How To Get Cherry Cola Hair Without a Trip to the Salon

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. This rich, dimensional hue blends classic brunette tones with pops of vibrant red, creating a fiery shade that’s bold yet entirely wearable. Whether you’re looking to switch things up for the season or lean into the moody, high-shine aesthetic dominating your social feed, cherry cola hair is an accessible way to make a statement—no bleach or stylist required.

Ahead, we’ll explain how to get a cherry cola hair color at home, walking you through everything from picking the perfect shade for your skin tone and undertone to applying your color like a pro. Plus, we’ll clue you in on some of our top tips for ensuring your vivid cherry cola hair color goes the distance without fading or falling flat.

What Is Cherry Cola Hair?

Cherry cola hair takes its cue from the nostalgic soft drink, combining a deep, chocolatey brown base with lush red or burgundy undertones. The result is a warm, multidimensional color that shifts subtly in the light—think high-gloss brunette with a hint of dark cherry or merlot.

Though cherry cola hair is red, its rich, deep tone makes it feel more approachable than a vivid crimson or fiery copper. The unique hue is also easy to customize, making it a flattering pick for nearly any skin tone or undertone.

Who Is Cherry Cola Hair Best Suited For?

The beauty of cherry cola hair is its versatility—it truly can work for anyone. 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.

Because the color is naturally dark, it’s especially ideal for brunettes who want a noticeable change without the need for bleach. It enhances natural depth while adding an unexpected pop of color, making it a great entry point for those looking to experiment with red.

How To Get Cherry Cola Hair at Home

Achieving a cherry cola hair color at home is totally doable with the right products and technique. Below, we break down each step to help you get the look.

Determine if you need to bleach your hair

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. We break down the ideal bleaching method in our article How to Bleach Your Hair at Home and Keep Your Blonde Bright.

Select a cherry cola hair dye

Next comes the fun part: choosing your shade. Ahead, find a few of our favorite options for a gorgeous at-home transformation.

L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Ruby Rush

For a warm-toned take on cherry cola red hair, reach for this hair dye. The fiery brown hue is best suited for those with dark blonde to dark brown hair and provides vibrant, vivid results—no pre-bleaching required.

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Red

Score 100% gray coverage and rich, radiant color from root to tip with this deep cherry cola hair dye. The unique formula is infused with a Pro Keratine complex to help protect your hair as it colors, so you’ll be left with smooth, healthy-looking strands (and a fresh new hue).

L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Cherry Crush

This deep burgundy brown hue is the ideal shade for anyone with cool skin looking to embrace cherry cola hair. The dimensional color reads dark brown in low lighting with the burgundy overtone becoming more evident in the sun. We recommend this dye for those starting with a light brown to black base—if your starting shade is any lighter, you’ll end up with a more vibrant crimson hue.

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Brown

For a subtle take on the cherry cola hair trend, try this dye. The translucent formula applies easily, delivers rich, luminous color, and offers up to nine weeks of intense, fade-defying shine.

L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Red Velvet

If you want to try red hair but are wary of going too bright, a dark brown cherry cola hair color like this one may be a great place to start. The deep hue perfectly bridges the gap between chocolate brown and dark red, making it an approachable intro to the trendy fantasy hue.

L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Hair Color Cartridge in Medium Brown Intense Red

For those who don’t shy away from bold, bright colors, this medium crimson brown hair dye is a must-try. The luxe formula provides 100% gray coverage and leaves your hair looking shiny and healthy—plus, it takes only minutes to apply (you just need the coordinating L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Hair Color Device to get the job done).

Apply your chosen dye

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.

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. The jelly will form a barrier of sorts, preventing the dye from tinting your forehead red.

Rinse and condition your strands

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. Then, let your hair air dry and admire your juicy new hue.

How To Maintain Cherry Cola Hair

Red-based dyes are notorious for fading faster than other colors, so a thoughtful routine is essential to keeping your cherry cola hair color vibrant and glossy.

1. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner

Anytime you color your hair, it’s a good idea to swap out your regular haircare products for formulas specifically designed for color-treated hair. We love the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo and coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner. The former gently cleanses the hair without stripping, while the latter deeply replenishes to help keep your color pure for up to four weeks. If your red tones start to dull, a color-depositing conditioner with a burgundy or red tint can help refresh your shade between dye sessions.

2. Schedule regular touch-ups

To keep your cherry cola hair looking rich and radiant, you’ll want to plan on touching up your color every four to six weeks. If you’re in between touch-ups and have started to spot visible regrowth, use a temporary root touch-up spray to conceal your roots until you’re ready for another coloring session.

3. Limit heat styling

Frequent use of heat tools can accelerate fading and lead to dryness. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry and embrace heatless styles. When you do reach for a flat iron or curling wand, apply a heat protectant first to shield your color and minimize damage. If you need a recommendation, we’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, which hydrates, primes, detangles, and adds shine—all while shielding your strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Protect your hair from the sun

UV exposure can break down hair dye molecules, causing them to fade faster. To help maintain your color’s vibrancy, wear a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors, or use a leave-in product with built-in UV protection. This simple step can make a big difference in how long your cherry cola hair color lasts.

Next Up: 12 Strawberry Blonde Hair Color Ideas We Love For Spring

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris