Strawberry Leopard Fools Gold

Transform Your Look Without the Commitment: A Complete Guide to Temporary Hair Magic

Let me start by saying that I’ve always been someone who craves change. One day I’m scrolling through Instagram looking at pastel pink bobs, and the next I’m contemplating a full head of emerald green. But the commitment? That’s where I freeze up. Which is exactly why temporary hair color sprays have become my secret weapon for satisfying those color cravings without the long-term consequences.

After trying countless brands and formulas, I recently decided to give Strawberry Leopard’s Fools Gold Hair Color Spray a shot. If you’re like me and constantly battling between wanting to try something new and fearing regret, this detailed review might just be what you need.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Fools Gold Hair Color Spray?

Strawberry Leopard has been making waves in the temporary hair color space with their vibrant, easy-to-use products. Their Fools Gold spray is part of their color spray collection that promises to deliver bold, temporary color without the commitment of permanent dye.

The first thing that caught my attention was the packaging—playful yet edgy with that signature Strawberry Leopard style. But what’s inside the can is what really matters.

Fools Gold isn’t just any gold—it’s a warm, slightly rose-tinted gold with subtle metallic qualities that catch the light beautifully. It’s not overly glittery (which was a concern of mine), but rather has a sophisticated shimmer that looks surprisingly natural while still being noticeable. Think of it as that perfect golden hour glow, captured in a hair spray.

Temporary Magic: How Long Does It Actually Last?

If you’re new to temporary hair color sprays, you might be wondering just how “temporary” they really are. With Fools Gold, you can expect the color to last until your next shampoo. I’ve found that the vibrancy starts to fade slightly after about 24 hours, especially if you’re running your hands through your hair or sleeping on it.

The best part? It washes out completely with just one thorough shampoo. No lingering color, no weird greenish tint left behind—just your original hair color, ready for your next experiment. I’ve used some temporary colors that claim to wash out but leave subtle staining, especially on lighter hair, but I didn’t experience that with Fools Gold.

Will It Work On My Hair Color?

This is perhaps the most important question, and the answer depends on your base color. Here’s my breakdown:

Blonde/Light Hair: If your hair is naturally blonde or lightened, you’re in for a treat. Fools Gold shows up beautifully on lighter hair, giving you that true, warm golden shade with all its dimensional qualities. The metallic effect is most noticeable on lighter bases.

Medium Brown Hair: On medium brown hair, Fools Gold creates a more subtle effect—a warm golden glaze that catches the light when you move. It’s less of a full color change and more of an enhancement, which can actually be really beautiful for a more natural look.

Dark Brown/Black Hair: Here’s where it gets tricky. On very dark hair, Fools Gold provides more of a subtle shimmer than a color change. You’ll see the golden reflects when light hits your hair, but don’t expect a dramatic transformation. That said, it can still add gorgeous dimension to dark hair.

I tested it on my light brown hair, and while it wasn’t as vibrant as it would be on blonde hair, it still gave me a beautiful warm golden tone that was noticeable even in indoor lighting.

Full Coverage or Subtle Shimmer?

Unlike some temporary sprays that feel more like colored hairspray, Fools Gold actually provides decent coverage, especially if you build it up with multiple light coats. However, it’s important to note that it’s not going to give you the opaque coverage of a direct dye or permanent color.

What I love about this product is that you can control the intensity. Want just a hint of gold? One light pass will give you that subtle shimmer. Looking for more impact? Build it up with 2-3 layers, allowing each to dry slightly in between.

The finish is what I’d describe as a metallic sheen rather than a flat color or glittery effect. It catches the light beautifully as you move, creating that dimensional color that looks much more high-end than many temporary sprays I’ve tried.

Is It Safe For All Hair Types?

One of my major concerns when trying new hair products is whether they’ll damage my already color-treated hair. Strawberry Leopard claims their formula is gentle and safe for all hair types, including previously dyed, bleached, or chemically treated hair.

From my experience, Fools Gold didn’t cause any noticeable dryness or damage to my highlighted hair. The formula seems less drying than some other temporary sprays I’ve tried, which often contain high amounts of alcohol that can leave hair feeling like straw.

That said, I always recommend using a good conditioner after washing out any temporary color, just to replenish any moisture that might have been lost.

As for hair textures, I found Fools Gold works well on straight, wavy, and curly hair. For very curly or coily hair types, you might need to be more deliberate with application to ensure the product reaches all parts of the hair, but the color payoff should be similar.

