Cherry Cola Is the Reddish Brown Hair Color That Looks Good on Everyone

Cherry cola hair has become just as delicious and irresistible as the sugary drink itself. This hair color trend strikes a beautiful balance between bold yet subtle, and has been seen recently on celebs including Mila Kunis, Dua Lipa, and Zendaya. 

We asked hair color experts for their thoughts on why this hair color is trending now, which hair colors this shade looks best on, and how to maintain the hue.

What Is Cherry Cola Hair? 

Cherry cola hair is a deep, luxurious color that combines dark brunette with subtle red and purple undertones, giving it a glossy, multi-dimensional look. “It’s similar to the color of dark cherry soda, with the richness of a brown base and a touch of red,” explains Korab. “The defining undertone of cherry cola hair is cool, plum-like purple, which adds depth and sophistication to the shade, making it both bold and refined.”

What sets cherry cola apart from other reds, like auburn or copper, is its darker, cooler tone. Auburn leans more towards a reddish-brown with warmer, golden undertones, while copper is a bright, fiery red-orange that’s more vivid and warm. “Cherry cola, with its purple-red undertones, creates a deeper, cooler vibe that’s still striking but more subdued compared to the brightness of traditional reds,” says Korab. “It’s a great option for those looking for a bold red without the intensity of bright shades or the warmth of classic red tones.”

Why Is Cherry Cola Hair Popular Right Now? 

According to Jennifer Korab, a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa, cherry cola hair is having a moment for a few reasons. “This shade offers a dramatic yet wearable look, making it appealing to both brunettes and those wanting a red hue without fully committing to bright red hair,” she explains. 

What makes cherry cola hair unique, compared to other red or brunette shades, is its mix of warmth and coolness. According to Korab, it gives the richness of a brunette base with a hint of red, but without the intensity or upkeep of traditional reds. “The purple undertones add depth and sophistication, making it more complex than typical red or brown shades,” she says. “Plus, it’s low-maintenance due to the darker roots, which fade into a deeper cherry or burgundy, allowing it to grow out with minimal upkeep.”

Which Hair Colors Look Best With Cherry Cola Hair?

According to Nikki Ferrara, a hair colorist and owner of Nikki Ferrara Hair Color in NYC, any natural color that is darker than a medium brown hair works best for this tone. “It will look more natural when the color fades,” she says. “I would not recommend these tones for a natural blonde because of the contrast.”

It’s important to note that cherry cola hair is definitely a bit of a commitment. Routine glosses would probably be great if you can visit the salon regularly,” says Ferrara. 

What to Ask Your Stylist for

To get cherry cola hair at the salon, ask your stylist for a deep red-brown color with cool purple undertones, creating a rich, multi-dimensional effect. “Make sure to specify a cool-toned red with plum or burgundy hues, rather than a warm or fiery red,” suggests Korab. “Request dimensional coloring to add depth and movement, letting the purple-red tones shine in different lighting.”

Ferrara appreciates when her clients bring in photos of the hair color that they want, so that she can get the general idea of what they’re going for. “This way, I can take a tailored approach to give them the perfect shade of cherry cola while keeping their skin tone and natural hair color in mind,” she says.

For easier maintenance, Korab suggests asking for darker roots that smoothly blend into the red and purple, allowing the color to grow out naturally. To finish, request a gloss or shine treatment to enhance the richness and achieve that glossy, cherry soda look.

How to Maintain Cherry Cola Hair

To maintain the vibrancy of your cherry cola hair, start with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. “To further enhance and maintain the rich red and purple tones, incorporate a color-depositing conditioner, which helps prevent fading and boosts vibrancy,” she says.  

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to protect your color from heat damage by using a heat protectant vefore styling with hot tools. “These products will help lock in your cherry cola shade while keeping your hair healthy, shiny, and vibrant,” says Korab.