After what seems like decades (but has only been a few years) of seeing ash hair color tones dominate, some of us are ready to get a little warmth back in our lives. Maybe you stick to neutral shades of brown or blonde when getting highlights or balayage — or maybe you’ve even been so bold as to try trendy gray streaks in your hair. Whatever your past hair pursuits may have been, allow TikTok to introduce to you your next biggest hair color obsession: Cherry Coke red!
“With the last few years dominated by achieving cool tones, pale blondes, and shades of mushroom, the re-emergence of warm tones is finally making a comeback,” said Hairstylist/Hair Expert Michelle Jacoby, owner of Sundance Salon & Spa. “Thank Goodness! Cherry Coke Red is fun to add to shades of brown. A beautiful mix of complimenting shades of rich brown and a blend of cool and fiery red for the guest in my chair.”
So, what, exactly, does Cherry Coke hair look like, who will it flatter most, and what should you ask your stylist for if it has you squealing? Hair experts share what you need to know about the TikTok-trendy Cherry Coke red hair color that you’re about to see everywhere this spring.
What is Cherry Coke hair?
This shade of red is a perfect balance, working as a nice complement to darker skin tones or more fair skin tones if they want an edgy appeal to their style, Jacoby explains. “Varying the blend of red to complement that individual,” she said. “Some a bit more fire, others a bit more raspberry jam, and some a splash of grape.”
Cherry Coke is a dark shade of red, usually not too bright, though it can vary from red with a bit of brown, according to Hair Cuttery regional training artist and master colorist Jose Rojas. Good news: it’s customizable. “Add more red if you want to intensify it or add brown to the color to tone down the red,” Rojas said. “Some guests might want it to be noticeable in any kind of lighting and some may want it to be only noticeable in the sunlight.”
Who does it look best on?
Thanks to how customizable this shade, is, Rojas says it can look great on everybody. “If the guest doesn't want it to red try adding brown or you can add a little bit of violet(blue+red) to help cool down red,” Rojas said. “Try not to add too much because you might make a burgundy color instead of keeping it CHERRY COKE. Anyone with blue or green eyes, having this color would make your eyes really pop because of the contrast. Anyone with brown eyes, this color will enhance the amount of warmth making your eyes look more of an intense reddish brown.”
Who doesn’t it flatter?
Even though Cherry Coke, in the right shade, can work with most individuals, Jacoby says those with yellow or very olive undertones might have a more difficult time pulling it off.
And if your guest is usually a lighter color (level 6 and above), Rojas warns it might be a shock for them because of how dark it looks compared to their light hair. “It all depends on what shade you pick and if your guest feels confident with the color,” Rojas said. “The color could be beautiful but if the guest is not feeling it then they are not going to like it.”
What should you ask your stylist for?
Curious about Cherry Coke red hair? Of course, one of the best things you can do is refer to TikTok and show your stylist your favorite shades of the color. Discuss together whether that particular shade would work well with your skin tone and current hair color. And it never hurts to brush up on your hair color lingo.
“Tell them you want a Cherry Coke color — usually, a level 3-6,” Rojas said. “Have them show you a couple of swatches. Also BRING IN PICTURES! This is very helpful for your stylist. It gives us an idea of what you're looking for and placement. Are you looking for an overall single color, a cherry coke balayage, highlights. Also ask them questions about maintenance. Reds tend to fade fast and then the Cherry Coke turns into just coke ( the color fades to a dark-light brown).”
Why wait until spring? Book a hair appointment ASAP and start rocking a fresh new color that will carry you from the deepest depths of winter to your first summer day in sandals.
