Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke

Transform Your Locks into a Mesmerizing Smoky Dream

As someone who’s been through the hair color revolution more times than I can count, I’ve developed a sixth sense for products that actually deliver on their promises. When I first heard about Strawberry Leopard’s Blowin Smoke Conditioning Hair Color, I was intrigued but skeptical. Would this be just another disappointing gray dye that washes out after two showers? Or could it be the holy grail of smoky tones I’d been searching for? After months of testing and perfecting my application technique, I’m ready to share everything you need to know about this game-changing product. If you’re looking to transform your hair into a stunning smoky masterpiece without compromising its health, Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke might just be your perfect match.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke?

Let’s start with the basics. Strawberry Leopard is a relatively new player in the semi-permanent hair color market, but they’ve quickly gained a cult following for their vibrant, conditioning formulas. Their Blowin Smoke shade is part of their core collection, promising a smoky, multi-dimensional gray that stands out from the typical flat, ashy tones offered by many brands.

What makes Strawberry Leopard different is their commitment to creating conditioning color formulas. Unlike traditional dyes that can leave your hair feeling like straw, Blowin Smoke contains nourishing ingredients that actually improve your hair’s condition while depositing color. The formula is designed to be gentle, making it a great option for color enthusiasts who’ve suffered damage from bleaching or frequent dyeing.

When I first opened the bottle, I was struck by the rich, smoky scent (much nicer than the harsh chemical smell of many dyes) and the thick, creamy consistency. This isn’t your typical watery semi-permanent color—it’s a luxurious conditioning treatment that just happens to turn your hair into a gorgeous smoky dream.

Decoding the Color: What Shade Is Blowin Smoke Really?

This is where things get interesting. The million-dollar question I see all over social media: Is Blowin Smoke a true gray, a silver, or a smoky black?

After extensive testing on different base colors, I can confidently say that Blowin Smoke sits somewhere between a deep graphite gray and a smoky charcoal. It’s not a flat, one-dimensional gray like you might see with some brands. Instead, it has beautiful depth and dimension, with subtle blue-violet undertones that give it that coveted “expensive” look.

What fascinates me most about this color is how it shifts in different lighting. In bright natural light, you can see more of the silver-gray tones, while in dimmer indoor lighting, it leans more toward a sophisticated smoky black. This chameleon-like quality makes it an incredibly versatile shade that works beautifully on a variety of skin tones.

It’s worth noting that Blowin Smoke is not a bright silver. If you’re looking for that icy, almost white platinum gray, this isn’t it. Blowin Smoke is moodier, more mysterious, and in my opinion, much more wearable for everyday life.

The Bleaching Question: Can You Skip This Step?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Most vibrant hair colors require pre-lightening, and gray tones are notoriously difficult to achieve without a light base. So, do you need to bleach your hair before applying Blowin Smoke?

The short answer is: it depends on your starting point and your desired outcome.

If you have naturally light blonde hair (level 8-10), you can likely apply Blowin Smoke directly and achieve a beautiful result. The color will deposit well, giving you that smoky dimension without needing to bleach.

For those with medium blonde to light brown hair (level 6-7), Blowin Smoke will still work, but the result will be more subtle—think of it as a smoky overlay rather than a complete transformation. You’ll see the gray tones primarily in bright lighting, with your natural base showing through and creating a multi-dimensional effect.

Now, for my dark-haired friends (level 5 and below), I hate to break it to you, but pre-lightening is going to be necessary if you want the true Blowin Smoke experience. The good news? You don’t need to go platinum. In my experience, lifting to a light golden brown or dark blonde (level 7-8) is sufficient to let the smoky tones shine through while maintaining some depth.

After experimenting on my own medium brown hair, I found that bleaching to a level 8 gave me the perfect canvas for Blowin Smoke. The color showed up beautifully without looking flat or too intense.

The Longevity Factor: How Long Will Your Smoky Dreams Last?

