From Dua Lipa to Aima Baig, is 2024 another year of cherry cola hair?

After reigning supreme on runways and TikToks last year, the iconic 90s Shakira hair is here to stay

KARACHI:

16 days into the year 2024 and Dua Lipa graced the cover of Rolling Stone with her long locks dyed a deep shade of red. Thus, began a new initiation of cherry cola hair. In a familiar recall of the 90s - cue Shakira’s iconic red mane in her 1999 MTV Unplugged performance of Ojos Así - like its namesake beverage, this rich and sultry hue is sweeping across social media platforms, captivating the hearts and strands of trendsetters everywhere.

You may have already caught wind of this luscious trend on TikTok, where beauty mavens are owning stunning cherry Coke-red locks. Drawing inspiration from the depths of a fizzy cherry cola, this hair colour blends deep blacks with hints of red, burgundy, and even violet undertones, creating a look that's equal parts daring and delicious.

Cherry cola hair isn't new by any means and have already seen one major resurgence last year alone. But it appears that the timeless style that has adorned the heads of icons throughout the ages is going to stay in vogue in 2024. From Megan Thee Stallion to Keke Palmer, the cherry cola craze has made its mark on the red carpet and beyond, proving its enduring allure.

Dua’s red hair era debut on Instagram easily signals a seismic shift in the beauty zeitgeist. With her bold new look setting the stage for her upcoming album release, it's clear that cherry cola hair is more than just a passing trend—it's a statement of self-expression and empowerment.

In January, Zendaya rocked the Fendi Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 runway in Paris with her newfound cherry cola locks. Comprised of deep red mauve and pinot noir tones, the actor’s newest fashion statement came just days after debuting her chic micro-fringe at the Schiaparelli fashion week show.

Earlier, when the calendars flipped to 2023, Pakistani celebs too jumped on the red bandwagon. After a brief hiatus from the social media spotlight, songstress Aima Baig made a triumphant return to Instagram with a striking mane of cherry cola hair that perfectly complemented her chic ensemble. Going by the singer's recent IG posts, she is back with her red tresses after a brief tryst with browns and blondes.

So what sets cherry cola hair apart from other hair colour trends? For starters, its deep, rich tones offer a refreshing departure from the usual spring and summer fare. While others may opt for bright blondes or sun-kissed brunettes, cherry cola aficionados are embracing a darker, more dramatic palette that harkens back to the grunge-inspired aesthetics of the '90s and early '00s.

Of course, it was not too long ago that Katrina Kaif donned the trending crimson at the 68th Cannes, parting ways with her signature brunette locks. Katrina’s transformation into a fiery redhead wasn't merely a whimsical decision; rather, it was director Abhishek Kapoor’s vision for her character in the film adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, Great Expectations.

The film, titled Fitoor, found the actor turning to none other than Daniel Galvin, London's most esteemed hair expert, renowned for his impeccable work with celebrities such as pop icon Madonna and the late Princess Diana. While in 2015, fan reactions to the actor’s makeover bordered horrified, almost a decade later with the '90s fashion back in full swing, it's no wonder that cherry cola hair is experiencing a moment in the spotlight.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.