20 Hottest Black Cherry Hair Color Trends You’ll Want to Screenshot 🍒

April 25, 2025

Okay, girl… if you’ve been staring at your hair lately thinking, “I need a change, but I don’t want to go full bright red,” let me introduce you to black cherry hair.

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It’s rich. It’s glossy. It looks almost brunette indoors and then suddenly flashes burgundy, plum, wine, or cherry-red when the light hits it.

Basically? Your hair gets a little mysterious. 🍒

Black cherry sits somewhere between deep brunette, burgundy, plum, and dark cherry. And the best part is that you can make it as subtle or dramatic as you want—from a barely-there cherry gloss to a full head of rich wine-colored waves.

It also works beautifully across different cuts and textures, which is why we’re seeing so many versions of the trend: cherry cola balayage, peekaboo highlights, glossy bobs, cherry curls, mahogany layers, and even black cherry fades for men.

Current beauty coverage continues to show strong interest in dark cherry and cherry-cola shades. Vogue has highlighted cherry cola as a key red-brown direction, while 2026 coverage continues to point toward deeper, warmer, shinier versions of red hair rather than ultra-bright shades.

So grab your screenshot folder, because these are the 20 black cherry hair ideas I’d save before your next salon appointment.

🍒 First: What Exactly Is Black Cherry Hair?

Think of the deepest red you can imagine—but softened with brunette, plum, and burgundy.

Depending on the formula and your starting hair color, black cherry can look:

Almost black in low light
Deep burgundy in normal light
Plum-toned under cool lighting
Rich cherry-red in sunlight
Brown-red or mahogany when warmer tones are added

And that’s exactly why it’s so pretty: it’s not one flat color.

Your natural hair color, previous color, lighting, and the formula your stylist uses will all affect the final result.

If you’re unsure which direction to take, a seasonal color palette can help you visualize whether you prefer cooler plum/cherry tones or warmer auburn/mahogany tones. Color Me Beautiful’s seasonal swatch palettes are designed around coordinated color families and include physical color chips you can use as a reference.

My girl-talk tip: Don’t just tell your stylist, “I want black cherry.” Bring 2–3 photos and point out what you love about each one—depth, warmth, brightness, placement, or shine. That’s much easier for a stylist to translate into a formula.

The 20 Hottest Black Cherry Hair Trends

1. Velvet Cherry Curls 🍷

If you have curls, this one is gorgeous.

Imagine your natural curls in a deep black-cherry tint where every ringlet catches little flashes of burgundy and plum. Instead of changing your entire look with heat styling, the color itself creates dimension.

The deeper base makes the curls look especially rich, while cherry reflections appear whenever the light moves across the hair.

Best for: Curly, coily, and wavy textures.

Ask your stylist for: A deep cherry-burgundy gloss or semi-permanent tint with enough depth to keep the curls looking dimensional rather than bright red.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair]Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair can help enhance glossy, defined curls while controlling frizz. The brand specifically positions it for wavy and curly hair and says it can be air-dried or diffused.

Little secret: Let the curls do the talking. Don’t overload them with heavy styling products that can make that beautiful cherry dimension harder to see.

2. Glassy Black Cherry Lob 💎

Okay, this is the clean-girl version of black cherry.

Picture a chin-length lob, a middle part, sleek ends, and so much shine that the hair almost looks liquid.

The color stays extremely deep at the roots, while the cherry tones become visible as the light moves through the lengths.

Best for: Straight or naturally smooth hair.

Ask your stylist for: A deep black-cherry brunette with a high-gloss finish and subtle red-violet dimension.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray]Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is designed for a glassy, smooth finish and humidity control. The product is heat-activated and includes heat protection.

Girl-talk tip: The secret here isn’t making the red brighter. It’s making the shine brighter.

3. Cherry Cola Balayage 🥤

This might be the easiest way to dip your toes into the black-cherry world.

Instead of coloring everything, your stylist blends deeper brunette roots into warm cherry-cola ribbons through the mid-lengths and ends.

It’s soft, dimensional, and incredibly wearable.

Cherry cola has remained a major red-brown direction, with recent coverage describing it as a deep brunette base mixed with red, burgundy, or mahogany undertones.

Best for: Brunettes who want something noticeable without going full cherry.

Ask your stylist for: Chocolate-brown roots + soft cherry/burgundy balayage.

Product to reach for: [Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask]Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask is specifically made for light- to dark-brown hair and temporarily adds crimson tones while conditioning.

Save this one if: You want your hair to look mostly brunette until the sunlight hits.

4. Wild Cherry Pixie Undercut ✂️

Want something that says, “Yes, I changed my hair—and yes, I meant to make a statement”?

Here you go.

The sides and back stay closely cropped while the longer top layers get the full black-cherry treatment.

The contrast between the short dark sides and rich cherry top makes the color look even more dramatic.

Best for: Short-hair lovers and anyone who wants a bold cut-and-color combination.

Ask your stylist for: A deep cherry-red top with a darker, natural-looking fade underneath.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Style on Steroids Texture Spray]Color Wow Style on Steroids Texture Spray is a useful styling choice when you want separation and texture without losing the polished color effect.

5. Black Cherry Money Piece 💰

You don’t need a whole head of red to get the effect.

A black-cherry money piece puts brighter cherry ribbons right around the face while keeping the rest of your hair darker.

It’s basically the “I want a transformation, but I don’t want to commit to everything” option.

Best for: Anyone who wants face-framing color.

Ask your stylist for: Two strategically placed cherry-red or burgundy pieces around the face, blended into a darker base.

Product to reach for: [Living Proof Restore Shampoo]Living Proof Restore Shampoo is formulated for colored, chemically treated, weakened, or damaged hair and is color-safe.

My tip: Keep the money pieces slightly deeper if you want a sophisticated look. Go brighter if you want the color to pop in photos.

6. Plum-Infused Wolf Cut 🐺

Wolf cut + black cherry?

Honestly, the combination makes sense.

The choppy layers create movement, while the plum undertones give the haircut that slightly rebellious, rocker-inspired feeling.

Best for: Medium-length hair with natural texture or volume.

Ask your stylist for: Deep black cherry with a noticeable plum-violet reflect through the layers.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Style on Steroids Texture Spray]Color Wow Style on Steroids Texture Spray works well with a deliberately textured haircut when you want separation and movement.

Styling idea: Don’t make every layer perfect. The slightly undone texture is part of the look.

7. Cherry Coke Ombre 🥃

This is the dramatic sister of cherry-cola balayage.

Your roots stay deep espresso brown or almost black, then gradually transition into richer cherry-cola ends.

The result is a gorgeous gradient that becomes more obvious toward the bottom.

Best for: Long hair.

Ask your stylist for: Espresso roots → burgundy mid-lengths → cherry-red or cherry-cola ends.

Product to reach for: [Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask]Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask can be useful for refreshing crimson tones on suitable brunette bases between appointments.

Important: Always check the product’s starting-hair-color recommendations first; pigment-depositing products don’t behave identically on every base.

8. Black Cherry Braided Crown 👑

If you love protective styles, this one is absolutely beautiful.

Think cherry-toned braids arranged into a crown, with the deep burgundy color giving the entire hairstyle a rich, regal effect.

Gold accessories make it even prettier.

Best for: Box braids, braided protective styles, and anyone who loves statement styling.

Ask your stylist/braider for: Deep cherry-burgundy extensions or a color blend that mixes wine, burgundy, and very dark cherry tones.

Product to reach for: For this look, prioritize a lightweight scalp and braid-care routine rather than adding heavy color-depositing products directly to extensions.

Girl-talk tip: If you’re using colored extensions, choose the cherry tone carefully before installing them—the lighting in the store can make burgundy look very different from natural daylight.

9. Smoky Cherry Bob with Bangs ✨

This is giving retro movie star meets modern city girl.

A blunt bob plus soft smoky cherry color creates a sophisticated look without making the red feel too loud.

Instead of bright crimson, think muted wine, plum, and deep brown.

Best for: Anyone who loves polished, structured haircuts.

Ask your stylist for: A muted black-cherry brunette rather than a vivid red.

Product to reach for: [OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo]OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is color-safe, sulfate-free, and designed for chemically treated hair.

The vibe: Expensive-looking, glossy, slightly mysterious.

10. Black Cherry Highlights on Blonde 🍒

Now we’re getting playful.

Instead of covering blonde hair completely, add cherry-red ribbons throughout the blonde base.

The contrast creates a much more noticeable effect than black cherry on naturally dark hair.

Best for: Blondes who want a bold color experiment.

Ask your stylist for: Cherry-red or burgundy highlights placed strategically throughout the blonde.

Product to reach for: Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner designed for treated hair, rather than automatically using a dark color-depositing mask. Product suitability varies dramatically with blonde and pre-lightened hair.

For a repair-focused option, [OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo]OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is formulated to be color-safe and suitable for chemically treated hair.

Pro tip: This is one of the looks where a professional color consultation is especially worthwhile.

11. Tousled Cherry Beach Waves 🌊

Imagine coming home from the beach—but somehow your hair is a gorgeous glossy cherry color.

These loose waves keep the look relaxed instead of overly polished.

The movement also helps reveal all those burgundy and cherry reflections.

Best for: Medium-length wavy hair.

Ask your stylist for: A warm cherry-cola gloss with subtle dimensional pieces.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray]Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is useful when humidity and frizz threaten your smooth finish.

Don’t over-style it: The whole point is that effortless, slightly undone texture.

12. Black Cherry Root Melt 🌑

If you’re nervous about harsh regrowth lines, bookmark this one.

A root melt keeps the roots deeper and gradually blends them into brighter cherry mid-lengths and ends.

Instead of looking like your color suddenly stopped at the roots, everything melts together.

Best for: Anyone who wants contrast without a hard line.

Ask your stylist for: A dark brunette or black root transitioning gradually into cherry-burgundy lengths.

Product to reach for: [Living Proof Restore Shampoo]Living Proof Restore Shampoo is made for colored and chemically treated hair and can fit nicely into a maintenance routine.

My favorite part: The grow-out can look intentionally blended rather than accidental.

13. Auburn-Black Cherry Fusion 🔥

This is for the girl who wants her black cherry to feel warmer.

Instead of leaning heavily purple, mix in auburn, copper-brown, and mahogany tones.

The result is softer and warmer while still keeping that deep cherry personality.

Best for: Anyone who loves warm brunette-red combinations.

Ask your stylist for: Auburn + mahogany + black cherry dimension.

Product to reach for: [Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask]Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask can refresh crimson-brown tones on appropriate brunette bases.

Color inspiration: Think autumn leaves, red wine, mahogany wood, and dark cherries—not bright fire-engine red.

14. Glossy Cherry Ponytail 🎀

A slicked-back high ponytail makes black cherry look incredibly glossy.

The darker roots keep the ponytail looking sleek, while the cherry lengths create that gorgeous ribbon-like shine as the ponytail moves.

Best for: Long hair and sleek styling lovers.

Ask your stylist for: A rich black-cherry gloss with minimal contrast at the roots.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray]Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is designed for smooth, glossy, humidity-resistant styling.

Finishing touch: A tiny amount of edge-control product around the hairline can polish the look without needing to coat the entire ponytail.

15. Black Cherry Peekaboo Highlights 🙈

This is probably the most fun option on the list.

The top layer stays dark, but underneath? Surprise—cherry!

When your hair moves, you get little flashes of burgundy and red.

When it’s tucked away, the color almost disappears.

Best for: Anyone who wants something playful but easy to hide.

Ask your stylist for: Cherry panels underneath the darker top layer.

Product to reach for: [Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask]Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask can be a useful color-refresh option for suitable brunette bases.

Perfect for: School, work, or anyone whose dress code doesn’t exactly scream “burgundy hair.”

16. Cherry Mahogany Layers 🌰

If you want richness, this is the one.

Mahogany brings warm brown-red depth, while black cherry adds that cooler wine-like dimension.

Add long layers and movement and suddenly the color looks completely different every time your hair moves.

Best for: Long, thick hair.

Ask your stylist for: Mahogany brunette with black-cherry lowlights and gloss.

Product to reach for: [OLAPLEX Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner]OLAPLEX Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is designed to moisturize, smooth, and improve manageability, and the brand says it is color-safe.

The goal: Don’t chase brightness. Chase dimension + shine.

17. Asymmetrical Cherry Bob 🔪

Okay, fashion girlies—this one’s yours.

One side is longer, the angles are sharp, and the black cherry color makes the entire haircut feel even more editorial.

The asymmetric shape catches the light differently on each side, which makes the color look multidimensional.

Best for: Anyone who loves statement cuts.

Ask your stylist for: A precise asymmetrical bob with deep cherry-burgundy color.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray]Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray can help create the sleek, polished surface that makes an angular bob look especially glossy.

Styling rule: Keep the silhouette sharp. That’s what makes this look work.

18. Black Cherry Fade for Men 🧔

Black cherry isn’t just a long-hair trend.

For men, a clean skin fade with a cherry-toned top gives you a modern way to experiment with red without committing to an entire head of color.

The sides stay clean while the top becomes the focal point.

Best for: Short textured cuts, fades, and modern men’s styles.

Ask your barber/stylist for: A clean skin fade with a deep burgundy-black-cherry top.

Product to reach for: A lightweight matte styling clay or pomade is ideal when you want texture without turning the cherry color overly glossy.

The trick: Keep the sides natural and let the top carry the color.

19. Vintage Hollywood Cherry Waves 🌟

Now we’re talking old-Hollywood glamour.

Big sculpted waves + deep cherry hair + dramatic shine = instant red-carpet energy.

Instead of making the color super bright, keep it deep and luxurious so the light creates those wine-red reflections.

Best for: Weddings, parties, date nights, photoshoots, and special occasions.

Ask your stylist for: Deep black cherry with burgundy and wine undertones.

Product to reach for: [Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray]Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is a good choice when your goal is a sleek, polished, high-shine finish.

Picture this: Black dress, gold earrings, cherry waves. Done.

20. Pastel Cherry Dip-Dye 🎨

And finally, for the girls who refuse to play it safe…

Black cherry roots transitioning into soft pink ends.

It’s dreamy, playful, and completely different from the deeper versions above.

Best for: Festival looks, creative color lovers, and anyone who wants a dramatic color experiment.

Ask your stylist for: Deep black cherry through the roots and mid-lengths with pastel pink ends.

Product to reach for: Use a color-safe, gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically intended for highly processed hair. Pastel ends can be especially delicate because achieving them usually requires pre-lightening.

[OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo]OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and [Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner]OLAPLEX Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner are both positioned by the brand as color-safe options for treated hair.

Girl-talk warning: Pastel pink is gorgeous, but it generally takes more maintenance than a dark cherry brunette. Go in knowing you’ll probably need more frequent refreshing.

🍒 How to Make Black Cherry Hair Last Longer

Okay, here’s the boring-but-important part.

Because black cherry is a color family with lots of red and violet pigment, maintenance matters if you want that gorgeous freshly-colored look to stick around.

1. Don’t shampoo more than you need to

Frequent washing can make color fade faster.

Use a gentle, color-safe shampoo and adjust your wash schedule around your scalp and hair needs rather than forcing yourself into an arbitrary routine.

2. Choose color-safe products

This is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

For example, OLAPLEX’s Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is described as color-safe and sulfate-free, while Living Proof’s Restore Shampoo is formulated for colored and chemically treated hair.

3. Refresh the cherry when it starts looking tired

This is where a color-depositing treatment can be handy.

Moroccanoil’s Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask, for example, is designed to temporarily add crimson tones to light- and dark-brown hair while conditioning.

But always check the manufacturer’s recommended starting hair color first—especially if your hair is blonde, bleached, highlighted, or very porous.

4. Don’t skip heat protection

Flat irons, curling irons, and hot tools can make already-colored hair feel drier.

If you’re styling with heat, use an appropriate heat-protective product and avoid unnecessary passes over the same section.

5. Treat your ends like they’re expensive

Because… they are.

Condition your mid-lengths and ends regularly, use a nourishing mask when your hair needs it, and don’t wait until your ends feel rough to start taking care of them.

6. Expect your color to change slightly

And honestly? That’s part of the fun.

Black cherry can evolve from deep wine to softer burgundy to cherry-brown as it fades.