One of the most common questions I receive about Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke is how long it lasts. Semi-permanent colors are notorious for fading quickly, especially cool tones like grays and silvers. So how does Blowin Smoke stack up?

In my experience, with proper care, Blowin Smoke lasts anywhere from 15-25 washes. That’s significantly longer than many competitors, which typically fade after 8-12 washes. The key factor here is the conditioning base—it seems to help the color molecules bind more effectively to the hair shaft, resulting in less immediate washout.

What about the fade pattern? This is where Blowin Smoke really shines. Unlike some gray dyes that quickly turn into a muddy green or brassy mess, Blowin Smoke fades gradually and relatively evenly. As it washes out, it transitions through lighter smoky tones before eventually returning to your base color.

I’ve noticed that during the fading process, Blowin Smoke tends to retain its cool undertones rather than shifting warm. This means you won’t wake up one morning to find your sophisticated smoky look has suddenly transformed into brassy dishwater—a common problem with many gray dyes.

To maximize the longevity of your Blowin Smoke color, I recommend washing with cold water, using sulfate-free shampoo, and limiting heat styling. I’ve also found that a weekly color-depositing mask specifically formulated for silver or gray hair can help maintain the smoky tones between full color applications.

Application Masterclass: Getting the Perfect Smoky Result

After multiple rounds of trial and error, I’ve perfected my application technique for Blowin Smoke. Here’s my step-by-step guide to achieving the most stunning results:

Preparation:

1. Start with dry, unwashed hair (1-2 days since your last wash is ideal). The natural oils will help protect your scalp during application.
2. Section your hair into four quadrants: two in front and two in back.
3. Wear gloves! While Strawberry Leopard is gentler than many dyes, Blowin Smoke will stain your hands for days if you skip this step.
4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline to prevent skin staining.

Application:

1. Mix the color thoroughly before opening. Blowin Smoke has a thick consistency, so make sure it’s well-blended.
2. Working with one section at a time, apply the color from roots to ends, ensuring complete saturation.
3. For the most even results, I use a tint brush to apply the color, then massage it in with my gloved hands to ensure every strand is coated.
4. Pay special attention to your roots and ends, as these areas tend to grab color differently.
5. Once all sections are covered, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the color evenly from roots to ends.

Processing:

1. The standard processing time for Blowin Smoke is 30 minutes, but I’ve found leaving it on for 45-60 minutes produces a more intense result.
2. For maximum vibrancy, cover your hair with a shower cap and apply gentle heat with a blow dryer for 5-10 minutes. The heat helps open the hair cuticle, allowing for better color penetration.
3. Let the color process at room temperature for the remaining time.

Rinsing:

1. Rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. This may take some time, as Blowin Smoke is highly pigmented.
2. Skip shampoo for the first rinse; just use conditioner. This helps seal in the color.
3. Wait at least 48 hours before shampooing to allow the color to fully set.

One pro tip I’ve discovered: If you want a slightly lighter, more silvery result, dilute Blowin Smoke with Strawberry Leopard’s Clear mixer. A 3:1 ratio (three parts Blowin Smoke to one part Clear) creates a beautiful smoky silver that’s slightly less intense than the full-strength formula.

The Ethics Question: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Eco-Friendly?

For conscious consumers, the ethical profile of beauty products is increasingly important. I’m pleased to report that Strawberry Leopard’s entire line, including Blowin Smoke, is 100% vegan and certified cruelty-free. The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients and is never tested on animals.

Beyond the vegan and cruelty-free certifications, Strawberry Leopard has made efforts to reduce their environmental impact. The packaging is recyclable, and the formula is free from many harsh chemicals found in traditional hair dyes.

Another benefit worth mentioning is that Strawberry Leopard colors, including Blowin Smoke, are PPD-free. PPD (para-phenylenediamine) is a common allergen in hair dyes that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. By formulating without this ingredient, Strawberry Leopard has created a more inclusive product that works for a wider range of people.

