Formula

Addison Rae's Cherry Crush Red

March 16, 2026·1 min read

Addison Rae with glossy dimensional Cherry Crush red hair featuring soft pinky-orange tones, styled in loose layers with face-framing movement.

Addison Rae just debuted a glossy new red, and the shade is pure Cherry Crush. Celebrity colorist Matt Rez (@colorbymattrez) created the dimensional hue using Paul Mitchell Professional, layering soft warmth through Addison’s existing blonde to keep the color vibrant and luminous. By strategically lifting and depositing pigment instead of lowlighting darker, the result is a glossy red that fades beautifully over time, finished with a pinky-orange gloss that gives the look a Hot Tamale-inspired vibe for the popstar. 

Below, Matt shares the exact formula and technique behind the look, from the initial color stretch to the final pinky-orange gloss that gives the shade its signature shine.

The Formulas

Formula A (gentle soap cap)
Paul Mitchell SynchroLift Soft Cream Lightener + 5-volume developer (1:5) + 2 pumps clarifying shampoo + 2 pumps EPRES Professional Bond Repair
Formula B (hairline base)
Paul Mitchell Color XG Permanent Hair Color 2g HLN 12/0 + 4g 8/3 + 1g 8/34 + 1g 9/37 + 20-volume developer
Formula C (off-hairline base)
Paul Mitchell Color XG 40g 8/3 + 15g 8/34 + 5g 9/37 using 10-volume and 20-volume developer
Formula D (all over refresh)
Paul Mitchell Color XG 40g 8/3 + 15g 8/34 + 5g 9/37 + 5-volume developer
Formula E (gloss)
Paul Mitchell The Demi 4 oz 9OR + ½ oz 6R + 4.5 oz Processing Liquid + 2 pumps EPRES Bond Repair
Formula F (highlights)
30g Synchrolift Soft Cream Lightener + 60g 5-volume developer + 2 pumps EPRES Bond Repair
Formula G (final gloss)
The Demi 3 oz 9OR + 1 oz 9R + 4 oz Processing Liquid

Steps

  1. Clarify + Gentle Soap Cap: To remove any residual blonde toning glosses, Matt started with a gentle soap cap using Formula A.
  2. Base Color (Lift + Deposit): A custom base was applied to lift regrowth while depositing over the old blonde using two base formulas: Formula B at the hairline and Formula C off-hairline. Process for 45 minutes.
  3. All-Over Color Refresh: After rinsing and shampooing, Matt applied the same off-hairline base formula to damp hair with a lower developer (Formula D). Process for 20 minutes, leaving ends out. Emulsify and pull through ends at the end of processing.
  4. Gloss + Treatment: To refine tone and add shine, apply Formula E and process for 20 minutes.
  5. Highlights for Dimension: On dry hair, Matt added subtle highlights using Formula F. Lift only to a warm Level 7.
  6. Final Gloss: To finish the look and create that signature pinky-orange tone, apply Formula G. Process for 10 minutes, rinse and wash.

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