My Cherry Cola Hair Era: Everything You Need to Know (and What I’m Thinking Next!)

Okay, you guys. We need to talk about the hair. My hair. My *cherry cola hair*. I swear, every time I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror, I still do a double-take. Like, is that really me? And the answer is YES, it’s me, and I’m freakin’ loving it. This whole journey into a bolder color has been such a fun ride, and I wanted to spill all the tea on how it happened, what I’m doing to keep it looking fresh, and honestly, what I’m already dreaming up for next. Bc that’s just how I am, right? Always thinking five steps ahead hahah.

I’ve always been one to switch things up, but for a while there, I was kinda playing it safe. You know, just subtle changes, nothing too wild. But something about this season, maybe it’s having three girls and feeling like I need to reclaim a little bit of *me* time and *me* expression, just pushed me to go for it. I saw some inspo pics floating around, and this deep, rich, kinda mysterious cherry cola color just kept calling my name. I mean, it’s not full-on red, but it’s definitely not brown. It’s got this amazing warmth and depth, and when the light hits it? Ugh, heaven on earth fr. I just knew I had to try it.

The Big Chop & Color Jump: Finding My Hair Vibe

So, the first step was finding a stylist who *got* it. This is probably the most important part, you guys. I’ve had my fair share of hair mishaps over the years (we all have, ngl), and I knew for a color this specific, I needed someone who understood the vision. I brought in a bunch of reference photos – like, a whole Pinterest board, no shame – and we talked it through. I wanted that perfect balance of red and brown, not too bright, not too dark, just… *cherry cola*. We also decided to go for a bit of a chop, just to get rid of any old, tired ends and give the color a really fresh canvas. I’m always a little nervous about cutting length, but I trust my stylist completely, and honestly, it made such a difference. The shorter, bouncier cut just enhances the color even more.

The process itself was pretty chill. Lots of foils, lots of waiting, lots of good conversation. I love getting my hair done bc it’s like my little escape, you know? Just me, a good magazine, and someone else making me feel pretty. Tanner always jokes that I come home a whole new woman, and honestly, he’s not wrong. When she finally rinsed it out and I saw it wet, I was already like, “OMG.” But then she blow-dried it and styled it, and that’s when I truly freaked out. It was exactly what I pictured, maybe even better. The shine, the dimension, the way it framed my face… I was smitten. I literally couldn’t stop touching it. And yes, I took about a million selfies before I even left the salon. You know the drill! :,)

Keeping That Color Poppin’: My Maintenance Must-Haves

Okay, so now that I’m living in my cherry cola hair era, the next big question is: how do I keep it looking this good? Bc vibrant colors can fade fast if you don’t treat them right. I learned this the hard way with some past experiments hahah. So, here are my non-negotiables for keeping this color poppin’:

• Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner: This is literally rule number one. Sulfates strip color faster than anything. I’ve been using this one and it’s been amazing. It’s gentle but still gets my hair feeling clean, and it smells so good.
• Cool Water Washes: I know, I know, a hot shower feels like heaven, especially in Utah winters. But for my hair, I try to wash it with lukewarm or even cool water. It helps seal the cuticle and keeps the color from washing down the drain. I usually just lean my head back under the faucet for the rinse part, against Tanner’s will but idc hahah.
• Heat Protectant: If I’m using any heat tools – which, let’s be real, is most days for a quick curl or straighten – I *never* skip the heat protectant. It’s not just for preventing damage, it also helps protect the color from fading due to heat exposure. I’m currently loving this spray, it’s super lightweight.
• Leave-In Conditioner/Color Mask: Once a week, I try to do a deep conditioning treatment or a color-depositing mask. This just gives my hair that extra boost of hydration and helps refresh the color. It makes such a difference in how soft and shiny my hair feels. It’s like a little spa day for my hair!
• Dry Shampoo is My Bestie: The less I wash my hair, the longer the color lasts. Period. So, dry shampoo is my absolute best friend. I try to stretch my washes as long as possible, usually every 3-4 days. This one doesn’t leave a weird white cast, which is a huge win for me.

It sounds like a lot when I list it all out, but honestly, it’s just become part of my routine. And seeing my hair stay so vibrant and healthy makes it all worth it. I love this color so much, it just feels so fun and confident.

What’s Next?! The Eternal Question

Okay, so this is where you guys come in! I’m absolutely loving my cherry cola hair, truly. But you know me, my mind is already spinning with what could be next. I’m not saying I’m changing it tomorrow, but a girl can dream, right? I’m always curious about new things, and hair is such a fun way to experiment without a huge commitment. I mean, it grows out, it fades, it can always be changed again. That’s the beauty of it!

I’ve been thinking… maybe a deeper, richer red? Like, a true, bold ruby red for fall? Or maybe something with more purple undertones to really lean into that berry vibe? I’ve also seen some gorgeous, almost black cherry colors that are super dramatic and chic. I h8 that about myself hahah, curse my freakin’ indecisiveness! But that’s why I love hearing from you guys, bc you always have the best ideas and sometimes just seeing what you’re thinking helps me figure out what I really want.

Or should I just stick with this for a while longer and enjoy it? Tbh, that’s probably the smart move. But my brain just goes, “Ooh, what if?!” I’m always looking for that next little spark of inspiration. Maybe I’ll do a poll on stories or something! Let me know in the comments what you think I should do next. Should I go even bolder? Stick with the cherry cola? Or maybe something totally different down the line? I’m all ears! I love hearing your ideas and seeing what you guys are loving too. It’s like we’re all on this hair journey together, and that’s just the best. Ily guys! ❤