23 Dark Winter Hair Colors 2024-2025: Top Trendy Brunette Shades with Highlights & Balayage

Are you ready to embrace the most luxurious dark winter hair colors of 2024-2025? From deep, sultry brunettes to cool-toned highlights, this season’s palette is about bold and dramatic choices. Ever wondered which shades suit your skin tone, or how to incorporate balayage into rich, dark colors? We’ll explore 23 stunning ideas for brunettes looking to refresh their style this season. Whether you’re thinking of adding chocolate brown or a hint of deep purple, this guide is packed with fresh ideas to help you glow during the cold months.

Midnight Black with Blue Undertones 2024 2025

This luxurious shade of midnight black features a subtle blue sheen, making it perfect for those seeking an ultra-sleek, modern look. The deep, dark hue is perfect for anyone who loves dramatic, statement-making hair. It pairs especially well with cooler skin tones, creating a bold contrast that enhances the complexion. If you’re a brunette wanting to dive into the world of black hair, this option offers the right balance of sophistication and edge. However, if your skin leans warm, this shade might wash you out.

To keep the color fresh and the blue undertones vibrant, use a color-protecting shampoo like Pureology Strength Cure. Follow up with a leave-in treatment, such as Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate, to lock in moisture and shine, preventing the blue from fading into dullness.

Deep Espresso Brown 2024 2025

Deep espresso brown is the ideal choice for brunettes who want a subtle yet impactful color change for winter. This nearly-black brown is rich and velvety, offering depth without the harshness of true black. It works well on neutral and warm skin tones, making it a versatile option for many. For those with cooler undertones, adding a few warmer balayage pieces can prevent the shade from appearing too stark.

To maintain the richness of this dark brown, try Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo, which can subtly brighten brown tones and prevent brassiness. Regular use of Moroccanoil Treatment will help keep the hair glossy and healthy throughout the season.

Ashy Charcoal Gray 2024 2025

If you want a daring winter transformation, ashy charcoal gray is an edgy yet sophisticated choice. This shade blends deep gray tones with cool ash undertones, creating a mysterious and chic effect. It suits cooler skin tones exceptionally well, adding an urban, modern vibe to your overall look. If you’re feeling adventurous, this color pairs beautifully with short hairstyles, like pixie cuts or bobs, where the texture really shines through.

To keep the color vibrant, invest in Fanola No Yellow Shampoo, which neutralizes brassiness and keeps the gray cool-toned. A weekly deep conditioning mask, like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!, will maintain hair softness and shine.

Dark Chocolate Brown 2024 2025

Dark chocolate brown is a timeless winter color that offers richness and warmth. This shade, a perfect balance between brown and black, works particularly well with warm and neutral skin tones, adding depth and dimension to darker hair without the starkness of black. For those with long locks or brunettes looking to maintain a classic yet trendy look, dark chocolate is an ideal choice.

To maintain the depth of this shade, use Living Proof Restore Shampoo, which helps strengthen and hydrate hair. Pair it with a color-depositing conditioner, like Keracolor Clenditioner in chocolate, to keep the hue vibrant throughout winter.

Raven Black with Silver Highlights 2024 2025

For those seeking a blend of darkness and light, raven black with silver highlights offers an enchanting winter look. The stark contrast between deep black and silver strands adds a touch of ethereal elegance, making it perfect for cool-toned complexions. This color is particularly flattering on long, straight hair, where the silver highlights can stand out against the dark base.

To maintain the striking contrast, use Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo to enhance cool tones and prevent yellowing of the highlights. A glossing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum will keep hair looking sleek and polished.

Cool Dark Burgundy 2024 2025

For those who want to infuse their dark winter look with a pop of color, cool dark burgundy offers the perfect blend of drama and elegance. This shade leans towards the purple spectrum, making it a great option for neutral to cool skin tones. The deep, cool-toned burgundy pairs well with both short hairstyles and longer locks, providing an unexpected twist for those who normally stick to dark browns and blacks.

To maintain the vibrancy of the burgundy hue, use Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo, specifically formulated for bright, bold colors. Follow with Amika Vault Color-Lock Leave-In Conditioner to ensure long-lasting color retention.

Icy Plum 2024 2025

If you want a unique take on brunette hair, consider going for an icy plum hue. This cool-toned purple with hints of frost is ideal for those who love to stand out. It’s a color that works best on cool skin tones, offering a mysterious and playful touch for the winter months. Pair it with sleek, straight hair for a high-fashion look or loose waves for a more romantic vibe.