While no hair color is completely “natural” (we’re talking about gray hair dye, after all), Strawberry Leopard has taken meaningful steps to create a more ethical and environmentally conscious product.

Blending Gray Hair: A Natural Partnership

For those embracing their natural gray or transitioning to a fully gray look, Blowin Smoke can be an excellent tool in your arsenal. The shade works harmoniously with natural gray or white hair, enhancing the cool tones while adding dimension and eliminating any yellowish cast.

I recently helped my aunt, who’s about 70% naturally gray, apply Blowin Smoke to create a more uniform, intentional look. The results were stunning—the color blended seamlessly with her natural grays while transforming the remaining dark strands into a coordinating smoky tone. The overall effect was a sophisticated, dimensional gray that looked completely natural yet polished.

For the best results when blending natural gray hair, I recommend:

1. Focusing application on the non-gray areas first, allowing them to process longer
2. Applying to the natural gray sections for the final 15-20 minutes of processing time
3. Using a gentler approach—natural gray hair is often more porous and grabs color quickly

This technique creates a beautiful melded effect where your natural gray and the Blowin Smoke color work together rather than fighting each other.

Custom Color Alchemy: Mixing with Other Shades

One of the most exciting aspects of Strawberry Leopard’s color line is how well the shades mix together. Blowin Smoke is particularly versatile as a mixing component, allowing you to create custom smoky versions of other colors.

Some of my favorite combinations include:

1. Smoky Lavender: 2 parts Blowin Smoke + 1 part Strawberry Leopard’s Purple Smoke creates a sophisticated smoky lavender that’s subtle enough for office environments but still visibly purple in bright light.
2. Stormy Blue: Equal parts Blowin Smoke and Strawberry Leopard’s Deep Blue creates a moody, oceanic blue-gray that reminds me of stormy seas.
3. Antique Rose: 3 parts Blowin Smoke + 1 part Strawberry Leopard’s Pink Smoke yields a muted, vintage-inspired rose gray that’s utterly unique.
4. Smoky Emerald: 2 parts Blowin Smoke + 1 part Strawberry Leopard’s Electric Lizard results in a subdued, smoky green that’s wearable yet distinctive.

When mixing colors, I always recommend creating a small test batch first and applying it to a few strands to ensure you’re happy with the result. Different hair porosities and base colors can affect how the mixed shade develops, so this step is crucial for avoiding disappointment.

Maintenance Mastery: Keeping Your Smoke Show Going Strong

Maintaining a gorgeous smoky gray like Blowin Smoke requires some dedication, but with the right routine, you can extend the life of your color significantly. Here’s my tried-and-true maintenance routine:

Washing:

1. Wait at least 72 hours after coloring before washing your hair.
2. Use only cold water—hot water is the enemy of all fashion colors, especially grays.
3. Invest in a high-quality sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for colored hair. I’ve had great results with shampoos marketed for silver or platinum blonde hair.
4. Wash your hair as infrequently as you can manage. Dry shampoo is your best friend!

Conditioning:

1. Deep condition weekly with a color-safe mask. The more hydrated your hair, the better it will hold onto the Blowin Smoke pigment.
2. Once every two weeks, use a color-depositing conditioner in a silver or gray shade to refresh your color between full applications.
3. Leave-in conditioners are essential for protecting your color from environmental damage.

Styling:

1. Always use heat protectant before heat styling. Heat accelerates color fade, but a good protectant creates a barrier between your colored strands and the damaging heat.
2. Limit heat styling when possible. Air-drying and heatless styling methods are ideal for preserving your Blowin Smoke color.
3. UV protection is crucial—the sun can quickly fade gray tones. Either use styling products with UV filters or wear a hat when spending extended time outdoors.

Touch-ups:

1. Rather than waiting for the color to completely fade before reapplying, I recommend doing “mini touch-ups” by mixing a small amount of Blowin Smoke with conditioner (1:3 ratio) and using it as a color-refreshing treatment every 2-3 weeks.
2. Focus touch-ups on the areas that fade fastest, typically the front sections and ends.

