23 Quick and Easy Winter Hairstyles for Long, Medium & Short Hair – Step-by-Step Tutorials
Winter brings cozy vibes, but it also comes with challenges for our hair. The cold weather can wreak havoc on your hair’s texture and style, making it difficult to manage. If you’re short on time and need fast solutions, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Whether your hair is shoulder length, long, or short, these tutorials for winter hairstyles will ensure you look effortlessly chic. From sleek buns to easy braids, these hairstyles are designed to be quick and simple, perfect for any occasion. Want to learn how to achieve them? Keep reading for step-by-step tutorials!
Sleek Low Bun for Long Hair
A sleek low bun is a timeless and sophisticated winter hairstyle. It’s perfect for long hair, especially when you need a polished look in a hurry. This style works well for most face shapes but particularly suits oval and heart-shaped faces. The bun rests at the nape of the neck, keeping the hair off your shoulders while protecting it from the harsh winter air.
To achieve a sleek finish, apply a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion before gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Secure with an elastic, twist into a bun, and pin it in place. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Micro Mist for lasting hold.
Messy Top Knot for Medium Hair
The messy top knot is a casual, carefree look that’s ideal for medium hair during winter. It’s perfect for days when you want to keep your hair up but don’t want to spend too much time on styling. This hairstyle is best suited for people with round or square face shapes, as it helps elongate the face.
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, twist the hair loosely, and secure it into a bun. Let a few strands fall out to keep the look relaxed. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for added volume and texture.
Quick French Twist for Short Hair
The French twist is an elegant hairstyle typically associated with formal occasions, but it can be modified for shorter hair and a quick, everyday winter look. It’s ideal for people with short bobs or shoulder-length hair. The twist helps to create the illusion of volume, which is perfect for fine hair types.
To achieve this look, gather the hair at the back and twist it upwards, securing it with bobby pins. Apply a shine serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease to keep the style smooth and polished.
Simple Braided Ponytail for Long Hair
A braided ponytail is a quick yet stylish way to keep your long hair neat during the winter. It’s versatile enough for both casual and semi-formal events and suits all face shapes. The braid adds a playful touch, while the ponytail keeps the hair away from your face, which is great for windy winter days.
Start by tying your hair into a high ponytail, then create a simple three-strand braid. Secure the end with a clear elastic. For added texture, use a volumizing mousse like Pantene Volume Foam before braiding.
Half-Up Twisted Crown for Medium Hair
The half-up twisted crown is a romantic and easy winter hairstyle for medium hair lengths, especially shoulder length. This style works beautifully for oval and heart-shaped faces, creating an elegant frame around the face while allowing you to show off your hair’s natural texture.
To create this look, take two small sections of hair from either side of your head, twist them, and pin them at the back. Leave the rest of the hair loose for a soft, feminine effect. Use a light hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the twists in place.
Side-Swept Curls for Short Hair
Side-swept curls add glamour and volume to short hair, perfect for the winter months. This style is particularly flattering for square and round face shapes, as it softens strong angles and adds height. It’s also a great way to showcase earrings or a bold lip color.
To achieve this look, curl the hair using a curling wand and sweep it to one side. Use a styling mousse like OGX Coconut Curls Mousse to define the curls and give them hold.
Fishtail Braid for Long Hair
A fishtail braid is a sophisticated yet simple way to keep long hair in check during winter. It works well for all face shapes and looks especially stunning on long, thick hair. The intricate pattern of the fishtail braid adds visual interest while keeping the hair secured and tangle-free.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections and alternately pull small strands from each side into the center to form the braid. Use a texture spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for a tousled finish.
Low Side Bun for Medium Hair
The low side bun is a chic and effortless winter hairstyle for medium-length hair. It’s perfect for oval and long face shapes, as it adds volume and balance to the face. This hairstyle also works well for both casual and formal occasions, making it incredibly versatile.
To create this look, gather your hair to one side, twist it into a loose bun, and secure with bobby pins. Use a lightweight styling cream like Redken No Blow Dry Cream for a soft hold and smooth texture.
Short Hair Tucked Behind Ears with Accessories
This simple hairstyle is perfect for short hair during winter. It’s quick, easy, and allows you to show off fun winter accessories like ear cuffs or statement earrings. It works best for those with angular face shapes like heart or square, as it opens up the face and highlights the cheekbones.
To achieve this look, simply tuck your hair behind your ears and use a smoothing serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine to keep the hair sleek and smooth. Add a statement accessory for an extra touch of style.
Double Dutch Braids for Long Hair
Double Dutch braids are an ideal winter hairstyle for long hair. They keep your hair neatly tucked away, which is great for preventing tangles in windy weather. This style suits all face shapes and is perfect for active days when you need your hair out of your face.
Begin by parting your hair down the middle and braiding each side in a Dutch braid. Secure with elastics and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Professional Shine Spray for a polished look.
Loose Beach Waves for Medium Hair
Loose beach waves may not be the first style you think of for winter, but they’re a great option for medium-length hair, especially shoulder length. This relaxed hairstyle adds volume and texture, perfect for square and round face shapes. The loose waves give a carefree, laid-back vibe while still looking chic.
