Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea

Transform Your Locks with This Mesmerizing Aquatic Shade

The first time I saw Fanta Sea on my friend’s hair, I was absolutely captivated. That shimmering, oceanic blue-green hue caught my eye from across the room, and I knew immediately that I needed to try it myself. After months of experimenting with this magical shade, I’m finally ready to share everything I’ve learned about Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea Conditioning Hair Color – the good, the challenging, and the downright spectacular results you can achieve with this transformative product.

Whether you’re a seasoned color enthusiast or a first-time dyer curious about venturing into fantasy colors, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this stunning aquatic shade. From application techniques to maintenance tips, I’m spilling all my secrets so you can achieve the mermaid-worthy locks of your dreams.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea Conditioning Hair Color?

Let’s start with the basics. Strawberry Leopard is a relatively newer player in the fantasy hair color market, but they’ve quickly developed a devoted following thanks to their conditioning formulas and vibrant shades. Fanta Sea is one of their standout colors – a mesmerizing blue-green tone that perfectly captures the essence of tropical waters.

What sets Strawberry Leopard apart from many other brands is that their dyes aren’t just about color – they’re actual conditioning treatments. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients that help hydrate and revitalize your hair while depositing that gorgeous color. This is especially important for those of us who have put our hair through the bleaching process to achieve vibrant fantasy colors.

When I first opened my jar of Fanta Sea, I was struck by its rich, creamy consistency. Unlike some semi-permanent dyes that feel thin or watery, this product has a luxurious texture that makes application a dream. It also has a pleasant, subtle scent – nothing like the harsh chemical smell you might expect from hair dye.

The Shade Breakdown: What Color Is Fanta Sea Really?

One of the most common questions I get when people see my hair is: “What exactly would you call that color?” It’s a fair question, because Fanta Sea exists in that beautiful, ambiguous space between blue and green.

If I had to define it precisely, I’d describe Fanta Sea as a medium-toned teal with strong aqua undertones. It’s not quite as deep as a true teal, nor as light as a pastel aqua. Instead, it occupies that perfect middle ground – a vibrant, saturated color that evokes images of tropical waters and mermaid tails.

What I’ve found fascinating about this shade is how it shifts under different lighting. In bright natural sunlight, the blue tones become more pronounced, giving it an electric quality that’s absolutely stunning. Under indoor lighting, especially warmer bulbs, the green undertones emerge more clearly, creating a richer, more jewel-toned appearance.

This chameleon-like quality is part of what makes Fanta Sea so special – you’re essentially getting multiple colors in one, depending on your environment. I’ve found this makes it incredibly versatile for different seasons and occasions.

The Big Question: To Bleach or Not to Bleach?

Let me address the elephant in the room – you will need to bleach your hair to get the full vibrancy of Fanta Sea. This is true of most fantasy colors, particularly ones in the blue-green family. The pigments simply need a light base to show their true brilliance.

In my experience, Fanta Sea shows up best on hair that’s been lightened to a level 9-10 (very light blonde). On my own hair, which I bleached to a pale yellow (about level 8), the color turned out beautifully vibrant but with slightly more green undertones than the bottle suggested. Friends with lighter platinum bases have achieved a more true-to-bottle result with stronger blue tones.

That said, I’ve experimented with applying Fanta Sea to different base colors, and here’s what I found:

• On level 10 platinum blonde: The most vibrant, true-to-bottle result – a brilliant aquatic teal that’s absolutely eye-catching.
• On level 8-9 yellow blonde: Still very vibrant, but with slightly more green undertones.
• On level 7 dark blonde: A more subdued teal-green with decent color payoff, but significantly less vibrant.
• On unbleached brown hair: Very subtle green tint that’s only visible in direct sunlight.

If you’re determined to try Fanta Sea without bleaching, you might see a slight tint if your natural hair is light brown or lighter, but don’t expect anything close to the vibrant shade shown on the packaging. Dark brown or black hair simply won’t show the color at all without lightening first.

For those concerned about damage, I’ve found that using a high-quality bleach with a low-volume developer (20 volume) and taking your time with the process helps minimize damage. Always follow up with deep conditioning treatments before applying Fanta Sea.

Longevity: How Long Will Your Mermaid Look Last?

One of the most impressive aspects of Strawberry Leopard’s Fanta Sea is its staying power. In my experience, the color remains vibrant for approximately 15-20 washes, which translated to about 5-6 weeks with my washing schedule (2-3 times per week).

What’s particularly noteworthy about Fanta Sea is how it fades. Unlike some blue or green dyes that can quickly turn into an unpleasant muddy color, Fanta Sea tends to fade gradually and relatively evenly. As it washes out, it shifts through lighter versions of itself – first becoming a softer teal, then a pale aqua, and finally a very light mint green before disappearing completely.