To keep the cool tones vivid, use Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo, which is perfect for purple hues. Incorporate a weekly color mask like Overtone Purple Coloring Conditioner to refresh the plum shade.

Ebony with Violet Hues 2024 2025

Ebony hair with violet hues is perfect for those who want to add a touch of subtle color to their dark base. The violet undertones shine beautifully under natural light, offering a hint of brightness without overwhelming the darkness. This color suits cool-toned skin and adds an element of surprise when seen up close.

To enhance the violet tones, use Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo, which neutralizes brassiness while amplifying purple highlights. A hydrating mask like Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque will keep your hair soft and manageable through the colder months.

Frosted Chestnut Brown 2024 2025

Frosted chestnut brown offers a warm and versatile option for winter, with soft, cool highlights adding depth to the natural richness of chestnut brown. This shade is perfect for brunettes who want to stay in the brown spectrum but add a wintery, frosted touch. It’s especially flattering on neutral and warm skin tones, giving a soft glow that enhances natural features.

To maintain the perfect balance between warmth and cool highlights, use Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Chocolate, which deepens brown tones while keeping highlights vibrant. Pair it with Kerastase Reflection Chroma Riche Masque to keep your hair glossy and healthy.

Black Sapphire 2024 2025

Black sapphire is a mesmerizing shade that combines deep black with hints of cool blue, mimicking the rich tones of a sapphire gemstone. This color is a showstopper for brunettes looking to go darker while keeping a sense of intrigue and luxury. It suits cool and neutral skin tones, and it’s especially striking on long, sleek hair.

To maintain the blue tint in the black, use Aveda Black Malva Conditioner, which enhances dark shades and keeps them vibrant. Follow with a heat protectant like GHD Heat Protect Spray to preserve hair health and shine during winter styling.

Inky Blue-Black 2024 2025

Inky blue-black hair is all about drama and sophistication. This ultra-dark shade features a deep, cool blue hue beneath the surface, perfect for anyone wanting an edgy yet refined winter look. It pairs beautifully with fair to neutral skin tones and works particularly well with sleek, straight or short hairstyles, allowing the blue to subtly catch the light.

To keep the color rich and true, use Joico Color Infuse Blue Shampoo to maintain the blue-black tones. A smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum will keep your hair glossy and frizz-free, perfect for winter weather.

Smoky Black with Ash Brown Balayage 2024 2025

Smoky black with ash brown balayage is the ultimate winter balayage for brunettes who want dimension without losing the depth of dark hair. The smoky black base adds mystery, while the ash brown balayage pieces provide cool-toned contrast, creating a sophisticated, layered look. This color is ideal for those with cool and neutral skin tones, and it works well on both long and short hairstyles.

To keep the balayage vibrant, use R+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Shampoo, which helps tone cool highlights without drying out hair. Pair it with IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm to maintain softness and shine.

Graphite Ombre 2024 2025

Graphite ombre is a striking winter choice that starts with a deep black base and fades into a soft, smoky gray. The gradient effect is perfect for those who want to experiment with lighter tones without committing to a full gray look. It works well on cool and neutral skin tones and pairs beautifully with brunettes who want a more modern, high-fashion approach to winter hair.

To keep the ombre transition smooth and the gray tones cool, use Amika Bust Your Brass Shampoo to neutralize yellow tones. A leave-in conditioner like It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In will keep hair hydrated and smooth through the winter.

Deep Mulberry 2024 2025

For a splash of color while staying in the darker range, deep mulberry is an ideal choice. This cool, dark purple hue adds a rich, jewel-toned vibrancy to your hair, perfect for the winter season. It complements both cool and neutral skin tones and is especially striking on short hairstyles or layered cuts, where the color can shine through in different lights.

To keep the purple tones bold and vibrant, use Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash in Purple. A color-safe conditioner like Pureology Hydrate Conditioner will help maintain moisture and shine.

Jet Black with Cool Red Accents 2024 2025

Jet black with cool red accents brings a bold, fierce twist to classic black hair. The deep black base is paired with strategically placed red highlights, creating a dynamic and vibrant look that works especially well for neutral and cool skin tones. This is a perfect option for brunettes who want to stand out this winter.

To maintain the red accents, use Manic Panic Vampire Red Shampoo to refresh the color. A lightweight serum like CHI Silk Infusion will keep your hair smooth and manageable, ensuring your highlights pop.

