Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple

From Curious to Confident: Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Purple Plunge

Let me start by saying I never thought I’d be the purple-haired person giving advice to others. Yet here I am, three years into my colorful hair journey, absolutely obsessed with sharing what I’ve learned about one of my all-time favorite shades: Strawberry Leopard’s Prismatic Purple.

When I first decided to venture beyond my natural brown hair, I was overwhelmed with questions. How vibrant would it be? Would it damage my hair? Would I look like I was trying too hard to recapture my youth? (Spoiler alert: purple hair has no age limit!)

Today, I’m walking you through everything you need to know about Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple Conditioning Hair Color – from application to maintenance, and all the magical purple moments in between.

What Exactly Is Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple?

Strawberry Leopard’s Prismatic Purple is more than just another semi-permanent hair color. It’s a conditioning treatment infused with vibrant purple pigments that actually improves your hair while coloring it. The first time I used it, I was genuinely surprised at how soft my hair felt afterward – not the straw-like texture I’d experienced with other brands.

This particular shade sits in a sweet spot between electric and pastel. Prismatic Purple has a rich, multidimensional quality that catches light beautifully. It’s not the kind of flat purple you might expect from cheaper dyes. Instead, it has depth and character, featuring cool undertones with subtle blue hints that give it that magical, almost galaxy-like appearance.

What sets Strawberry Leopard apart from many competitors is their commitment to hair health. While many vibrant colors can leave your hair feeling compromised, Prismatic Purple’s formula includes nourishing ingredients that actually condition while coloring.

Vibrant or Pastel: What Intensity Should You Expect?

One of the most common questions I receive about Prismatic Purple is about its intensity. Is it a vibrant, in-your-face purple, or something more subtle?

The answer depends largely on your starting canvas. On pre-lightened platinum or very light blonde hair, Prismatic Purple delivers a vivid, electric purple that’s unmistakable – think midnight sky with northern lights dancing through it. It’s bold without being garish, making a statement without screaming.

On darker blonde bases, it takes on a more jewel-toned quality – still vibrant but with more depth. And if you apply it to light brown hair without bleaching? You’ll get a beautiful subtle tint that catches the light when you’re outdoors.

The beauty of Prismatic Purple lies in its versatility. I’ve applied it at full strength for maximum impact and diluted it with conditioner for a more pastel effect. Either way, the color remains true to its cool-toned purple nature.

Understanding the Undertones: Cool, Warm, or Neutral?

Prismatic Purple leans decidedly cool in its undertones. This is excellent news if you have naturally cool-toned skin (like me!) or if you’re looking to counterbalance warmth in previously dyed hair.

The blue undertones in this purple give it that royal, almost mystical quality that photographs beautifully and works well with a variety of skin tones. Unlike some purples that can pull pink or red (which might emphasize redness in your skin), Prismatic Purple maintains its bluish-purple integrity throughout its wear time.

This cool-toned nature makes it particularly flattering for people with fair to medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. If you have very warm or olive-toned skin, you might find that it creates an interesting contrast that can be quite striking.

The Big Question: To Bleach or Not to Bleach?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: do you need to bleach your hair to use Prismatic Purple effectively?

The technical answer is no – you can apply Prismatic Purple to unbleached hair. However, the practical answer depends on your goals and your natural hair color.

If you have naturally light blonde hair, you can absolutely skip the bleaching step and apply Prismatic Purple directly. You’ll get beautiful, vibrant results.

For those with medium blonde to light brown hair, you can still use Prismatic Purple without bleaching, but the result will be more of a subtle tint rather than a true purple transformation. Think of it as adding dimension and a cool-toned shift to your natural color.

If your hair is medium brown or darker, I have to be honest – you’ll see very minimal results without pre-lightening. The purple might be visible in direct sunlight, but otherwise, it will be our little secret.

For the full, vibrant, Instagram-worthy Prismatic Purple experience, pre-lightening to at least a level 8-9 blonde is recommended. This doesn’t necessarily mean bleaching your entire head to platinum – even lifting to a golden blonde will give you noticeable results, just with a deeper, more subdued final color.

My personal experience? I started with medium brown hair and did a single round of bleaching to a level 8 before applying Prismatic Purple. The result was a beautiful jewel-toned purple that wasn’t quite as electric as on platinum hair but had a gorgeous depth I actually preferred.

Longevity: How Long Will Your Purple Reign Last?

Semi-permanent colors like Prismatic Purple typically have a shorter lifespan than permanent dyes, but Strawberry Leopard has impressed me with its staying power.