This graceful fade-out process means you won’t be rushing to reapply or frantically trying to remove a botched color. Instead, you get to enjoy several different iterations of the shade throughout its lifespan.

I’ve found that the fade pattern also depends somewhat on your initial hair level and porosity. On more damaged or porous hair, the color tends to grab more intensely but may fade a bit faster. On healthier, less porous hair, it might not be quite as vibrant initially but often lasts longer.

Application Guide: Getting the Perfect Fanta Sea Result

After multiple applications, I’ve perfected my technique for applying Fanta Sea. Here’s my step-by-step process for achieving the most vibrant, long-lasting result:

1. Preparation is key: Start with freshly washed, completely dry hair. I use a clarifying shampoo and skip conditioner to ensure my hair cuticles are open and ready to receive the color. If you’ve recently bleached, wait at least 48 hours before applying Fanta Sea to give your hair a rest.
2. Protect your workspace: This dye WILL stain, so cover all surfaces, wear gloves, and use an old towel around your shoulders. I also apply petroleum jelly along my hairline and ears to prevent skin staining.
3. Section strategically: Divide your hair into 4-6 sections depending on thickness. I start with a center part and then divide each side into front and back sections. Clip each section up separately.
4. Apply methodically: Working with one section at a time, take small subsections (about 1 inch thick) and apply the color from root to tip. I use a tint brush for precise application at the roots, then switch to massaging the product through with my gloved hands to ensure every strand is saturated.
5. Pay attention to problem areas: The nape of the neck and areas behind the ears tend to get less product, so I make sure to apply extra color there. Similarly, I focus on the ends of my hair, which are more porous and sometimes need extra product to achieve even color.
6. Heat helps: After applying, I wrap my hair in plastic wrap or use a shower cap, then apply gentle heat with a blow dryer for about 5 minutes. The heat helps open the cuticle further, allowing for better color penetration.
7. Patience pays off: The instructions suggest leaving the color on for 30 minutes, but I’ve found that 45-60 minutes yields more vibrant, longer-lasting results. Since the formula is conditioning rather than damaging, the extra time won’t hurt your hair.
8. Rinse properly: When it’s time to rinse, I use cool water and rinse until the water runs mostly clear. I avoid shampoo during this first rinse and simply apply a color-safe conditioner afterward.
9. First wash timing: I wait at least 48-72 hours before shampooing my hair for the first time after coloring. This allows the color to fully set and significantly extends its longevity.

One thing I’ve learned through trial and error is that Fanta Sea applies most evenly when your hair is completely dry. When I tried applying it to damp hair, I ended up with slightly patchy results, with some areas more vibrant than others.

For Sensitive Souls: Is Fanta Sea Gentle on Hair and Scalp?

As someone with a somewhat sensitive scalp, I approached Fanta Sea with a bit of trepidation initially. Many vivid dyes can cause irritation or dryness, but I was pleasantly surprised by how gentle this formula is.

Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea is remarkably conditioning and actually improved my hair’s texture and appearance. After each application, my hair feels softer, looks shinier, and seems healthier overall. This is a stark contrast to my experience with some other brands that left my hair feeling dry and straw-like.

The conditioning properties come from ingredients like shea butter and natural oils that are incorporated into the formula. This makes Fanta Sea an excellent choice for damaged or over-processed hair that needs some TLC along with color.

For those with sensitive scalps, I recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before full application. In my case, I experienced no burning, itching, or irritation during the coloring process. The formula feels cool and soothing on the scalp – almost like a hair mask rather than a dye.

It’s worth noting that Strawberry Leopard products are vegan and cruelty-free, which is important to many consumers including myself. The formula is also free from harmful ingredients like PPD, ammonia, and peroxide, making it a gentler option overall.

Mix Master: Creating Custom Shades with Fanta Sea

One of my favorite discoveries has been how well Fanta Sea mixes with other Strawberry Leopard shades to create custom colors. The creamy consistency makes it easy to blend, and the results can be absolutely stunning.

Here are some of my favorite mixtures:

• Fanta Sea + Purple Rain (1:1 ratio): Creates a gorgeous deep indigo with teal undertones that reminds me of peacock feathers.
• Fanta Sea + Pink Babez (3:1 ratio): Results in a dusty teal with subtle lavender highlights – perfect for a more subdued look.
• Fanta Sea + clear conditioner (1:1 ratio): Creates a beautiful pastel aqua that’s perfect for those who want a softer look.

When mixing, I recommend using a small plastic bowl and stirring thoroughly with a tint brush until the colors are completely blended. Always mix more than you think you’ll need – it’s better to have extra than to run out halfway through application.

