Here's How to Get a Bright Cherry Red Hair Color

It’s officially cherry season—and no, we’re not talking about the fruit. This fall, take a walk on the wild side by upgrading your beauty look with a bold cherry red hair color. This bright red hue is the statement style of the moment, and we have all the details on how to get the look. Plus, we’re sharing our top hair care tips for keeping your bright red hair looking fresh and vibrant. Ready to give the latest hair color trend a try? Let’s go cherry picking!

WHAT IS CHERRY RED HAIR?

In case you couldn’t already tell, cherry red hair involves incorporating the tones of the fruit it’s named after into your mane. There are different variations of the trend, but generally, this bright red hair color features a vibrant base that’s brought to life with deep red and purple tones mixed throughout. It’s a statement-making hair color that’s meant for the trendsetter.

HOW TO GET A CHERRY RED HAIR COLOR

Before you jump into dyeing, there’s an important decision to be made. Are you going to tackle coloring your own tresses with a bright red hair dye or leave the process up to a pro? We generally recommend seeing a colorist when making a major change since this could require bleaching and even multiple sessions to bring your new shade to life.

If you do hit up the salon, bring pictures of the exact cherry hair color you’re imagining. As we mentioned, there are different variations of the trend, so it’s important to let your stylist know what you’re picturing in your head. A qualified colorist will be able to take you there or guide you to a shade that will be flattering for your skin tone.

If your search for an edgy color has emboldened you to DIY, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Power Reds - Intense Medium Auburn/Cherry Crush. Always follow the directions included with the packaging. Just keep in mind that if you’re starting with a dark hair color, you’ll likely need to bleach your strands prior to reaching for your bright red dye.

Want to test the waters before committing to cherry red hair? No worries! You can use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Red to give yourself a temporary cherry red hair color that lasts until your next shampoo. Just wash your hair, and you’ll be back to your starting hair color—and ready to make a permanent switch if you choose!

HOW TO CARE FOR CHERRY RED HAIR

It’s no secret that bright red hair requires quite a bit of upkeep. Here are our top tips for keeping your cherry hair color looking its best.

TIP #1. USE COLOR-SAFE PRODUCTS

It’s time to wave goodbye to your regular hair care regimen! Your standard shampoo and conditioner should be swapped out for a system that is safe for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner.

Once or twice a week, use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm in place of the conditioner for extra hair hydration. Leave the hair mask on for three to five minutes after shampooing, then rinse out.

TIP #2. PROTECT YOUR STRANDS FROM THE SUN

We can all agree; it’s no fun when your color starts to dull. And it turns out that UV rays can potentially cause your bright red hair color to fade. Spending the week at the beach on vacation? Wear a floppy hat when you know you’ll be spending an extended amount of time out in the sun to help protect your color.

TIP #3. SCHEDULE TIME FOR TOUCH-UPS

When your color fades too far or your roots grow out a bit too much, it’s time for a touch-up. Visit the salon or pick up another box of your tried-and-true hue to bring back that sweet cherry shade.

If you notice gray or grown-out roots and don’t have time for a total fix, opt for a temporary one. Use a root touch-up spray for a quick solution. Spritz the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up in Red directly onto regrowth and lightly through the rest of your hair to blend in the color, and you can wash it out when you shampoo.

Next up: Want more red hair care tips? Head over to our article, The Redhead's Guide to Avoiding Faded Red Hair.