Use a curling wand to create soft waves and finish with a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray for that effortless, tousled look. You can also scrunch the hair for extra texture.
Easy Textured Bob for Short Hair
For those with short hair, an easy textured bob is a low-maintenance, stylish winter look. This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces, giving a playful yet sophisticated vibe. The textured layers add dimension and volume, making it ideal for fine hair.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse like Garnier Fructis Sky-High Volume Mousse and scrunch the hair as it dries for a piece-y, tousled finish. Add a touch of pomade to define the layers.
High Ponytail with a Twist for Long Hair
The high ponytail with a twist is a sleek and polished style perfect for long hair. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, elongating the neck and lifting the face. The twist adds a sophisticated touch to a classic ponytail, making it perfect for both casual and formal events.
To create the look, gather your hair into a high ponytail, then twist a small section of the ponytail around the elastic to hide it. Finish with a smoothing cream like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum for a sleek finish.
Elegant Chignon for Medium Hair
An elegant chignon is a classic, polished winter hairstyle for medium-length hair. It works especially well for shoulder-length hair and looks stunning on oval and long face shapes. This low bun style keeps the hair sleek and out of the way while adding an air of sophistication.
To create the look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and secure with bobby pins. Apply a smoothing serum like Aveda Smooth Infusion to control frizz and add shine.
Curly Pixie with a Headband for Short Hair
A curly pixie with a headband is a fun, playful hairstyle perfect for short hair. It’s great for round and square face shapes, as it adds height and dimension. The curls give the pixie cut a soft, voluminous look, while the headband adds a touch of personality.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to define the curls. Finish the look with a stylish headband for added flair.
Rope Braid for Long Hair
The rope braid is a quick and unique winter hairstyle for long hair. This style works well for all face shapes and adds a modern twist to traditional braiding. The rope braid keeps the hair secured and tangle-free, making it ideal for cold, windy days.
To create the look, divide your hair into two sections, twist each section, and then twist them together to form the braid. Finish with a shine serum like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil for a sleek look.
Half-Up Bun for Medium Hair
The half-up bun is a trendy and casual winter hairstyle for medium-length hair. It’s a great choice for shoulder-length hair and works well for all face shapes. The style combines the practicality of a bun with the relaxed vibe of wearing your hair down.
To create the look, gather the top half of your hair into a loose bun and leave the rest down. Use a texturizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast for extra volume and texture.
Tucked Bob with a Scarf for Short Hair
The tucked bob is a chic and simple winter hairstyle for short hair. It works best with straight or slightly wavy hair and is flattering for heart and oval face shapes. The scarf adds warmth and style, making this a perfect look for cold winter days.
To style, simply tuck your hair into a thick winter scarf, leaving a few strands out for a relaxed look. Use a light hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist to keep everything in place.
Braided Low Ponytail for Long Hair
A braided low ponytail is a versatile and elegant winter hairstyle for long hair. It suits all face shapes and keeps the hair neat and protected from the winter elements. The braid adds an interesting texture to the ponytail while keeping the look simple.
Start by tying your hair into a low ponytail and braid the length of it. Secure with an elastic and finish with a light shine spray like BioSilk Silk Therapy.
Twisted Low Bun for Medium Hair
A twisted low bun is a simple and elegant winter hairstyle for medium-length hair. It suits heart and oval face shapes and is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This sleek, low-maintenance bun keeps the hair out of your face and off your shoulders.
To create the look, twist the hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck and secure with bobby pins. Finish with a shine serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease for a polished finish.
Simple Headwrap Style for Short Hair
A headwrap is a quick and easy winter hairstyle for short hair. It’s perfect for those who want a stylish and warm option without spending too much time on styling. This look works well for all face shapes and adds a fun, bold element to any outfit.
To create this look, simply wrap a colorful or patterned scarf around your head, covering your hair completely or partially. Tuck the ends in securely and add a touch of edge control like Cantu Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel for a neat finish.
Waterfall Braid for Long Hair
The waterfall braid is a beautiful and intricate hairstyle for long hair, making it ideal for special winter occasions. It works especially well for those with straight or wavy hair and complements heart and oval face shapes. The cascading braid adds elegance and visual interest to the hair.
To create the look, start by sectioning off the top part of your hair and braid across the back of your head, allowing sections to fall through the braid. Use a texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to add grip and volume.
Quick Slicked Back Style for Medium Hair
A quick slicked-back hairstyle is a sleek and modern look for medium-length hair. It’s perfect for those with shoulder-length or slightly shorter hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. This style is ideal for formal events and cold winter days when you want a polished, no-fuss look.
To achieve this look, apply a strong-hold gel like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel and comb your hair back for a sleek, wet-look finish. For extra shine, finish with a high-gloss spray like Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Spray.
Conclusion
Winter hairstyles don’t have to be complicated to look stunning! Whether you have long, medium, or short hair, there are countless quick and easy styles to keep your hair looking fresh all season. From elegant buns to playful braids and sleek styles, these hairstyles are perfect for keeping your hair manageable and protected from the winter elements. Try out these tutorials for each hair length, and let us know which one you love the most in the comments. Happy styling!