As the temperature drops and winter approaches, it’s essential to find hairstyles that not only protect your hair from the harsh elements but also keep you looking stylish and chic. Whether you’re embracing your natural texture, rocking a protective style, or preparing for a winter wedding, there are plenty of options to explore. In this article, we’ll dive into 23 stunning winter hairstyles for Black women that cater to various preferences, including braids, wigs, and weaves. From short styles to elegant winter wedding hairstyles, you’ll find inspiration for your next look, ensuring your hair stays healthy and beautiful all season long.
Protective Box Braids for Winter
Box braids are a timeless protective style, perfect for winter. These versatile braids can be worn long, short, or in a bob, making them ideal for any preference. They protect your natural hair from the dry, cold air, reducing the risk of breakage and moisture loss. Box braids can also be styled in various ways, from updos to half-up, half-down styles, allowing you to switch up your look throughout the season.
To maintain your box braids during winter, keep your scalp moisturized by applying a lightweight oil like jojoba or argan oil. A silk or satin scarf at night will prevent frizz and preserve your style. Using products like the Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier will help keep your braids hydrated and looking fresh.
Chic Faux Locs for Cold Weather
Faux locs offer a stunning alternative to traditional locs without the long-term commitment. These locs are ideal for winter as they keep your natural hair tucked away, protecting it from the cold. Faux locs can be styled in various lengths and colors, allowing for a customizable look that reflects your personal style. Whether you opt for a natural black or experiment with winter hues like deep plum or icy silver, faux locs are sure to turn heads.
To care for your faux locs, regularly moisturize your scalp with a product like Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil. Additionally, wrap your locs in a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz and maintain the neatness of the style. Be gentle when washing to avoid unraveling the locs.
Classic Cornrows for Winter Comfort
Cornrows are a classic and practical choice for the winter season, offering a sleek, low-maintenance style that can last for weeks. This traditional style keeps your hair close to the scalp, protecting it from harsh winter conditions. Cornrows can be styled in various patterns, including straight backs, zigzags, or intricate designs, making them a versatile option for both casual and formal occasions.
To keep your cornrows looking fresh, regularly apply a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream to keep your hair moisturized. Additionally, avoid excessive tension when braiding to prevent breakage. Wearing a satin scarf or bonnet at night will also help maintain the style and prevent frizz.
Elegant Twists for the Winter Season
Twists are another fantastic protective style for winter, offering both elegance and practicality. Whether you choose Senegalese twists, Marley twists, or flat twists, this style keeps your hair protected while allowing you to experiment with different lengths and thicknesses. Twists can be styled in updos, ponytails, or left down, making them perfect for any occasion.
To maintain your twists, keep them moisturized with a light leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner. Use a mousse to smooth any frizz and maintain the sleekness of the style. Wrapping your hair in a satin scarf at night will help preserve the twists and keep them looking neat.
Winter-Ready Afro Puff
The Afro puff is a simple yet stylish way to embrace your natural hair during the winter months. This style allows you to showcase your natural curls while keeping the ends of your hair protected from the cold. The Afro puff can be worn high or low, depending on your preference, and can be dressed up with accessories like headbands or hairpins for added flair.
To keep your Afro puff looking its best, apply a curl-enhancing cream like As I Am DoubleButter Cream to define and moisturize your curls. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair and avoid breakage. For added protection, wear a satin-lined hat or scarf when venturing out into the cold.
Sleek Straight Weave for a Polished Look
A sleek, straight weave is a great option for those who prefer a polished and sophisticated look during the winter season. This style offers versatility in length and can be worn bone straight or with a slight curl at the ends. The weave adds volume and length while protecting your natural hair from the elements.
To maintain your sleek weave, use a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray before styling with heat tools. Regularly condition the weave with a lightweight conditioner to keep it soft and manageable. A silk or satin scarf at night will help prevent frizz and preserve the straightness of the style.
Winter-Friendly Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a versatile and protective hairstyle that’s perfect for winter. These small, coiled knots keep your hair tucked away, protecting it from the cold while allowing you to create stunning, defined curls when you take them down. Bantu knots can be worn as a full head of knots or as an accent to other styles, making them a great choice for those who like to switch up their look.
To care for your Bantu knots, apply a curl-defining cream like CURLS Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream before creating the knots. This will help define your curls and keep them moisturized. Use a satin or silk scarf at night to maintain the style and reduce frizz.
