Winter is hard on hair. Hats flatten it, scarves tangle it and indoor heating dries it out. The right style has to survive all three.
It is also the best season for a change. Rich color fades slowly without summer sun, and a fresh cut gets rid of ends the heat has damaged.
These 19 winter hairstyles for women are grouped into styling, color, bobs and updos, so you can go straight to what you need.
Winter Styling Ideas
1. Deep Side Part
Flip your part to the side for instant lift at the root. It costs nothing and hides hat hair better than a center part.
Best for: flat roots, long layers, last-minute plans.
Save2. Bouncy Blowout
Big, round-brush volume with curved ends. Cold, dry air holds a blowout longer than summer humidity does.
Get the technique from our 90s blowout hairstyle guide.
Best for: long hair, parties, thick hair.
Save3. Slicked-Back Hair
Gel or cream combed straight back, left loose or twisted into a low bun. Wind cannot ruin it.
Best for: bad-weather days, big coat collars, sunglasses.
Save4. Voluminous Waves
Loose, brushed-out waves with lift at the crown. Wear them over a wool or faux-fur coat for the full effect.
Best for: evenings out, long hair, holiday events.
SaveWinter Hair Colors
5. Hot Chocolate Hair With Caramel Ribbons
Deep chocolate brown with fine caramel ribbons around the face. Warm, glossy and low-maintenance.
Best for: natural brunettes, medium lengths, warm skin tones.
Save6. Toffee Balayage
Toffee painted through a brunette base, brightest at the ends. See more placements in our balayage hair color ideas.
Best for: wavy hair, soft grow-out, first-time color.
Save7. Deep Merlot Red
Dark wine red with a glossy finish. Almost brunette indoors, clearly red in daylight.
Best for: dark hair, cool and neutral skin tones, bold color without bleach.
Save8. Rich Chestnut Mahogany
Chestnut brown with a red-brown mahogany glaze. Very flattering on warm and olive skin.
Best for: long waves, brunettes, glossy finishes.
Save9. Brunette With Golden Blonde Highlights
A dark root with golden highlights and bright face-framing pieces. The brightness sits near your face when skin is at its palest.
Best for: brunettes, curtain bangs, long layers.
Save10. Spicy Ginger
Bright copper-ginger from root to tip. Sun fades copper fastest, which makes winter the kindest season to wear it.
Best for: fair skin, curls and waves, bold color.
Save11. Metallic White Blonde
Icy, silver-toned blonde. Expect upkeep: toner, bond care and purple shampoo.
Best for: bobs and lobs, cool skin tones, committed blondes.
Save12. Warm Brown Balayage
Soft brown with warm, blended lightness through the lengths. The safest refresh for natural brunettes.
More shades are in our winter hair colors.
Best for: low maintenance, medium to long hair, every skin tone.
SaveWinter Bobs
13. Retro Bob With Rounded Edges
A chin-length bob with the ends turned under. The shape sits neatly above scarves and collars.
Best for: fine hair, polished dressers, short necks.
Save14. Blunt Bob
One sharp line at the jaw. A blunt cut removes dry ends completely. Compare lengths in our medium-length bob haircuts.
Best for: straight hair, damaged ends, minimal styling.
Save15. Wavy Bob
A bob with loose bends. After a hat, revive it with a spritz of water and your fingers.
Best for: natural waves, casual days, quick styling.
Save16. Textured Curly Bob
Curls cut into a rounded bob. Use a leave-in conditioner, because winter air takes moisture from curls first.
Best for: curly hair, volume lovers, statement lips.
SaveWinter Updos
17. Twisted Low Ponytail
Two front sections twisted back into a low ponytail and tied with a ribbon. Flat enough to sit under a hat.
Best for: long hair, hat days, casual weekends.
Save18. Face-Framing Low Ponytail
A sleek low ponytail with two front strands left out. Scarves do not tangle it.
Best for: office days, medium to long hair, turtlenecks.
Save19. Undone Bun With Curtain Bangs
A loose low bun with the fringe left free. Compare fringe shapes in our curtain bangs guide.
Best for: dinners, second-day hair, soft romantic style.
SaveHow to Protect Your Hair in Winter
Wear a silk scarf under wool hats, or choose a silk-lined hat, to cut friction. Never go out with wet hair in freezing air, because wet strands are fragile.
Use a weekly mask, heat protectant and a few drops of oil on the ends. Wash a little less often than you do in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my hair from winter damage?
Condition more, use heat protectant, cover your hair outdoors and dry it fully before you leave the house.
Is shorter hair better for winter?
Bobs sit above collars and scarves, so they tangle less. Long hair needs more conditioning but gives you more updo options.
What hair accessories suit winter?
Velvet ribbons and scrunchies, claw clips and silk-lined hats. See our claw clip hairstyles for ideas.
How do I fix hat hair?
Flip your part, add dry shampoo at the root and shake it out.
Final Thoughts
Choose one change, a new part, a richer color or a sharper cut, and build your cold-weather routine around moisture.
