As the chilly winds of winter begin to blow, it’s time to think about more than just cozy sweaters and warm scarves—your hairstyle should also adapt to the season. Winter is the perfect time to experiment with new winter hairstyles that not only protect your hair from the cold but also keep you looking stylish and fresh. Whether you have long hair, medium hair, or short hair, there’s a perfect winter hairstyle waiting for you. From easy and cute styles to those that require a bit more flair, this guide will help you find the ideal look. We’ll also delve into trends that are particularly popular for black women, including protective styles like braids. Get ready to embrace the season with these stunning winter hairstyles for 2024.
Chic Low Buns for Cozy Winter Days
A low bun is a classic, sophisticated hairstyle perfect for those chilly winter days when you want to keep your hair neat and out of the way. This look works well for long hair and medium hair, offering a chic and polished appearance that pairs perfectly with winter coats and scarves. A sleek low bun is ideal for both professional settings and casual outings, making it a versatile winter hairstyle.
To maintain the sleekness of a low bun during the dry winter months, apply a hydrating serum like Moroccanoil Treatment before styling to prevent frizz and add shine. Secure the bun with bobby pins, and finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
Voluminous Curls for a Winter Glam Look
Voluminous curls are a glamorous choice for the winter season, adding warmth and vibrancy to your overall look. Whether your hair is naturally curly or you achieve the style with a curling iron, this hairstyle is perfect for both long hair and medium hair. The bouncy curls frame your face beautifully and are a great way to combat the flattening effects of winter hats.
To achieve and maintain voluminous curls, use a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam. After curling, lightly run your fingers through the curls for a natural look, and finish with a humidity-resistant hairspray to keep the curls intact throughout the day.
Sleek Straight Hair with a Winter Twist
Sleek, straight hair is a timeless look that takes on a new dimension in winter. This style works beautifully with long hair and medium hair, providing a sophisticated and polished appearance. To add a winter twist, consider incorporating a deep side part or subtle highlights that reflect the winter light, giving your hair an extra touch of elegance.
To achieve sleek, straight hair in winter, start with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner like the ones from the Kerastase Discipline line. After blow-drying, use a flat iron to smooth the hair, and finish with a shine serum to keep your hair looking glossy and frizz-free despite the winter dryness.
Braided Crown Hairstyles for Winter Elegance
The braided crown is a stunning and elegant hairstyle that is perfect for winter occasions. This style works well for medium and long hair, creating a regal appearance that’s both feminine and sophisticated. It’s particularly well-suited for formal events or holiday parties, offering a unique way to keep your hair styled and off your shoulders.
To create a braided crown, start by parting your hair in the middle and braiding each section from the front to the back. Wrap the braids around your head and pin them in place. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and grip to the braids, ensuring they stay in place all day.
Messy Top Knots: Effortlessly Stylish for Winter
The messy top knot is an effortlessly chic hairstyle that’s perfect for those winter days when you want to look stylish without spending too much time on your hair. This style works for long hair and medium hair, offering a relaxed yet polished look that’s perfect for both casual outings and more dressed-up occasions.
To create a messy top knot, gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it around itself, and secure it with a hair tie or pins. Pull out a few strands around your face to soften the look. To keep your hair looking fresh and voluminous, use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo before styling, especially if you’re on day two or three of your wash cycle.
Winter-Ready Pixie Cuts with a Feminine Touch
The pixie cut is a bold and stylish choice for winter, offering a chic and low-maintenance option for those with short hair. This hairstyle can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair textures, making it a versatile option for anyone looking to make a statement this winter. Add a feminine touch with soft, side-swept bangs or a subtle undercut to keep the look fresh and modern.
To maintain the health and shine of your pixie cut in winter, use a lightweight styling cream like Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair (Un)Dressing Creme to add texture and definition without weighing your hair down. Regular trims are also essential to keep your pixie cut looking sharp and stylish.
Shoulder-Length Waves: Perfect for Winter Layers
Shoulder-length waves are a versatile and flattering hairstyle, especially during the winter months. This look is ideal for medium hair and works well with various hair textures. The waves add movement and dimension, making your hair look fuller and more dynamic, which is perfect for pairing with winter layers and accessories like scarves and hats.
To achieve shoulder-length waves, start with a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer before using a curling iron or wand to create loose waves. After curling, gently brush through the waves for a softer, more natural look, and finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.