Charcoal Brown 2024 2025

Charcoal brown is a sophisticated shade that blends deep brown with hints of cool charcoal, offering a unique twist for brunettes. This shade is ideal for winter, as it adds dimension without being too harsh. It works well for cool and neutral skin tones and is especially flattering on medium-length or long hair, where the subtle charcoal undertones can shine through.

To keep the color vibrant, use Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Silver, which enhances cool tones and prevents any brassy hues. Follow up with Living Proof Restore Conditioner to keep hair smooth and healthy during the colder months.

Dark Mushroom Brown 2024 2025

Dark mushroom brown is the perfect muted winter shade, combining earthy brown with cool gray undertones. This color gives off a subtle, understated vibe that’s ideal for those who want something chic but not too bold. It suits both cool and neutral skin tones, and it’s a great option for brunettes looking for a more natural winter update.

To maintain the soft, ashy tone of this color, use Amika Bust Your Brass Shampoo for cool shades. Apply Ouai Leave-In Conditioner to keep hair hydrated and soft, especially in the dry winter air.

Shadow Root Black with Cool Highlights 2024 2025

Shadow root black with cool highlights is a stunning, low-maintenance winter look that blends deep black roots with subtle cool-toned highlights. The shadow root technique makes this perfect for brunettes who want to add dimension without frequent touch-ups. The cool highlights work best for neutral and cool skin tones, creating a soft, natural contrast.

To maintain the cool tones, use Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo to keep the highlights vibrant. Follow with Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer to protect and nourish your hair during the cold months.

Cold Brew Brown 2024 2025

Inspired by the rich, layered tones of cold brew coffee, cold brew brown hair offers a mix of warm and cool tones, perfect for brunettes looking to add depth and dimension to their winter hair. This color works well for warm and neutral skin tones, and its blend of darker roots with lighter ends creates a dynamic yet soft look.

To maintain the balance between warmth and coolness, use Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo to neutralize any unwanted brassy tones. A weekly treatment like Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask will keep your hair soft and smooth, especially in cold weather.

Onyx Black with Deep Green Undertones 2024 2025

Onyx black with deep green undertones is an unexpected yet striking winter color. The subtle green sheen in the dark black base adds a hint of mystery and intrigue, perfect for those with cool skin tones looking for something unique. This shade works especially well on straight, sleek hair, where the green undertones can catch the light and create a mesmerizing effect.

To enhance the green tones and maintain the richness of the black, use Aveda Black Malva Shampoo. Follow up with Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray to keep the hair glossy and smooth throughout the winter.

Dark Mocha 2024 2025

For brunettes looking to keep their hair warm yet sophisticated, dark mocha is the perfect winter shade. This deep brown color has subtle warm undertones, giving it a rich, velvety look. It’s ideal for both neutral and warm skin tones, adding depth without being too dark or intense. The warmth in the mocha hue provides a soft glow, perfect for the cold months.

To maintain the richness of dark mocha, use Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Chocolate. Pair it with Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense to ensure your hair stays hydrated and shiny despite the harsh winter air.

Black Pearl 2024 2025

Black pearl hair is an ultra-cool black shade with subtle iridescent highlights, resembling the sheen of a black pearl. This color is perfect for those looking for a modern, high-fashion winter look. The iridescent highlights, which can range from cool silver to deep blue, create a striking effect, especially on long, sleek hair. This shade works best for cool and neutral skin tones.

To keep the iridescent sheen, use Oribe Silverati Shampoo to enhance the cool highlights and prevent brassiness. Finish with Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil to give your hair a smooth, glossy finish.

Cool Toned Deep Mahogany 2024 2025

Cool toned deep mahogany offers a rich, deep brown color with cool red undertones, making it a perfect choice for brunettes who want a bit of warmth without going too far into red territory. This color works best for cool and neutral skin tones and adds depth and dimension to your look, especially in the winter months.

To keep the red undertones vibrant, use Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo to enhance the mahogany shade. A moisturizing hair oil like Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil will ensure your hair remains soft and shiny despite the cold.

Conclusion

This season’s dark winter hair colors offer a luxurious palette of deep tones, sophisticated highlights, and cool undertones that can elevate any brunette’s look. Whether you’re considering brunettes balayage ideas, experimenting with cool highlights, or simply looking for a fresh winter update, there’s a perfect shade waiting for you. Leave your thoughts in the comments, and let us know which color you’re excited to try this winter!