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.
In this story
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.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.allure.com