Warm Ombre Hair for a Subtle Winter Glow
Warm ombre hair is a stunning choice for winter, offering a subtle glow that can brighten up even the coldest days. This style works well for long hair and medium hair, blending darker roots with gradually lighter ends in shades like caramel, honey, or chestnut. The result is a warm, dimensional look that complements the winter season beautifully.
To maintain the vibrancy of your ombre color, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Redken Color Extend Magnetics. Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep your ends hydrated and prevent dryness caused by winter weather.
Half-Up Half-Down Styles for Winter Versatility
The half-up half-down hairstyle is a versatile option that works well in winter, offering the best of both worlds by keeping your hair out of your face while still showing off your length. This style is perfect for long hair and medium hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Add a twist, braid, or decorative hairpin for a festive touch during the holiday season.
To create a half-up half-down style, gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a hair tie or clip. For added volume, tease the crown area before securing. Finish with a lightweight shine spray like Paul Mitchell Soft Style The Shine to add a healthy, radiant finish to your hair.
Winter-Ready Shaggy Cuts for Extra Volume
Shaggy cuts are back in style, offering a perfect mix of volume and texture that’s ideal for winter. This hairstyle works well for medium hair and short hair, giving you a playful, edgy look that’s easy to maintain. The layers in a shaggy cut create movement and body, making your hair appear fuller and more dynamic, which is perfect for combating the flattening effects of winter hats.
To style a shaggy cut, apply a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to damp hair and scrunch it with your hands to enhance the natural texture. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser to add extra volume. Finish with a lightweight pomade to define the ends and add a bit of shine.
Winter Wonderland Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails are a fun and youthful hairstyle that’s perfect for winter. This look is especially cute and practical for those with long hair or medium hair, keeping your hair neatly in place while you enjoy outdoor winter activities. Braided pigtails can be worn tight and sleek or loose and relaxed, depending on your preference.
To create braided pigtails, part your hair down the middle and create two equal sections. Braid each section from the top to the ends and secure with small elastics. To add a wintery touch, wrap a ribbon or piece of festive twine around each braid. Use a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to keep your hair hydrated and protected from the cold.
Romantic Side Swept Curls for Winter Evenings
Side-swept curls are a romantic and elegant choice for winter evenings, perfect for holiday parties or date nights. This style works beautifully for long hair and medium hair, offering a sophisticated yet soft look that frames the face and adds a touch of glamour to your winter ensemble.
To create side-swept curls, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Sweep all your curls to one side and secure them with bobby pins or a decorative clip. Finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to give your curls a glossy, polished finish.
Cozy Winter Headband Hairstyles
Headbands are not only a fashionable accessory but also a practical one for winter. They can keep your ears warm while adding a cute touch to your hairstyle. This look is perfect for short hair, medium hair, and long hair, offering a variety of styling options from sleek and simple to bold and decorative.
To style your hair with a headband, choose one that complements your winter wardrobe. You can wear your hair down with the headband to keep it in place or pull it back into a low bun or ponytail. Use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to keep your hair sleek and frizz-free under the headband.
Winter-Proof Bobs with an Edge
A bob haircut is a classic style that can be easily winter-proofed with a few modern touches. This hairstyle is ideal for short hair and medium hair, offering a sleek and polished look that’s easy to maintain. Add an edge to your bob by incorporating blunt ends, asymmetry, or a bold color that stands out against the winter backdrop.
To keep your bob looking sharp during winter, use a lightweight styling cream like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment to add smoothness and shine without weighing your hair down. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape and keep your bob looking fresh.
Elegant Chignons for Winter Weddings
The chignon is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for winter weddings and formal events. This style works well for long hair and medium hair, offering a sophisticated look that can be dressed up with accessories like pins, combs, or flowers. A low chignon at the nape of the neck is especially flattering and pairs beautifully with winter wedding attire.
To create an elegant chignon, start by smoothing your hair with a serum like Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Add a decorative hair accessory for a touch of glamour, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
Faux Locs: A Protective Winter Style
Faux locs are a stylish and protective hairstyle that’s perfect for black women during the winter months. This style works well for medium hair and long hair, offering a chic, low-maintenance look that can last for weeks. Faux locs protect your natural hair from the harsh winter elements, making them a practical choice as well.
