Cherry cola hair isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle. It’s that perfect blend of edgy and sweet, like your favorite rom-com with a twist ending. I’ve seen it on everyone from college students to cool moms, and let me tell you, it turns heads.
Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan says, “Cherry cola is the new ‘it’ color because it’s versatile. It can be bold or subtle, depending on how you apply it.” And she’s right – I’ve seen it range from a hint of cherry in brown hair to full-on cola goddess vibes.
With a little preparation and a lot of confidence, you can definitely bring that Cherry Cola vibe home.
While you won’t find a Cherry Cola Hair Dye dye at the store, there are some other hair dye colors that will get you the look in the comfort of your own bathroom.
Deep burgundy, chocolate cherry, and black cherry hair dyes can all deliver a similar look and feel to cherry cola. Mahogany is more on the brown side too.
You just have to decide you if want it more brunette, purple or red taking the color your hair is now into consideration.
Just make sure to match up your base color with the chart on the side of the box. And, perhaps most importantly, always do a strand test before diving in so there are no nasty color surprises!
Table of Contents
- Before You Begin: The Prep Work
- Best cherry cola hair dyes at a glance
- The Main Event: Dyeing Your Hair Cherry Cola
- Watch & Learn: How to Dye Your Hair Cherry Cola
- The Aftermath: Caring for Your Cherry Cola Locks
- How long will Cherry Cola Hair color last?
- Troubleshooting: When Cherry Cola Goes Wrong
- Congrats! You’re a Cherry Cola Queen Now
- Our Research & Review Process
- Authors
Before You Begin: The Prep Work
Listen, I know you’re itching to get that dye on your locks, but pump the brakes for a sec. Proper prep is key to getting that perfect cherry cola sheen.
- Do a strand test: I learned this the hard way after a disastrous attempt at platinum blonde (spoiler: I looked like a stressed-out poodle). Always, always do a strand test.
- Deep condition: Treat your hair to some TLC a week before dyeing. Your strands will thank you later.
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need:
- Deep burgundy, chocolate cherry, or black cherry hair dye
- Gloves
- Applicator brush
- Mixing bowl
- Old T-shirt or towel
- Sectioning clips
- Wide-tooth comb
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
Best cherry cola hair dyes at a glance
| Hair dye | Looks like | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|
| John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Deep Cherry Brown |  | |
| Garnier Olia Deep Cherry Permanent Hair Dye |  | |
| Garnier Nutrisse Red Hair Dye Permanent, Dark Cherry Red | | |
| Garnier Color Sensation Brown Hair Dye, Icy Chestnut Brown |  | |
| Clairol Nice'n Easy Crème, Dark Burgundy Brown |  | |
| L'Oreal Paris Casting Creme, Black Cherry |  |
The Main Event: Dyeing Your Hair Cherry Cola
- Preparation:
- Start with unwashed, dry hair. The natural oils will help protect your scalp.
- Wear an old T-shirt or place a towel around your shoulders.
- Put on your gloves to protect your hands.
- Mix the Dye:
- Follow the instructions on your chosen dye kit to mix the color in the bowl.
- Section Your Hair:
- Divide your hair into four sections (front left, front right, back left, back right) and secure with clips.
- Apply the Dye:
- Start with the roots, applying the dye with the brush. Work through each section, ensuring even coverage.
- Use the comb to distribute the dye evenly through the lengths of your hair.
- Processing Time:
- Follow the dye’s recommended processing time, usually around 30-45 minutes. Check a strand every 10 minutes to monitor the color development.
- Rinse and Condition:
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Apply the included conditioner or a sulfate-free conditioner, leave it in for a few minutes, then rinse.
- Dry and Style:
- Gently towel-dry your hair and style as desired. Avoid heat styling immediately after dyeing.
Expert Insights
“When rinsing, keep going until the water runs clear. It might take a while, but it’s worth it for color longevity.”
Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin
Watch & Learn: How to Dye Your Hair Cherry Cola
Here’s a great video that shows you how to dye your hair cherry color step by step from top hair professional David Troy.
The Aftermath: Caring for Your Cherry Cola Locks
Congrats! You’re now a cherry cola convert. But the journey doesn’t end here. Maintenance is key to keeping your color poppin’.
- Use color-safe products: Regular shampoo is the enemy of vibrant hair. Invest in color-safe options.
- Cool it with the heat: I know, I know, your straightener is your BFF. But too much heat can fade your color faster than you can say “cherry cola.”
- Touch up your roots: Depending on your natural color, you might need to touch up every 4-6 weeks.
- Tone it up: Use a red-enhancing conditioner once a week to keep that cherry cola looking fresh.
How long will Cherry Cola Hair color last?
You’ll be pleased to hear that cherry cola is a realtively low maintenance color that can last anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks before you’ll need to dye it again.
This also depends what hair dye you used:
Semi-permanent hair dyes last around 4-6 weeks and require more maintenance due to fading
Permanent hair dyes last the longest, anything up to 10 weeks before you’ll need to dye it again, depending on how fast your hair grows!
But don’t worry about it down the line- even when it fades it’s still going to look amazing!
As the red tones start to fade, your Cherry Cola color will transform into a gorgeous deep brown with hints of red.
So you can enjoy the gradual transition to an equally stunning shade before it looks too bad!
Expert Insights
“For an extra boost between dye jobs, try a color-depositing mask. It’s like a power smoothie for your hair color.”
Hair guru Kristin Ess
Troubleshooting: When Cherry Cola Goes Wrong
Look, we’ve all been there. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to handle some common cherry cola catastrophes:
- It’s too dark: Don’t panic! Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo a few times. It’ll fade faster than you think.
- It’s too light: Layer on a darker red dye or use a color-depositing conditioner to deepen the tone.
- It’s patchy: This calls for a touch-up. Focus on the areas that need more color, and blend, blend, blend.
- Your scalp is stained: Olive oil is your new best friend. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for a bit before washing.
Congrats! You’re a Cherry Cola Queen Now
You’ve officially joined the cherry cola hair club. Remember, hair is all about self-expression, so have fun with it. Whether you’re going for subtle cherry hints or full-on cola vibes, wear it with pride.
And hey, if you decide cherry cola isn’t for you after all? No biggie. Hair grows, dye fades, and there’s always another color trend around the corner. But between you and me? I think you’re going to love being a cherry cola convert.
So go forth, flip that gorgeous hair, and show the world what cherry cola dreams are made of.
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
