The TikTok-Viral "Cherry Coke" Hair Trend Is Giving Me All The Y2K Vibes

2001—is that you? Judging by our FYP on TikTok, we're seeing another red hair colour trend revival and this time around, it's in the form of cherry coke hair—and isn't going anywhere anytime soon, with #cherrycokehair amassing 18.7 million views and counting on the app.

Red hair made its way back around again last year with several celebrities and influencers opting for the copper hair trend, a spectrum that spanned soft, buttery Renaissance red through to the vibrant flame orange copper tones. However, it seems that for 2023 we're bringing back at the nostalgic Y2K dark red hair trend, and it feels more refreshing than ever before.

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(Image credit: GETTY)

Rihanna has had many iconic hair moments, but her red hair era lives rent-free in my mind.

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Kelly Rowland had her red hair moment at the 2001 Billboard Music Awards.

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Red hair? Check. Blue eyeshadow? Check. This 2001 beauty look from Jessica Alba screams Y2K.

Looking back, so many celebrities jumped on the dark red hair trend in the 2000s. Remember when Cheryl Cole went red and practically had everyone running to buy dark red box dye? Or Rihanna's many iterations of red hair throughout the late noughts and early 2010s? So iconic.

So, how come the cherry coke trend is resurfacing again? Michelle Billington at hair colour brand, Jerome Russell, has thoughts. "Cherry cola hair is rooted in purple tones unlike many other red shades. It is a deep, rich and intense burgundy, but it's more muted compared to other reds and shines differently under different lighting making it a very vibrant and unique colour," she says.

"It's also a very versatile shade, which explains why it's so popular. It suits all skin tones because you can play around with the colour by balancing and shifting the red and purple tones to create a cherry cola colour that works best for you—whether that's something warmer or cooler," she adds. Of course, it's important to note that depending on your current hair colour, the tone may appear different. "It's important to note that the cherry coke shade you end up with differs depending on the base colour you start with," says Billington. "The lighter your start off hair, the more vibrant the colour will be, which is why for those with dark hair, you should bleach your hair to lift 8-9 shades first."

If you're ready to jump on the Y2K trend, we've rounded up some of the best dark red hair colour inspo we've spotted on our feeds right now.

Cherry Coke Hair Colour Inspo Pics I've Saved

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(Image credit: @sophiet)

Sophie Turner's dark red hue reads a warmer tone, which compliments her fair skin.

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(Image credit: @aude_julie)

If you're thinking about braids this summer, then why not experiment with the cherry cola hue?

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(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

Vibrant burgundy makes a big statement.

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(Image credit: @zendaya)

I'm still obsessing over this hair colour on Zendaya, a paired-back dark auburn hue which is so wearable.

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(Image credit: @yasmindevonport)

One thing about deep red hair colour? It always leaves hair with the most amazing shine.

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This deep red will transition so well into autumn and winter too.

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(Image credit: @nayelizabeth)

Balayage is a great way to weave red tones into your lengths.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Note the almost purple tones in this cherry coke hair colour.

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(Image credit: @alllisonho)

Cherry cola colour and a butterfly cut? I am sold. 

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(Image credit: @gigihadid)

Remember when Gigi Hadid jumped on the red hair trend last year? It still feels fresh now.

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(Image credit: @theestallion)

I'm obsessed with this cherry cola colour on Megan Thee Stallion.

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(Image credit: SPOTLIGHT)

Versace were on to something last summer, where we saw this vibrant red hair colour.

Products to Keep Your Cherry Coke Colour in Tip-Top Condition

Up Next, The Experts Have Spoken—These 12 2023 Hair Trends Are the Only Ones That Matter

Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor of Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.

Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards and also contributed to Powder, winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards for her work in beauty journalism.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.

When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner.