Strawberry Leopard In The Limelight

From Curious to Converted: A Firsthand Experience with Vibrant Hair Transformation

Like many of you, I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through social media, mesmerized by those bold, vibrant hair colors that seem to radiate confidence and creativity. After years of playing it safe with traditional shades, I finally decided to take the plunge into the world of fantasy colors. My color of choice? The eye-catching “In The Limelight” from Strawberry Leopard’s Conditioning Hair Color line. This vibrant green shade has completely transformed not just my hair, but also how I express myself. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about this product—from application techniques to maintenance tips—so you can decide if this is the right shade for your next hair transformation.

What Exactly is Strawberry Leopard In The Limelight?

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 impressive color payoff. Their “In The Limelight” shade is a vibrant, electric lime green with slight yellow undertones that creates a truly head-turning effect.

Unlike some hair color brands that leave your hair feeling like straw, Strawberry Leopard’s Conditioning Hair Color actually lives up to its name. The formula contains nourishing ingredients that help condition your hair while depositing color, making it a semi-permanent option that doesn’t compromise hair health.

When I first opened the bottle, I was immediately struck by how rich and creamy the formula was—noticeably thicker than other brands I’ve tried. The scent was pleasant too, lacking that harsh chemical smell that often accompanies hair dyes.

The Perfect Shade of Green: What Makes “In The Limelight” Special

“In The Limelight” isn’t your typical green hair color. If you’re wondering exactly what shade of green we’re talking about here, imagine the most perfect lime green you’ve ever seen—bright, vibrant, and slightly on the yellower side of the green spectrum. It’s not a neon green (though it can appear almost neon under certain lighting), not a forest or emerald green, and definitely not a pastel mint.

The shade has warm undertones that give it a sunny, energetic quality rather than the cooler, bluer-greens you might see in other brands. This warmth makes it surprisingly flattering on a variety of skin tones. I personally have a neutral-to-warm complexion, and the color complements my skin beautifully rather than washing me out, which was initially a concern.

One thing’s for certain—this is not a subtle color. In The Limelight is meant to make a statement. If you’re looking for a barely-there tint or a natural-looking change, this isn’t it. This is the color for when you want people to notice, comment, and remember your hair. It’s unapologetically bold, and that’s precisely what I love about it.

The Bleaching Question: Is It Necessary?

Here’s the million-dollar question that anyone considering a vivid color like In The Limelight wants to know: Do you need to bleach your hair first?

The short answer is: it depends on your starting point, but for most people seeking the true vibrant lime green effect, yes, some level of lightening is required.

I started with light brown hair with some highlights, and I knew from my research that to get the true electric lime green shown on the packaging, I would need to lighten my base. I decided to bleach my hair to a pale yellow (about a level 9) before applying In The Limelight.

Here’s what I discovered through my own experience and from talking with others who’ve used this product:

• On platinum or pre-lightened blonde hair (levels 9-10): The color will appear true to the bottle—vibrant, electric lime green.
• On light blonde hair (levels 7-8): The color still shows up well but might be slightly deeper or more muted than shown.
• On darker blonde or light brown hair (levels 5-6): You’ll get a tint of green, but it will be significantly darker and more subtle.
• On dark brown or black hair (levels 1-4): Unfortunately, the color will barely show up, if at all.

If you’re starting with darker hair and don’t want to bleach, you might see a slight green tint in direct sunlight, but it won’t be the vivid lime green that makes this shade so popular. I’ve seen some people with dark hair use In The Limelight just on their ends after ombré bleaching for a less committed approach.

Application Process: Getting the Most Vibrant Results

After weeks of research, watching countless YouTube tutorials, and consulting with my hairstylist friend, I felt prepared to apply In The Limelight. Here’s my step-by-step process for anyone looking to try this at home:

1. Preparation: I started with clean, dry hair. I didn’t wash my hair for about 48 hours before coloring to allow my natural oils to protect my scalp.
2. Sectioning: Using clips, I divided my hair into four sections—two in front and two in back. This made the application process much more manageable.
3. Protection: I applied petroleum jelly along my hairline and ears to prevent staining. I also wore gloves (included in the box) and an old t-shirt.
4. Application: Working with one section at a time, I applied the color generously, starting about a half-inch away from my roots. I found that the creamy consistency made it easy to control where the product went.
5. Roots: After coating the lengths, I went back and applied color to my roots. This technique prevents “hot roots” where the roots become more vivid than the rest of your hair due to the heat from your scalp accelerating the development.
6. Processing: I left the color on for 45 minutes. The instructions recommend 30 minutes, but since my hair is somewhat porous from previous bleaching, I wanted to ensure maximum color deposit.
7. Rinsing: When rinsing, I used cold water until it ran clear. This took quite a while—about 10 minutes of continuous rinsing—but is crucial for preventing premature fading and staining of towels and pillowcases later.
8. Final steps: I avoided shampooing immediately after rinsing and simply applied a color-safe conditioner. This helps seal the cuticle and lock in the color.

