural.

In terms of undertones, “Teal The Show” has cool undertones overall, making it particularly flattering for people with cool or neutral skin tones. That said, I’ve seen it look absolutely stunning on friends with warmer complexions too—it’s surprisingly versatile!

One thing I particularly love about this shade is how multidimensional it appears in different lighting. Under bright natural light, the blue tones really pop, while in softer indoor lighting, the green undertones become more apparent. This chameleon-like quality means your hair never looks flat or one-dimensional.

Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Application

The Bleaching Question

This is probably the most common question I get when people compliment my hair: “Did you have to bleach it first?” The short answer is—it depends on your starting color, but for most people, yes.

For the most vibrant, true-to-bottle results with “Teal The Show,” you’ll want to start with pre-lightened hair. Ideally, your hair should be lightened to a pale yellow or even platinum level for the most accurate and vibrant teal results. My natural hair is a medium brown, and I had to bleach to a level 9-10 blonde before applying the teal to achieve the vivid color I was after.

That said, “Teal The Show” will still deposit some color on darker, unbleached hair—it just won’t be as bright or true to the color shown on the packaging. On darker hair, you might get a subtle teal tint or a darker, more mysterious teal-black effect, which can also be quite beautiful if that’s the look you’re going for.

If you have very dark hair and don’t want to bleach, you might still see some results in bright sunlight or when your hair catches the light just right. The color will be much more subtle—think of it as adding dimension rather than a complete color transformation.

The Reality Check for Different Starting Points

If you’re starting with:

• Platinum or very light blonde hair: You’ll get the most vibrant, truest representation of “Teal The Show”
• Medium to dark blonde hair: The color will still be visible, but slightly darker and less vibrant
• Light to medium brown hair: You’ll get a subtle teal sheen in bright light
• Dark brown to black hair: The color might be barely perceptible except in very bright lighting

I personally tested “Teal The Show” on a few different sections of my hair that had been bleached to different levels, and the difference was significant. The sections lightened to platinum took on that gorgeous, vibrant teal that matched the bottle, while the sections that were still slightly yellow created a slightly more greenish teal—still beautiful, just different from the intended shade.

My Pre-Application Checklist

Here’s what I made sure to have on hand before starting my teal transformation:

1. Strawberry Leopard “Teal The Show” Conditioning Hair Color (I bought two bottles for my shoulder-length hair)
2. Gloves (the ones that come in the box are fine, but I prefer nitrile gloves for better fit)
3. Vaseline or barrier cream to protect my hairline and ears
4. Old t-shirt or color cape
5. Sectioning clips
6. Wide-toothed comb
7. Mixing bowl (if combining with other colors)
8. Color-safe shampoo and conditioner for afterward
9. Old towels that I don’t mind staining
10. Timer

Having everything prepared before I started made the whole process much less stressful and more enjoyable. There’s nothing worse than having dye in your hair and realizing you need something that’s in another room!

The Application Process: My Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation Phase

1. Strand test first! I cannot emphasize this enough. Before committing to a full head of teal, I tested on a small, hidden section of hair to make sure I liked the color and to see how my hair would react to the formula.
2. Start with clean, dry hair. I washed my hair the day before with a clarifying shampoo and no conditioner to ensure the color would adhere properly. Freshly washed hair (with no product) is ideal.
3. Protect your workspace and yourself. I laid old towels on the bathroom floor and counter, put Vaseline along my hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining, and wore an old dark t-shirt.
4. Section your hair. I divided my hair into four sections (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right) and secured them with clips to make application more manageable.

Application Technique

1. I started with the bottom sections and worked my way up, ensuring each section was completely saturated with color. For my medium-length hair, I used about one and a half bottles.
2. Using gloved hands, I applied the color generously, working it through each section thoroughly. The conditioning formula of “Teal The Show” makes it easy to spread through the hair without dripping everywhere.
3. I found that using my fingers to really work the product into each strand resulted in the most even application. Don’t be afraid to really massage it into your hair—the conditioning properties make this process actually good for your hair!
4. After applying to all sections, I used a wide-tooth comb to distribute the color evenly and ensure no spots were missed.

Processing Time

The recommended processing time for “Teal The Show” is 30 minutes, but I discovered through experimentation that leaving it on longer intensifies the color. For maximum vibrancy and longevity with Strawberry Leopard’s “Teal The Show,” I found that a 45-minute processing time yielded the best results for my hair type.

During the processing time, I wrapped my hair in a shower cap to prevent the product from drying out and to maintain even heat, which helps with color penetration.

Rinse and Aftercare

1. When rinsing, I used cool water (as cold as I could tolerate) and rinsed until the water ran mostly clear. This took a while—about 10 minutes of rinsing—but it’s important to be thorough.
2. I did not shampoo immediately after rinsing, as this can remove some of the fresh color. Instead, I just applied a color-safe conditioner, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinsed again with cool water.
3. For drying, I gently squeezed excess water from my hair with an old towel (the color will transfer slightly) and allowed my hair to air dry rather than using heat styling, which can cause the color to fade faster.

