The leaves have fallen, the air is getting colder and you can finally put on that cute sweater you bought last month!
But all of this means only one thing; it’s time to make sure your hair color is on-point and on-trend ready for the winter party season.
Luckily, we’re here to tell you what colors are rocking our world (and heads!) right now and how you can lighten up your look in the darker months.
So go ahead, curl up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa (or coffee if that’s your thing), browse through our list and choose the best winter hair color for you!
Winter Hair Color Wonderland: This Year’s Top Seasonal Shades
This winter, the hair color palette is all about making a statement that’s as bold as it is warm. The season beckons for hues richer and more vibrant than those of spring, summer, or fall.
The trendsetters over at Hair by L’Oreal tell us that luxurious browns, deep reds, and cool-toned highlights are at the top of the rising trends list.
Celeb Hairstylist & Hair Influencer, Guy Tang says that this year it’s the berry spectrum—think plum, blackberry, and dark strawberry blonde—that truly captures the winter spirit.
Yet, the winter hair color adventure doesn’t stop at choosing the perfect shade.
It’s also an invitation to play around with different lengths and styles to fully embrace the seasonal shift. Whether it’s a sharp bob or long, flowing locks, the right color can totally transform your look.
And hey, if you’re not feeling it, there’s always the trusty bobble hat to fall back on!
Check out the latest winter hair color looks on our Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.
2024 Winter Hair Color Trends.
As the chilly season rolls in, it brings with it a fresh wave of hair color trends. Here are eight stunning seasonal hair color ideas to keep you in style this winter.
Expert Insights
“Trust me, this winter it’s all about going bold but staying warm with your hair color. I’m loving the deep auburns that just glow under the winter lights, and they’re easy to look after. And if you’re after something with a gentler vibe, you can’t go wrong with honey or caramel highlights. They add a lovely warmth and give that cozy winter feel.”
Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
#1 Ashy brown
Cozy ash brown shades are a flattering choice for cool skin types.
It’s wonderfully low maintenance, requiring only a monthly root touch up to keep it looking fresh. It can be toned lighter or darker to suit your preference but we love it medium brown for richer wintery vibes.
Ash brown hair color does require regular upkeep though if you want to avoid the color washing out and gradually lightening, so will need to be dyed back every 4-6 weeks.
This is the perfect winter hair color for those who want rich brunette tones with cool undertones throughout the year.
#2. Cherry cola
Cherry Cola hair is the perfect blend of rich, dark cherry tones mixed with deep brunette.
It’s got that moody, festive feel without being too bold — a subtle way to introduce red into your winter look while keeping it grounded with darker hues.
#3 Jet black
Black hair is always a classic choice, but it can be overwhelming for pale skin types.
This winter, the trick is to go dark with less contrast between your natural hair color and dyed shade.
A solid jet black will make you appear even paler in comparison, so opt for something with subtle undertones or add an element of warmth yourself by pairing it with glistening highlights.
Have some fun at Christmas and wear some hair tinsel, it looks stunning against black!
#4 Ash blonde
Ash blonde a cool blonde color that’s perfect for those who want to brighten up their complexion.
It’s a versatile choice for those with pale skin, as it works equally well as a natural winter look or a striking statement style.
Adding ash tones to blonde hair gives the cool tone more depth and definition – particularly if you have naturally lighter shades of blonde.
You can opt for subtle lowlights throughout your hair or (if you’re feeling adventurous) try balayage for that sun kissed effect! You can also warm it up with on-trend mushroom blonde.
#5 Silver Lilac
Think silvery pastel but with a hint of cool lilac woven through.
Silver lilac is both edgy and ethereal, giving you a touch of fun color without going overboard, perfect for someone wanting to experiment without full commitment to bright pastels.
#6 Frosted blonde
Frosted blonde is a warmer, softer version of ash blonde.
Imagine a soft, platinum blonde with a shimmer of icy white highlights.
This color gives major Snow Queen vibes and adds brightness to any winter wardrobe.
#7 Midnight blue
Midnight blue, or blue-black, is a popular winter hair color choice and an edgy alternative to pure black.
The lighter you go on your base shade, the more intense and striking it will appear.
This new take on a classic is utterly unique with shimmering glints of blue giving black an irresistible metallic sheen.
If you’re feeling really brave, why not opt for pastel blue?
#8 Deep plum
This deep purple plum shade is a stunning choice of color for winter, but not for anyone with pale skin!
It’s best suited to those who already have some natural warmth in their skin tone or regularly use products that provide a subtle golden glow such as bronzers and highlighters.
