Your brunette is craving a secret upgrade, one whisper of cherry and suddenly it’s the hair everyone leans in to ask about. These cherry brown variations are the quiet obsession taking over salons (and group chats) right now—sultry, expensive-looking depth that works on curls, lobs, pixies, every skin tone, every vibe.
We open at number 1 with dark chocolate cherry that turns sleek strands into velvet with a hidden red flash. Then we slip into cherry cola mystery, black cherry blend, deep cherry on short hair, light cherry with blonde sparks, curly ombré fire, burgundy cherry ribbons, dark strawberry romance, chocolate auburn spice… until we reach the one waiting at number 10 that has colorists texting “I can’t keep this appointment slot open—everyone wants THIS exact cherry the second they see it.”
Reader Votes Are In (Via Pinterest Saves) – The Cherry Brown At Number 6 Just Won By A Landslide
Cherry Brown Hair Color Ideas You Need to Try
Cherry brown hair is that perfect middle ground between brunette elegance and red-toned drama. It’s sophisticated enough for the office but spicy enough for date night. Here are ten ways to rock this trend, from subtle to show-stopping.
1. Dark Chocolate Cherry
Think rich, decadent dark chocolate with just a whisper of cherry undertones peeking through when the light hits. This shade is perfect if you’re dipping your toes into the cherry brown world but don’t want to go full burgundy immediately. The base stays deeply brunette with those gorgeous red-violet tones that only reveal themselves in natural sunlight or under certain lighting.
Face Shape Advice: This color is incredibly flattering for round and heart-shaped faces because the depth creates a slimming effect while the subtle cherry tones add warmth.
Best For:
- Professional settings where you want color that’s office-appropriate
- Those with deeper skin tones (absolutely stunning on morenas and brown skin)
- Anyone wanting low-maintenance color that grows out gracefully
Styling Tips: Pair this with loose waves or sleek straight styles to maximize shine. The smoother the hair, the more those cherry tones will reflect. For outfits, think jewel tones—emerald greens and sapphire blues make this color pop like crazy.
2. Light Cherry Brown
This is the brighter, more playful sister of the cherry brown family. We’re talking medium brown base with noticeable cherry-red highlights throughout. It’s got that sun-kissed vibe but with a cooler, more modern twist than traditional caramel highlights.
Face Shape Advice: Oval and long faces absolutely eat this up because the lighter tones create width and dimension. If you have a square jawline, ask your stylist to concentrate lighter pieces around your face to soften angles.
Perfect Pairings:
- Spring and summer aesthetics (hello, sundresses and denim jackets)
- Casual, boho-inspired outfits
- Great for enhancing natural curls or waves
Pro Tip: Brands like Garnier and L’Oreal offer semi-permanent tinte options in this range if you’re DIY-ing at home. Mix formulas to get that custom shade—usually combining a medium brown base with a copper or burgundy tone works wonders.
3. Deep Cherry Brown Balayage
Balayage with deep cherry brown is literally the move right now. This technique gives you that expensive, dimensional look where darker roots gradually melt into richer cherry tones toward the ends. It’s like your hair is telling a story from root to tip.
Why It Works:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Low Maintenance | Roots blend naturally as hair grows |
| Dimensional | Multiple tones create depth and movement |
| Versatile | Works on straight, wavy, or curly hair |
| Flattering | Adds warmth to all skin tones |
Face Shape Magic: This technique is honestly universal, but it’s especially gorgeous for oblong faces because you can customize where the lighter cherry tones start, creating the illusion of width.
Outfit Inspo: Black everything. Seriously, deep cherry brown balayage against an all-black outfit? Stunning. Also pairs beautifully with burgundy, rust, and camel tones.
4. Chocolate Auburn Hair
Now we’re getting into warmer territory. Chocolate auburn is where brown meets true red-orange tones, creating that fiery, confident vibe. This isn’t your grandma’s auburn—it’s more sophisticated with a chocolate base that keeps it grounded.
Ideal Candidates:
- Medium to light skin tones (though anyone can rock it with the right undertones)
- Those wanting a noticeable but not shocking change
- People with warm undertones in their skin
Face Shape Considerations: Angular faces (square and diamond) look incredible with this because the warmth softens harsh lines. Keep some face-framing pieces for maximum effect.
Styling Secrets: This color looks insane with texture. If you have curly hair, embrace those ringlets—the multiple tones catch light differently on each curl. For short hair, this creates incredible dimension that makes pixie cuts and bobs look super expensive.
5. Dark Strawberry Brown
Okay, hear me out on this one. Dark strawberry brown sounds weird on paper, but in reality, it’s this gorgeous blend of cool-toned brown with reddish-pink undertones. Think strawberry blonde’s edgier, more mysterious cousin who listens to indie music.
