Strawberry Leopard Orange Punch

Diving into the Citrus-Inspired Hair Revolution That’s Taking Over Social Media

As someone who’s experimented with nearly every hair color under the sun, I’ve developed a sixth sense for identifying truly exceptional products in the vast sea of hair dye options. When I first discovered Strawberry Leopard’s Orange Punch Conditioning Hair Color, I knew immediately that this wasn’t just another temporary color—it was a game-changer. After three months of testing, countless compliments from strangers, and documenting the entire journey, I’m finally ready to share my comprehensive guide to this vibrant orange shade that has completely transformed my relationship with bold hair colors.

In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this conditioning color that’s been taking over my Instagram feed (and now my own head). From application techniques to longevity expectations, maintenance routines to color theory—this guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to achieve that perfect citrus-inspired transformation you’ve been dreaming about.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Orange Punch Conditioning Hair Color?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish what makes this product unique in the saturated market of semi-permanent hair colors. Strawberry Leopard is a relatively newer brand that has quickly gained cult status among color enthusiasts for their conditioning formula that deposits vibrant pigment while simultaneously nourishing your hair.

Orange Punch is one of their standout shades—a warm, vibrant orange with subtle red undertones that creates a stunning sunset effect on the hair. Unlike many competing brands that leave your hair feeling like straw, Strawberry Leopard’s formula contains conditioning agents that work to improve your hair’s texture and shine while the color does its magic.

The product comes in a generously sized tub, with a consistency that’s thicker than many liquid dyes but still easy to work with. The scent is pleasant—a subtle fruity fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm your senses during application. Each application contains enough product for shoulder-length hair, though those with longer or thicker hair might need two tubs for complete coverage.

The Shade Breakdown: What “Orange Punch” Actually Looks Like

Let’s talk color theory for a moment. When I first considered Orange Punch, my biggest question was: just how orange is “orange”? Is this a subtle, wearable shade, or am I signing up for something that will make me visible from space?

After applying it to my own hair and seeing it on various friends with different base colors, I can definitively say that Orange Punch is a vibrant, true orange with a punch (hence the name). This isn’t a pastel or muted shade—it’s bold, bright, and unapologetically orange. However, it’s not quite neon either. The best description I can give is that it resembles a perfect summer sunset or a ripe, juicy orange—vibrant and rich without veering into artificial territory.

As for undertones, Orange Punch leans warm with subtle red undertones that give it depth and dimension. This warmth makes it particularly flattering on those with warmer skin tones, though I’ve seen it look absolutely stunning on cooler complexions as well, creating a beautiful contrast.

The Bleaching Question: Is It Necessary?

This is perhaps the most common question I received when I posted my Orange Punch transformation online: “Did you have to bleach your hair first?”

The short answer: it depends on your starting point. If you want that vibrant, true-to-marketing-photo result, then yes, bleaching is necessary for most hair types. I’ll break down what to expect based on different starting points:

On Pre-Lightened Hair (Levels 9-10)

This is where Orange Punch truly shines—literally. On platinum or very light blonde hair, this color achieves its most vibrant, eye-catching state. The color deposits evenly and creates that perfect sunset orange that looks almost illuminated from within.

On Medium Blonde Hair (Levels 7-8)

You’ll still get a beautiful result, though slightly deeper and less vibrant than on platinum. The color appears more as a rich, burnished copper-orange rather than a bright citrus shade.

On Light Brown Hair (Levels 5-6)

On light brown hair without bleaching, Orange Punch creates a subtle orange-red tint that’s visible in sunlight but much more subdued. It’s a lovely effect if you’re looking for a hint of warmth rather than a dramatic change.

On Dark Brown or Black Hair (Levels 1-4)

Without bleaching, the effect will be minimal to non-existent. You might catch a very slight reddish reflection in bright sunlight, but the color simply cannot penetrate dark pigments enough to create a noticeable change.

From my personal experience starting with level 8 hair, I decided to do a light bleach bath to lift to level 9 before applying Orange Punch, and I’m glad I did. The difference in vibrancy was significant, and it allowed the true character of the color to shine through.

Application Guide: How to Get the Most Vivid Results

After three applications of Orange Punch (yes, I fell in love and kept going back for more), I’ve perfected my technique for achieving the most vibrant, long-lasting results. Here’s my step-by-step guide:

Preparation Is Key

1. Start with clean, dry hair. I recommend washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before application to remove any product buildup that might prevent even color deposit.
2. Don’t condition before coloring—slightly porous hair will actually grab the color better.
3. Section your hair thoroughly. I divide mine into six sections: top, crown, back, and both sides.
4. Protect your hairline with petroleum jelly to prevent staining.
5. Wear gloves and an old shirt—this color is vibrant and can stain fabrics.

The Application Process

1. Starting with the bottom sections, apply the color liberally from roots to ends. The formula is thick enough not to drip but still spreads easily.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the color evenly once a section is saturated.
3. Make sure to really work the product into your hair. Unlike some dyes where you just coat the surface, this conditioning formula benefits from being massaged into the hair strand.
4. Once your entire head is covered, I recommend using a shower cap to trap heat, which enhances color penetration.

Processing Time Variations

This is where you can customize your result:

• For maximum vibrancy: Leave on for 45-60 minutes.
• For a slightly more subtle result: 30 minutes is sufficient.
• For a tinted glaze effect: 15-20 minutes will give you a hint of color.

I personally found my sweet spot at 45 minutes, which gave me that perfect punchy orange without pushing my hair’s tolerance for processing.

The Rinse Process

The rinse process is just as important as the application:

1. Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear. This can take some time, so be patient.
2. Avoid shampooing for at least 48 hours after application to allow the color to fully set.
3. When you do shampoo, use only cool or lukewarm water—hot water is the enemy of vibrant color.

First-Week Care

How you treat your hair in the first week after coloring significantly impacts longevity:

1. Use only color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo.
2. Minimize washing—I stretch to every 3-4 days if possible.
3. When you do wash, follow with a color-depositing conditioner in a similar shade to refresh the tone.

Longevity: How Long Will Orange Punch Last?

Based on my experience and feedback from friends who’ve used the same product, Orange Punch typically lasts 4-6 weeks before significant fading occurs. However, several factors affect longevity:

Hair Porosity

More porous hair (often the case with heavily processed or damaged hair) will initially absorb color more readily but will also release it faster. My ends, which are more porous from previous lightening, faded about a week faster than my roots.

Washing Frequency

This is perhaps the biggest factor in color longevity. When I limited washing to twice a week using cold water and sulfate-free shampoo, I was able to extend the vibrant phase to nearly 7 weeks.

Sun Exposure

UV rays are notorious color-faders. During my beach vacation (week 3 of having Orange Punch), I noticed accelerated fading despite wearing hats. Consider UV-protective hair products if you spend significant time outdoors.

Heat Styling

Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers all accelerate color fade. When I committed to air-drying for two weeks, I noticed my color stayed truer longer.

The Fading Process: What to Expect

Unlike some semi-permanent colors that fade to unflattering tones, Orange Punch has a relatively pleasing fade pattern. Here’s what to expect week by week:

Weeks 1-2

The color remains vibrant and true to the initial application. You’ll experience some color rinse-off during the first few washes, but the overall appearance stays bright and dimensional.

Weeks 3-4

At this stage, the color begins to soften slightly, transitioning from that bold sunset orange to a slightly lighter, peachy-orange tone. Many of my friends actually preferred this slightly mellowed version.

Weeks 5-6

The color continues fading to a warm, golden peach with orange undertones. It’s still noticeable as an intentional color, just less intense.

Weeks 7-8

By this point, most of the orange has faded to a warm blonde on pre-lightened hair, with perhaps a hint of peachy tone remaining in more porous areas.

The consistent fade pattern is one of Orange Punch’s strongest selling points—you won’t experience that dreaded green or muddy phase that some colors transition through.

Mixing Potential: Creating Custom Shades

One of my favorite aspects of Strawberry Leopard’s Orange Punch is its mixability with other shades in their line. I’ve experimented with several combinations that yielded stunning results:

Orange Punch + Pink Lemonade (3:1 ratio)

This creates a gorgeous coral shade that’s slightly more subdued than pure Orange Punch but still has wonderful warmth and vibrancy.

Orange Punch + Feisty Fuchsia (4:1 ratio)

This tiny addition of fuchsia creates a deeper, more ruby-orange tone that’s particularly flattering for fall and winter.

Orange Punch + Deep Purple (2:1 ratio)

This surprising combination creates a beautiful burnt auburn tone that’s more wearable for professional environments while still having dimension and interest.

The consistency of the formula makes mixing easy—just use a small bowl and stir thoroughly until the colors are fully blended before application.

Maintenance: Keeping Orange Punch Vibrant

Maintaining a semi-permanent color like Orange Punch requires dedication, but the right routine can extend your color’s vibrancy significantly:

Color-Depositing Products

I found that using a copper or orange color-depositing conditioner once a week helped refresh my color between full applications. Strawberry Leopard doesn’t make their own yet, but there are several compatible options on the market.

Weekly Treatments

A weekly hair mask focused on color retention and hydration makes a noticeable difference. Look for masks with ingredients like:

• Keratin for strengthening
• Argan or jojoba oil for moisture
• UV filters for sun protection
• Acidic pH to help seal the cuticle

Cold Water Washing

I cannot stress enough how much difference water temperature makes. Training myself to wash exclusively with cold water extended my color by nearly two weeks compared to my previous habit of hot showers.

Dry Shampoo Strategy

Becoming friends with dry shampoo is essential for color preservation. I found that using a high-quality dry shampoo allowed me to extend the time between washes to 4-5 days without my hair looking greasy.