Longevity and Fading: What to Expect

How Long Does “Teal The Show” Last?

Based on my experience and that of friends who have also used this shade, “Teal The Show” typically lasts 4-6 weeks with proper care. Of course, this varies depending on:

• How often you wash your hair (less frequent washing = longer-lasting color)
• The temperature of water you use (cooler = better color retention)
• Your hair’s porosity and condition
• Exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water
• Heat styling frequency

One aspect I particularly appreciate about “Teal The Show” is how it fades. Unlike some vibrant colors that can fade to unpleasant tones, this teal shade fades quite gracefully. It gradually lightens to a softer, more pastel teal and eventually to a light mint green before fading away completely.

My Color-Preservation Routine

To keep my teal looking vibrant for as long as possible, I developed the following routine:

1. I wait at least 48-72 hours after coloring before washing my hair. This allows the color to fully set.
2. I wash my hair only 2-3 times per week, using dry shampoo between washes.
3. I exclusively use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner designed for vivid colors.
4. I wash my hair with cool or lukewarm water—never hot.
5. Once a week, I use a color-depositing conditioner in a similar teal shade to refresh the color between full applications.
6. I limit heat styling, and always use a heat protectant when I do style my hair.
7. When swimming in pools, I wet my hair with clean water first and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier between my hair and the chlorine.
8. I wear a hat during extended sun exposure to prevent UV fading.

With this routine, I’ve managed to extend the vibrancy of “Teal The Show” significantly compared to other vivid colors I’ve tried in the past.

Mixing and Customization Options

One of the things I love most about Strawberry Leopard colors is how well they mix together. While “Teal The Show” is beautiful on its own, I’ve experimented with creating custom shades by mixing it with other colors in the line.

My Favorite “Teal The Show” Mixtures

1. Teal The Show + Indigo Flow: Creates a deeper, more oceanic teal with stronger blue tones. This is my go-to mix when I want something a bit more sophisticated and less bright.
2. Teal The Show + Minty Fresh: Results in a brighter, more green-leaning teal that reminds me of tropical waters. This mixture is perfect for spring and summer.
3. Teal The Show + Purple Smoke: Creates an interesting jewel-toned color with both teal and purple dimensions that shift depending on the lighting. This has been my most complimented custom color.

When mixing colors, I typically use a 1:1 ratio, but you can adjust based on which shade you want to dominate. The conditioning base makes all these colors blend together beautifully without compromising the health of your hair.

I’ve also found that mixing “Teal The Show” with a bit of the Strawberry Leopard clear conditioning treatment allows you to create a more pastel version if you want something softer and less intense.

Special Considerations for Different Hair Types

Gray and White Hair

If you have gray or white hair, you’re actually at an advantage when it comes to “Teal The Show”! The lack of natural pigment in gray or white hair means the color will take extremely well without any need for bleaching. The result is often an exceptionally vibrant, pure teal shade.

My mother, who has about 70% gray hair, tried “Teal The Show” on just her gray sections for a beautiful highlighted effect. The contrast between her natural dark hair and the vibrant teal streaks was stunning and much admired.

Damaged or Sensitive Hair

One of the reasons I specifically chose Strawberry Leopard’s conditioning color was because of previous damage I’d experienced from bleaching. The conditioning formula is much gentler than many other vivid dyes on the market.

That said, if your hair is severely damaged, I would recommend doing several deep conditioning treatments in the weeks leading up to coloring, and possibly mixing “Teal The Show” with a bit of hair mask or the Strawberry Leopard clear conditioning treatment to dilute it slightly and add extra moisture.

For those with sensitive scalps, I found that the formula was quite gentle, but I still did a patch test behind my ear 48 hours before full application to ensure I didn’t have any reaction.

Practical Considerations

Staining Issues

Let’s be honest: vibrant teal hair dye will stain. Here’s what I experienced:

• Skin: “Teal The Show” does stain skin temporarily, but with proper barrier cream application beforehand, and prompt cleaning of any spills during application, it wasn’t a major issue. Any staining on my skin faded within 1-2 days with normal washing.
• Clothing: This will definitely stain fabric, especially in the first few washes after coloring. I made sure to use dark pillowcases for the first week and wore high-necked dark clothing when my hair was wet. After about 3-4 washes, the color stopped transferring significantly.
• Bathroom surfaces: Porcelain and most sealed countertops can be wiped clean if you catch drips immediately. I keep a spray bottle of bathroom cleaner and paper towels right next to me during application for quick cleanup.

Cost Considerations

Strawberry Leopard “Teal The Show” is priced in the mid-range for semi-permanent vivid hair colors. At the time of writing, a bottle costs around $10-12, which is comparable to brands like Arctic Fox but less expensive than salon professional lines.

For my shoulder-length hair, I used one and a half bottles for a full application. If you have longer or thicker hair, you might need two or more bottles.

