How to achieve cherry cola hair - Garnier How to achieve cherry cola hair - Garnier

The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Stunning Cherry Cola Hair at Home

Last updated March 27, 2026

Long before Coca-Cola released Cherry Coke in 1985, soda fountains and diners all over the US were sweetening up brown cola with a splash of red cherry syrup. This sparked the cherry cola hair craze that became an American classic. Here is your step-by-step guide on how to obtain and maintain cherry cola hair color at home, no matter your current color.

What is Cherry Cola Hair Color?

Cherry red hair famously features a chocolatey brown base with deep red undertones. Picture a tall cool glass of brown cola that’s just shy of black accented with swirls of rich red hues. And just like the drink, you can create this delicious combination in the comfort of your own home.

What Skin Tone Suits Cherry Cola Hair?

Cherry cola hair flatters just about any skin tone because it has full-spectrum undertones from cool to warm. It adds depth to fair and medium skin, and really pops against darker complexions.
 
The best way to see if cherry cola hair color will suit your complexion is with our personalized tools. Check out the Virtual Try-On Tool for instant views or take the Shade Selector Quiz to explore your menu of options.

Best Cherry Cola Hair Color Kits by Starting Shade

Like with any DIY hair dye, your current color affects your new color. While there is no specific kit for creating cherry cola hair, you can achieve this shade with a little intel on how certain pigments react on your original color. Here are the best pro tips for getting the ideal cherry cola hair on light brown, medium brown, and dark brown or black hair. If your hair is lighter, keep in mind that the brighter the brown or red shade, the brighter the results. It may show up as much paler than deep-toned cherry cola hair.

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Virtually try on Garnier hair colors to discover your perfect shade of cherry cola hair color.

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Virtually try on Garnier hair colors to discover your perfect shade.

TRY ON SHADES

Hair Shade Selector Quiz

Take our 1-minute hair color quiz to find and virtually try on your personalized cherry cola hair color.

Shade Selector Quiz

Shade Selector Quiz

Take our quiz to discover the perfect Garnier hair shades for you!

FIND MY SHADE

How to Maintain Cherry Cola Hair

  • Wash with color-safe shampoo and conditioner and use cool water to reduce fade.
  • Limit heat styling; when you do use hot tools, apply a heat protectant.
  • Minimize UV exposure with hats or UV-protectant hair products.
  • Refresh tone between dye sessions with a red-enhancing gloss or color-depositing conditioner.

Is cherry cola hair hard to maintain - Garnier

Best Hairstyles for Cherry Cola Hair

Your new cherry red hair will look amazing no matter how you wear it! For inspiration, check out 15 fabulous looks in our article on red hairstyle ideas or start with our favorites below:

Cherry Cola Hair FAQs

  • Cherry cola hair is easy to achieve for brunettes because they already have the brown base color. This hair trend works really well on locks that are light brown to black. More good news: Most brunettes can achieve the look without bleaching.
  • Like any permanent hair dye, cherry cola hair will typically stay vibrant for six to eight weeks. But since red hues tend to fade faster than other shades, you’ll need to learn some basics on how to maintain red hair dye, and which products and routines work best.
  • Cherry cola hair color is relatively low-maintenance if you follow the pro tips in this article and take a little extra care when washing and styling. It’s also recommended to avoid extreme heat like hot water and extended periods in the sun.
  • The frequency of touchups to cherry cola hair depends on how quickly it fades as well as your base color. If you are diligent about shampooing less often and avoiding hot tools, you'll probably need fewer touchups between dye sessions. If the color of your roots create a stark contrast with the cherry cola color, you'll also want a touchup to help them blend in better.
  • You can get cherry cola hair without bleaching if you have a “true-to-brown base.” This refers to naturally brown hair that is not dyed. True-to-brown bases take cherry cola hair color well on their own and do not require lightening before dyeing. Darker base colors may require pre-bleaching, depending on the cherry cola color you choose.
  • Cherry cola hair does work with highlights! You can add beautiful dimension with selective highlights by dyeing thinner strands in a lighter shade. This works better than using thick highlights or lowlights, plus it adds more contrast and depth.

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