There are very few not-so-natural hair colors that have enjoyed cyclical comebacks quite like burgundy. In the 1990s, when the hue had its first big surge in popularity, I wore it as a teenager. We didn’t have a fun name for it back then—it was just burgundy. But in the years since, and especially in the last decade, we’ve given it much more compelling descriptors, like mulled wine, red velvet, and cranberry. In 2026, burgundy, auburn’s literally cooler cousin, has gotten its most fashion-forward moniker yet: cherry cola.

In a shift from when I was pairing Kool-Aid-tinged dark brown hair with SPAM T-shirts and Delia’s jeans, cherry cola is one of the moodiest takes on the shade. The deep brunette base has cool red undertones that, depending on the intensity the wearer wants, either reveal themselves in certain light or make themselves known no matter the angle.

“Cherry cola is a great color if you want something vibrant but not too extreme,” says Elizabeth Hiserodt, a colorist at Cutler Salon in New York City. Michelle Hong, a colorist and the founder and creative director of NYC The Team, agrees that the shade hits a sweet spot: “Compared with other fantasy colors, it feels more wearable and timeless,” she says. “It complements many skin tones, works beautifully with darker bases, and doesn’t require lightening the hair first, making it a luxurious, lower-damage way to make a statement.”

If the fact that cherry cola is popping up on celebrities and street-style stars alike isn’t proof enough of its traction, Pinterest's Beauty Trend Report reveals that searches for “cherry cola brunette hair” are up a dizzying 788%, year over year. We're clearly craving a noticeable change.

How to get cherry cola hair

Cherry cola isn't one single color. The result can range from brunette with a subtle burgundy sheen to a much more obvious, cool-toned dark red. Hong recommends discussing your starting color and hair history with your colorist, since both influence how the burgundy hue will take and how evenly it will develop. Your complexion and personal style can help guide the choice, but your colorist should also consider the condition of your hair and whether achieving the shade will require lightening it first.

For example, the more muted cherry cola seen on writer Sable Yong (above) is the result of a detailed discussion with and analysis by Hiserodt. “Because her hair is naturally dark, thick, and strong, it needs extra help for the red to show,” the colorist says. Hiserodt pre-lightened Yong’s hair with color—not bleach—before depositing the red. “Pre-lightening with color lifts it a level or two. It exposes some undertones, which are reddish-orange. Sable wanted a controlled red and didn't want to use bleach, so it helps with more intensity but not extreme vibrancy.”

If low-maintenance is your priority, Mauricio Bermudez, colorist at Suite Caroline in New York City, suggests a more lived-in look. (Your colorist can add lighter strands through the mid-lengths and ends before applying the cherry cola dye, leaving your roots closer to their natural color.) On the other hand, “if you’re looking to go all-in on the trend, your colorist can apply a base bump to lighten the hair ever so slightly,” he says, “before applying the cherry cola tone all over.”

Can you get cherry cola hair at home?

There are some beautiful box colors available that may tempt you into trying to achieve cherry cola hair at home—have you seen L’Oreal Paris Féria in Burgundy Blush? Stunning. But all three colorists we spoke to recommend proceeding with caution, especially if you're planning to use permanent dye.

“You most likely won't get the same results as a box promises,” says Hiserodt. The color on the packaging doesn't account for your existing shade, previous color treatments, or how your hair absorbs pigment the way a professional colorist will. A pro can balance the red, violet, and brown tones to achieve your desired take on cherry cola without landing on an overly bright red or an unexpected purple.

Hong is particularly wary of applying permanent color over previously colored hair. Doing so can lead to uneven results, she says, and permanent dye won't lift or correct the color that's already there. A budget-friendly at-home experiment could quickly become a much more expensive and extensive color-correction appointment.

If you insist on staying out of the salon, Bermudez suggests looking at semipermanent dark reds, such as Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream in Infra Red or Pulp Riot Semi-Permanent Color in Pyro. Unlike permanent dye, semipermanent hair color fades after a few washes, but these formulas can still create a nuanced red effect on darker hair. Still, Bermudez prefers getting a pro involved: “If you’re on a budget, there are always junior colorists and apprentices at great local salons who could use a model in their chair.”

One of the biggest reasons colorists are so insistent on going the salon route is that it’s very hard to erase the evidence of cherry cola when you’re ready to move on. “Deep reds have staying power,” Bermudez says. “It’s not the easiest to pivot out of, unless you’re open to going even darker, like a rich chocolate brown.”

How to maintain cherry cola hair

Ironically, as difficult as it may be to change your color after a cherry cola phase, it can also take a concerted effort to maintain it. That’s because, as stubborn as red tones are, their vibrancy also fades quickly. “I always ask the client not to wash their hair after the color appointment for at least two days,” Hiserodt says. “Give the color time to settle before washing.” In fact, the less frequently you wash, the better. And when you do wash, always use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, like the Best of Beauty Award-winning Biolage Professional Hair Spa Color Last Shampoo and Conditioner.

Hong also recommends minimal heat styling and applying heat protectant whenever you do use hot tools. High temperatures can speed up fading, so a little restraint can extend the life of your color.

“A color-depositing conditioner or gloss can refresh the tone between appointments," Hong says. “But choose carefully to avoid making the color too warm or purple.” A couple of fantastic options include the Keracolor Color + Clenditioner in Merlot and IGK Color Depositing Gloss Mask in Williams-Burgundy, both of which boost color with a side of softness.

The reflective shine of cherry cola is a big part of its appeal, and Bermudez says that it can be maintained with a weekly damage-diminishing ritual. “For overall condition, I recommend applying the Iles Formula Vitamin Treatment Oil,” he says, “at night once a week and shampooing it out in the morning.”

As for salon visits, Hong typically suggests a gloss every four to six weeks, depending on how quickly the color fades and how vibrant you want it to remain. She notes, “Root maintenance depends on your natural color and the contrast between your roots and lengths.”

Ultimately, the trick is to choose a version of cherry cola that fits not just your complexion but also your commitment level. The term “cherry cola” may sound playful, but the undertaking is serious, and the pigment is persistent. But on the bright side—aside from how gorgeous you’ll look—those stubborn burgundy tones may stick around until cherry cola comes back in the trend cycle with a new name.

Cherry cola hair inspiration