As soon as Thanksgiving leftovers are packed away, we’re already thinking about the next big thing—holiday glam! And what better way to freshen up your style than with a new winter hair color to welcome the season? Whether you’re attending festive gatherings or just in the mood for a change, now’s the perfect time to experiment with new shades. This season isn’t just about deep, moody tones (though they never go out of style). From golden blondes to fiery reds, there’s a little something for everyone. Get ahead of the trends and make these looks your go-to before they’re all over Instagram!
Trending Winter Hair Colors to Try
Copper-Red
For those craving warmth with a punch, copper-red hair is here to shine. Richy Kandasamy, a top colorist, recommends focusing on high-shine for this shade to really make it pop. If you have lighter blonde or brown hair, this transition is a breeze. Dark-haired folks, don’t fret—you can achieve this too with pre-lightened sections to make the color really sing.
Face-Framing Streaks
The revival of ’90s trends continues with soft mocha tones paired with face-framing highlights. By lightening strands around your face, you’ll add instant dimension and energy to your look.
Chestnut Brown
Chestnut brunette tones give off a warm, comforting vibe perfect for winter. Kandasamy suggests opting for shades with depth and complexity—think of layers of brown and warm caramel highlights to avoid flat, one-dimensional color.
Soft Mocha
Not ready to fully commit to dark hair? A soft mocha hue offers a balanced in-between option. This golden-beige tone is ideal for blondes wanting to dip their toes into darker territory without going all-in on brown.
Natural Brunette
If you’re naturally rocking dark brunette hair and prefer to stay true to your roots, a little extra shine goes a long way. Instead of opting for a full-on color change, use a gloss treatment to boost dimension and give your hair that healthy, reflective glow. Glossing not only makes your natural color pop but also protects it from the dulling effects of winter.
Warm Tones
Though winter may bring chilly vibes, the hair trends are all about embracing warmth. Kandasamy recommends incorporating warm leather tones into your brunette base, which add depth and a cozy richness to darker shades. This subtle shift not only flatters most complexions but also gives your hair a lively, winter-ready makeover.
Auburn
If you’re ready for a bold change, auburn hair might be your new obsession. This warm, reddish-brown tone offers a sophisticated twist to winter hair, but keep in mind that it requires consistent upkeep. If your starting point is brown, you’re in luck—the auburn fade blends beautifully, creating a softer look over time. To keep the color vibrant, reduce shampooing sessions and switch to color-safe products designed for treated hair.
Caramel Hair Color
The perfect caramel hair color is a delightful fusion of blonde, brown, and just a hint of red, making it a universally flattering shade that works in every season. However, achieving the ideal caramel tone isn’t as simple as it sounds. For the best results, consult a professional colorist who can create a seamless blend that complements your skin tone and personal style.
Dark and Glossy
For those who prefer to keep their hair dark and luscious, rich brunette tones are a top pick for winter. The secret to making your dark hair look vibrant rather than dull? Gloss and shine. Regular use of hair oils and glossing treatments—like the R+Co Gemstone Ultrashine—will keep your locks looking healthy and radiant even in the coldest months.
Cherry Brown
Cherry brown hair is like the holiday season—it’s fun, vibrant, but fleeting. This rich red-brown shade demands regular touch-ups, so prepare to stay close to your stylist if you want it to maintain its brilliance. Use heat protectant sprays and minimize heat styling to extend the life of your color.
Jet-Black Hair Color
For a timeless, dramatic look, jet-black hair never disappoints. This bold, solid shade doesn’t rely on highlights or lowlights for dimension, so keeping it glossy and healthy is essential. Stock up on deep conditioners and hot oil treatments to prevent dullness and maintain that enviable shine throughout the harsh winter season.
Multidimensional Hair
Not every winter hair transformation requires a dramatic change. Kandasamy notes that many with naturally dark hair are choosing to enhance their base color by adding depth with subtle multidimensional tones. These slight tweaks—whether with soft highlights or richer lowlights—offer a more vibrant, polished look without straying far from your natural color.
Blonde Balayage
Blonde balayage is a trend that never fades, and for good reason—it’s customizable and low-maintenance. Whether you want to keep things soft or go all-out platinum, this technique ensures seamless blending from roots to tips, making it perfect for anyone wanting to keep their hair bright without frequent touch-ups.
Peachy Rose
If you have cool undertones and blue or green eyes, consider a peach rose or strawberry blonde hue this winter. This delicate color adds warmth and brightness to your complexion, making it the perfect way to combat those dull, grey winter days. Plus, it offers a refreshing twist for blondes looking to experiment without going too bold.
Subtle Ombré
For those seeking a more understated change, subtle ombré is a great choice. This technique features soft brown roots that gradually transition into deeper ends, creating a natural-looking gradient. It’s the kind of change that feels effortless but still turns heads—perfect for anyone who loves taking screenshots of hair inspo.
Playful Pastels
Winter might seem like the time for darker shades, but pastel hues offer a refreshing break from the norm. Peachy-pink pastels are not only playful and trendy but also ideal for transitioning into spring. According to Kandasamy, you’ll be seeing more vibrant shades on your feeds, so why not start early with this cheerful winter color?
