Cherry Coke is a fun, vibrant hair color that many people wish to try. However, most semi-permanent fashion colors like cherry Coke require pre-lightening the hair to achieve the desired results. Bleach is commonly used to lighten hair before applying these types of dyes. Some people wish to skip the bleaching step due to the potential damage it can cause. So, is it possible to dye your hair cherry Coke without bleaching first?
The short answer is maybe, but with some caveats. Cherry Coke dye produces a true, rich red color on light blonde hair. On darker hair, it will not show up as vividly. The dye molecules can only deposit so much color. If the hair is too dark, the cherry Coke color will turn out more subtle with just a hint of redness.
However, there are still ways to get a cherry Coke hue without bleaching. Here are some tips and things to consider:
Assess Your Natural Hair Color
The lighter your base color, the better chance you have of achieving a vibrant cherry Coke shade without bleach. If your hair is pale blonde or lighter, the dye will be able to grab onto hair strands and deposit lots of color. Dark blondes may also be able to pull off a bold cherry Coke with just a single application.
On the other hand, if your hair is medium brown or darker, bleaching will be necessary to reach an intensely cherry tone. The color molecules will struggle to show up as prominently on darker bases. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t get a nice red tint without bleach. It just won’t be quite as electric.
Consider a Gloss Treatment
A great way to test out a cherry Coke shade without fully committing is a gloss treatment. Hair gloss deposits just a hint of color without lifting or damaging the hair. Results are subtle but can still provide a fun pop of color, especially on lighter bases. Focus the gloss on the mid-lengths and ends for the most vibrant effect.
Since a gloss washes out after 4-6 weeks, it’s the ideal way to try out cherry Coke hair temporarily before taking the plunge with permanent dye. It’s also a great option if you want to switch up your color often without repeatedly damaging your strands.
Try a Tinted Conditioner
Tinted hair conditioners provide another way to try cherry Coke hair without bleach. Look for conditioners specifically formulated for red or copper shades. Many brands make cherry-colored options.
These conditioners use staining ingredients to temporarily tint the strands. Results are very sheer. Each application lightly deposits a bit of color. But over time, regularly using a cherry Coke conditioner can build up to a noticeable (although still subtle) red tint. It works best on lighter hair.
Like glosses, tinted conditioners are great for temporarily coloring the hair between permanent dye jobs. The results fade out slowly over several weeks as the color washes away. It allows you to switch up your hue often without damage.
Do a Strand Test First
Before applying any permanent cherry Coke dye to your whole head, do a strand test first. Clip a small section of hair near the nape of your neck and color just that part. This will give you an accurate idea of how the dye will turn out on your hair.
Pay attention to factors like:
– Vibrancy of the color
– How long it takes to develop
– If the color grabs evenly from roots to ends
The strand test will either give you confidence to proceed or indicate if your hair is too dark for cherry Coke dye without lightening first. Either way, it’s a very useful test.
Maximize Color Deposit
To get the most vivid cherry Coke color possible without bleaching, maximize the dye’s ability to deposit onto your hair:
Choose the right dye: Look for intense, vivid red shades labeled as permanent or semi-permanent dye. Stay away from washout, temporary options. Use a formula specifically made for darker hair, if available.
Apply to clean hair: Dye adheres best to freshly clarified hair with no buildup. Wash with a clairifying shampoo before coloring.
Section hair: Work in 1/4 inch sections to ensure the dye penetrates every strand.
Take your time: Leave the dye on for the full processing time to allow it to fully saturate the cuticle.
Double up: Dye your hair twice, back to back for maximum color deposit.
This will help darker hair hold as much cherry Coke pigment as possible. But know that the shade likely still won’t be quite as vivid as if the hair was pre-lightened.
Maintain with Red Hair Products
The right shampoo and conditioner will help prevent your cherry Coke color from fading too quickly. Look for formulas specially designed for reds and coppers. Many contain pigments or optical brighteners to prolong the color’s vibrancy between salon visits.
A weekly gloss treatment is also fantastic for keeping cherry Coke hair looking bold and shiny. Avoid washing every day and use cooler water when you do shampoo. Heat and overcleansing cause color to fade faster.
Go Lighter First, Then dye
If your heart is set on a true, brilliant cherry Coke, consider lightening your hair first before applying the dye. You’ll only need to lift it 1-2 levels—just till you reach a light golden blonde. This will create the perfect canvas for the red shade.
Bleaching to lighter blonde minimizes damage too because you don’t have to use high-volume peroxide. Get professional help if you aren’t experienced with at-home lightening. Done right, you should be able to bleach and immediately dye cherry Coke in one session.
Just remember to use bond-building Olaplex treatments when lightening and conditioning treatments after to ensure your hair stays healthy. Taking these steps allows you to get the vivid cherry Coke of your dreams.
How Light Does My Hair Need to Be?
Here are some guidelines on what level hair should be to achieve a true cherry Coke shade:
| Natural Hair Level | Bleaching Recommended? |
|---|---|
| Black | Yes |
| Dark Brown | Yes |
| Medium Brown | Yes |
| Light Brown | Optional |
| Dark Blonde | Optional |
| Medium Blonde | No |
| Light Blonde | No |
As you can see, medium blonde and lighter hair colors will achieve a vivid cherry Coke result without pre-bleaching. Darker bases may require lightening first, or will result in a more subtle red tint.
Other Red Dye Options
What if you don’t want to deal with the commitment or maintenance of a bold cherry Coke shade? There are some beautiful red alternatives that will show up on darker hair without bleaching:
Red Velvet: A rich, chocolatey red-brown hue perfect for brunettes.
Crimson: A blue-based candy apple red that glows on darker bases.
Garnet: A jewel-toned reddish brown ideal for a natural pop of color.
Mahogany: A multidimensional red rife with depth and dimension.
Cherrywood: A slightly muted, eggplant-y red that’s easier to maintain.
So while it may be tricky to achieve a vivid cherry Coke effect without bleaching first, there are many red shades that will satisfy your craving for a redhead refresh. And temporary options like glosses and tinted conditioners allow you to test drive the shades.
The Bottom Line
While possible, dyeing your hair a true cherry Coke red without bleaching isn’t always feasible. On darker hair, the shade will turn out more subtle and translucent. However, those with naturally lighter hair can potentially achieve a bold, vibrant result without pre-lightening.
No matter your base color, maximize your chances for success by assessing your hair color, doing a strand test, and using professional permanent dyes formulated for dark hair. Maintain the shade with red-enhancing products. If you’re committed to a brighter red, get professional help lightly bleaching first.
Cherry Coke hair doesn’t have to involve lots of damage. With strategic planning, care, and proper maintenance, you can rock this juicy shade while keeping your strands healthy. Have fun with this playful hue!
Conclusion
In summary, achieving a true cherry Coke hair color is possible on pale blonde to medium blonde hair without bleaching first. On darker bases, some pre-lightening is ideal for vibrant results. But subtle red hues can still be obtained on brunette hair without bleach.
Doing a strand test and maximizing color deposit are key. Temporary options like glosses and tinted conditioners allow you to test out the shade. With proper maintenance routines, cherry Coke hair can look fabulous for weeks. While not always achievable, you can often skip bleaching and still experiment with this tasty hair color trend!