The Vibe: Soft, romantic, but with an edge. This is date night hair, poetry reading hair, “I’m mysterious and interesting” hair.
Best Matches:
- Fair to medium skin tones with cool undertones
- Those who want something unique without going full fashion color
- Great for adding dimension to naturally dark blonde or light brown hair
Real Talk: This shade requires maintenance. Invest in color-safe shampoo and purple-toned conditioners to keep those cool undertones from turning brassy. Brands like Igora offer professional formulas, but if you’re mixing at home, combine ash brown with a touch of burgundy.
6. Burgundy Cherry Highlights
For those who want drama without commitment, burgundy cherry highlights on a dark brown or black base are it. We’re talking bold, visible burgundy pieces that frame your face and scatter throughout for that “I’m the main character” energy.
Formula Hack: Mix dark burgundy (try Igora number 4-99) with a touch of cherry red developer. Apply as highlights or babylights depending on how subtle or bold you want to go.
Face Shape Strategy:
- Round faces: Keep highlights vertical and elongated
- Square faces: Concentrate around cheekbones to soften
- Heart-shaped faces: Focus highlights on mid-lengths and ends
Outfit Game: Neutral basics become instantly cooler with this hair. White tees, black leather jackets, gray sweaters—everything just hits different. Also, burgundy highlights with gold jewelry? Chef’s kiss.
7. Black Cherry Blend
This is essentially black hair with cherry undertones that only show up in specific lighting. It’s subtle, mysterious, and absolutely gorgeous. Think vampire-chic but make it wearable for everyday life.
Why It’s Special:
- Maintains professional appearance in most settings
- Adds dimension to naturally black hair
- Creates that “secret color” effect that feels personal
Skin Tone Love: This shade is incredible on Indian skin tones and deeper brown skin. The cool cherry undertones complement warm and cool undertones alike.
Application Method: If you’re working with naturally black hair, your stylist can use Bremod or similar brands to add burgundy lowlights that blend seamlessly. It’s less about changing your color and more about enhancing what’s already there.
8. Cherry Brown Ombré for Curly Hair
Can we talk about how criminally underrated ombré is on curly hair? When you have curls, each ringlet catches light differently, making that cherry brown transition look absolutely multidimensional. It’s like living art on your head.
Curly Hair Considerations:
- Hydration is key: Cherry tones can fade fast on dry hair
- Placement matters: Start the ombré lower to avoid shrinkage weirdness
- Embrace the texture: Don’t fight your natural pattern; the color enhances it
Face Shape Notes: Curly ombré adds volume, so if you have a round face, keep the top darker to create length. For longer faces, you can start the cherry transition higher.
Product Recommendations: L’Oreal’s burgundy and chocolate shades mix beautifully for a custom cherry brown. For maintaining curls, use sulfate-free products to prevent color stripping.
9. Light Cherry Brown with Blonde Highlights
This is the ultimate “I summer in the Hamptons” color (even if you’ve never left your hometown). Light cherry brown base with strategic blonde highlights creates this expensive, sun-kissed situation that photographs like a dream.
The Formula Balance:
- Base: Light cherry brown (mix medium brown with red-copper tones)
- Highlights: Warm blonde to champagne shades
- Technique: Balayage or foil highlights depending on desired contrast
Best For:
- Light to medium skin tones
- Those wanting a bright, youthful look
- Summer or vacation vibes year-round
Styling Pro Tips: Beach waves are non-negotiable with this color. The texture shows off every tone. Pair with flowy dresses, crop tops, and that “just came back from the beach” aesthetic.
10. Deep Cherry Brown for Short Hair
Short hair with deep cherry brown color is a power move. Whether you’re rocking a bob, pixie, or lob, this color adds so much dimension that you won’t need elaborate styling. The color does the heavy lifting.
Short Hair Advantages:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Less product needed | Color treatments last longer |
| Maximum shine | Smooth surface reflects light better |
| Easy maintenance | Quick styling shows off color |
| Bold statement | Short + rich color = unforgettable |
Face Shape Mastery: Short cuts with this color work for literally everyone if cut correctly. Ask your stylist to customize the cut to your face shape, then let the color add that extra dimension.
Outfit Synergy: Short cherry brown hair pairs beautifully with statement earrings, bold lips, and structured clothing. Think blazers, turtlenecks, and anything that frames your face.
What Hair Color is Cherry Brown?
So you’re probably wondering, “What exactly is cherry brown?” Fair question, because it’s not as straightforward as “just brown” or “just red.” Cherry brown is essentially a brown base—anywhere from medium to very dark—infused with red-violet or burgundy undertones that give it that distinctive cherry quality.