The entire process took about two hours from start to finish, including the processing time. The application itself was surprisingly easy, even for someone like me who isn’t particularly skilled at hair coloring.

One important tip: prepare your bathroom before you start. This color is vibrant and can stain surfaces if you’re not careful. I laid down old towels, had cleaning wipes ready, and immediately wiped up any drops that landed on the sink or floor.

The Results: First Impressions

After drying my hair, I stood in front of the mirror and quite literally gasped. The color was VIBRANT—even more intense than I’d expected. In natural light, it had this incredible dimension that shifted between bright lime and a slightly deeper green depending on how the light hit it.

What surprised me most was how healthy my hair looked and felt. Despite having just bleached and colored it, my hair was soft, shiny, and seemed to reflect light in a way it hadn’t before. The conditioning properties of the formula clearly weren’t just marketing hype—they actually worked!

Another pleasant surprise was how even the color turned out. I had worried about patchiness, especially since I did the application myself, but the cream formula seemed to distribute and develop evenly throughout my hair.

The immediate reaction from friends, family, and even strangers was overwhelming. I received more compliments on my hair in the first week of having this color than I had in years with my natural shade. There’s something about lime green hair that seems to make people smile—it’s just such a happy, energetic color.

Longevity: How Long Does the Limelight Last?

Fantasy colors are notorious for their fading tendencies, so I went into this experience with realistic expectations. Based on my experience and what I’ve gathered from others, here’s what you can expect in terms of longevity with In The Limelight:

• Weeks 1-2: The color remains extremely vibrant and true to its initial application.
• Weeks 3-4: Some fading begins, but the color is still bright and unmistakably lime green.
• Weeks 5-6: More noticeable fading occurs, with the color becoming slightly softer.
• Weeks 7-8: Depending on your hair care routine, you’ll likely be left with a pale, minty green.

I found that In The Limelight fades gracefully, which isn’t always the case with fantasy colors. Instead of turning into an unattractive muddy shade, it gradually becomes a softer, pastel version of itself. This actually gave me more versatility—I enjoyed the bold initial color and then got to experience a softer mint as it faded.

One interesting note: if your hair was very yellow before applying In The Limelight, you might notice it fades with a slightly yellowish tint rather than a pure pastel green. This is simply the underlying warmth of your bleached hair showing through as the color molecules wash away.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Green Vibrant

Maintaining a vivid color like In The Limelight requires some special care, but I promise it’s worth the effort. Here’s what worked best for me:

Washing Routine

The number one enemy of fantasy hair color is frequent washing. I immediately switched to washing my hair just twice a week, using cold water only. When I did wash, I used a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo specifically formulated for vivid colors.

A technique I found helpful was to dilute my shampoo with water before applying it to my hair. This gave me enough cleansing power to remove buildup without stripping too much color.

Heat Protection

Heat styling is another major factor in color fading. I significantly reduced my use of heat tools and always used a heat protectant when I did style my hair. Air-drying became my new best friend!

UV Protection

The sun can quickly fade vivid colors like In The Limelight. During summer months or sunny days, I either wore a hat or used hair products with UV protection to prevent premature fading.

Color-Depositing Conditioners

To extend the life of my color, I incorporated a green color-depositing conditioner into my routine, using it once a week. This helped refresh the color between full applications.

Monthly Touch-Ups

For maintenance, I found that applying a fresh coat of In The Limelight every 4-6 weeks kept my color looking vibrant. Since the formula is conditioning rather than damaging, these regular applications actually helped maintain my hair’s health.

Mixing and Customizing: Creative Possibilities

One of the aspects of Strawberry Leopard’s color line that particularly excited me was the mixability factor. In The Limelight can be mixed with other shades from their line to create custom colors.

After about two months with pure In The Limelight, I decided to experiment. Here are some combinations I tried:

• In The Limelight + Deeper Darker: This created a richer, more emerald green that was still vibrant but had more depth.
• In The Limelight + Strawberry Jam: Mixing with this pink shade created an interesting muted teal that was utterly unique.
• In The Limelight + diluter: Adding Strawberry Leopard’s color diluter resulted in a beautiful pastel mint shade that was perfect for spring.

The ability to customize your color adds tremendous value to this product. If you’re someone who likes to change up your look frequently, buying just a few shades gives you countless options through mixing.

Comparing to Other Brands: How Does It Stack Up?

