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Wild Cherry Hair Is The Hue To Bookmark For Fall

Go bold or go home.

The sticky days of summer are still here, and as we head into another heat wave, it feels like the perfect time to start planning fall beauty looks. There will be plenty of time for makeup and nail trends, but changing your hair color requires a bit more thought. Fall is the season of change, so why not go for something dramatic and daring like wild cherry? This isn’t your average red hair. “It’s a bold statement color that’s vibrant and sophisticated,” says Chase Kusero, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. 

Red hair had a major resurgence last fall, with several variations lasting through the year. Cowboy Copper is a great example. The light-toned penny hue was one of the year’s top trends and is still going strong and this season, wild cherry is poised to do the same. With deeper, richer and more enchanting tones, it’s ideal for the season ahead. You may have even noticed one or more of your favorite celebrities sporting the look lately. Below, we chatted with hairstylists for everything to know about wild cherry hair, including what to ask for at the salon, how to take care of it and their top celebrity inspirations for the season. 

Featured experts 

Chase Kusero is a celebrity hairstylist and the co-founder of IGK Hair Care
Lauren Mildice is a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago

What is wild cherry hair?

You may recall the cherry cola buzz that took over beauty and fashion last fall. The color ran the gamut of products, from lipsticks to purses and trench coats. That said, you can think of wild cherry as cherry cola’s fresher, younger cousin. “Cherry Cola was a very popular color, and now everyone is leaning towards wild cherry red to change up their look,” says Maxine Salon colorist Lauren Mildice. She explains that the difference between these two colors is that wild cherry red has more of a dominant red pigment. 

Versatility is the name of the game with this hair color. Instead of a flat, one-note look, it has range. Though it can work well with any skin tone, Kusero notes that it is particularly striking on those with medium to darker complexions.

How to get wild cherry hair at the salon

Having inspiration on hand is always a good idea when going for a new hair color. Take some time before your appointment to research and bring along a few images of your favorite celebrities wearing the shade of wild cherry you like. Once at the salon, Kusero suggests asking your colorists for a deep burgundy base with a hint of violet undertones. 

Wild cherry red embraces tonal elements to create a multi-dimensional look. “It features deep reds, burgundy and dark ruby pigments,” says Mildice. She mentions that, at its core, wild cherry is meant to be vibrant, reflective and more lively than other shades. 

How to maintain wild cherry hair at home

Red hair is notoriously hard to maintain. The color tends to fade quickly, so having a routine in place will be essential to prolonging its life. Color-safe products, starting with shampoo and conditioner should be at the top of the list. “Wild cherry red hair doesn’t have as much of a natural basis as other variations, so you will need to keep up with a reliable shampoo and conditioner duo,” says Mildice. 

The pro recommends also adding a heat protectant to your routine if you’re using any hot tools, including a blow dryer. “High-impact heat protection will prolong the life of your color.” She recommends looking for a product that does double duty to protect and straighten your hair.