The Application Experience: Easier Than You Might Think

Let’s talk about application, because that can make or break your experience with any temporary color product.

Here’s my step-by-step process for getting the best results with Fools Gold:

1. Start with dry, styled hair. If your hair is freshly washed, add some texture spray or dry shampoo first to help the color adhere better.
2. Shake the can vigorously for at least 30 seconds. This is crucial for mixing the pigments properly.
3. Section your hair, especially if it’s thick or long. This helps ensure even coverage.
4. Hold the can 8-10 inches away from your hair. This is important—too close and you’ll get wet spots that take forever to dry; too far and you’ll lose product to the air.
5. Use quick, light sprays rather than continuous spraying. This gives you more control over the intensity.
6. Allow each section to dry for about 30 seconds before touching or applying more.
7. Build up the color gradually. It’s much easier to add more than to try to remove excess.
8. Once you’ve achieved your desired intensity, you can gently run your fingers through your hair to blend, but be aware this might transfer some color to your hands.

The whole process takes me about 15-20 minutes for my shoulder-length hair, which is pretty reasonable for a temporary transformation.

Does It Transfer or Stain?

Here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty that most reviews don’t tell you. Yes, there is some transfer with Fools Gold, as with most temporary color sprays. However, it’s minimal compared to many others I’ve tried.

Once the product is completely dry, the transfer is significantly reduced, but you’ll still want to be cautious around light-colored clothing and fabrics. I recommend wearing a dark towel or cape during application and avoiding white or light clothing on the day you apply it.

As for skin staining, I experienced minimal transfer when applying, mostly on my hands, which washed off easily with soap and water. If you do get some on your skin around the hairline, a makeup wipe or micellar water takes it off easily.

The good news is that it doesn’t seem to transfer much to pillowcases if you allow it to fully dry before going to bed, though I still wouldn’t risk it with white pillowcases.

The Ethics Question: Is It Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

For those of us who care about the ethical side of beauty products, I’m happy to report that Strawberry Leopard is a vegan and cruelty-free brand. Their Fools Gold spray contains no animal-derived ingredients and isn’t tested on animals.

The brand has been quite transparent about their commitment to ethical practices, which is definitely a plus in my book.

Creating Custom Looks: Can You Mix and Layer?

One of my favorite things about Strawberry Leopard’s color sprays is how well they work together. Fools Gold can be layered or mixed with other shades from their line to create custom effects.

I tried layering Fools Gold over their rose gold shade for a more complex, multidimensional look, and the results were stunning—like a sunset captured in my hair.

If you’re feeling creative, here are some combinations I’ve tried or am planning to try:

• Fools Gold applied first, with a light misting of their pink shade on just the ends for a rose-gold ombre
• Fools Gold as a base with their silver shade misted very lightly over the top for an almost platinum gold effect
• Fools Gold applied strategically as highlights on darker hair for a sun-kissed effect

The versatility of being able to layer and combine colors gives you so much more creative freedom than just using one shade alone.

Weather Resistance: Will It Survive Your Day?

Let’s be realistic—no temporary color spray is going to be completely immune to the elements. That said, Fools Gold has decent staying power in normal conditions.

In my experience, it holds up well in average humidity and light wind. However, heavy rain or sweating at the gym will definitely cause some fading and potential transfer. I wouldn’t recommend it for a beach day or intense outdoor activities.

For everyday wear—office, dinner, shopping, casual outings—it performs admirably and stays looking fresh throughout the day.

If you’re planning to use it for a special event, I’d recommend doing a trial run first to see how it holds up in your specific environment.

Is It Kid-Friendly and Safe for Sensitive Scalps?

While Strawberry Leopard doesn’t specifically market their products as kid-friendly, Fools Gold is relatively gentle compared to many hair color products. That said, I’d still exercise caution with very young children or those with extremely sensitive skin.

If you or your child has a sensitive scalp, I recommend doing a patch test first—spray a small amount on a section of hair near the nape of the neck and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.

For teenagers who want to experiment with color, this is a fantastic option since it’s temporary and much less damaging than permanent dyes or bleach.

How Does It Compare to Other Temporary Sprays?

Having tried several of the popular temporary color sprays on the market, I can offer some comparisons:

Compared to L’Oréal Colorista: Fools Gold offers a more metallic finish compared to Colorista’s flatter color. Colorista tends to be slightly less transferable once dry, but Fools Gold has better color payoff, especially on darker hair.