You don’t necessarily need to panic the second the color isn’t identical to day one.

🍷 Which Black Cherry Shade Should You Choose?

If you’re standing in front of your stylist with 47 screenshots open on your phone, here’s the easiest way to narrow it down:

Want something subtle?

Try:

Cherry Cola Balayage
Cherry Coke Ombre
Black Cherry Root Melt

Want something bold?

Try:

Wild Cherry Pixie Undercut
Black Cherry Money Piece
Asymmetrical Cherry Bob

Want maximum glamour?

Try:

Vintage Hollywood Cherry Waves
Glassy Black Cherry Lob
Cherry Mahogany Layers

Want something playful?

Try:

Peekaboo Highlights
Pastel Cherry Dip-Dye
Plum-Infused Wolf Cut

Want to keep your natural texture?

Try:

Velvet Cherry Curls
Cherry Mahogany Layers
Tousled Cherry Beach Waves

🍒 Before You Color Your Hair, Do This

Please don’t walk into the salon and simply say:

“I want black cherry.”

Black cherry can mean completely different things depending on the stylist, formula, starting hair color, and lighting.

Instead, show your stylist your favorite photo and tell them:

“I love the depth of this color.”

or

“I want the cherry to show mostly in sunlight.”

or

“I want more plum and less red.”

or

“I want a warm cherry-cola brown rather than purple burgundy.”

Those little details can make a huge difference.

And if you’re unsure about your overall color direction, a seasonal color palette can be useful for comparing warm versus cool color families before you commit. Color Me Beautiful currently offers seasonal swatch palettes with coordinated color chips, although its current catalog is focused on color analysis and makeup rather than hair dye or haircare.

🍒 My Black Cherry Haircare Starter Kit

If I were building a little “please keep my expensive-looking cherry hair gorgeous” basket, I’d start with:

For cleansing:
[OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo]OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

For conditioning:
[OLAPLEX Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner]OLAPLEX Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

For refreshing brunette cherry tones:
[Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask]Moroccanoil Bordeaux Color Depositing Mask

For glassy, sleek styles:
[Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray]Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

For curly versions:
[Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair]Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair

And remember: a color-depositing product isn’t automatically suitable for every shade or starting color. Always follow the manufacturer’s color-range instructions and do a strand test when appropriate.

🍒 Final Girl Talk: Is Black Cherry Worth Trying?

Honestly, the reason I love black cherry as a hair-color idea is that you don’t have to go from “natural brunette” to “bright red” overnight.

You can ease into it.

Start with a gloss.

Try cherry-cola balayage.

Add a money piece.

Hide cherry underneath your dark layers.

Go full burgundy.

Or, if you’re feeling fearless, do the whole thing.

The beauty of black cherry is that it can be quiet or dramatic, warm or cool, polished or edgy.

And when the light catches those burgundy and plum tones?

That’s when you understand the obsession. 🍒✨

So before your next salon appointment, save your favorite look, take your screenshots with you, and talk through the exact depth, warmth, and placement you want.

Because the goal isn’t just to have “black cherry hair.”

The goal is to find your version of black cherry.

📌 SAVE THIS BEFORE YOUR NEXT SALON APPOINTMENT

20 Black Cherry Hair Ideas to Screenshot:

🍷 Velvet Cherry Curls
💎 Glassy Black Cherry Lob
🥤 Cherry Cola Balayage
✂️ Wild Cherry Pixie Undercut
💰 Black Cherry Money Piece
🐺 Plum-Infused Wolf Cut
🥃 Cherry Coke Ombre
👑 Black Cherry Braided Crown
✨ Smoky Cherry Bob
🍒 Black Cherry Highlights on Blonde
🌊 Tousled Cherry Beach Waves
🌑 Black Cherry Root Melt
🔥 Auburn-Black Cherry Fusion
🎀 Glossy Cherry Ponytail
🙈 Black Cherry Peekaboo Highlights
🌰 Cherry Mahogany Layers
🔪 Asymmetrical Cherry Bob
🧔 Black Cherry Fade for Men
🌟 Vintage Hollywood Cherry Waves
🎨 Pastel Cherry Dip-Dye