For those looking to create a multidimensional effect, I’ve had great success applying Fanta Sea as a base, then adding subtle highlights with Strawberry Leopard’s Powder Blue shade. This creates a gorgeous oceanic effect with multiple blue-green tones that catch the light beautifully.

The Maintenance Game: Keeping Fanta Sea Vibrant

Maintaining fantasy colors requires some dedication, but with the right products and habits, you can extend the life of your Fanta Sea significantly. Here’s my maintenance routine that has helped me keep this shade looking fresh between applications:

1. Wash with cold water only: Heat is the enemy of color molecules, so I exclusively wash my hair with cool or cold water. It’s a bit uncomfortable in winter, but the color preservation is worth it!
2. Reduce washing frequency: I’ve cut back to washing my hair just 2-3 times per week, using dry shampoo between washes to keep my roots fresh.
3. Use sulfate-free, color-safe products: I swear by sulfate-free shampoos specifically formulated for colored hair. My favorites are color-depositing shampoos and conditioners in blue or teal shades that help refresh the color with each wash.
4. Weekly color-boosting treatments: Once a week, I mix a small amount of Fanta Sea with my regular conditioner (about 1:4 ratio) and leave it on for 10 minutes. This subtle color refresh helps maintain vibrancy between full applications.
5. Heat protection is non-negotiable: When heat styling is necessary, I always use a heat protectant spray. High temperatures accelerate color fade, so I’ve also reduced my use of hot tools overall.
6. UV protection: Sun exposure can significantly fade fantasy colors, so I use products with UV protection and wear hats when spending extended time outdoors.
7. Beware of chlorine and salt water: Both can strip color quickly, so I wear a swim cap when swimming and rinse my hair immediately after if it does get exposed.

With this maintenance routine, I’ve been able to go 5-6 weeks between full color applications, which has helped keep my hair healthier in the long run.

The Price of Paradise: Value Analysis

Let’s talk about the practical aspect of cost. At around $12-14 per jar (prices vary by retailer), Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea is positioned in the mid-range for semi-permanent fantasy hair colors. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but it’s certainly not the most expensive either.

What makes it an excellent value, in my opinion, is the formula’s dual purpose as both a dye and a conditioning treatment. You’re essentially getting two products in one, which justifies the price point.

In terms of quantity, one 6.76 oz jar has been sufficient for my shoulder-length hair with some leftover for touch-ups. Those with longer or thicker hair might need two jars for complete coverage, especially for the initial application.

When considering the cost per wear, Fanta Sea comes out quite favorably. Given its longevity (15-20 washes), the cost breaks down to less than a dollar per day for having mermaid-worthy hair. Compared to salon services, which can run $100+ for fantasy colors and require frequent touch-ups, doing it yourself with Strawberry Leopard is significantly more economical.

Where to Find This Oceanic Treasure

Strawberry Leopard products, including Fanta Sea, have become increasingly accessible over the past year. I’ve found the brand at:

• Sally Beauty (both in-store and online)
• Ulta Beauty
• The brand’s official website
• Various online retailers like Amazon

Availability can sometimes be an issue, as popular shades like Fanta Sea tend to sell out quickly. I’ve learned to stock up when I find it in stock, keeping an extra jar on hand for when I need it.

If you’re having trouble finding Fanta Sea specifically, I recommend signing up for stock notifications from your preferred retailer. Sally Beauty, in particular, seems to restock Strawberry Leopard products most frequently in my experience.

Comparing Fanta Sea to Other Blue-Green Contenders

Having tried various blue-green shades from different brands over the years, I can offer some comparisons to help you decide if Fanta Sea is right for you:

Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea vs. Arctic Fox Aquamarine:
Arctic Fox Aquamarine is slightly more blue-toned than Fanta Sea, which leans more teal. Arctic Fox has excellent staying power but doesn’t have quite the same conditioning properties. Fanta Sea feels more nourishing during and after application.

Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea vs. Manic Panic Atomic Turquoise:
Manic Panic tends to fade faster in my experience, often lasting only 10-12 washes compared to Fanta Sea’s 15-20. Atomic Turquoise is also a brighter, more electric teal, while Fanta Sea has more depth and a slightly more sophisticated tone.

Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea vs. Overtone Teal:
Overtone is designed more as a color-depositing conditioner rather than a semi-permanent dye, so it doesn’t penetrate as deeply or last as long. However, it’s gentler and easier to apply for beginners. Fanta Sea offers more vibrant, longer-lasting results but requires more careful application.

Strawberry Leopard Fanta Sea vs. Strawberry Leopard Blue Reef:
Within the Strawberry Leopard line, Blue Reef is more of a true blue, while Fanta Sea has those gorgeous green undertones. They pair beautifully together for dimensional color if you’re feeling creative.