Think of it this way: if regular brown hair is a latte, cherry brown is a latte with a shot of cherry syrup. The base remains firmly in brunette territory, but those red tones add warmth, dimension, and a subtle pop that catches light differently than standard brown. The “cherry” part comes from those cool-red to burgundy undertones that can look almost purple-ish in certain lighting but warm and reddish in direct sunlight.
The beauty of cherry brown is its range. On the lighter end, you might see it as a medium brown with noticeable reddish highlights—almost like a deeper version of auburn. On the darker spectrum, it can appear as a rich dark chocolate with just hints of burgundy that only reveal themselves when light hits the hair directly. Some versions lean more purple-red (cooler cherry tones), while others go warmer with more true red influences (like dark strawberry brown).
- Base: Levels 3-6 brown (depending on desired depth)
- Toner: Red-violet or burgundy at 10-20 volume
- Ratio: Typically 3 parts brown to 1 part red/burgundy for subtle; adjust to 2:1 or 1:1 for bolder
Most professional colorists achieve cherry brown by either mixing specific shades or by applying burgundy or red tones over pre-lightened or naturally brown hair. Brands like Igora, L’Oreal Professional, and Garnier offer numbering systems—look for level 4-5 with red-violet bases (usually indicated by numbers like .66 or .67 in professional color lines).
What Skin Tone Goes with Cherry Brown Hair?
Here’s the thing that makes cherry brown absolutely elite: it’s ridiculously versatile across different skin tones. Unlike some colors that only flatter specific undertones, cherry brown has enough variation within the shade family that there’s literally a version for everyone.
For Fair Skin: Lighter cherry brown shades with more visible red tones work beautifully. Think light cherry brown with highlights or medium cherry brown with warm undertones. The contrast between fair skin and the rich color creates a striking look without being overwhelming. If you have cool undertones, lean toward cherry browns with purple-burgundy bases. Warm undertones? Go for cherry browns with more copper-red influences.
For Medium Skin Tones: You’ve basically won the lottery because almost every cherry brown variation looks incredible. Medium skin, whether warm (golden, peachy) or cool (pink, rosy), can rock everything from light cherry brown to deep chocolate cherry. This is prime territory for balayage and ombré techniques because your skin tone provides enough contrast to show dimension while being complementary to both the brown base and red tones.
For Morenas and Brown Skin: Deep cherry brown shades are spectacular on deeper skin tones. The richness of dark chocolate cherry, black cherry blends, and deep burgundy-cherry combinations create this luxurious, multidimensional effect. The warm red undertones complement the natural warmth in brown skin, while cooler burgundy versions can create beautiful contrast. Honestly, if you have dark skin and you’re considering cherry brown, just do it—the way it catches light is absolutely gorgeous.
For Indian Skin Tones: The diverse range of Indian skin tones (from fair to deep, warm to cool) means there’s serious flexibility. Generally, medium to deep cherry browns work incredibly well because they complement the warm undertones common in Indian skin. Black cherry blends are particularly stunning because they add dimension without drastically changing your overall look. The subtle burgundy undertones bring out golden undertones in the skin beautifully.
Quick Reference Guide:
- Cool undertones: Cherry browns with burgundy, violet-red, or purple bases
- Warm undertones: Cherry browns with copper-red, auburn, or true red bases
- Neutral undertones: Any cherry brown variation (you lucky duck)
How to Get Cherry Brown Hair?
Alright, so you’re sold on cherry brown and ready to take the plunge. Let’s talk process because achieving this color isn’t always as simple as slapping on some box dye (though sometimes it can be, depending on your starting point).
Starting with Dark Hair (Level 3-4 or Black):
If you’re already brunette or have black hair, congratulations—you’re halfway there! The process is relatively straightforward:
- Consultation: Talk to your stylist about which cherry brown variation you want. Show them reference photos (screenshot away from this article!).
- Color Application: For subtle cherry tones, your stylist might apply a burgundy or red-violet gloss directly to your hair without lightening. This adds those cherry undertones while maintaining your dark base. For more visible cherry tones, they might do subtle balayage with a lightener to lift certain sections before applying the cherry color.
- Processing Time: Usually 30-45 minutes depending on desired intensity.
- At-Home Option: Brands like Garnier Nutrisse and L’Oreal Excellence offer cherry brown box colors. Look for shades labeled “burgundy brown,” “dark cherry,” or similar. Bremod also has great options. Follow instructions carefully and do a strand test first.
Starting with Light to Medium Brown Hair (Level 5-7):
This is actually ideal because you have enough natural pigment to hold the color but not so much that the cherry tones won’t show up.
- Direct Application: Most cherry brown formulas can be applied directly without pre-lightening. Your stylist will mix the formula to get the perfect shade—typically combining a medium brown base with burgundy or red tones.