On pre-lightened hair with proper care (cold water washes, color-safe shampoo used sparingly, etc.), you can expect Prismatic Purple to maintain its vibrancy for about 15-25 washes. That typically translates to 4-6 weeks for most people.

What I particularly appreciate about Prismatic Purple is how it fades. Unlike some purple dyes that quickly shift to a sad, washed-out blue or pink, Prismatic Purple tends to fade through lighter and lighter versions of itself, maintaining its purple identity throughout the process.

By week 4, you’ll likely notice significant fading, but the color will still read as a soft lavender rather than an unidentifiable muddy shade. This graceful fade-out makes touch-ups less urgent and gives you more flexibility with your maintenance schedule.

Application Tips for Perfect Prismatic Purple Results

After multiple rounds of DIY coloring, I’ve developed a foolproof application method for Prismatic Purple that maximizes vibrancy and longevity:

1. Prep properly: Start with clean, dry hair. I recommend washing with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before coloring to remove any product buildup that might interfere with color absorption.
2. Protect your surroundings: Prismatic Purple will stain everything it touches. Wear gloves, use petroleum jelly around your hairline, and protect your clothing with an old towel or cape.
3. Section strategically: Divide your hair into 4-6 sections and work methodically. I use plastic clips to keep sections separated.
4. Apply generously: Prismatic Purple should be applied liberally. I use significantly more product than I initially thought necessary – this ensures even coverage and maximum vibrancy.
5. Focus on saturation: Work the color through each section with your fingers or a color brush, ensuring every strand is fully saturated. Pay special attention to the ends, which tend to be more porous and may need extra product.
6. Heat helps: After applying, I cover my hair with a shower cap and apply heat with a blow dryer for 5-10 minutes. This opens the hair cuticle and allows for deeper penetration of the color.
7. Patience pays off: While the instructions suggest 30 minutes of processing time, I’ve found that leaving Prismatic Purple on for 45-60 minutes (especially on resistant hair) yields more vibrant, longer-lasting results.
8. Rinse correctly: When it’s time to rinse, use cool water and avoid shampoo. Simply rinse until the water runs (mostly) clear, then follow with a color-safe conditioner.

The application process is surprisingly mess-free compared to other brands I’ve tried. The thick, conditioning formula adheres well to the hair without excessive dripping, making it ideal for at-home application even for beginners.

Ethics Check: Is Prismatic Purple Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

For those of us who prioritize ethical beauty products, I’m happy to report that Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple is both vegan and cruelty-free. The brand doesn’t test on animals and doesn’t use animal-derived ingredients in their formulations.

This commitment to ethical practices extends to their ingredients list, which excludes harsh chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and PPD that are commonly found in permanent hair dyes.

Creative Color Mixing: Can You Blend It With Other Shades?

One of my favorite aspects of Strawberry Leopard colors is their mixability. Prismatic Purple plays well with other shades in the line, allowing for endless customization possibilities.

Some of my favorite combinations include:

• Prismatic Purple + Blue Raspberry for a cosmic blue-purple that reminds me of nebulae
• Prismatic Purple + Fuchsia Shock for a vibrant magenta-leaning purple
• Prismatic Purple + a bit of Strawberry Melt for a more berry-toned result

You can also adjust the intensity by mixing Prismatic Purple with the brand’s clear mixer or plain white conditioner. I’ve created beautiful lavender shades by mixing one part Prismatic Purple with two parts conditioner.

The color blends seamlessly without streaking or creating uneven patches, making it perfect for creating ombré effects or custom shades that perfectly complement your style.

Comparing Purple Options: How Does Prismatic Purple Stack Up?

Strawberry Leopard actually offers several purple options, and I’ve tried them all (yes, I’m that dedicated to purple hair research!).

Prismatic Purple sits between Velvet Violet and Midnight Plum in the purple spectrum. While Velvet Violet leans more red-purple (more of a traditional “grape” shade), and Midnight Plum has stronger blue undertones for an almost indigo effect, Prismatic Purple offers that perfect middle ground – a true purple with balanced undertones.

If you’re torn between the purple options, here’s my quick comparison:

• Choose Prismatic Purple if you want a vibrant, true purple that’s unmistakably purple
• Go with Velvet Violet if you prefer a warmer, more red-leaning purple that complements warm skin tones
• Select Midnight Plum if you’re after a deeper, more mysterious purple-blue that borders on indigo

Personally, I find Prismatic Purple to be the most versatile and universally flattering of the three options. It’s also the most recognizable as “purple” in various lighting conditions.