With consistent maintenance, you can keep your Blowin Smoke looking fresh and vibrant much longer than you might expect from a semi-permanent color.

The Mess Factor: Staining and Application Cleanliness

Let’s be honest—dyeing your hair at home can be messy. How does Blowin Smoke rate on the mess-o-meter?

In my experience, Strawberry Leopard’s Blowin Smoke is moderately staining. It’s not as bad as some blue or purple dyes I’ve used, but it’s definitely more prone to staining than lighter colors. Here’s what you need to know:

Skin Staining:

Blowin Smoke will stain the skin if left in contact for more than a few minutes. The petroleum jelly barrier I mentioned earlier is essential, especially around the hairline, ears, and nape of the neck. If you do get color on your skin, act quickly! Makeup remover wipes, micellar water, or a paste made from baking soda and dish soap can help remove the stain before it sets.

Clothing and Fabric:

This is where you need to be especially careful. Blowin Smoke will permanently stain most fabrics, particularly lighter colors. I always wear an old dark shirt and use dark towels during the application process. Even after the color has set, your hair may transfer some color to pillowcases or shirt collars when wet, so consider investing in some dark pillowcases for the first week after coloring.

Bathroom Surfaces:

Countertops, sinks, and shower stalls can all be stained by Blowin Smoke if the color is allowed to sit. The good news is that most bathroom surfaces are non-porous, so immediate cleaning with bathroom spray will prevent staining. I keep disinfectant wipes handy during application to immediately tackle any spills.

Pro tip: Applying a thin layer of coconut oil to your skin where it meets your hairline creates an effective barrier that’s easier to work with than petroleum jelly and has the added benefit of conditioning your skin.

The Platinum Canvas: Using Blowin Smoke on Pre-Lightened Hair

If you’re starting with platinum, white, or very light blonde hair, Blowin Smoke opens up a world of possibilities. On a level 10 base, this color creates a stunning true silver with incredible dimension—think of the most expensive sterling silver jewelry transformed into a hair color.

When applying Blowin Smoke to platinum hair, the key is controlling the processing time. Since highly lightened hair is more porous, it grabs color quickly and intensely. For a softer result on platinum hair, I recommend:

1. Diluting Blowin Smoke with conditioner or Strawberry Leopard’s Clear mixer (1:1 ratio)
2. Reducing the processing time to 15-20 minutes
3. Checking the color development frequently

Alternatively, if you want the full impact of Blowin Smoke on platinum hair, apply it full-strength but monitor closely after 10 minutes. The result will be a deeper, more dramatic smoky gray that makes a real statement.

One creative technique I love for platinum hair is using Blowin Smoke to create a “shadow root.” By applying the color only to the roots and blending it down about 2 inches, you can create a gorgeous rooted platinum look that grows out beautifully and requires less maintenance than full platinum.

Gentle Giant: Is Blowin Smoke Safe for Sensitive Scalps?

Hair dye sensitivity is a real concern for many people, myself included. After years of coloring, my scalp has become increasingly reactive to many traditional dyes. So how does Blowin Smoke perform for those with sensitive skin?

In my experience, Strawberry Leopard’s formula is significantly gentler than traditional permanent hair colors. The absence of PPD and ammonia makes a huge difference for sensitive scalps. That said, it’s not completely free of potential irritants—it still contains dye molecules that could trigger reactions in some individuals.

If you have a history of reactions to hair color, I strongly recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before full application. Apply a small amount of Blowin Smoke behind your ear or on your inner elbow, leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it off and monitor for any redness, itching, or swelling over the next two days.

To further minimize the risk of irritation, I suggest:

1. Not washing your hair for 1-2 days before coloring to allow natural oils to protect your scalp
2. Adding a few drops of pure aloe vera gel to the Blowin Smoke formula before applying
3. Avoiding application directly to the scalp—focus on getting the color on your hair, not your skin

I’ve found that using an applicator bottle rather than a brush can help control placement and minimize scalp contact for those with sensitivity concerns.