To maintain faux locs, keep your scalp hydrated by applying a light oil like Jamaican Black Castor Oil to your roots. Wrap your locs in a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz and preserve the style. Faux locs can be styled in various ways, from updos to half-up half-down styles, making them a versatile option.
Layered Long Hair for Winter Movement
Layered long hair is a beautiful and versatile option for winter, adding movement and dimension to your look. This style works well for long hair, offering a flowing, dynamic appearance that’s perfect for showing off the natural texture of your hair. Layers can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair types, making this a versatile option for anyone.
To keep your layers looking fresh during winter, use a volumizing mousse like OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Amplifying Lotion before blow-drying to add body and lift. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape and prevent split ends, especially during the dry winter months.
Soft Winter Waves with a Subtle Bounce
Soft waves with a subtle bounce are an elegant and understated choice for winter. This hairstyle is perfect for medium hair and long hair, adding a touch of glamour to your look without being too overpowering. The gentle waves frame the face beautifully, making this style ideal for both casual and formal winter occasions.
To create soft winter waves, use a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers to create loose curls. Once your hair has cooled, brush through the curls to soften them into waves. Finish with a light hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the waves in place while maintaining movement.
Winter Balayage: Adding Warmth to Your Look
Balayage is a popular hair coloring technique that’s perfect for adding warmth and dimension to your hair during the winter months. This style works beautifully for long hair and medium hair, offering a natural, sun-kissed effect that brightens up your overall look. Winter balayage typically involves warmer tones like caramel, honey, or chestnut, which complement the colder season.
To maintain the vibrancy of your balayage, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair hydrated and prevent color fading.
Casual Ponytails with a Winter Twist
The ponytail is a classic and practical hairstyle that can easily be adapted for winter. Whether you have long hair, medium hair, or short hair, a ponytail is a versatile option that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Add a winter twist by incorporating braids, twists, or decorative hair ties that reflect the season.
To create a casual winter ponytail, gather your hair at the nape of your neck or higher, depending on your preference. Use a styling cream like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. For added texture, tease the crown area before securing the ponytail.
Sleek and Shiny Winter-Ready Lob
The lob (long bob) is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that’s perfect for winter. This look is ideal for medium hair, offering a sleek and polished appearance that can be dressed up or down. A sleek lob can be enhanced with subtle layers or a side part to add extra dimension and movement, making it a stylish choice for the colder months.
To achieve a sleek and shiny lob, use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before blow-drying your hair. Follow up with a flat iron to create a smooth, straight finish. Finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray for a glossy, polished look.
Textured Winter Pixie for Edgy Elegance
The textured pixie is a bold and edgy choice for winter, offering a stylish and low-maintenance option for short hair. This look can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair textures, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to make a statement. Add texture and dimension to your pixie cut with choppy layers or a side-swept fringe for a modern twist.
To style a textured pixie, use a lightweight pomade like American Crew Fiber to add definition and hold to your hair. For extra volume, apply a texturizing spray to the roots before styling. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape and keep your pixie cut looking fresh.
Retro-Inspired Winter Hairstyles with a Modern Twist
Retro hairstyles are making a comeback, and winter is the perfect time to embrace these vintage-inspired looks with a modern twist. Whether you’re channeling the glamour of the 1940s with pin curls or the bohemian vibe of the 1970s with loose waves, these styles add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your winter look. Retro hairstyles work well for medium hair and long hair, offering a unique and stylish option for winter parties and events.
To create a retro-inspired hairstyle, start with a setting spray like Kenra Professional Platinum Hot Spray before using a curling iron or rollers to create the desired shape. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep your style in place all day. Add a modern twist by incorporating contemporary accessories or playing with color.
Conclusion
Winter is a season of change, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your look with a new hairstyle. From chic low buns to textured pixie cuts, there’s a winter hairstyle for everyone, regardless of hair length or texture. Embrace the season by experimenting with these trendy winter hairstyles that not only protect your hair from the cold but also keep you looking stylish and on-trend. Whether you’re looking for something easy and cute or bold and edgy, these hairstyles will help you shine all winter long. Don’t forget to tailor your hair care routine to the season to keep your locks healthy and vibrant. Which winter hairstyle will you be trying this season? Let us know in the comments below!