Maintenance Matters: Keeping Your Purple Perfect

Vibrant colors require dedicated maintenance, but I’ve developed a routine that keeps Prismatic Purple looking fresh with minimal effort:

1. Wash less frequently: The single biggest factor in color longevity is how often you shampoo. I stretch my washes to every 3-4 days and use dry shampoo in between.
2. Cold water only: Heat opens the hair cuticle and allows color to escape. I rinse exclusively with cold water, which might be uncomfortable at first but becomes easier with practice.
3. Color-safe products are essential: Invest in sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for vibrant colors. I alternate between color-depositing purple shampoo and regular color-safe formulas.
4. Weekly color-boosting treatments: Once a week, I mix a small amount of Prismatic Purple with my deep conditioner for a subtle color refresh during my regular hair care routine.
5. Heat protection always: When heat styling is necessary, I use a color-safe heat protectant and keep tools on lower temperature settings.
6. UV protection: The sun can fade vibrant colors quickly. I use hair products with UV protection and wear hats for extended outdoor activities.
7. Regular touch-ups: I refresh my color completely every 4-6 weeks, focusing on the roots and adding a fresh layer to the lengths to revive any faded areas.

This maintenance routine adds maybe 10 extra minutes to my weekly hair care regimen but extends the life of my color by weeks.

The Messy Truth: Staining and Practical Considerations

Let’s be honest about potential drawbacks. Prismatic Purple, like most vibrant colors, can and will stain certain surfaces. Here’s what you should know:

The good news: Compared to some brands I’ve tried, Prismatic Purple causes minimal skin staining during application. The little that does occur usually washes away completely within 1-2 days.

The challenge: It will temporarily stain your shower during the first few washes. I recommend rinsing with cold water and immediately wiping down shower surfaces after washing your hair for the first week.

Light-colored pillowcases might show slight purple tinting if you go to bed with damp hair. I solved this by using dark pillowcases or wearing a satin bonnet to bed for the first week after coloring.

One unexpected benefit: Unlike some other brands, Prismatic Purple doesn’t seem to transfer much to clothing once it’s properly rinsed and dried. I’ve worn white shirts without incident after the initial post-dye showers.

Silver Foxes: Using Prismatic Purple on Gray or White Hair

Here’s a fantastic aspect of Prismatic Purple that doesn’t get enough attention: it works beautifully on gray and white hair! In fact, pre-lightened gray hair is the perfect canvas for vibrant colors.

Naturally gray or white hair lacks the warm pigments that can interfere with cool-toned purples, allowing Prismatic Purple to express its true color without competing undertones. The result can be spectacularly vibrant.

I’ve helped my mother, who has naturally silver hair, experiment with Prismatic Purple. We diluted it with conditioner for a subtle lavender effect that accentuated her natural silver beautifully. The compliments were endless, and it gave her a fun way to play with her gray rather than covering it up.

If you’re embracing your gray but want to add some playfulness, Prismatic Purple can be applied at full strength for a vibrant transformation or diluted for a subtle tint that enhances rather than conceals your natural silver.

Sensitive Scalp Concerns: Is Prismatic Purple Gentle Enough?

As someone with a historically sensitive scalp who has reacted badly to many hair products, I approached Prismatic Purple with caution. I’m happy to report that it’s one of the gentlest color products I’ve used.

The absence of harsh chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and PPD makes it significantly less irritating than permanent colors. The conditioning base actually feels soothing rather than irritating during application.

I’ve experienced no burning, tingling, or itching during the application process or afterward. The only sensation is a pleasant cooling effect from the conditioning ingredients.

If you have extreme sensitivity, I still recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before full application, but in my experience and based on feedback from friends with sensitive skin, Prismatic Purple is remarkably gentle.

The Conditioning Effect: Hair Health While Coloring

One of the most surprising aspects of Prismatic Purple is how it affects hair texture. Unlike traditional dyes that often leave hair feeling dry and brittle, this conditioning color actually improves hair feel during the coloring process.

The first time I used it, I was prepared to follow with an intensive repair mask as I usually did with other brands. To my surprise, my hair felt silkier after rinsing out the color than it had before application.

The formula contains conditioning agents that penetrate the hair shaft along with the color molecules, delivering hydration where it’s needed most. For those with damaged or dry hair from previous bleaching, this conditioning effect is particularly beneficial.

Over multiple uses, I’ve noticed cumulative benefits – my hair seems healthier and more manageable than it was before I started using Strawberry Leopard products, despite the fact that I’m still coloring it regularly.

Where to Find Your Purple Fix: Purchasing Options

Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple can be purchased from several retailers, with the most consistent availability at Ulta Beauty (both in-store and online). The brand has expanded its distribution in recent years, making it more accessible than when I first discovered it.