Warm and Cozy Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are an excellent winter hairstyle, offering both warmth and style. This technique allows you to add extensions to your natural hair, creating a full, voluminous look that’s perfect for the colder months. Crochet braids come in various styles, from curly to wavy to straight, allowing you to customize the look to your liking.
To maintain your crochet braids, keep your scalp moisturized with a spray like African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray. This will help prevent dryness and itching. Be gentle when washing to avoid tangling the extensions, and wrap your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet at night to preserve the style.
Winter Bob with a Twist
The winter bob is a chic and stylish option for those looking for a shorter hairstyle during the colder months. Adding a twist to the classic bob can elevate the look, whether through the addition of subtle waves, asymmetry, or a pop of color. This style is versatile, easy to manage, and looks great with hats and other winter accessories.
To maintain your winter bob, use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to keep the hair sleek and frizz-free. Regular trims will help maintain the shape of the bob, and using a satin pillowcase at night can reduce frizz and keep your hair smooth.
Trendy Headwrap Styles for Winter
Headwraps are a fantastic way to protect your hair from the winter elements while adding a stylish accessory to your look. These versatile wraps come in various colors, patterns, and materials, making them perfect for any outfit. Headwraps can be worn over protective styles like braids or twists, or over your natural hair, adding both warmth and style to your winter wardrobe.
To keep your hair healthy under a headwrap, moisturize it with a leave-in conditioner like Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner before wrapping. This will keep your hair hydrated and prevent breakage. Experiment with different wrapping techniques to find the one that best suits your style and face shape.
Voluminous Curls for Winter Glam
Voluminous curls are a perfect way to add glamour to your winter look. Whether your curls are natural or created with extensions, this style adds body and movement to your hair, making it ideal for special occasions or just to brighten up a winter day. Large, bouncy curls can be worn down or styled into an updo for a more polished look.
To keep your curls defined and frizz-free, use a curl-enhancing mousse like MOROCCANOIL Curl Control Mousse. This will help hold the shape of the curls while adding shine. For extra moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner before styling. At night, sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to preserve the curls.
Tapered Natural Cut for the Cold Season
The tapered natural cut is a bold, stylish choice for winter. This cut features shorter sides and back with more length on top, allowing for versatility in styling. Whether you wear your curls defined or opt for a more textured look, the tapered cut is easy to maintain and looks great with winter accessories like hats and scarves.
To keep your tapered cut looking sharp, use a curl-defining cream like Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream to enhance your natural texture. Regular trims will keep the shape of the cut intact, and moisturizing regularly will prevent dryness and breakage during the colder months.
Winter Ponytail with Extensions
A winter ponytail with extensions is a versatile and stylish option for those looking for a quick yet elegant hairstyle. The ponytail can be worn high or low, with straight, curly, or wavy extensions to match your desired look. This style adds length and volume while protecting your natural hair from the cold.
To maintain your ponytail, use a lightweight serum like Biosilk Silk Therapy Serum to keep the extensions smooth and shiny. Ensure that the base of your ponytail is secure but not too tight to avoid tension on your scalp. Wrap your ponytail in a satin scarf at night to keep it smooth and frizz-free.
Winter-Perfect Havana Twists
Havana twists are a larger, chunkier version of Senegalese twists, making them a great protective style for winter. These twists are perfect for those who want a bold, statement-making look that’s also low maintenance. Havana twists can be styled in various ways, including updos, ponytails, and half-up styles, offering versatility and style.
To maintain your Havana twists, regularly moisturize your scalp with a lightweight oil like ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray. This will help prevent dryness and itching. Use a mousse to smooth any frizz and maintain the sleekness of the style. Wrap your twists in a satin scarf at night to keep them looking fresh.
Half-Up, Half-Down Styles for Winter
The half-up, half-down style is a versatile and chic option for winter. This style allows you to keep part of your hair up and out of the way while leaving the rest down for added volume and movement. It works well with various hair types, including natural curls, waves, and straight hair, making it a great choice for those who like to switch up their look.
To maintain your half-up, half-down style, use a styling cream like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie to define and moisturize your curls or waves. Use bobby pins or small hair clips to secure the top section, and wrap your hair in a satin scarf at night to keep it looking fresh.
Winter Protective Style: Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are a beautiful and protective style that’s perfect for winter. These large, sleek braids can be worn in various patterns, including straight backs, intricate designs, or wrapped into a crown. Goddess braids are low maintenance and protect your natural hair from the cold while offering a regal and elegant look.
