Out with the old and in with the new! If you’re looking to make a change with your hair, winter is the perfect time to do it. After all, if you end up not liking your new ‘do, you can always wear a hat! All jokes aside, we do believe that winter is a great time to refresh your look and make a change with a new haircut or hair color.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is it better to have lighter or darker hair in winter?” While there’s no strict rule, we tend to recommend choosing darker shades in the winter. Why? Because our hair tends to get less highlight-giving sunshine in the winter and darkens naturally. Plus, hair is more dry in the winter and prone to breakage. Thus, it’s probably not the best time to apply bleach. However, the best choice is always the one that makes you feel most confident.
Top Winter Haircuts to Try
Let’s start by diving into the most stylish cuts for this winter. Whether you keep your hair short or love long lengths, there is a winter hair trend for everyone.
Short Haircuts
When it comes to short haircuts this winter, we’re seeing a blend of classic elegance with a modern edge.
1. Chin-Length Bob
If your hair is fried after a summer in the sun, the chin-length bob is the perfect option to cut off all the dead ends and start anew. This cut grazes the jawline with minimal layering, making it perfect for winter as it prevents tangling with scarves and sweaters. We’ve shone it here with straight hair, but it works for all hair types. However, if you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, make sure you ask for the cut on dry hair to account for shrinkage.
To enhance your look, try Toppik Fill Me In Hairline Filler. This long-lasting formula works to build up your hairline and part, creating visibly fuller-looking hair. Choose from black, dark brown, medium brown, or blond shades for a natural appearance that lasts until your next shampoo. It’s also great for touching up roots in between color appointments.
2. Curly Crop
Bouncy volume is back in a big way! The curly crop hits mid-neck with lots of layers for movement. This style works beautifully both for naturally curly hair and those willing to put in a bit more styling effort. To achieve this look, apply mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser. Or use hot rollers on clean, dry hair to create those coveted bouncy curls.
3. Micro Bangs
Is there anything cooler than micro bangs? These short bangs are super trendy right now, but they’re also surprisingly flattering. We’ve categorized them with short haircuts, but they could also work well with a blunt lob or long hair. This hairstyle works best on straight or wavy hair. Ask your hairstylist for bangs that hit mid-forehead with a sharp corner where they meet your hair.
4. Flippy Bob
The flippy bob has blunt ends that flip out at the bottom, creating a flirty, fun look. To get this winter hair trend, ask your hairstylist for a bob that hits mid-neck with minimal layers at the ends and curtain bangs. To style at home, apply a heat protectant spray, then use a flat iron to bend the ends upward, creating the signature flippy look.
Medium Haircuts
Medium-length haircuts are having a major moment this winter, offering the perfect compromise between manageability (fewer tangles to deal with) and versatility (you can still put it in a ponytail!).
1. The Mid-Length Chop
The mid-length chop is the 2020s answer to “The Rachel” of the 90s. This modern interpretation features face-framing layers that add movement and dimension to the cut.
2. The Clavicle Cut
Another popular option is the clavicle cut, which hits right at the collarbone. This length is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want short hair but doesn’t want all the maintenance of long hair. The key to this cut is its versatility – it can be worn sleek and straight for a polished look, or tousled and textured for a more casual vibe.
3. Mid-length Blunt Lob
The mid-length blunt lob continues to reign supreme because it works well for various hair textures and face shapes. This cut is particularly striking when paired with winter’s richer hair colors (more on those below).
Long Haircuts
Long hair takes on an especially romantic quality during the winter months, and this season’s trends lean into that romanticism. However, long hair does require more maintenance, especially in the winter. Make sure to keep your ends hydrated, get regular trims, and always use a heat protectant spray to prevent breakage.
1. Ethereal Waves
These long waves look beautiful on even the most gray winter days. Ethereal waves are best for wavy hair as they minimize the need for heat styling (a significant advantage during the dry winter months). If you want to take your waves up a notch, apply a styling cream to damp hair, avoiding the roots, and air dry or blow dry with a diffuser attachment. For additional definition, use a 1-inch curling wand to enhance a few strategic pieces.
2. Retro Bangs
If you already have long hair and want to change things up but don’t want to lose any length, consider these long 60s-inspired bangs. Ask your stylist for a fringe that skims your eyebrows with edges that blend into the rest of your hair.
Winter Hair Color Trends
This winter’s color trends focus on subtle enhancement rather than dramatic transformations. Here are the standout shades making waves this season:
1. Velvet Gold
A fresh take on blond, this shade sits just shy of platinum with an all-over gold tone. Unlike previous seasons’ popular shadow root looks, this color is maintained from root to tip, creating a luxurious, uniform finish. While stunning, this style requires more frequent maintenance to keep the color fresh and vibrant.
