Ashley Park’s Cherry Red Hair Is the Bold Colour Moment to Know

Cherry red is having a very specific kind of fashion-meets-beauty resurgence—high impact, glossy, and intentionally “all-in”. And according to a recent Marie Claire beauty update, actor Ashley Park is the latest to make the case for wearing red from head to toe, anchored by a rich cherry red hair colour that reads modern rather than costume-y.

For UK readers, the timing tracks. Salons across the country have been seeing a steady rise in requests for reds that don’t lean too copper, too burgundy, or too neon—just that sweet spot in the middle: vibrant, editorial, and wearable. Cherry red, when done well, can look expensive and luminous in daylight, and it pairs brilliantly with winter wardrobes (think black wool coats, deep browns, or crisp whites) while still feeling fresh once spring arrives.

That said, red is one of the most nuanced colour families to maintain. It’s also one of the easiest to get wrong if you rush it—whether you’re doing it at home or asking for “something red” in the chair without a reference. Here’s how to understand the trend, translate it to your hair type and lifestyle, and keep the colour looking intentional for as long as possible.

Why cherry red works (and what makes it different from other reds)

“Cherry red” tends to describe a saturated, cool-to-neutral red with a glossy finish—often sitting between classic true red and a subtle berry tone. Unlike copper (which pulls orange) or auburn (which often reads brown with warm red reflects), cherry red is designed to look bold even at a distance.

In real life, the shade can be tailored in several directions depending on what suits you:

• Cool cherry: leans slightly blue-red; looks striking on cooler complexions and can appear more ‘high fashion’.
• Neutral cherry: a balanced red; usually the most universally flattering and easiest to wear day to day.
• Cherry cola: deeper, darker, and moodier; often more office-friendly while still reading red in sunlight.

Many UK colourists also build cherry red with a multi-tone approach—adding depth near the root and brighter reflects through the mid-lengths—so it doesn’t look flat. That’s one reason the shade photographs so well and still looks dimensional in indoor lighting.

Practical next step: screenshot two to three cherry-red references in different lighting (daylight, indoor, flash) before your appointment. It helps your colourist match the “feel” of the red, not just the word.

What to ask your colourist for: a UK-salon friendly brief

When a trend story says “new hair colour just dropped”, it’s tempting to bring in a single image and ask for an exact copy. But reds are highly dependent on your starting point—natural level, previous colour history, and the condition of your hair.

To translate the look well in a UK salon, your consultation matters as much as the colour formula. Helpful talking points include:

• Your baseline: are you natural, previously coloured, or highlighted? Reds can grab differently on porous lengths.
• Your tolerance for upkeep: are you willing to refresh toner/gloss every 4–8 weeks, or do you need it to fade softly over time?
• Placement: full head, root-to-tip; a deeper “shadow root”; or a red veil over brunette for a subtler effect.
• Finish: cherry reds look best with shine—ask about a gloss service or a finishing glaze for that lacquered look.

Many colourists will advise a strand test if you’ve had box dye, henna, or significant lightening. It’s not about being difficult—it’s about predicting how the red will take and how it will fade.

If you’re trying to keep hair integrity front of mind, consider whether you actually need to lighten first. On naturally mid-to-dark hair, a cherry-cola version can be achieved with minimal lift, whereas a brighter, true cherry may require pre-lightening to avoid the colour becoming too dark or too muted.

Maintenance: keeping cherry red glossy, not brassy or patchy

Red pigments tend to fade faster than many browns and darker shades, largely because the molecules are smaller and can wash out more readily. How quickly that happens depends on your wash routine, heat styling habits, water quality, and how compromised the hair is before you colour it.

To keep cherry red looking deliberate between salon visits, many stylists recommend a “fade with intention” routine:

• Wash cooler and less often: lukewarm-to-cool water can help reduce colour fade, especially in the first two weeks.
• Use colour-safe cleansing: opt for gentle, sulphate-free formulas where they suit your hair and scalp preferences.
• Add a weekly colour-depositing step: a red-toned mask or conditioner can top up vibrancy (use carefully—too frequent can over-stain lighter ends).
• Prioritise heat protection: frequent high heat can dull shine and accelerate fade; keep tools at moderate temperatures when possible.
• Gloss appointments: a clear or red-tinted gloss can revive shine and tone without the commitment of a full recolour.

If your ends are lighter or more porous (common after balayage or previous lightening), ask about a porosity equaliser or bond-support treatment in-salon. While results vary, many professionals use these steps to help colour apply more evenly and to support the hair’s feel post-colour.

Practical next step: for the next two washes after colouring, swap to cooler water and minimise shampoo contact on the lengths—focus cleansing at the scalp and let suds rinse through.

Making “red from head to toe” wearable in real life

Ashley Park’s head-to-toe red moment is a reminder that hair colour doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Reds can be styled to look chic and cohesive—or overpowering—depending on how you balance clothing, makeup, and accessories.

If you love the all-red idea but want it to feel modern and UK street-style friendly, try these approaches:

• Choose one hero texture: glossy hair + matte knitwear, or soft waves + a sleek satin lip, keeps the look intentional.
• Keep brows and lashes grounding: you don’t have to change them, but a little definition can stop the face being “washed out” next to bold red hair.
• Let accessories break up the colour: black, chocolate, cream, or metallics can make red feel elevated rather than costume-like.
• Pick your red family: cherry hair looks especially sharp with blue-toned reds in clothing; warmer tomato reds can clash.

For anyone in corporate settings or who prefers a subtler statement, cherry red can still work: opt for a deeper cherry cola at the roots that brightens through the mid-lengths, or keep the shade concentrated as a face-framing pop while the rest stays brunette.

Key Takeaways

• Cherry red is a saturated cool-to-neutral red that looks glossy, editorial, and surprisingly wearable when tailored to your base colour.
• Bring multiple reference images in different lighting so your colourist can match the tone and depth, not just “red”.
• Expect faster fade than with many other shades; cooler washes, gentle cleansing, and a weekly colour-depositing step can help.
• A gloss service is one of the most practical ways to keep cherry red looking expensive between full colouring appointments.
• To make head-to-toe red feel modern, balance with grounding neutrals, defined brows/lashes, and thoughtful texture contrasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cherry red hair suitable for dark hair?
Yes—though the result depends on whether you want a brighter cherry or a deeper cherry-cola effect. On darker bases, you may not need much lift for a rich tonal red, but brighter shades can require lightening for true vibrancy.

How long does cherry red hair colour last?
Longevity varies by formula and routine, but red shades often fade more quickly than browns. Many people refresh shine and tone with a gloss or colour-depositing treatment between salon appointments to maintain vibrancy.

Will cherry red fade to orange?
It can shift warmer as it fades, particularly on pre-lightened or porous hair. Your colourist can help choose a cooler-leaning formula and suggest maintenance steps to reduce unwanted warmth.

Can I go cherry red without bleaching?
Sometimes. If your hair is naturally light brown to dark blonde, a vivid cherry may be achievable with minimal lift. If your hair is very dark or previously coloured, you may need some lightening to see a brighter red.

What’s the easiest way to keep cherry red looking glossy?
Focus on shine: use heat protection, minimise high-temperature styling, and consider occasional glossing treatments. Gentle cleansing and conditioner-focused care on lengths can also help keep the colour reflective.