Strawberry Leopard In Pink Condition

From Hesitation to Hair Happiness: Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Pink Plunge

Let’s be honest—I’ve always been that person who scrolls endlessly through Instagram, saving pictures of gorgeous pink hair while telling myself “someday.” Well, my someday finally arrived when I discovered Strawberry Leopard’s In Pink Condition Conditioning Hair Color. If you’re like me—fascinated by pink hair but overwhelmed by questions and uncertainty—this guide is for you. I’ve gone through the entire journey from research to application to maintenance, and I’m sharing every detail to help you decide if this could be your perfect pink.

The Pink That Changed My Mind

I’ve always been intimidated by fantasy hair colors. Would they destroy my hair? Would I look ridiculous? Would I have to bleach my hair to oblivion? These fears kept me firmly in the natural color zone for years. But something about Strawberry Leopard’s In Pink Condition kept calling to me—maybe it was the promise of a conditioning formula, or maybe it was just time for me to finally try something bold.

Strawberry Leopard’s In Pink Condition isn’t just hair color—it’s a complete transformation experience that’s gentler than you might expect. After weeks of research and hesitation, I finally took the plunge, and now I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before starting.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard In Pink Condition?

Before we dive into my experience, let’s talk about what this product actually is. Strawberry Leopard is a relatively newer player in the fantasy hair color game, but they’ve quickly gained popularity for their conditioning formula. Unlike many semi-permanent colors that can leave your hair feeling like straw, Strawberry Leopard infuses hair dye with conditioning ingredients to nourish while coloring.

In Pink Condition is one of their signature pink shades, and it’s become my personal favorite. It’s not just a color—it’s a complete system designed to give you vibrant color while actually improving your hair’s condition. Revolutionary? Yes. Worth the hype? Let’s find out.

The Shade Breakdown: What Pink Are We Talking About?

One of my biggest questions before purchasing was: what shade of pink is “In Pink Condition” exactly? After trying it myself and seeing it on different hair types, I can confirm it’s a medium-to-bright pink with slightly warm undertones. It’s not a hot neon pink nor a baby pastel—it sits perfectly in the middle as a vibrant, true pink that seems to flatter a wide range of skin tones.

On pre-lightened blonde hair (level 9-10), In Pink Condition shows up as a gorgeous, statement-making pink that’s bright without being garish. Think of a perfectly ripe watermelon or the perfect pink rose—vivid but still somewhat natural-looking, if pink hair can ever be called “natural.”

The warm undertones make this shade particularly flattering on people with warm or neutral skin tones, though I’ve seen it look stunning on cool-toned folks as well. It has that rare quality of being bold enough to turn heads but sophisticated enough to not look juvenile.

The Bleaching Question: Do I Really Need To?

This is perhaps the most critical question, and the answer is: it depends on your starting point and your expectations.

If you have dark brown or black hair and want that vibrant, true-to-bottle pink, then yes, you’ll need to bleach first. There’s simply no way around color theory—pink cannot cover dark pigments without lightening first.

However, if you have light brown, dark blonde, or pre-lightened hair, your options expand:

• On light brown hair: Expect a subtle, muted strawberry tint that’s more of an undertone than a statement
• On dark blonde hair: You’ll get a dusty rose effect that’s subtle but noticeable
• On bleached blonde hair: This is where In Pink Condition truly shines with its full vibrancy

I started with level 7 dark blonde hair and initially tried applying In Pink Condition without bleaching. The result was a lovely rose gold tint—pretty, but not the vibrant pink I was hoping for. After a bleach session to level 9, I reapplied, and that’s when the magic happened. The color came alive exactly as I’d hoped.

If you’re unwilling to bleach, consider that this color can still give darker hair a beautiful tint—just adjust your expectations accordingly.

Application Process: Getting It Right the First Time

After watching countless tutorials and reading the instructions multiple times, I developed what I believe is the optimal application method for In Pink Condition:

1. Preparation is everything. Start with clean, completely dry hair. I recommend washing with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before coloring and skipping conditioner. This removes product buildup and natural oils that can create barriers to color absorption.
2. Protect everything else. This color will stain. I apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around my hairline, ears, and neck. I also wear gloves (provided in the box) and an old t-shirt I don’t mind ruining.
3. Section like a professional. Divide your hair into 4-6 manageable sections. I use plastic clips to keep sections separate.
4. Apply generously. Unlike regular hair dye, Strawberry Leopard’s formula is conditioning, so don’t be afraid to really saturate your hair. I start at the roots and work down to the ends, using a tint brush for precision.
5. Don’t rush the process. The instructions recommend 30 minutes, but I’ve found that 45-60 minutes yields the most vibrant results, especially if your hair is porous or damaged from bleaching.
6. Rinse properly. When time’s up, rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing for at least 48 hours after coloring to allow the pigment to fully set.