- DIY Mixing: If you’re doing this at home, try mixing two boxes: one medium to dark brown and one burgundy or mahogany. Start with a 2:1 ratio (two parts brown, one part red) and adjust based on how bold you want the result.
- Technique Options: This is great for balayage, highlights, or all-over color.
Starting with Blonde or Light Hair (Level 8+):
Plot twist: you’ll need to add depth first. Cherry brown won’t show up properly on very light hair without a base.
- Fill the Hair: Your stylist will apply a brown base color first to give the hair enough pigment to hold the cherry tones.
- Apply Cherry Tones: Once the base is processed, the cherry-burgundy tones get applied.
- Why This Matters: Skipping the fill step will result in the color washing out super fast and potentially turning orange. Not cute.
Professional Formula Mixing Example:
For a classic deep cherry brown:
- 60g of Level 4 neutral brown
- 30g of burgundy or red-violet (Igora 4-99 or similar)
- 90ml of 20-volume developer
- Process for 35-40 minutes
Maintenance Must-Haves:
- Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo
- Purple or red-toned conditioner to maintain vibrancy
- Heat protectant (red tones fade faster with heat damage)
- Gloss treatments every 4-6 weeks
How Do I Choose the Right Cherry Brown Shade?
Choosing the right cherry brown shade is honestly the difference between “I look amazing” and “this isn’t quite right.” Let’s break down how to pick your perfect match.
Your starting hair color dramatically affects what you can achieve and how much maintenance you’re signing up for. If you’re naturally dark brown or black, you can go deeper without extra work—think dark chocolate cherry or black cherry blends. These will require minimal upkeep because they’re close to your natural color. If you’re naturally lighter, you have more flexibility to go lighter or darker, but remember that going significantly darker is a bigger commitment.
Be real with yourself here. If you wash your hair daily, swim frequently, or use heat tools constantly, opt for deeper cherry brown shades that fade more gracefully. Light cherry brown with highlights looks gorgeous but requires more maintenance—color-safe products, purple shampoo, regular toning. If you’re low-maintenance, stick with deeper shades like deep cherry brown or dark chocolate cherry that don’t require constant salon visits.
- Round faces: Deeper cherry brown with vertical highlights creates length
- Square faces: Warmer cherry tones (chocolate auburn) soften angles
- Heart-shaped faces: Light cherry brown with face-framing highlights balances proportions
- Oval faces: Literally anything works; experiment with bold choices
- Long faces: Light cherry brown or multi-dimensional balayage adds width
What’s your vibe? Corporate professional? Go for subtle dark chocolate cherry or black cherry blend that reads as sophisticated brunette with a twist. Creative field or more relaxed environment? Light cherry brown with burgundy highlights or chocolate auburn give you that artistic edge. Weekend warrior who likes to stand out? Deep cherry brown balayage or burgundy cherry highlights bring the drama.
If you’re nervous, start with semi-permanent options. Brands like Garnier Olia and L’Oreal Colorista offer wash-out versions that last 4-6 weeks. This lets you test the cherry brown waters without permanent commitment. You can also try clip-in extensions in cherry brown shades to see how the color looks against your skin before dyeing.
When consulting with your stylist, ask:
- What level cherry brown works best with my skin tone?
- How often will I need touch-ups?
- What’s the maintenance routine?
- Can we do a strand test?
- What’s the formula so I can maintain it?
Professional cherry brown at a salon: $150-$400 depending on technique and location. Box dye at home: $10-$30. Factor in maintenance products (another $40-$60 every few months). If budget is tight, start with all-over color rather than balayage—it’s cheaper and grows out more evenly.
Final Thoughts
Look, at the end of the day, cherry brown hair is one of those colors that just works. It’s got that perfect balance of safe and spicy, professional and fun, subtle and statement-making. Whether you’re going full send with burgundy cherry highlights or keeping it lowkey with a dark chocolate cherry base, you’re making a solid choice.
The best part? This isn’t one of those trendy colors that’ll look dated in six months. Cherry brown has been having moments for years, and it’s not going anywhere because it’s genuinely flattering on so many people. It’s like the little black dress of hair colors—classic with just enough personality to keep things interesting.
So here’s what you’re gonna do: screenshot your favorite ideas from this list (I’m partial to the deep cherry brown balayage, but that’s just me), find a stylist who understands color, and book that appointment. Life’s too short for boring hair, and cherry brown is anything but boring. Whether you end up with light cherry brown highlights that catch the sun or a deep, mysterious black cherry blend, you’re going to look incredible.
And hey, when people inevitably stop you to ask about your hair color, just smile mysteriously and tell them it’s cherry brown. Then send them this article because sharing is caring, and everyone deserves great hair.