Compared to Good Dye Young: GDY’s sprays have similar vibrancy but tend to feel slightly stiffer in the hair. Fools Gold maintains better movement and a more natural feel, though GDY might edge it out slightly on longevity.

Compared to Manic Panic: Manic Panic’s sprays are more vibrant but also more likely to transfer. Fools Gold offers a more sophisticated metallic finish compared to Manic Panic’s more punk-inspired colors.

Overall, I’d say Strawberry Leopard’s Fools Gold sits at the higher end of the temporary spray spectrum in terms of quality, color payoff, and formula sophistication.

Where Can You Buy It and What’s the Damage to Your Wallet?

Strawberry Leopard products, including Fools Gold Hair Color Spray, are available at several retailers. You can find them at Ulta Beauty both in stores and online, as well as through the Strawberry Leopard official website.

The spray typically retails for around $11.99-$13.99 for a 3.5 oz can, which puts it in the mid-range for temporary color sprays. While not the cheapest option, the quality and results justify the price point in my opinion. One can should give you about 2-3 full applications depending on your hair length and how heavy-handed you are with application.

I’ve found that signing up for Ulta’s rewards program or catching seasonal sales can sometimes get you a better deal, so keep an eye out for those opportunities if budget is a concern.

Application Tips from a Fellow Color Enthusiast

After using Fools Gold several times, I’ve developed some additional tips to get the best results:

1. Prep is key: Using a light texture spray or dry shampoo before applying Fools Gold helps the color grab better and creates a more even finish.
2. Layer strategically: Apply more product to areas you want to highlight, like pieces around the face or the ends of your hair, for a more dimensional look.
3. Seal it in: A very light mist of flexible-hold hairspray after application can help minimize transfer without making your hair feel crunchy.
4. Removal hack: If you need to remove the color quickly and don’t have time for a full shampoo, a clarifying shampoo applied directly to dry hair, then rinsed out, will remove most of the color in one go.
5. Storage matters: Store your can upright in a cool, dry place between uses to prevent clogging and ensure the product remains well-mixed.

The Environmental Question: Is It Eco-Friendly?

While Strawberry Leopard doesn’t make specific claims about biodegradability, their sprays do use propellants that are less harmful to the ozone layer than older formulations. The cans are recyclable in most areas that accept aerosol containers.

That said, as with most aerosol products, there is an environmental impact to consider. If this is a major concern for you, you might want to look into non-aerosol temporary color options like color waxes or gels.

Is Fools Gold Right for You? The Final Verdict

After extensive testing and multiple applications, here’s my honest assessment of who would love Strawberry Leopard’s Fools Gold Hair Color Spray:

You’ll love it if:

• You want to experiment with color without commitment
• You’re looking for a sophisticated metallic shade rather than a flat color
• You have light to medium hair and want noticeable results
• You need something for a special occasion or weekend look
• You enjoy creating custom looks by layering different colors
• You have previously colored hair and don’t want to damage it further

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You have very dark hair and want dramatic color change (you’d need a bleach base first)
• You need something that will last through intense physical activity or swimming
• You’re looking for an extremely glittery or high-sparkle effect
• You need absolute zero transfer (no temporary spray can promise this)
• You’re looking for the cheapest option on the market

My Personal Experience: Why I Keep Coming Back to Fools Gold

I’ve tried dozens of temporary hair colors over the years, from sprays to chalks to color-depositing conditioners. What keeps me coming back to Strawberry Leopard’s Fools Gold is the perfect balance it strikes between impact and sophistication.

The warm, slightly rosy gold tone works beautifully with my skin tone, adding warmth and dimension to my hair without looking costume-like or too dramatic for everyday wear. I love that I can amp it up for special occasions or apply it more subtly for a regular workday.

The way it catches the light—especially natural sunlight—creates moments throughout the day where I catch a glimpse of myself and think, “Wow, that looks really good.” That’s not something I can say for every temporary color I’ve tried.

And perhaps most importantly, the freedom to transform my look without fear of regret is something I find incredibly valuable. Having dealt with the consequences of hair color decisions I’ve regretted in the past (that time I went copper orange still haunts me), the ability to try something bold knowing I can wash it away is liberating.

After all, isn’t that what beauty should be about? The freedom to express ourselves, to play and experiment, without the anxiety of permanent consequences? In that sense, Strawberry Leopard’s Fools Gold isn’t just a hair product—it’s a little bottle of creative freedom.

So if you’ve been color-curious but commitment-phobic, consider this your sign to give temporary color a try. You might just discover a new way to express yourself, even if just for a day.