Few colors have it-girl appeal, like blonde and red. From golden butter and icy platinum to copper and cola, these two hues have ruled beauty trends lately. On their own, they have the ability to transform your look and your mood. So, it only makes sense that a blended shade would do the same times ten. Enter cherry blonde, a fusion of two of the season’s hottest hair colors that is quickly becoming a trend all its own.
As summer begins to wind down, you may be on the hunt for a new fall shade. Rich brunettes and deep burgundies are nice, but a soft cherry color is the perfect way to ease into autumn. Ahead, two colorists break down the trend and share tips for achieving and maintaining the look.
Featured experts
- Sabrina Bias is a blonde specialist and
L’Oréal Professionnel Ambassador - Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist and the founder of Rita Hazan Salon
What is cherry blonde hair?
Strawberry blonde is likely the hue that comes to mind when thinking of a blonde and red blend. While cherry blonde is similar, Sabrina Bias, blonde specialist and L’Oréal Professional Ambassador says it’s in a lane of its own. “Cherry blonde is a unique mix between light blonde and vibrant red, sort of like a dusty pink,” she says. Bias explains that the shade has become popular because it stems from two very big color trends right now: wild cherry and old money blonde. It’s more subtle than summer’s bubblegum pink that ruled the festival circuit. Rita Hazan, celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan Salon, says that it’s a soft shade in which the hues blend effortlessly together.
What to ask for at the salon
The key to achieving a true cherry blonde hue is getting the percentage of red pigments right. Remember, the blend should be a light blonde and a deep red that’s rich in color but isn’t too dark. On that note, Bias says you should ask your stylist to add a soft cherry tint to your blonde hair. If you have naturally dirty blonde hair, Hazan says that you can opt for a brighter color to add some dimension to the final look.
How to maintain cherry blonde hair
“First and foremost, make sure that you are going to a professional stylist to achieve this look, as bleaching your hair can be very damaging for your hair health,” says Hazan. Cherry blonde is a fun shade, or as Bias puts it, a “fantasy color,” and you want to make the most of it while you can. “The color will fade fast and can easily showcase previous damage, so you need to take care of it at home,” she says.
Both stylists note that using color-safe shampoos and moisture-rich conditioners is key to preserving vibrancy. If you plan to keep the color long-term, Bias says regularly scheduled touch-ups are important. She recommends heading to the salon every 4–6 weeks to keep the color fresh.