The Conditioning Question: Hair Health After Coloring

One of the most impressive aspects of Strawberry Leopard’s formula is right in the name—Conditioning Hair Color. But does Blowin Smoke actually improve hair condition, or is this just marketing hype?

After multiple applications, I can confidently say that Blowin Smoke leaves my hair in better condition than most other semi-permanent colors I’ve tried. The formula contains moisturizing ingredients that seem to counteract the typically drying effect of hair color.

My hair feels notably softer and looks shinier after using Blowin Smoke compared to before application. This is quite different from my experience with many other gray dyes, which often leave my hair feeling straw-like and brittle.

That said, no color process is truly “good” for your hair in an absolute sense. Even the gentlest formulas involve chemical processes that affect your hair structure. However, Strawberry Leopard has clearly put significant effort into minimizing damage while maximizing conditioning benefits.

For the best results, I recommend following up your Blowin Smoke application with a protein-free deep conditioning treatment 3-4 days after coloring. This helps balance moisture and protein in the hair, further enhancing the conditioning effects of the formula.

The Competition: How Does Blowin Smoke Compare?

The market for gray and silver hair colors has exploded in recent years, with brands like Arctic Fox, Overtone, and Manic Panic offering their own versions. So how does Strawberry Leopard’s Blowin Smoke stack up against the competition?

Arctic Fox Sterling vs. Blowin Smoke

Arctic Fox Sterling is lighter and more silver-toned compared to the deeper, smokier quality of Blowin Smoke. In my testing, Blowin Smoke lasted about 30% longer before noticeable fading and had better gray coverage on natural hair. However, Sterling achieves a brighter silver on pre-lightened hair and works better for pastel looks.

Overtone Extreme Silver vs. Blowin Smoke

Overtone’s formula is more of a treatment than a traditional dye, making it gentler but also less impactful. Blowin Smoke provides more intense, longer-lasting color, while Overtone excels at maintenance and gradual building of color. The Overtone product is also significantly more expensive per ounce.

Manic Panic Blue Steel vs. Blowin Smoke

Manic Panic’s version has stronger blue undertones compared to the more neutral gray of Blowin Smoke. While both are vegan and cruelty-free, I found that Blowin Smoke’s conditioning formula left my hair in much better condition, whereas Manic Panic tended to be more drying.

In terms of overall performance, Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke hits a sweet spot between intensity, longevity, conditioning benefits, and price point. It’s not the cheapest option, but the quality justifies the cost, especially considering how long one application lasts.

Resources and Learning: Tutorials and Application Guides

When I first started using Blowin Smoke, I scoured the internet for application tutorials and tips. While Strawberry Leopard does provide basic instructions on their packaging and website, I found the most helpful resources came from the user community.

YouTube has become an invaluable resource for Blowin Smoke application techniques. Several professional colorists and enthusiastic amateurs have created detailed video tutorials showing everything from basic application to advanced techniques like smoky balayage and color melting.

Instagram is another goldmine, with the hashtag #StrawberryLeopardHair showcasing thousands of real-world results. This is particularly useful for seeing how Blowin Smoke looks on different hair types, textures, and base colors.

Strawberry Leopard has also built a supportive community on their official social media channels, where they regularly share user photos, answer questions, and provide maintenance tips. Their customer service team is responsive to specific inquiries about Blowin Smoke and how to achieve particular effects.

For those who learn better from written instructions, several beauty blogs have published comprehensive guides to using Strawberry Leopard colors, including specific information about Blowin Smoke application and maintenance.

Where to Find Your Smoky Fix: Purchasing Options

Strawberry Leopard products, including Blowin Smoke, are widely available both online and in select physical stores. Here’s my breakdown of the best places to purchase:

Physical Retail:

Strawberry Leopard is carried by several major beauty supply chains, with Hot Topic being one of the most reliable brick-and-mortar retailers. Some Sally Beauty Supply locations also stock the brand, though availability varies by region.