The first time I applied In Pink Condition, I was nervous about making mistakes. By my second application, I felt like a pro. The formula is surprisingly user-friendly—thick enough that it doesn’t drip everywhere but still easy to distribute through hair.

The Vegan and Cruelty-Free Question

For those concerned about ethical beauty (as I am), you’ll be pleased to know that Strawberry Leopard is both vegan and cruelty-free. The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals. This was actually a deciding factor for me when choosing between brands, and I appreciate that I don’t have to compromise my values for beautiful hair.

The ingredient list focuses on plant-based conditioning agents alongside the color pigments. You won’t find harsh ammonia or peroxide here, which contributes to the gentler nature of this color.

Creating Custom Shades: Mixing Magic

One of my favorite discoveries was that In Pink Condition can be mixed with other Strawberry Leopard shades to create custom colors. After my initial application, I experimented by mixing a small amount of their “Purple Smoke” shade with In Pink Condition, creating a gorgeous mauve-pink that was unique to me.

The brand actually encourages this kind of experimentation, and many users share their custom mixing ratios online. Some combinations I’ve seen work beautifully:

• In Pink Condition + a touch of Coral Canyon for a peachy-pink
• In Pink Condition + Blue Moon for a cotton candy lavender-pink
• In Pink Condition + a bit of Purple Smoke for a raspberry tone

If you’re feeling creative, start with small amounts of the secondary color and adjust until you achieve your desired shade. Just make sure to mix enough for your entire head to ensure consistency.

How Long Does It Last? The Fading Reality

Let’s talk longevity—how long can you expect this gorgeous pink to last? Based on my experience and reports from others, In Pink Condition typically lasts 12-20 washes, with noticeable fading beginning around wash 8-10.

The good news is that In Pink Condition fades gracefully, gradually shifting to a soft pastel pink rather than a brassy or orangey tone. This means even the fading process looks intentional and pretty.

Factors that affect longevity include:

• How porous your hair is (more damaged hair tends to both accept color more readily and release it faster)
• Water temperature when washing (hot water accelerates fading)
• Hair care products used (sulfate-free is essential)
• Sun and heat exposure (UV rays break down color molecules)
• Swimming (chlorine and salt water are color killers)

I find that I need to reapply fully every 4-5 weeks to maintain the vibrant pink I love, though I sometimes do a “refresh” application after 3 weeks, leaving it on for just 15-20 minutes to boost the color.

The Maintenance Routine That Actually Works

After experimenting with various routines, I’ve developed a maintenance system that significantly extends the life of my In Pink Condition color:

1. Wait 48-72 hours after coloring before washing your hair. This allows the pigment molecules to fully settle into the hair shaft.
2. Adopt color-safe, sulfate-free hair care products. Sulfates strip color rapidly. I switched to a color-safe system specifically designed for vivid colors.
3. Wash with cold water only. Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing pigment to escape. Cold water keeps it sealed in.
4. Reduce washing frequency. I now wash my hair only 2-3 times per week, using dry shampoo between washes.
5. Use a color-depositing conditioner. Once a week, I mix a small amount of leftover In Pink Condition with my regular conditioner to refresh the color.
6. Protect from the sun. UV protection sprays designed for hair help prevent sun-induced fading, or I wear a hat during extended sun exposure.
7. Minimize heat styling. Heat accelerates color loss, so I’ve embraced more air-dried styles and reduced my blow drying and straightening.
8. Apply a weekly hair mask. Well-moisturized hair holds color better. I use a deep conditioning treatment once weekly.
9. Consider a UV-filtering leave-in conditioner. These products provide ongoing protection from environmental factors that cause fading.

Following this routine has extended my color’s vibrancy by nearly two weeks compared to my initial attempts at maintenance.

The Real Talk: Potential Downsides

While I’m clearly a fan of In Pink Condition, it would be dishonest not to mention some considerations:

Staining is real. Despite careful application, I’ve experienced some bathroom surface staining and permanently marked a few towels. The dye will temporarily stain your skin if it makes contact, though it typically washes away within 1-2 days.

The commitment varies. On heavily bleached hair, pink colors can sometimes cling stubbornly to certain strands, making it difficult to completely remove if you want to change colors later.

Regular maintenance is required. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance color option, fantasy colors like In Pink Condition might not be your best bet. They require consistent care to maintain their vibrancy.

Results vary widely based on your starting point. Two people with different base hair colors or porosity levels can use the exact same product and get noticeably different results.