2. Smokey Bronze
Smokey bronze combines subtle brunette balayage with layers of cool-toned brown overlaying warm ends. The result is a high-gloss, naturally healthy-looking hair color that adds warmth to any complexion – perfect for maintaining a sun-kissed glow throughout the winter months. This shade is particularly flattering on those with warm or olive undertones and requires minimal maintenance for natural brunettes, with just bi-annual highlights and quarterly gloss treatments needed.
3. Mushroom Brown
For those seeking a subtle yet modern look, mushroom brown is the way to go. This cool-toned brown color incorporates shades of taupe and even gray. While beautiful, maintaining cool tones does require some dedication, particularly if you have hard water. Plan for monthly gloss appointments or invest in a color-neutralizing conditioner for at-home treatments.
4. Cowboy Copper
This vibrant blend of gold, copper, and brown offers a fresh take on natural ginger tones. We love cowboy copper because it works on nearly every skin tone, and gives pallid winter complexions a much-needed boost or warmth. Tip: Copper tones fade fast from hair, but you can refresh your color at home by investing in a semi-permanent copper gloss.
5. Dark Suede Blond
For those looking to transition their summer blond into winter, dark suede blond offers the perfect solution. This ashy shade sits beautifully between blond and brown, creating a natural, lived-in look that’s particularly flattering on those with existing blond or light brown hair.
6. Espresso
After years of highlights and balayage, we’re finally seeing a return to dark, single-process color. We love the drama that this deep brown shade adds to any look. Plus, since it doesn’t require lightening, it’s a healthy option for updating your hair without bleach damage.
7. Face-Framing Highlights
Highlights require hair bleach, and it’s no secret that hair bleach can cause hair damage. This winter hair color trend minimizes bleach damage by only lightening pieces by the face, creating a brighter appearance for the hair without the need for a ton of highlights.
8. Cinnamon Hair
While cowboy copper is a warm take on red hair, cinnamon hair is a cool red. This winter hair trend is a true red with blue undertones that almost verges on purple. As with cowboy copper, this color washes out quickly, so make sure you have a pigment-depositing conditioner on hand to keep the color bright between appointments.
Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair in Winter
You probably don’t need us to tell you that winter presents unique challenges for hair health. From the harsh outdoor elements to indoor heating, your hair faces multiple challenges that require special attention and care. Here are some solutions for the most common winter hair problems.
Issue: Winter Dryness
The season’s low humidity levels, both indoors and outdoors, can leave hair feeling more like straw than silky strands. To combat winter dryness:
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Switch to a moisturizing shampoo
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Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment into your routine
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Considering using leave-in conditioners or hair oils to provide continuous moisture throughout the day
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Reduce washing frequency to preserve natural oils; try dry shampoo between washes
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Use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your hair, as hot water can further dry out your strands
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For curly and coily hair, use extra moisturizing products to maintain curl definition
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For fine hair and straight hair, only use lightweight moisturizing products and apply them to the ends only to avoid weighing hair down
Issue: Managing Static
Static electricity becomes more pronounced in winter due to dry air and friction from winter accessories. To keep static under control:
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Use a wooden or natural bristle brush instead of plastic to reduce static buildup
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Apply a light anti-static spray or sheet to your brush before styling
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Keep a dryer sheet in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day
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Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom
Issue: Breakage
The combination of winter’s dry air and tough weather conditions can lead to brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage. Some solutions to try:
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Minimize heat styling whenever possible
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When heat styling is necessary, use a heat protectant product and keep tools at the lowest temperature possible
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Allow extra time for hair to air dry before going outside
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Consider protective styles that keep hair tucked away from the elements
For more detailed tips and advice on winter hair care, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to winter hair care.
Winter Hair Trends: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular haircuts for this winter?
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Chin-length bob with minimal layers
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Curly crop with mid-neck length and layers
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Mid-length chop with face-framing layers
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Clavicle-length blunt lob
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Long, textured waves
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Retro-style bangs
What is the winter hair color trend?
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Velvet gold (light blond with all-over gold tone)
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Smokey bronze (subtle brunette balayage with cool-tone layers)
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Mushroom brown (cool-tone brown with taupe and gray undertones)
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Cowboy copper (a blend of gold, copper, and brown)
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Dark suede blond (an ashy shade between blond and brown)
What hairstyles are best for winter?
The most practical hairstyles for winter are protective styles that don’t require heat like pigtails, braids, and French braids.
How can I take care of my hair during the winter season?
Follow essential winter hair care tips like using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, reducing wash frequency, applying a weekly deep conditioning treatment, using lukewarm water to wash your hair, and minimizing heat styling.
Conclusion
This winter’s hair trends offer something for everyone, whether you're drawn to practical short haircuts, versatile medium lengths, or romantic long styles. The key is choosing a style and color that not only looks great but also suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. With the right cut, color, and winter hair care routine, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair throughout the season.