Before settling on Strawberry Leopard’s In The Limelight, I researched several other popular fantasy color brands. Here’s how In The Limelight compares to similar green shades from other companies:

• Arctic Fox Green: Arctic Fox’s green shades tend to be cooler-toned than In The Limelight, with more blue undertones. The formula is similar in that it’s conditioning, but I found Strawberry Leopard’s cream to be slightly thicker and less drippy during application.
• Manic Panic Electric Lizard: Manic Panic’s green is quite similar in hue to In The Limelight, but in my experience and based on reviews, it tends to fade more quickly and can be less consistent in its results.
• Overtone Green: Overtone’s products are designed more as color-depositing conditioners rather than semi-permanent dyes. Their green is beautiful but typically less vibrant than In The Limelight, though it can be excellent for maintenance.
• Pulp Riot Absinthe: This is a professional line, so it’s less accessible for home use, but their green has a similar vibrant quality. The main difference is that Pulp Riot tends to last longer but can be harder to remove when you want a change.

In terms of overall performance, I found that Strawberry Leopard In The Limelight offered the best balance of vibrancy, conditioning properties, and fade pattern for my preferences. The fact that it faded to a pretty pastel rather than a muddy mess was a significant advantage.

Special Considerations: Gray Hair, Sensitive Scalps, and More

If you have specific concerns about using In The Limelight, here’s what I’ve learned:

Gray and White Hair

In The Limelight takes extraordinarily well to gray or white hair! If you have naturally white or gray hair, you won’t need to bleach, and the color will appear incredibly vibrant. In fact, gray hair often holds fantasy colors better than bleached hair because it hasn’t been damaged by lightening processes.

Sensitive Scalps

If you have a sensitive scalp, the good news is that Strawberry Leopard’s formula is gentler than many dyes. It doesn’t contain peroxide, ammonia, or developers that typically cause irritation. However, as with any product, it’s still smart to do a patch test 48 hours before full application.

I have a somewhat sensitive scalp that usually tingles uncomfortably with permanent dyes, but I experienced no irritation with In The Limelight.

Damaged Hair

For those with damaged hair, the conditioning properties of In The Limelight are particularly beneficial. The formula can actually help improve the appearance and feel of damaged hair while depositing color.

That said, if your hair is extremely damaged from bleaching, I’d recommend focusing on repair treatments for a few weeks before applying any color, even a conditioning one.

The Social Impact: Living Life In The Limelight

Something I wasn’t fully prepared for was how having such a vibrant hair color would affect my daily interactions. Having lime green hair definitely puts you “in the limelight” in more ways than one!

Positive Reactions

The vast majority of reactions I received were overwhelmingly positive. Complete strangers would compliment my hair, ask questions about the color, or simply smile when they saw me. Children, in particular, seemed fascinated by my “mermaid hair” or “superhero hair,” as many called it.

Professional Considerations

I’m fortunate to work in a creative field where unusual hair colors are accepted, but this is something to consider based on your workplace. Some professionals opt for clip-in colored extensions or just color the underlayers of their hair so they can hide the color when needed.

Identity Expression

Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of my In The Limelight experience was how it became a form of self-expression. The color somehow felt aligned with my personality in a way my natural color never did—bright, a bit unconventional, and not afraid to stand out.

Is In The Limelight Right for You? Final Thoughts

After several months of living with (and loving) my Strawberry Leopard In The Limelight hair, here’s my honest assessment of who this color is best suited for:

This color might be perfect for you if:

• You want a truly vibrant, attention-grabbing hair color
• You’re willing to do the necessary preparation (bleaching for most hair types)
• You enjoy receiving compliments and don’t mind being noticed
• You’re ready to adjust your hair care routine to maintain the color
• You appreciate a product that conditions while it colors

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You prefer subtle, natural-looking hair colors
• You wash your hair daily and aren’t willing to change that habit
• You use heat styling tools frequently and don’t want to reduce usage
• You’re looking for a truly permanent color solution (all fantasy colors require maintenance)
• You have very dark hair and don’t want to bleach

Where to Find Strawberry Leopard In The Limelight

If I’ve convinced you to try In The Limelight for yourself, you can find it at several retailers. When I purchased mine, it was available at Sally Beauty Supply both in-store and online. It’s also sometimes available through the Strawberry Leopard website directly and through some online beauty supply retailers.

The price point is comparable to other premium fantasy hair color brands—around $12-15 for a jar that, depending on your hair length, can provide 1-3 applications.

Conclusion: Embracing the Bold and Beautiful

My journey with Strawberry Leopard In The Limelight has been transformative in ways I never expected. What started as a simple desire to try a fun hair color became an exploration of self-expression, creativity, and even confidence.

There’s something incredibly liberating about wearing a color like lime green on your head. It’s an unmistakable choice—one that says you’re not afraid to stand out and express yourself. For me, it became a conversation starter, a mood booster, and a form of art I carried with me everywhere.

If you’ve been hesitating to try a bold color like In The Limelight, I hope my experience encourages you to take the plunge. Yes, it requires some preparation and maintenance, but the joy of catching a glimpse of vibrant green hair in the mirror each morning has been worth every minute spent on upkeep.

Remember that hair grows back, colors fade, but the memories of how you felt with vibrant, beautiful hair can last forever. Whether In The Limelight becomes your signature shade or just a temporary adventure, I hope you enjoy the process as much as I have.