14 Stunning Winter Hair Styles & Ideas for 2026

When winter rolls in, many people find their hair needs some extra love and fresh inspiration. Cold air, indoor heating, and heavy scarves can leave hair looking dull, dry, or flat. Plus, winter is the perfect season to try new hair trends that cozy up your look and keep you feeling stylish despite the chill.

If you’re craving winter hair ideas that bring warmth, texture, and real personality, this article is exactly what you need. You’ll get 14 stunning, easy-to-achieve winter hairstyles with pro tips, product recommendations, and trendy color suggestions for 2025.

1. Textured Waves for Cozy Vibes

Textured waves are a go-to winter hairstyle because they add effortless volume and movement, which is perfect when scarves and hats flatten your hair. This style works well for most hair types and is especially flattering for those with naturally wavy or slightly curly hair.

To create this look, start with a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse. Then, use a 1-inch curling wand (try the T3 SinglePass Curl) on random sections, wrapping hair loosely for natural waves.

Finish with a light mist of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to enhance texture without weighing hair down. The look is casual but polished, ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday winter wear. Variations include tighter curls or a deep side part for added drama.

2. Sleek Blunt Bob

The blunt bob is sharp, chic, and perfect for the colder months when you want something low maintenance but impactful. This style suits those with straight or slightly wavy hair and frames the face beautifully. It works especially well with cool skin tones and pairs great with winter wardrobe staples like turtlenecks and coats.

To get the style, ask your stylist for a precise cut that hits at your jawline or just below. Use a flat iron (GHD Platinum+ is a top pick) to keep the hair smooth and add shine with a lightweight serum such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime.

Blunt bobs come back every winter because they’re easy to style and look ultra-fashionable, with stars like Taylor Swift bringing them to life on red carpets.

3. Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs keep growing in popularity because they soften facial features and blend easily with various lengths and textures. They’re perfect for those who want a fringe without the full commitment and complement every skin tone. To style, blow-dry bangs with a round brush to create volume that parts naturally down the middle.

Use a smoothing cream like Bumble and Bumble Bb. Don’t Blow It to tame flyaways. Curtain bangs are easy to adjust as they grow out, making them a stress-free winter style for busy mornings. You can customize by cutting them longer or pairing with face-framing layers.

4. Modern Shag

The modern shag haircut is perfect for anyone who wants texture, effortless volume, and a retro vibe this winter. Shags are fabulous for fine or medium hair and add fullness without extra styling. The cut involves choppy layers and textured ends that hold up well under hats and scarves.

Styling is simple: apply a sea salt spray like Ouai Wave Spray to damp hair, scrunch, and air dry or diffuse. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus have made this style trendy again, often highlighting it with soft caramel balayage to add warmth. Variations include curly shag or a shorter “Bixie” (bob + pixie) cut.

5. Low Braided Bun

A low braided bun is both practical and elegant for winter. It keeps hair secure from the wind and looks polished for events or work. This style suits all hair textures and lengths that can be braided or twisted.

To create it, smooth hair with a flexible hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin, secure a low ponytail, then braid and wrap it into a bun. Secure with pins and finish with a light shine spray such as MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine. This look is trending for its versatility and chic vibe, especially when paired with statement earrings or cozy scarves.

6. Soft Auburn Waves

Auburn waves add warmth and vibrance to your winter look. This shade flatters medium to olive skin tones and is a softer alternative to bright red. To achieve the waves, opt for large barrel curling irons and use heat protectant sprays like the Redken Heat Cure.

Using L’Oréal Paris Féria Rich Auburn True Red can give you that stunning winter hair color this year. Variations include balayage highlights that add depth or subtle ombré transitioning from dark roots to auburn ends.

7. Wispy Bangs with Long Layers

Wispy bangs paired with long layers are light and easy to manage, giving a breezy look that suits all face shapes. They’re perfect for those wanting a change without heavy styling. Use a blow-dryer and diffuser with a volumizing cream like Living Proof Full Thickening Cream for a soft, bouncy finish.

This style is popular on TikTok and Instagram because it offers a fresh yet classic vibe that pairs well with winter knits. Variations include adding face-framing layers or soft highlights in caramel or honey tones.

8. Honey Caramel Balayage

Caramel balayage adds brightness and dimension to dark hair without a full commitment to color change. Perfect for brunettes wanting winter hair inspiration that stays natural yet lively.

To maintain, use sulfate-free shampoos like Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and regular deep conditioning treatments such as Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. Many stylists recommend scheduling color refreshes every 8-12 weeks. Celebrities like Eiza González have popularized this look with warm honey tones that contrast beautifully with winter’s muted palette.

