24 Winter Hairstyles to Try This Season
Winter is hard on hair. Hats flatten it, dry air makes it static, and scarves tangle it. Your hair doesn’t have to look tired until spring. The right style can survive a beanie, hold up in the wind, and still look good at a holiday party.
Below are 24 winter hairstyles for every length, texture, and occasion. Some take two minutes. Others need a salon visit. Save your favorites and bring them to your next appointment.
1. Soft Shag with Curtain Bangs
A shag adds movement and volume that wintry weather can’t flatten. The layers give fine hair body, and curtain bangs frame the face without needing daily styling. Air-dry with a texturizing cream, then scrunch.
2. Sleek Low Bun with a Velvet Ribbon
When you want polish without effort, this is it. Smooth your hair back, twist it into a low bun, and tie a velvet ribbon around it. It stays tidy under a coat collar and works for the office or dinner.
3. Heatless Overnight Waves
Hot tools dry out hair that is already dehydrated by winter air. Braid damp hair loosely or wrap it around a satin heatless curling rod before bed. In the morning you have soft waves with no heat damage.
4. Chunky Fishtail Braid
A thick fishtail braid keeps long hair out of your scarf and looks intricate even when it’s slightly messy. Pull the sections apart gently for a fuller, romantic look, and drape it over one shoulder.
5. Textured Lob (Long Bob)
A collarbone-length cut is easy to dry, quick to style, and doesn’t snag on winter layers. Ask your stylist for subtle layers and a slightly blunt edge, then add sea salt spray for lived-in texture.
6. Twisted Claw Clip Updo
The claw clip is the easiest way to get hair up in seconds. Twist your hair upward, fold the ends in, and clip it. It’s secure enough for errands and polished enough with a good clip. Pick tortoiseshell or matte neutrals for winter.
7. Beanie-Friendly Loose Curls
Curls with some body survive a hat much better than straight hair, which can look flat afterward. Define curls with a lightweight gel, then fluff them with your fingers when you take your beanie off.
8. Twisted Low Ponytail
Split a low ponytail in two, flip the top section through the gap above the elastic, and repeat down the length. This takes about three minutes and looks far more intricate than it is, especially with a sleek finish.
9. Butterfly Layers
Long, face-framing layers give shorter pieces around the face and keep length in the back. The cut adds volume without cutting off your length, and a blowout in the morning gives that bouncy look all winter.
10. Braided Crown
Wrap two braids around your head like a halo to keep every strand away from your face. It works for holiday gatherings or as a practical look when the wind picks up. Add small pins or tiny pearls for sparkle.
11. Glass-Smooth Straight Hair
Smooth, shiny hair reflects holiday lights beautifully. Use a heat protectant, a flat iron on a low setting, and a shine serum. Sleek styles also fight static if you finish with a light anti-frizz mist.
12. Cozy Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is fast, bold, and easy under any hat. Without length to tangle in a scarf, you save styling time every morning. Ask for soft texture on top so it still feels feminine and wearable.
13. Half-Up Top Knot
This style keeps hair off your face while leaving length down for warmth around your neck. Gather the top section, twist it into a small knot, and let the rest fall loose. It suits most hair types.
14. Old Hollywood Waves
Deep side-parted waves brushed out into a glossy ripple bring instant glamour to a holiday party. Set curls with a medium barrel, let them cool, then brush through gently and finish with a light shine spray.
15. Bubble Ponytail
Tie a ponytail, then add small elastics every few inches and pull each section outward into rounded “bubbles.” It’s playful, easy, and holds up well in wind. Use clear elastics for a clean finish or colored ones for fun.
16. Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are a lasting protective style that shields ends from dry air and friction against scarves and coats. They’re lightweight on the scalp and can last several weeks with proper care. Moisturize your scalp regularly and wrap with satin at night.
17. Money Piece Highlights
Bright strands framing your face add dimension even under dull winter skies. Pick a shade a few tones lighter than your base, such as honey on brunette hair or soft platinum on blonde, and ask for a gloss to keep it shiny.
18. Wet-Look Slick Back
Comb a styling gel or cream from root to tip for a sharp, glossy finish. This look makes a statement at winter events and avoids the frizz that humidity-free air can cause. Rinse well afterward to prevent buildup.
19. French Twist
This classic updo rolls hair upward into a neat vertical fold at the back of the head. It works well for formal winter events, weddings, and work dinners. A few loose strands at the front soften the look.
20. Blunt Bob with Micro Fringe
A chin-length bob with short, straight-across bangs is striking and low-maintenance. The cut holds its shape without heat styling, and a quick pass with a flat iron keeps ends crisp. It’s especially flattering with deep winter colors.
21. Velvet Headband with Loose Waves
A padded velvet headband dresses up everyday waves in seconds. Choose forest green, burgundy, or navy to match winter outfits. Leave a little volume at the crown so the band doesn’t flatten your roots.
22. Twist-Out for Curly and Coily Hair
Two-strand twists, left overnight and unraveled in the morning, create defined, bouncy texture with minimal heat. Use a leave-in conditioner and light oil to seal in moisture, and avoid over-touching to keep definition.
23. Cherry Cola Color
A deep red-brown shade looks rich in dim winter light and gives dark hair a warm glint without bleaching. Ask your colorist for a gloss to boost shine, and use color-safe shampoo to keep the tone from fading.
24. Low Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands
Gather your hair at the nape, twist it loosely, and pin it with a few bobby pins. Pull a few strands free in front. It’s quick, comfortable under hats, and looks effortless on bad hair days.
How to Keep Your Hair Healthy All Winter
The best hairstyle still needs healthy hair underneath. A few simple habits make a big difference:
- Wash less often. Cold air strips natural oils, so stretch washes when you can and use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
- Deep condition weekly. A hydrating mask once a week helps replace lost moisture.
- Switch to satin or silk. A satin pillowcase or bonnet reduces friction and breakage overnight.
- Limit heat. Use a heat protectant, and lower your tool’s temperature when you can.
- Protect your ends. Trim every 8–12 weeks and use a leave-in product to prevent split ends.
- Line your hats. A satin-lined beanie prevents friction and static.
FAQs About Winter Hairstyles
What is the best winter hairstyle for hats?
Styles with some volume or texture, like loose curls, waves, or layers, bounce back well after a hat. Low buns and braids also work because there is nothing to flatten.
How do I stop static in winter?
Use a leave-in conditioner, a few drops of hair oil, and a wooden or boar-bristle brush. Avoid plastic combs, and run a lightly damp hand over flyaways.
Are protective styles good for winter?
Yes. Braids, twists, and buns reduce exposure to dry air and friction from clothing. Keep your scalp moisturized and avoid installing them too tightly.
What hair color is trending for winter?
Rich shades such as cherry cola, espresso brown, warm copper, and soft honey highlights are popular, as they add warmth when daylight is limited.
How often should I trim my hair in winter?
Every 8–12 weeks helps remove dry ends before they cause breakage.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to mean flat, frizzy, or hidden-under-a-hat hair. Whether you prefer a quick claw clip, a polished French twist, or a bold new color, there’s a style here for every mood and occasion. Pick two or three favorites, save them to your Pinterest board, and try them throughout the season.