Dark hair looks particularly good with this hue – just remember to always keep your roots darker than the ends if you’re going for a gradual fade effect.
#9 Molten Copper
This rich, fiery shade of copper is like the perfect winter sunset. Think deep, warm copper tones with hints of cinnamon or bronze that reflect the light beautifully.
It adds warmth to your look, brightens up your complexion, and brings a little heat to the cold months. Plus, copper is versatile—go for a vibrant, bold copper or a softer, natural red for a more understated winter glow.
Copper is a total winter mood!
#10 Burgundy
This gorgeous burgundy winter color has less warmth than red so won’t look too intense against cool skin tones.
It’s also more versatile than darker berry shades as you can warm it up with a splash of color like red or pink when leaves begin to change color once again in spring/summer!
#11 Mahogany Brown
Mahogany is a warm, rich dark brown shade with a wine red tint has been popular for years and remains a classic color for brunettes in winter.
It’s a great choice if you want to go for something low maintenance with a beautiful, natural sheen.
However, if you have pale skin this look can make you appear washed out. Opt for a lighter alternative such as milk chocolate or golden chestnut if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Finding Your Perfect Winter Shade.
- People that suit winter tones typically have blue eyes, green eyes or dark brown eyes.
- You have cool, lighter skin with pink undertones.
- You don’t tend to tan too easily.
- You were probably born with black/darker hair.
- You might have a striking contrast between your eyes, hair and face.
- The clothes colors that suit you are – whites, blacks, browns, navy, mustard, and burgundy.
- You prefer to wear silver rather than gold jewellery.
What hair colors suit me?
You can also find out which hair color suits you by taking our quiz! Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colors most suit you!
Which Hair Color Suits You?
How can I care for my hair in winter?
The winter elements can be harsh on your hair condition and color so it’s important to look after it.
Hydration is Key: Swap your regular conditioner for something richer or try a weekly hair mask with nourishing oils like argan or jojoba. Winter winds can be brutal on those ends!
Watch the Heat: We know it’s tempting to blast the heat tools when it’s freezing outside, but your hair is already under stress. Turn down the temp on your blow dryer or straightener to avoid unnecessary damage.
Scalp TLC: With dry air comes a dry scalp. Add a scalp oil or a gentle scrub to your routine to keep things balanced and flake-free. It’s like a winter coat… but for your roots.
Protection First: Just like your skin needs a little SPF year-round, your hair can use protection too! Use a leave-in conditioner or a heat protectant spray before stepping out into the cold to prevent breakage.
Silk & Satin: Your knit hat might be chic, but it can also cause breakage. Try lining it with silk or satin to keep your hair smooth and snag-free all season long!
Winter hair color FAQs
Is dark hair better for winter?
Dark hair generally looks more intense in the winter months. But, don’t let your hair color stop you experimenting with lighter colors! They can look very striking with the right styling.
If you have dark hair it’s easier to go all one shade for a softer winter look without it looking ‘flat’.
Lightening bleached blonde hair in particular is much harder work during the colder months, where bleaching out brassy tones becomes much more difficult due to the cold weather making skin paler overall.
Darker colors also have the fabulous effect of making hair look more voluminous, glossy and fuller!
The most important thing to consider when choosing your lightness of shade is whether you have cool or warm undertones in your skin tone.
The general rule of thumb is that cool undertones (usually pale skin and grey/blue eyes) suit ash blonde and pale beige blonde best, whereas warmer undertones (olive skin, yellow/green eyes) suit reds and warmer brown-based colors best.
How often should I touch up my winter color?
It depends on the shade! Bold colors like copper or blue may need touch-ups every 4-6 weeks, while deeper, natural tones can last longer.
Can I still use heat styling in winter?
Yes, but reduce the heat! Cold weather makes hair more fragile. Use a heat protectant and keep your tools on a lower setting.
What’s the best way to keep my scalp healthy in winter?
Dry winter air can make your scalp flaky. Use a nourishing scalp oil, avoid overwashing, and consider a hydrating shampoo.
Parting words.
The perfect hair color for winter is waiting for you! We hope we’ve helped make your search a little easier.
Whether you’re looking for a new hair color to bring some warmth and vibrancy into your winter wardrobe, or just want to try something different, we’ve got the perfect shades of red for every skin tone.
No matter how dark or light your natural hair color may be, there’s bound to be a rich combination that suits your taste and complexion perfectly.
What are you waiting for?
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
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