Golden Brown
Golden brown hair is a classic blend of warm browns with golden highlights, creating a color combination that works throughout every season. However, it takes on a particularly inviting vibe in the fall and winter months. The golden accents bring warmth to your complexion, making it a perfect choice when the weather turns cold.
Rich Chocolate-Brown
Nothing says winter chic like rich chocolate-brown hair. This luxurious shade adds depth, but it’s essential to avoid a flat look by asking your stylist to incorporate subtle warmth and dimension. The result? A sophisticated color that feels both classic and modern, adding richness to any hairstyle.
Muted Pink
Baby pink hair isn’t going anywhere, but for winter, we’re seeing it in a toned-down, muted version. Stylist Sarah Potempa suggests that a pink shampoo will help maintain the color’s softness and longevity. It’s a playful, unexpected hue that stands out in the grey winter months without being too loud.
Cool Beige
While platinum hair remains iconic, cool beige tones are stepping into the spotlight this winter. This matte variation offers a more understated vibe that feels fresh and modern. According to Munoz, the gradual blending of highlights makes it a seamless complement to most base shades, giving your hair a refined, winter-appropriate look.
Holiday Pops of Color
If you’re ready to have some fun with your look this season, pops of vibrant color are the way to go. Kandasamy recommends treating your hair color as an accessory—experiment with bold shades like vivid purple or contrasting placements for a playful, festive touch. These daring pops of color will make sure you stand out at every holiday gathering.
Inky Brown
Just shy of pure black, inky brown hair offers a deep, sophisticated look with a touch of softness. To keep this color looking its best, avoid brassiness by incorporating a blue-toning shampoo into your haircare routine. This shade is perfect for those seeking richness and elegance without committing to jet-black.
Fire-Red
Keke Palmer’s fiery red hair is proof that bold colors thrive even in the winter months. This vibrant hue injects warmth and personality into an otherwise dull season. Keep your color looking fresh by minimizing shampooing and using color-protecting treatments—this will prevent fading and maintain the boldness.
Smokey Blonde
A smokey blonde is the ultimate winter take on blonde hair. With its subtle ash tones and multidimensional finish, it creates an effortlessly chic vibe. This muted blonde option offers the perfect balance between edgy and soft, making it a versatile choice for any winter look.
Rooty Blonde
Can’t decide between blonde and brunette? A shadow-root blonde allows you to have the best of both worlds. With darker roots blending into lighter ends, this low-maintenance look grows out gracefully, eliminating the need for frequent touch-ups during snowy winter months.
Creamy Lowlights
If you’re looking to tone down blonde hair for winter, creamy lowlights are the way to go. Adding face-framing lowlights with a soft brown base gives your hair warmth without overwhelming your complexion. Plus, it’s much easier to maintain than lighter summer shades.
Warm Undertones
Say goodbye to ashy tones—this winter is all about warm undertones. Warmer shades are more flattering for deeper skin tones, explains stylist Munoz, as they create a natural glow. This season, think rich browns with caramel or copper undertones to enhance your brunette color.
Dua Lipa’s Exposed Roots
Dua Lipa continues to dominate the hair world with her signature exposed roots look. For winter, try deep, dark roots that transition into bright blonde ends. This bold contrast creates an edgy yet stylish vibe that stands out in any crowd.
Almost Black
While dark hair might seem predictable for winter, almost-black hair adds a touch of elegance that’s anything but ordinary. Its rich depth works beautifully with sharp hairstyles like blunt bobs, giving your look a polished finish. Add shine treatments to keep it glossy and sleek.
Warm Brown
At first glance, warm brown hair might seem simple, but a closer look reveals its understated beauty. Take a cue from Lily Collins, whose warm undertones add richness and dimension to her brunette base. To maintain that cozy glow, ask your stylist to enhance the tone with a hair toner, giving it depth without a drastic change.
Vibrant Red
According to Cassandra Kaeding, Redken Brand Ambassador, red hair is always in style. If you’re thinking about making a vibrant-red switch this winter, opt for copper undertones rather than burgundy. Copper maintains a true red hue, while burgundy can sometimes skew more purple. This bold, fiery shade will inject warmth and energy into your winter look.
Warm Highlights
Winter may lack the sun’s natural warmth, but highlights can do the job just as well. Stylist Munoz believes that adding contrasting colors around the face can restore a natural glow that the colder months steal from our complexion. Think golden or caramel highlights woven through darker strands to brighten your look and add softness.
Cool-Tone Ombré
For those who prefer cooler tones, a cool-tone ombré with ash-brown shades is ideal. The beauty of this technique lies in customization—work closely with your stylist to find the right shade and gradient that complement your skin tone. This elegant option is a great way to achieve subtle dimension without committing to warm undertones.
Strawberry Blonde
Blondes looking for a seasonal refresh will love strawberry-blonde hair. This delicate blend of red and blonde adds a hint of warmth without being overpowering. Start on the lighter side since it’s easier to add more red later than to remove it. This soft, pretty shade is perfect for those wanting a subtle yet impactful winter transformation.