Online Options:

The official Strawberry Leopard website offers the full range of products, often with special bundles and promotions not available elsewhere. Other reliable online retailers include Hot Topic’s website, Amazon, and various professional beauty supply sites.

When purchasing online, be wary of counterfeit products, particularly on marketplace platforms. Look for authorized retailers and check reviews carefully before buying. Authentic Strawberry Leopard products will have batch codes and professional packaging.

Price-wise, Blowin Smoke typically retails for around $11.99-$14.99 per bottle, depending on the retailer and any current promotions. This puts it in the mid-range for semi-permanent colors—more expensive than drugstore options but more affordable than many professional salon brands.

Creative Color Layering: Building on Faded Colors

One of my favorite techniques with Blowin Smoke is using it to transform faded fashion colors into something new and exciting. The smoky tones in this color make it perfect for layering over partially faded vibrant shades.

Some of my most successful experiments include:

1. Smoky Mermaid: Applying Blowin Smoke over faded teal or turquoise creates a gorgeous oceanic smoky blue-green that looks incredibly sophisticated.
2. Dusty Purple: Blowin Smoke over faded pink or magenta results in a beautiful dusty purple with gray undertones—very similar to dried lavender.
3. Vintage Red: When layered over faded red or copper, Blowin Smoke creates a muted, vintage-inspired auburn with smoky undertones.
4. Antique Denim: Applied over faded blue, Blowin Smoke transforms into a weathered, antique denim shade that’s incredibly wearable.

The key to successful color layering is understanding that the underlying faded color will influence the final result. Blowin Smoke doesn’t cover completely like a permanent color would—instead, it melds with the existing shade to create something new. This makes each result unique to your starting point, which I find exciting and creative.

Dimensional Techniques: Ombré and Balayage with Blowin Smoke

While Blowin Smoke works beautifully as an all-over color, it truly shines when used in dimensional techniques like ombré and balayage. The smoky quality of the color creates natural-looking transitions and stunning dimension.

For a smoky ombré effect, I recommend:

1. Starting with hair that’s lighter at the ends than at the roots (either naturally or through previous lightening)
2. Applying Blowin Smoke full-strength to the mid-lengths and ends
3. Creating a gradient by diluting the color with conditioner as you work up toward the roots
4. Blending thoroughly at the transition points to avoid harsh lines

For a more subtle smoky balayage:

1. Pre-lighten selected strands throughout your hair, focusing on face-framing pieces and random sections throughout
2. Apply Blowin Smoke only to the lightened sections
3. Process for the full recommended time
4. Rinse and apply a gloss treatment to blend the colored sections with your natural hair

These techniques create a much more natural, lived-in smoky look compared to all-over application. They’re also lower maintenance, as the regrowth is less noticeable, allowing for extended time between touch-ups.

Final Thoughts: Is Blowin Smoke Right for You?

After months of experimenting with Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke, I can confidently say it’s one of the most impressive gray hair colors I’ve encountered. Its unique smoky dimension, exceptional longevity, and conditioning formula make it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re unwilling to pre-lighten your hair and have a dark base color, you may be disappointed with the subtle results. Similarly, if you’re looking for a bright silver or platinum gray, Blowin Smoke’s deeper, smokier tones might not match your vision.

However, if you’re seeking a sophisticated, multi-dimensional smoky gray that fades gracefully and leaves your hair feeling healthy, Blowin Smoke deserves a place in your color collection. Its versatility for blending, layering, and creating dimensional effects makes it a valuable tool for anyone exploring the world of creative hair color.

Whether you’re covering grays with intention, transitioning to a fully silver look, or just want to experiment with smoky dimension, Strawberry Leopard Blowin Smoke Conditioning Hair Color offers a unique combination of performance, conditioning, and creative possibilities that’s hard to beat in the world of semi-permanent hair color.

Happy coloring, and may your smoke always blow in the right direction!