To keep your goddess braids looking fresh, regularly moisturize your scalp with a lightweight oil like Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil. This will help prevent dryness and itching. Use a mousse to smooth any frizz and maintain the sleekness of the style. Wrap your braids in a satin scarf at night to keep them looking neat.
Soft Waves for a Winter Romance
Soft waves are a romantic and feminine hairstyle that’s perfect for the winter season. This style adds a touch of glamour to your look, whether you’re attending a winter wedding or simply want to elevate your everyday style. Soft waves can be achieved with a curling iron or by braiding your hair overnight for a heat-free option.
To keep your waves defined and frizz-free, use a lightweight mousse like OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse. This will help hold the shape of the waves while adding shine. For extra moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner before styling. At night, sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to preserve the waves.
Winter-Appropriate Mohawk Styles
The mohawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement during the winter season. This style features shaved or closely cropped sides with a strip of longer hair down the middle, which can be styled in various ways, including curls, twists, or braids. The mohawk is a great way to showcase your individuality while keeping your hair protected from the cold.
To maintain your mohawk, use a curl-defining cream like Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard to enhance your natural texture. Regular trims will keep the shape of the mohawk intact, and moisturizing regularly will prevent dryness and breakage during the colder months.
Winter Care Tips for Locs
Locs are a beautiful and versatile hairstyle that can be worn year-round, including during the winter months. However, locs require special care during the colder season to prevent dryness and breakage. Keeping your locs moisturized and protected from the elements is key to maintaining their health and appearance throughout the winter.
To care for your locs during winter, regularly moisturize them with a lightweight oil like Murray’s 100% Pure Australian Black Beeswax. This will help prevent dryness and itching. Additionally, cover your locs with a satin scarf or hat when outdoors to protect them from the cold. Washing your locs with a moisturizing shampoo like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap will also help keep them clean and hydrated.
Winter Ombre Styles for Natural Hair
Ombre hair color is a popular trend that can be adapted for winter by choosing rich, warm tones that complement the season. For natural hair, a winter ombre can add depth and dimension to your curls, twists, or braids, creating a stunning, eye-catching look. Whether you opt for subtle caramel highlights or a bolder transition from dark to light, ombre hair is sure to make a statement.
To maintain your winter ombre, use a color-protecting shampoo like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo to keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy. Regular deep conditioning treatments will also help keep your hair moisturized and prevent color fading.
Winter Pixie Cut with Curls
The pixie cut is a bold and chic hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want a short, low-maintenance look during the winter months. Adding curls to your pixie cut can create a playful and feminine touch, making this style versatile and fun. The pixie cut is easy to manage and looks great with winter accessories like hats and scarves.
To maintain your pixie cut, use a curl-enhancing cream like Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel to define and moisturize your curls. Regular trims will keep the shape of the pixie cut intact, and using a satin pillowcase at night can reduce frizz and keep your hair smooth.
Winter-Ready Marley Twists
Marley twists are a beautiful and protective hairstyle that’s perfect for winter. These twists are made with Marley hair, which is thicker and coarser than other types of synthetic hair, giving the twists a natural, textured look. Marley twists can be styled in various ways, including updos, ponytails, and half-up styles, offering versatility and style.
To maintain your Marley twists, regularly moisturize your scalp with a lightweight oil like ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray. This will help prevent dryness and itching. Use a mousse to smooth any frizz and maintain the sleekness of the style. Wrap your twists in a satin scarf at night to keep them looking fresh.
Winter Accessory Ideas for Natural Hair
Winter accessories can add a stylish touch to your natural hair while also providing warmth and protection from the cold. From hats and scarves to headbands and hairpins, there are plenty of options to choose from. When selecting accessories, consider materials like satin or silk, which are gentle on your hair and help prevent breakage.
To keep your hair healthy while wearing accessories, moisturize it with a leave-in conditioner like Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner before adding your accessory. This will keep your hair hydrated and prevent breakage. Experiment with different accessories to find the ones that best suit your style and face shape.
Conclusion
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with a variety of stylish and protective hairstyles. Whether you’re opting for winter hairstyles for Black women like braids, weaves, or a natural look, it’s important to choose styles that not only look fabulous but also keep your hair healthy and protected from the cold. From winter wedding hairstyles to everyday natural hair looks, these 23 styles provide endless inspiration for your next winter hairdo. Don’t forget to incorporate the right products and accessories to maintain your style and keep your hair looking its best throughout the season.