The Staining Question: What to Expect

Let’s address a practical concern: Orange Punch is indeed a staining formula, which is part of what makes it so vibrant and long-lasting in your hair. Here’s what you should know about managing potential stains:

On Skin

The color will temporarily stain skin, particularly around the hairline and ears. This typically fades within 1-3 days with normal cleansing. To prevent this:

• Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and nape before coloring
• Keep makeup remover wipes handy during application to quickly remove any drips

On Bathroom Surfaces

Porcelain and fiberglass can temporarily stain if color sits on them. I recommend:

• Applying the color away from valuable surfaces
• Immediately wiping up any spills
• Rinsing your shower/tub with cold water during the rinse-out process
• Following with a bathroom cleaner containing peroxide for any stubborn marks

On Clothing and Linens

This is where you need to be most careful. Orange Punch can permanently stain fabrics, particularly:

• Pillowcases during the first few days after coloring
• Shirt collars if your hair is wet
• Towels used for drying freshly colored hair

My solution has been to dedicate “color week” items—a specific dark towel, old pillowcases, and high-necked dark shirts for the first 3-4 days after coloring.

Safety Considerations: Sensitive Scalps and Damaged Hair

One of the reasons I initially tried Strawberry Leopard was after experiencing irritation with other vibrant color brands. Based on my experience and research:

For Sensitive Scalps

Orange Punch is relatively gentle compared to many permanent and even some semi-permanent dyes. The formula is free from:

• Ammonia
• Peroxide
• PPD (p-Phenylenediamine)

However, it does contain some synthetic dyes that could potentially cause irritation in very sensitive individuals. I recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before full application if you have known sensitivities.

For Damaged Hair

The conditioning properties in this formula actually make it suitable for damaged hair, with some caveats:

• Very porous, damaged hair may grab the color too intensely
• The color may fade faster on severely damaged sections
• While the formula conditions, it isn’t reparative enough to improve significantly damaged hair on its own

I found that doing a protein treatment one week before coloring and a deep moisture mask 3 days before created the optimal balance for my moderately damaged hair to accept the color evenly.

Compatibility with Gray and White Hair

For those with gray or white hair wondering how Orange Punch performs, I can offer insights based on my mother’s experiment with the product (yes, I convinced her to try a streak!):

• Gray/white hair takes Orange Punch exceptionally well, creating a vibrant, true-to-bottle result
• The color tends to be more intense on gray hair due to its porosity
• The fade on gray hair is typically faster (3-4 weeks before significant fading)
• A shorter processing time (30 minutes) is usually sufficient for vibrant results on white hair

For a more subtle effect on gray hair, diluting Orange Punch with conditioner in a 1:1 ratio creates a beautiful pastel orange that looks intentional and fashion-forward.

Comparison to Other Orange Shades: How Does It Stack Up?

Having tried numerous orange-toned dyes over the years, I can offer a comparative analysis of how Orange Punch measures against similar products:

Versus Arctic Fox Sunset Orange

• Orange Punch is slightly warmer with more red undertones
• Arctic Fox typically lasts 1-2 weeks longer in my experience
• Orange Punch has a more pleasant scent and better conditioning properties

Versus Manic Panic Psychedelic Sunset

• Orange Punch is more vibrant initially
• Manic Panic fades slightly faster but can be more affordable
• Orange Punch has a creamier consistency that’s easier to control during application

Versus Overtone Orange

• Orange Punch delivers more intense color deposit
• Overtone is more conditioning but less vibrant
• Orange Punch has better staying power on pre-lightened hair

Versus Good Dye Young Riot

• Orange Punch has more true orange tones (less yellow)
• Good Dye Young has similar longevity
• Orange Punch has a more pleasant fade pattern

Where to Find Strawberry Leopard Orange Punch

Strawberry Leopard has expanded its availability significantly in recent years. You can find Orange Punch at:

• Major beauty supply stores (both in physical locations and online)
• Several large retail chains in their beauty department
• Various online beauty retailers
• The brand’s official website

The price typically ranges from $13-18 depending on the retailer, which positions it in the mid-range for semi-permanent color products—neither the most affordable nor the most expensive option on the market.

Final Thoughts: Is Orange Punch Right for You?

After three months of living with (and loving) Orange Punch, here’s my honest assessment of who this color will work best for:

Orange Punch Is Perfect For You If:

• You want a vibrant, warm orange that makes a statement
• You’re willing to commit to color-safe hair care routines
• You have pre-lightened or naturally light blonde hair
• You enjoy colors that evolve beautifully as they fade
• You want a conditioning formula that won’t damage your hair

You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If:

• You want a subtle, natural-looking change
• You’re unwilling or unable to pre-lighten your hair
• You wash your hair daily with hot water
• You’re looking for a one-and-done application that lasts months
• You prefer cool-toned colors (in which case, check out their purple or blue options)

For me, Orange Punch has been a delightful addition to my hair color journey. The vibrancy, the conditioning formula, the beautiful fade pattern, and the compliments from strangers have made it well worth the maintenance routine. There’s something particularly confidence-boosting about sporting a perfect sunset orange that brightens not just my hair but my overall mood.

Whether you’re a seasoned color enthusiast or taking your first step into vibrant hues, Strawberry Leopard’s Orange Punch offers that rare combination of bold color payoff with hair-friendly formulation that makes the world of fantasy colors accessible to more people.

I hope this comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to know about this spectacular shade. If Orange Punch has been calling your name from the shelves, consider this your sign to take the plunge into the warm, vibrant world of sunset-colored hair!