9. Pixie Cut with Volume

A pixie cut is a bold winter hairstyle that works great for short-haired beauties seeking low upkeep. This is a standout style for those with oval or heart-shaped faces.

To style, use a volumizing mousse and a round brush to lift roots, finishing with a matte pomade for texture. The pixie remains trendy in 2025 due to its edgy, confident vibe think Jennifer Mamere’s iconic look. Variations include longer bangs or asymmetrical cuts for extra personality.

10. Blunt Collarbone Cut

This mid-length cut offers the best of both worlds: manageable length with a sleek, polished look. Great for straight and wavy hair, the blunt collarbone cut helps frame the face and keeps your hair looking healthy despite winter dryness.

Use smoothing serums like John Frieda Frizz Ease daily and round brush blow-outs for extra shine. Styles like this stay popular because they work with most occasions, from casual to formal.

11. 90s-Inspired Bob

Y2K nostalgia reigns in winter 2025, bringing back the flipped ends and bouncy movement of the 90s bob. This cut suits younger women or anyone wanting a playful, retro vibe.

Use a medium-sized flat iron for flipped edges and a shine serum for glossy finish. It’s a lively style for social outings or casual days, brought back by influencers like Kristen V. Customizations include face-framing highlights or subtle undercuts.

12. Curly Pixie Cut

For naturally curly hair, a curly pixie cut is a stylish, low-maintenance winter choice. It enhances your natural texture while keeping hair easy to manage under hats. Use curl creams like DevaCurl SuperCream for definition and hydration. This style is trending among natural hair advocates appreciating drama without fuss.

13. Butterly Cut

The butterfly cut uses lots of layers to give you a feathered, flowing look that’s perfect for winter when hair can get heavy. This cut works well for medium to thick hair types and is easy to maintain with smoothing products.

Perfect for adding volume with minimal styling, look for enhancing sprays like IGK Luxxe Restore for silky, shiny strands. Great for casual days and festive occasions alike.

14. Side-Parted Sleek Ponytail

A simple side-parted sleek ponytail is both elegant and an excellent way to keep winter hair neat. This style fits all hair types and is perfect for quick styling on busy days or polished looks for events.

Use smoothing gel like Aveda Control Paste and a shine spray such as Kenra Shine Spray. It’s a timeless look embraced by many celebrities because it pairs well with coats, scarves, and statement earrings.

Pro Tips From Industry Experts

Winter hair can be tricky due to dryness and static. Avoid overwashing 2-3 times a week is usually best and use hydrating shampoos from brands like Olaplex and Redken. Instead of heat styling daily, try air-drying or low heat settings to protect hair health.

If you want to save money, at-home deep conditioning masks like SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey blend deliver salon-worthy moisture without the price tag. For a time-saving hack, dry shampoo like Batiste refreshes roots for several days and retains volume. Lastly, adapt your style for layering by using light hold sprays that don’t weigh hair down.

How to Choose The Right Winter Hair Style For You

Consider your daily routine and skill level first. If mornings are rushed, styles like blunt bobs or sleek ponytails are great low-maintenance picks. Budget-wise, color-heavy looks like balayage require more upkeep, so plain cuts or natural textures might be better if you want less frequent salon visits.

Match your hairstyle to personal style: soft waves suit boho lovers, while sharp cuts fit modern minimalist wardrobes. Also think about occasions long layers work for both casual and formal scenarios, while edgy pixies are more statement-making.

Trending Winter Hair Styles This Season

This winter, influencers and celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Sadie Sink have popularized rich auburn and copper hues that bring warmth to pale winter skin. Curtain bangs and face-framing layers keep gaining traction on TikTok for their versatility and flattering look with scarves.

The modern shag and Bixie cut remain strong favorites thanks to their texture and ability to hold volume despite winter hats. Meanwhile, classic blunt cuts and 90s bobs are coming back as retro-inspired season staples to watch.

Maintenance and Care Tips

To keep winter hairstyles fresh, invest in nourishing hair oils (like Moroccanoil Treatment) and weekly deep conditioning masks to combat dryness. Use sulfate-free shampoos to maintain color vibrancy and avoid dullness.

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of dull, lifeless hair. From textured waves to chic bobs and rich auburn hues, these 14 winter hairstyles offer versatility, warmth, and style for everyone.

Have fun trying something new or reinventing your look with easy tips and trusted products. Don’t forget to save this article for your next salon visit or DIY day, and let us know which winter hair style you’re excited to rock in the comments below!