These considerations haven’t deterred me from my pink hair journey, but they’re worth knowing before you start.

How Does It Compare to Other Popular Pink Dyes?

After discussing In Pink Condition with other pink-haired friends and reading countless reviews, I’ve gathered some comparative insights:

Compared to Arctic Fox’s “Virgin Pink,” In Pink Condition is slightly warmer and more conditioning, though Arctic Fox may last a bit longer on some hair types.

Against Manic Panic’s “Cotton Candy Pink,” In Pink Condition is more vibrant and less pastel, with better conditioning properties, though Manic Panic may be more accessible in some areas.

Compared to Overtone’s pink system, In Pink Condition delivers more intense color in a single application, though Overtone’s daily conditioner system might be easier for gradual color building.

The biggest differentiator for Strawberry Leopard seems to be the conditioning formula that leaves hair feeling soft rather than dry after coloring—something particularly important if you’ve bleached your hair first.

Gray and White Hair: A Special Canvas

For those with gray or white hair, In Pink Condition offers a particularly exciting opportunity. Without the need to bleach, you already have the perfect canvas for vibrant color!

Gray hair tends to be more porous and sometimes stubborn, so I recommend the following adjustments when applying to gray hair:

• Consider a longer processing time (up to 60 minutes)
• Apply slightly more product than you think necessary
• Follow with a color-sealing conditioner

The results on gray hair can be spectacular—from a soft watercolor effect if applied lightly to a vibrant statement if fully saturated. The lack of underlying yellow or warm pigments in gray hair means the pink shows up true to tone.

Finding and Purchasing In Pink Condition

Strawberry Leopard products, including In Pink Condition, are available at several major retailers. I’ve found the most reliable stock at Ulta Beauty stores and their online shop. The product typically retails between $10-14 depending on promotions and location.

The box includes everything you need for application: gloves, instructions, and the color itself. The only additional items I recommend having on hand are:

• A tint brush for more precise application
• Sectioning clips to manage your hair
• Petroleum jelly for protecting your skin
• An old towel designated for hair dye days

The Final Verdict: Is In Pink Condition Worth It?

After living with In Pink Condition through multiple application cycles, maintenance routines, and even the growing-out phase, my conclusion is a resounding yes—with caveats.

This color is perfect for you if:

• You’re willing to commit to proper maintenance
• You understand that fantasy colors require regular touch-ups
• You have light hair naturally or are willing to bleach
• You want a conditioning color experience that doesn’t damage hair

You might want to reconsider if:

• You’re looking for extremely low-maintenance color
• You have very dark hair and are unwilling to bleach
• You need a color that won’t show any fading for several months
• You’re in a professional environment that doesn’t allow bold hair colors

For me, the joy of catching glimpses of vibrant pink in the mirror daily has been worth every minute of maintenance. The confidence boost and creative expression that comes with fantasy color has been unexpectedly empowering.

My Personal Pink Hair Journey

When I first applied In Pink Condition, I was nervous. Would it look professional enough? Would people take me seriously? Would I regret the decision? Looking back now, those fears seem almost silly.

The first compliment came from a stranger at the grocery store—an elderly woman who told me my hair made her smile. Then my normally reserved boss mentioned she loved the “bold choice.” Soon, I was receiving daily comments about how the color suited my personality.

But beyond the external validation, I discovered something important: changing my hair so dramatically helped me embrace other forms of self-expression I’d been hesitant to try. The pink hair became a daily reminder that taking creative risks can be rewarding.

Has it been all perfect? Of course not. I’ve had days when the color faded unevenly, moments of pink-tinted shower water weeks after dyeing, and times when I questioned if I should return to a more natural shade. But each time I refresh the color and see that vibrant pink return, I remember why I fell in love with it.

Final Thoughts: The Pink Mindset

Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of my In Pink Condition journey has been the shift in mindset it created. There’s something psychologically liberating about sporting a hair color that’s deliberately unnatural. It announces to the world (and to yourself) that you’re willing to play with expectations and express yourself authentically.

Whether you choose In Pink Condition or another fantasy shade, remember that hair is temporary, but the confidence that comes from embracing bold choices can be transformative. My pink hair journey taught me that sometimes the things we hesitate most to try become the choices we’re most grateful to have made.

If you’ve been considering pink hair, I hope this detailed account of my experience with Strawberry Leopard’s In Pink Condition helps you make an informed decision. And if you’ve been on the fence for years like I was, consider this your sign to finally take the pink plunge—just make sure you have the right products and expectations before you begin.

Remember: Strawberry Leopard’s In Pink Condition isn’t just hair color—it’s a complete transformation experience that’s gentler than you might expect. And for me, that transformation went far beyond just my hair.