Cherry cola is a slightly purple dark red shade (Picture: Getty)

Do you remember that specific moment in time where it seemed like everyone who was anyone had reddish-purple hair?

From Cheryl (then Cole) to Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande, it was the stars’ shade of choice throughout the late noughties, long before silver mini fringes and sumptuous barista blonde hit the scene.

However, berry-toned locks are trending once more in 2023 – only this time around it’s known as ‘cherry cola hair’.

The term has garnered over 166 million TikTok views, and stars like Megan Thee Stallion have sported the colour, which can be tweaked to suit every skin tone and hair type.

Cherry cola is a hue that evokes sipping sangria at sundown, a slick of Clinique’s Black Honey lipstick, fingers stained after a warm day spent picking – and eating – wild fruit.

It’s not quite red, but it’s not black or violet either. It’s almost iridescent when it shines.

The evolution of the shade (Picture: Getty)

Michelle Billington, Jerome Russell National Account Manager explains: ‘Cherry cola hair is rooted in purple tones unlike many other red shades. It is a deep, rich and intense burgundy, but it’s more muted compared to other reds and shines differently under different lighting making it a very vibrant and unique colour.

‘It’s also a very versatile shade, which explains why it’s so popular. It suits all skin tones because you can play around with the colour by balancing and shifting the red and purple tones to create a cherry cola colour that works best for you – whether that’s something warmer or cooler.’

According to Alice Dawkins, Hair Expert at Milk + Blush, ‘It’s particularly well-suited for brunettes looking to make a less intense change to their hair, as it can simply change the undertone.

‘Additionally, cherry cola hair can work wonderfully for curly hair as the colour adds vibrancy that enhances the natural texture. However, it can also add shine and depth to smoother hair types.’

Win win. Sort of. Michelle adds that to achieve a vibrant look on dark hair, you may need to bleach to lift 8-9 shades first. If you apply red dye onto black or brown hair the final hue will be more muted, so keep this in mind before you start.

She recommends the Jerome Russell Bblonde Ultra Blonding Kit, which reinforces hair bonds as it lightens, although brands like Bleach London and Schwarzkopf have similar products available.

Beware, home bleaching can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Leaving it on too long can seriously damage hair, while uneven coverage will give a patchy result even after covering with the dye.

If you’re not confident, it may be best to head to the salon, because alongside the dangers of lightening, Alice comments, ‘red dye can easily go wrong, and it is difficult to remove.’

She recommends consulting a professional, particularly if you have very dark hair.

‘You may need more than one salon session to lighten your hair before applying the red dye,’ says Alice.

‘If this is the case, it’s essential you disclose your hair colour history before attempting to lighten it, as the stylist may need to change the products they use to avoid lightening the hair the wrong colour.

‘Reference photos are a great way to show your stylist what you’re looking for and allow them to adjust the colour for you.’

If you do decide to go down the DIY route, however, you’ll need to choose the right dye. Cherry cola OG Cheryl used L’Oreal Casting Creme Gloss in shade #550 Mahogany back in the day, so that’s a good starting point, as is #316 Plum Burgundy. Remember, these are semi-permanent tints so may fade over time.

Schwarzkopf LIVE Cyber Purple 046 is a permanent alternative if you’re committed to the colour, along with Schwarzkopf Oleo Intense No Ammonia Permanent in Rich Plum 3-33.

‘Pinpoint your skin tone and undertone to determine just how red or purple you want your cherry cola colour to be,’ adds Michelle. ‘And always do a patch test before dyeing your hair.’

To keep the colour vivid, a strengthening shampoo, conditioner and treatment are a must. Olaplex, the Jerome Russell JPLEX 4-step system, or OGX’s Bonding range are all widely available and should do the trick.

Ideally, you’ll keep hair washing to a minimum too. Not only does it strip the natural oils from strands and scalp which encourages dryness and breakage, it also dulls bright colours, taking your cherry cola hair from fab to drab.

‘Red hair is one of the most high-maintenance hair colours and can fade quickly,’ says Alice.

‘After dyeing your hair, avoid washing it for at least two to three days to allow the hair cuticle to seal the colour.

‘Wash your hair with a colour-extending haircare range to maximise the longevity of the colour and wash it with lukewarm or cold water to maintain shine avoid stripping the hair.

‘To maintain the colour, wash your hair every three or four days and use a hair mask for coloured hair weekly, locking in moisture and preventing frizz.’

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