When considering the overall cost, don’t forget to factor in:

• Bleaching supplies if needed
• Color-safe shampoo and conditioner
• Color-depositing products for maintenance
• Protective items like gloves and barrier cream

While not the cheapest option on the market, I found the quality, conditioning benefits, and beautiful color results well worth the price point.

Where to Purchase

Strawberry Leopard hair colors, including “Teal The Show,” are available at several retailers. I’ve purchased mine from:

• Sally Beauty (both in-store and online)
• The Strawberry Leopard official website
• Select specialty beauty supply stores

I’ve found that Sally Beauty usually has the best selection of shades in stock, and they frequently run sales that make the price even more reasonable.

Comparing “Teal The Show” to Other Brands

Having tried several brands of vibrant hair color over the years, I feel qualified to make some comparisons:

• Arctic Fox Aquamarine: Arctic Fox’s teal shade is slightly more blue-leaning than “Teal The Show.” It has excellent staying power but doesn’t have quite the same conditioning properties. The color fades to a similar mint green.
• Manic Panic Atomic Turquoise: This is a brighter, more turquoise shade compared to the deeper teal of “Teal The Show.” In my experience, it fades more quickly and can sometimes fade to a slightly greenish-yellow tone that isn’t as flattering.
• Overtone Teal: Overtone’s teal is designed as a color-depositing conditioner rather than a semi-permanent dye. It’s less vibrant initially but easier to apply regularly as part of your shower routine. I sometimes use this for maintenance between full “Teal The Show” applications.
• Punky Colour Turquoise: This shade is very similar to “Teal The Show” but I found it slightly more prone to patchy fading. The formula is also a bit thinner and more likely to drip during application.

What sets “Teal The Show” apart for me is the balance of vibrancy, conditioning properties, and how evenly and gracefully it fades over time.

My Personal Experience and Results

The first time I used “Teal The Show,” I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved the results. Having previously tried blues and greens separately, I found that teal offered the perfect balance—vibrant without being too overwhelming, unique without being too attention-grabbing for my comfort level.

What I didn’t expect was how the color would affect my perception of myself. There’s something about teal hair that made me feel more confident and creative. I received compliments from strangers and found myself more willing to take fashion risks that I wouldn’t have considered before.

The conditioning formula also made a noticeable difference in my hair’s texture and shine. After years of damaging bleach and color treatments, finding a vibrant shade that actually improved my hair’s condition was revolutionary.

Over the months I’ve been using “Teal The Show,” I’ve developed different techniques for application and maintenance that work best for my lifestyle. I’ve learned that using cool water for washing, limiting heat styling, and occasionally refreshing with a color-depositing conditioner gives me the longest-lasting results.

Addressing Common Questions and Concerns

“Will ‘Teal The Show’ damage my hair?”

In my experience, this product has been one of the least damaging vibrant colors I’ve used. The conditioning formula leaves my hair feeling soft and healthy rather than dry and brittle as some other bright colors have done. The potential damage comes primarily from any bleaching required beforehand, not from the color itself.

“How messy is the application process?”

While any vibrant color has the potential to stain, I found “Teal The Show” to be relatively manageable in terms of mess. The formula is thick enough that it doesn’t drip excessively, and with proper preparation (gloves, barrier cream, protective clothing, and surface coverings), the mess is minimal and easily contained.

“Can I swim with teal hair?”

You can, but be aware that both chlorine (in pools) and salt water will cause the color to fade more quickly. I wet my hair with clean water before swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier, then wash with color-safe shampoo as soon as possible afterward.

“Will people judge me for having teal hair?”

This depends greatly on your community, workplace, and social circle. In my experience, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing admiration for the bold choice. That said, consider your workplace policies and personal comfort level with attention before making the commitment.

“Is this appropriate for a professional environment?”

This varies widely by industry and company culture. I work in a creative field where vibrant hair color is accepted, but many more traditional workplaces may have policies against non-natural hair colors. Consider speaking with HR or checking your employee handbook before making the change if you’re concerned.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After months of sporting “Teal The Show” and experimenting with different application and maintenance techniques, I can wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to try a vibrant teal shade. The color is stunning, the formula is genuinely conditioning, and the fade process is one of the most graceful I’ve experienced with bright colors.

That said, vibrant hair color is a commitment that requires ongoing care and maintenance. The results are worth it if you’re willing to adapt your hair care routine and possibly make some lifestyle adjustments (like changing pillowcases or being careful with white clothing).

If you’ve been on the fence about trying a bold color like teal, I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a vivid hair color veteran or a first-timer, “Teal The Show” offers a beautiful introduction to the world of teal hair with its conditioning formula and gorgeous multi-dimensional color.

Remember that hair color is temporary, but the confidence and joy that comes from expressing yourself through your appearance can have lasting positive effects. My teal hair journey has been about much more than just a color—it’s been about embracing a more authentic, bold version of myself.

If you decide to take the plunge, I’d love to hear about your experience with “Teal The Show”! Each person’s hair takes color differently, and the joy of vibrant hair colors is in the unique results each individual achieves.

Here’s to colorful hair and the confidence it brings!