By Amara Osei

Pinterest searches for "cherry cola brunette hair" rose 788% year over year, according to the platform's Beauty Trend Report. The number confirms what colorists in New York are already seeing in their chairs: burgundy, renamed for 2026, is in another cycle of demand.

The shade itself is not new. It surged first in the 1990s, when it went simply by "burgundy." The last decade produced descriptors like mulled wine, red velvet and cranberry. Cherry cola is the current label for a deep brunette base with cool red undertones that show either in certain light or at every angle, depending on intensity.

"Cherry cola is a great color if you want something vibrant but not too extreme," says Elizabeth Hiserodt, senior colorist at Cutler Salon in New York City. Michelle Hong, colorist, founder and creative director of NYC The Team, frames the shade's appeal in practical terms: "Compared with other fantasy colors, it feels more wearable and timeless. 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."

How do colorists build the shade?

Cherry cola is not one single color. Results range from brunette with a subtle burgundy sheen to a cool-toned dark red. Hong tells clients to discuss their starting color and hair history with their colorist, because both affect how the burgundy takes and develops.

Hiserodt offers a case study from her own work on writer Sable Yong, whose hair is naturally dark, thick and strong. "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."

Mauricio Bermudez, senior colorist at Suite Caroline in New York City, lays out two routes:

• Low-maintenance: lighter strands through the mid-lengths and ends before applying the cherry cola dye, leaving roots close to natural.
• Full commitment: "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?

All three colorists urge caution with box dye, especially permanent formulas. L'Oreal Paris Féria in Burgundy Blush may tempt buyers, but results diverge from the package photo. "You most likely won't get the same results as a box promises," says Hiserodt. Box color cannot account for existing shade, previous treatments or individual pigment absorption the way a colorist can, and a pro can balance red, violet and brown tones to avoid an overly bright red or an unexpected purple.

Hong singles out the risk of applying permanent color over previously colored hair: it produces uneven results and will not lift or correct what is already there. A budget at-home experiment can turn into an expensive color-correction appointment.

For those set on staying home, Bermudez points to semipermanent dark reds:

• Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream in Infra Red
• Pulp Riot Semi-Permanent Color in Pyro

Semipermanent color fades after a few washes but still builds a nuanced red on darker hair. Bermudez also offers a budget route into the salon: "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."

The core problem is exit, not entry. "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 do you maintain cherry cola hair?

Red pigment fades fast even though it clings hard. Hiserodt gives clients one rule: "I always ask the client not to wash their hair after the color appointment for at least two days. Give the color time to settle before washing." She recommends washing as little as possible, and always with a color-safe pair like the Best of Beauty Award-winning Biolage Professional Hair Spa Color Last Shampoo and Conditioner.

Hong's maintenance protocol:

• Minimal heat styling, plus heat protectant whenever hot tools are used, since high temperatures speed fading.
• A color-depositing conditioner or gloss between appointments—"but choose carefully to avoid making the color too warm or purple," she says. Options include Keracolor Color + Clenditioner in Merlot and IGK Color Depositing Gloss Mask in Williams-Burgundy.
• A gloss every four to six weeks, depending on fade speed and desired vibrancy. "Root maintenance depends on your natural color and the contrast between your roots and lengths."

For shine, Bermudez prescribes a weekly ritual: "For overall condition, I recommend applying the Iles Formula Vitamin Treatment Oil, at night once a week and shampooing it out in the morning."

The working conclusion for clients: match the version of cherry cola to complexion and commitment level. The pigment persists—which means the burgundy now labeled cherry cola may simply wait in the hair until the trend cycle returns with its next name.