There's a universal desire for transformation, and a dramatic change in hair color is a classic way to achieve it. The "cherry cola" hair trend, a modern twist on a beloved retro look, is rapidly gaining popularity.
Like all good things, Cherry Cola hair is torn straight out of the 90s beauty playbook. Cherry cola hair is a dimensional hue blending classic brunette tones with pops of vibrant red or burgundy undertones, creating a fiery shade that’s both bold and wearable. It’s on the darker end of the copper hair spectrum. This particular shade is also extremely versatile, suiting all skin tones. This rich, deep tone makes it feel more approachable than a vivid crimson or fiery copper.
If 2023 was a great year for blondes, then 2024 is shaping up to be a big one for redheads. Coming hot off the red carpet, cherry cola hair is the next big colour to have on your radar. You’ll likely have noticed the shade popping up a lot more frequently over the last month or so, with multiple celebrities taking to the red carpet, film premieres and Fashion Week wearing cherry cola hair. Last year, copper hair was the hair color trend dominating everybody’s social media feeds. This year, we’re seeing a slightly sultrier red take over: cherry cola hair.
Dua Lipa knows this well. From her Future Nostalgia blonde stripes to an auburn gear shift to launch Houdini, the musician has no fear when it comes to a beauty transformation. ‘Dua Lipa launched the trend, wearing the cherry cola on a red, magenta side, rather than purple,’ confirms Domenico. The latest adopter of the trend is Lady Gaga, who recently took to the red carpet for Joker: Folie à Deux. Aside from Dua Lipa, Belgian model Louise Robert and fashion influencer Courtney Trop are some of our favourite examples of Cherry Cola hair.
Red has long been a popular colour when it comes to dyeing our hair - so what makes cherry cola red stand out from the crowd? Deep, rich, and sultry, what sets Cherry Cola apart from other ginger shades is its violet base. ‘It’s different from shades of red that have an orange or yellow base, which are more common,’ says Domenico.
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The beauty of cherry cola hair is its versatility-it truly can work for anyone. It's especially great for natural brunettes who find lighter copper tints are too harsh and wash them out. It enhances natural depth while adding an unexpected pop of color, making it a great entry point for those looking to experiment with red.
That said, tailoring the shade to complement your skin tone will ensure the most flattering result. If you have warm undertones, opt for a warmer cherry cola red hair color to bring out your skin’s natural warmth. Cooler skin tones, on the other hand, will find that more burgundy-leaning shades pair best with their complexions.
Achieving a cherry cola hair color at home is totally doable with the right products and technique. Unlike many red hair colors, cherry cola hair doesn’t necessarily require bleaching your strands (a major plus for those looking to minimize damage). Because it’s designed to be darker, cherry cola hair dyes are often formulated to show up well on deeper bases. However, if your hair is particularly dark or you want a more vibrant red payoff, pre-lightening may be necessary. If you do have to bleach your hair and are willing to DIY it, you’ll want to take care to avoid damaging your strands.
Next comes the fun part: choosing your shade.
When you’re ready to dye your hair, don an old T-shirt (one you don’t mind staining) and divide your hair into four or more equal sections. Then, begin applying the dye as outlined in the product’s instructions, working section by section to ensure each strand is fully saturated. When your head is completely covered, set a timer. Different dyes have different processing times, so refer to the instructions for a clear guideline on how long to wait.
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Editor’s tip: If you’re wary of staining your skin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your hairline before brushing on your dye.
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water until it runs clear. Then, condition your mane to help lock in moisture. Most at-home dyes include a conditioning treatment designed for use post-coloring, but if yours doesn’t, you can use any color-safe conditioner to help replenish your strands.
‘Once you have this vibrant colour, you’re going to want to make sure it’s properly taken care of,’ highlights Domenico.
Here are some tips for keeping your cherry cola hair looking its best:
As always, bring plenty of image references if you’re getting a new shade or style at your local hair salon. As this is a developing trend, it still has a lot of flexibility when it comes to execution. This, Domenico tells us, makes it adaptable for anyone who wants to give it a go. ‘Calibrating the red and the purple, you can create lots of different shades that are suitable for any skin tone,’ he says. You’ll want to ask your stylist for a deep shade of red, verging on brown. If you’re struggling to describe the colour, bring in reference photos for your stylist.
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