Copper was arguably one of the biggest colour trends of 2022, and for 2023, red isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s time to welcome Cherry Cola to the fore. The latest colour trend to take social media by storm, Cherry Cola is a rich, mid-to-dark brown with accents of cool burgundy, maroon and purple. Cherry Cola can vary on each client’s hair and can throw different tones when it hits the light. The shade can also be customised to meet each clients’ needs, making it particularly versatile – one reason why it is proving so popular. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this latest colour craze.
The Perks of Cherry Cola
In addition to being such a versatile hair colour in regard to tone, Cherry Cola is also an adaptable shade thanks to its ability to be played up or down in vibrancy.
Terry Longden, Matrix Artist Ambassador, discusses the other pros to the shade, explaining: “Cherry Cola is great for adding high gloss to darker, tired hair that is maybe starting to look matte. The only negative is that, if further down the line blonde is desired, it’s a big job to remove unwanted tones that your Cherry Cola can contain.” Meanwhile, Heather Shaw, FG Colour Director, adds: "This shade is perfect for clients who want to be a redhead but aren't ready to fully take the plunge."
While some colour trends play best into the hands (or heads) of blondes – think bright, light coppers and Barbiecore pinks – Cherry Cola is an accessible shade for clients of all levels. In fact, discussing the shade’s popularity, Terry shares: “I think it’s extremely popular now as it connects to the Bronde, chocolate balayage trend which darker haired consumers have been embracing.” That’s not to say that this colour’s potential is limited, though. “Cherry Cola can also work on lighter haired clients – think blonde, chocolate toned bases with an overtone or undertones of double violet reds.”
Cherry Cola is also proving so popular as it's reintroducing tones which haven't been on trend for quite a while, with Heather noting: "I believe as colourists we should celebrate and get on board with this trend; we haven't been able to enjoy cooler reds since Cheryl Cole did it in 2010. My top tip would be on very dark bases, don't be afraid to add a lot of the cherry pigment to the mixture to ensure that you get that true cherry cola result. More is more - let's cool down those reds."
How To Approach Cherry Cola Hair
As with any colour, it’s important to ensure you understand what look your client is hoping to achieve, while they understand which look will work best for them. Terry adds: “My advice would be to extend your consultation and find out if their personal wardrobe is compatible with the tone of hair you’re considering. You could execute the best Cherry Cola hair, but if the colours of their clothes aren’t compatible with your creation, they’ll be coming back to you for a ‘re-do’ before buying new outfits.”
A Different Cherry Variety
For 2023, Goldwell’s Colour of the Year is Cherry Pop (feature image). Discussing this shade,
Angelo Seminara, Goldwell Global Ambassador, said: “I was truly honoured to create Cherry Pop as Goldwell's Colour of the Year 2023. Reds have always been synonymous with Goldwell and this particular shade is full of exciting possibilities in hair colour. Long associated with prosperity and good fortune, this perfect red shade arrives just in time to celebrate Goldwell’s 75th Anniversary.”
Find out which TV personality recently had a Cherry Cola hair makeover here.
