If you’ve scrolled through your social feeds lately, you’ve probably noticed the sultry, deep red‑brown shade making waves—cherry cola hair. It blends warm cherry undertones with a rich brunette base, offering the drama of red without heading full copper. The best part? You can absolutely do it at home with the right prep, formula, and aftercare. In this guide, we’ll break down what cherry cola hair really means, how to DIY it based on your starting color, and how to keep it vibrant without fading into “meh.” Ready to sip the shade?
🍒 So... What Is Cherry Cola Hair and Why Is It Trending?

Cherry cola has become that hue, praised for its perfect balance: bold yet wearable. It’s a darker, deeper red-brown with cool undertones (sometimes with plum or burgundy hints) that gives dimension and richness without the
brashness of bright red.
Celebs like Dua Lipa have recently dipped into it, pushing cherry cola into the spotlight. And with Y2K and rich hues trending again on TikTok, cherry cola is riding the glam-red revival wave.
Because it sits between red and brown, it flatters many skin tones—cooler undertones might lean more plum-cherry, warmer skins might see glowing auburn cherry notes.
📌 Cherry Cola Color Basics and Considerations
First things first: cherry cola isn’t a one-size-fits-all red. It’s a blend of red + brunette, often with plum, burgundy, or chocolate depth.
Your starting base is key. If your hair is dark brown or black, you’ll need gentle lift (bleach or lightener) or a pigment-deposit technique. But for many brunettes, cherry cola can layer right over your base with subtle change and depth.
Also consider your porosity and hair health—dry or porous hair will take pigment faster (risk of too-bright patches). Start gradually.
💃 Step-by-Step: How to Get Cherry Cola Hair at Home
Pick Your Cherry Cola Vibe:



Formula & Products:
- For a gentler approach, use a semi-permanent color-depositing mask in a red-brown or burgundy tone.
Prep:
- Pre-lighten (if needed): You’ll want to pre-lighten the areas you want to brighten, especially around the face, crown, and ends. You can achieve this through foil highlights or a balayage technique. However, if you’re not confident in doing this at home, we highly recommend seeking professional help from a salon.
- Clarify your hair to remove buildup.
- Assess previous color or damage (do a strand test).
Application & Timing:
- Section hair. Apply color where light hits (top + mid-lengths) first, ends last.
- Leave on 15–30 minutes (or according to the instructions) for full deposit.
- Rinse with cool water until water runs clear.
Aftercare:
- Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo.
- Add a gloss to lock in vibrancy.
- Avoid hot tools & UV exposure for the first few days.
❤️ Maintaining Cherry Cola Color
Because cherry cola has red tones, it’s prone to faster fading. Here’s how to stretch it:
- Wash less often, and always use cool water.
- Use color-depositing conditioners/masks in cherry or burgundy once a week to refresh tone.
- Use heat protectants and UV protection sprays to defend your hue.
- Gloss treatments or shine serums help keep that glassy, soda-like finish.
🆘 Troubleshooting & Alternatives
- If your color comes out too bright or red, tone it down with a brown gloss or pigmented mask.
- On dark hair, you can try a more subtle cherry glow (highlights or gloss) instead of full color.
- If it turns too purple or intense, wash with a clarifying shampoo once or twice to fade.
- When in doubt or if your hair is heavily processed, consulting a pro is safer.
📍 Quick Takeaways
- Cherry cola hair blends rich red and brunette for a wearable but bold red-brown.
- It’s trending in 2025 partly due to its depth and versatility.
- Your starting hair color affects how dramatic the outcome will be.
- Use color-depositing masks, glosses, and cool care to maintain vibrancy.
- Always do a strand test, protect from heat/UV, and refresh with pigmented conditioners.
Cherry cola hair is that perfect sweet spot: bold red energy grounded in dark, wearable base tones. At-home results are absolutely possible—with patience, the right formula, and dedication to care. Whether you're dipping a toe into red or ready for full-on color change, this trend gives you juice without the extreme. Try it, tweak what works for you, and don’t forget to seal in shine with gloss or serums. Ready to pour cherry cola into your strands? Check out our color-depositing masks and glosses to match your vibe.
❓ FAQs
-
Is cherry cola hair suitable for dark brown hair?
Yes—many colorists suggest layering a red-brown gloss or low-light instead of full lift. -
How long will cherry cola color last?
With semi-permanent dyes and good aftercare, expect 2–4 weeks of vibrant tone before fading. However, longevity depends on several factors. -
Can I use a depositing mask instead of full dye?
Absolutely. Cherry cola masks are gentler and allow you to build intensity gradually. -
Will this color fade quickly?
Red tones fade faster than natural browns. Use color-safe products, cold rinses, and UV protection to help extend it. -
Can I go back to brunette easily if I change my mind?
Yes, but it may require color removal or correction depending on the state of your hair. Always start with a less intense deposit and build slowly.
✂️ Join the Party
Tried cherry cola or thinking about it? Drop a comment or tag us @xmondohair @xmondocolor with your photos—let’s see your cherry glow!