Gray Hair? No Problem!

For those with gray or white hair wondering if Fanta Sea will work for them – absolutely! In fact, gray hair often takes fantasy colors extraordinarily well because it lacks the underlying pigment that can alter the final result.

I’ve helped my aunt apply Fanta Sea to her partially gray hair, and the results were stunning. The gray strands picked up the color more vividly than the non-gray sections, creating a natural highlighted effect that added wonderful dimension to the overall look.

If you have fully gray or white hair, you can expect Fanta Sea to appear very close to the color shown on the jar, without the need for heavy bleaching. This makes it an excellent option for mature individuals looking to experiment with fantasy colors without subjecting their hair to the damage of bleaching.

For a softer effect on gray hair, try mixing Fanta Sea with conditioner to create a pastel version. A 1:2 ratio of dye to conditioner creates a beautiful seafoam shade that’s sophisticated and eye-catching without being too bold.

Troubleshooting: Common Fanta Sea Challenges

Even with the best products, challenges can arise. Here are some issues I’ve encountered with Fanta Sea and how I’ve resolved them:

Uneven application: If you find that your color looks patchy, it’s often due to inconsistent porosity throughout your hair. To fix this, focus future applications on the less vibrant areas first, giving them more processing time before applying to the rest of your hair.

Color too intense: If your Fanta Sea result is more vibrant than desired, try a color-removing shampoo like Joico Color Eraser or a vitamin C treatment (crushed tablets mixed with shampoo) to gently fade it to your preferred intensity.

Color too green/blue: If the balance of tones isn’t what you expected, you can counteract it with color theory. For too green, a tiny amount of pink mixed into your conditioner can neutralize it slightly. For too blue, a drop of orange can help balance it out.

Staining on scalp/skin: If you experience staining, oil-based makeup remover works wonders. Apply it to the stained areas, let it sit for a minute, then wipe away with a cotton pad. For persistent stains, a mixture of baking soda and dishwashing liquid gently massaged into the area can help.

Color transferring to pillowcase: This is common with fresh fantasy color. I recommend using black or dark-colored pillowcases for the first week after coloring. Alternatively, you can sleep with your hair wrapped in a silk or satin scarf.

Creative Ideas: Beyond the Basic Fanta Sea Application

While an all-over application of Fanta Sea creates a stunning look, there are many creative ways to incorporate this beautiful shade into your hair style:

Ombré effect: Keep your roots natural and apply Fanta Sea from mid-lengths to ends, creating a beautiful transition from your natural color to vibrant teal. This grows out more gracefully and requires less maintenance.

Money piece highlights: Apply Fanta Sea just to the front sections framing your face for a bold pop of color that makes a statement while keeping most of your hair natural.

Hidden panel: Apply the color to the underside of your hair or to a section that’s only visible when you move or style your hair in certain ways. This is perfect for those with conservative workplace environments.

Root stretch: Apply a darker blue shade (like Strawberry Leopard’s Blue Reef) to your roots, blending it into Fanta Sea on the lengths. This creates dimension and an interesting color melt effect.

Temporary test run: Mix a small amount of Fanta Sea with a lot of conditioner (1:5 ratio) for a very subtle wash of color that will fade after just 2-3 shampoos. This is a great way to test if the tone works with your skin before committing.

Final Thoughts: Is Fanta Sea Worth the Plunge?

After months of living with Strawberry Leopard’s Fanta Sea, I can wholeheartedly say that this color has become one of my all-time favorites. The rich, multidimensional teal shade is uniquely captivating – neither too blue nor too green, but perfectly balanced to create that magical underwater effect.

What truly sets Fanta Sea apart from other fantasy colors I’ve tried is the quality of the formula. The conditioning properties mean that my hair actually feels better after coloring rather than worse, which has been a game-changer for maintaining hair health while still enjoying vibrant colors.

I particularly appreciate how Fanta Sea evolves as it fades, taking you through several beautiful iterations of blue-green before it’s time to reapply. This graceful fade-out makes maintenance less stressful and allows you to enjoy the color journey in all its phases.

That said, no product is perfect for everyone. If you’re unwilling to bleach your hair at all, or if you’re looking for a one-wash temporary color, Fanta Sea isn’t the right choice for you. The commitment level is moderate – not permanent, but certainly more than a temporary spray or chalk.

For those willing to take the plunge into the aquatic wonderland that is Fanta Sea, I believe you’ll be delighted with the results. The compliments are endless, the color is mesmerizing, and the self-expression it allows is invaluable.

Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy color enthusiast or a curious newcomer ready to dip your toes into the world of creative color, Strawberry Leopard’s Fanta Sea offers a beautiful, oceanic escape from the ordinary. Dive in – the water’s fine, and the view is spectacular.