Sally Beauty Supply sometimes carries the line, though selection can vary by location. The official Strawberry Leopard website also sells directly to consumers and occasionally offers bundle deals that aren’t available through other retailers.

Price-wise, Prismatic Purple typically retails for $10-12 per jar, which contains 6.7 oz of product. For reference, I have shoulder-length, medium-thickness hair, and one jar provides me with two full applications.

Compared to other premium semi-permanent colors like Arctic Fox, Manic Panic, or Overtone, Strawberry Leopard falls into a similar price range while often delivering more product per dollar.

DIY Confidence: Tutorials and Resources

If you’re new to at-home coloring, the prospect of going purple might seem intimidating. Fortunately, there are excellent resources available to guide you through the process.

Strawberry Leopard has an official YouTube channel with detailed tutorials for application techniques, including specific videos for Prismatic Purple. These walk you through the process step-by-step and offer helpful tips for achieving the best results.

The brand’s Instagram page (@strawberryleopard) features user-generated content showing real-world results on different hair types and starting colors. This can be invaluable for setting realistic expectations based on your starting point.

I also recommend searching “Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple” on TikTok for quick demonstration videos from users with various hair textures and colors. The before-and-after transformations can be particularly helpful in understanding what results you might achieve.

Brand Comparison: How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?

Having tried nearly every purple hair color on the market (seriously, my bathroom cabinet is a testament to my purple obsession), I can offer some comparative insights:

Compared to Arctic Fox’s Purple Rain: Prismatic Purple is slightly less blue-toned and has a more conditioning formula. Arctic Fox tends to last a bit longer in my experience, but Prismatic Purple fades more gracefully.

Versus Manic Panic’s Ultra Violet: Prismatic Purple has significantly better staying power and a more modern, multidimensional finish. Manic Panic tends to fade more quickly and sometimes develops a pinkish tone as it washes out.

Against Overtone’s Purple for Brown Hair: Prismatic Purple delivers more vibrant results on pre-lightened hair, while Overtone’s specialized formula for brown hair might give slightly better results on unbleached dark hair. However, Prismatic Purple is more versatile for mixing and customization.

Compared to Good Dye Young’s PPL Eater: Both deliver excellent vibrancy, but Prismatic Purple has a more conditioning formula that leaves hair feeling healthier after application.

Creative Color Layering: Building Dimension with Prismatic Purple

One of my favorite advanced techniques is using Prismatic Purple as part of a multi-dimensional color story. The results can be stunning and give your color incredible depth.

Try these creative approaches:

• Apply Prismatic Purple over faded blue for a cosmic, galaxy-like effect
• Layer it over faded pink for a cotton candy gradient
• Use it as the midpoint in a blue-to-pink ombré for a stunning sunset effect
• Apply it to pre-bleached hair that has a slight yellow tint for a deeper, more intense purple (the yellow undertone creates natural dimension)

I’ve found that Prismatic Purple works exceptionally well as a “second layer” color. For example, after my initial Prismatic Purple application had faded to a soft lavender, I applied Blue Raspberry to my roots and a small amount of Fuchsia Shock to my ends, then filled in the mid-lengths with fresh Prismatic Purple. The result was a stunning multidimensional color that looked like it had been done at a high-end salon.

The Final Verdict: Is Prismatic Purple Worth It?

After three years of purple hair experimentation and countless bottles of various brands, I can confidently say that Strawberry Leopard Prismatic Purple stands as one of the best semi-permanent purple hair colors on the market.

Its combination of vibrant pigmentation, conditioning formula, graceful fading, and reasonable price point makes it an excellent choice for both first-timers and color veterans.

The cool-toned, true purple shade is universally flattering and remarkably versatile. Whether you want an electric statement color or a subtle lavender tint, Prismatic Purple can be adapted to suit your preferences.

What truly sets it apart, in my experience, is how it manages to deliver salon-quality results without the salon damage or price tag. My hair actually feels healthier since I switched to Strawberry Leopard, despite maintaining a vibrant purple that turns heads everywhere I go.

If you’ve been considering taking the purple plunge, Prismatic Purple offers the perfect balance of bold color payoff and gentle formulation. Your hair – and everyone who sees it – will thank you.

And remember, at the end of the day, it’s just hair color. It washes out eventually, and the temporary nature of semi-permanent color means you can always try something new if purple isn’t your forever shade. But fair warning: once you go purple with Prismatic Purple, you might find yourself, like me, permanently committed to life on the violet spectrum!