Glamour

Hair

The Coolest Winter Hair Colors to Try Right Now

 

The Coolest Winter Hair Colors to Try Right Now

Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s time to turn your attention to the best winter hair colors. Because yes, it’s somehow already that time of year. Plus, what better way to get through all those awkward family get-togethers and desperate holiday gift brainstorm sessions than with a fresh new shade to talk about?

As for what’s trending? Natural hair colors and techniques like subtly highlighted brunette are having a moment, but that doesn’t mean hair color is in a boring place. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. There are plenty of unexpected hair color trends to be had. From super-dark shades like jet-black and radiant reds like cowboy copper, there’s sure to be at least one, if not several, winter hair color trends you’ll want to try.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re in the right place. We asked top hairstylists for the coolest winter hair colors for every style, hair length, and texture. Read on for the best winter hair colors for 2024, and get ready to screenshot to show your colorist.

Expensive Brunette

Every expert we interviewed pointed to expensive brunette as one of the biggest hair color trends for cooler weather. “It’s fall and about to be winter, so we always walk over to the deeper sides of hair color this time of year,” says Gregory Patterson, celebrity stylist and DIY expert for Sally Beauty. The key to keeping it looking expensive? At-home maintenance.

“Make sure to do your color masks in the shower,” he says. “I highly recommend the Freewill Color Seal Glossing Rinse and love Wella Color Fresh Masks, like Chocolate Touch, to maintain and breathe some new life into color-treated hair.”

Cozy Beige

On the other side of the color wheel is cozy beige, says Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist, extensions artist, educator, and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar: “These ‘cozy’ shades alway gains popularity as the temperatures cool since the season gives off ‘warm and cozy’ feels for fashion and hair trends alike,” she says.

Chocolate Brown

“This winter expect bold, luxurious hair colors to take center stage, with shades like rich chocolate brown and brunette,” says Kim Kimble, Clairol partner and celebrity stylist. To DIY, Kimble says you can get the “ultimate luxurious brunette shade with Clairol’s Bold & Bright 67 Chocolate.”

Cherry Blonde

Cherry blonde is having a serious moment. In fact, according to Pinterest’s recent trend report, online searches for the hair color have increased by 6,300%.

“Cherry blonde is a beautiful shade that can vary slightly in depth and saturation, but generally it’s characterized by a soft red-copper hue with a warmer pink undertone,” says Renée Valerie, hair colorist and R+Color collective member. “This color is more intense and vibrant compared to pastel shades, offering a rich tone with a more unique feel.”

Gala Gold

Lauren Mildice, a colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, predicts an uptick in gala gold this winter. “This color shows that you can be blonde and still have soft dimension,” she says. “This tasteful golden look is perfect for winter since ashy tones can wash you out during the cooler months due to less exposure to the sun when you’re not as tan. Golden tones give off a shimmer that flat hair does not—also giving you more time in between hair sessions.”

Red Wine Burgundy

Another red hair color that’s skyrocketing in popularity? Red wine burgundy, says Kimble. Mary J. Blige is a perfect example of the red wine burgundy trend, often wearing this rich, bold hue that exudes sophistication and confidence—a stunning choice for making a statement this season, she says. “For a daring shade of red with strong purple undertones, Clairol Natural Instincts 4RV Dark Burgundy Hair is your go-to.”

Soft Caramel Balayage

“Soft caramel balayage is trending for its warmth and richness this season,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist, colorist, educator, and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa. “Favored for its effortless, sun-kissed look, it has warm highlights that seamlessly  blend into darker hair, creating depth and dimension.”

For soft caramel balayage, ask for warm golden highlights that blend naturally with your base for a subtle, sun-kissed look, she says. “Specify that you prefer a hand-painted, lived-in effect over chunky highlights. Your stylist will focus on painting highlights on the mid-lengths and ends, ensuring a seamless blend.”

Honey Blonde

According to Korab, one of the biggest light hair color trends for the season is Rihanna-approved honey blonde.

“For a honey blonde look, ask your stylist for a warm golden blonde that appears natural and complements your skin tone, emphasizing a golden hue over an icy one,” she says. “Also, ask for lowlights or a shadow root for added depth and easier maintenance. Your stylist may lighten your hair and then apply a honey-blonde gloss or toner.”

Glossy Brunette

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous glossy brunette—especially not this winter. “Glossy chocolate brown offers a deep luxurious tone that enhances natural beauty and flatters a variety of skin tones,” says Korab. “To achieve this color, ask your stylist for an intense glossy shade with multidimensional tones that enhance richness and shine. Specify that you want a warm reflective brown without any brassy or red undertones.”

Mahogany Melt

If going full blonde or brunette feels like too much of a commitment, Mildide recommends trying mahogany this winter. “This soft brunette balayage enhances the warmer hues by gradually melting down at the bottom,” she says. “Balayage doesn’t always have to be super contrasting. Having a slightly lighter tone creates a soft blend with the dimension.”

To get the look, ask for a chocolate color with pieces of a soft brown mahogany color. “Tell your stylist that you want a dimensional look but not too contrasting,” she says.

Charcoal Brown

“Color companies such as Redken are creating colors like Brown Smoke and Cool Ebony due to popular demand,” says Mildice. And it’s not hard to see why: They look great. Plus, they’re pretty low-maintenance. “Charcoal brown is a comfortable in-between color,” she explains. “If you have black or dark-colored hair, you won’t need to get your roots touched up as much as somebody who has lighter-colored roots, such as gray, silver, or light brown. Lighter roots will stand out more and will need a four- to six-week touch-up.”

To get the look, ask for cool dark brown color that is darker than a Brown Smoke but lighter than a Cool Ebony, she says.

Platinum Blonde

According to Kimble, platinum blonde is very much trending. Beyoncé’s version is the epitome of platinum blonde, effortlessly pulling off this glamorous shade that radiates confidence and star power,” she says. “Go bold with Clairol’s Bold & Bright 110 Pina Colada for that icy, luminous look.”

Brunette Contrast

Feeling bored with your brown hair? Patterson suggests dabbling in brunette contrast this season. “The key is to have a play of high and low contrast of deep shades of brown,” he says, pointing to Hailey Bieber as a perfect example of the look.

Dual Shades

Blondes can and should experiment with contrast this winter too. “Play with two shades at least and maybe even choose a warm and a cool; the cool will act as the depth and dimension and that warmer shade will reflect the light and come to the front of the color play,” Patterson recommends. “It’s a fun way to stay within a family of tones but also offer a play of pop and recede with the duality of tones. Keep this looking super fresh by using color-safe hair care.”

Chappell Red

“Chappell Roan is keeping the red color trend alive with fire red hair,” says Mildice. “Cherry Cola was known for its deep violet red hues in the hair whereas this color has a kick of red and orange. Chappell Red is definitely made for someone who is ready to make a statement with their appearance. This color works best with people with a cool undertone to their skin or blue or green eyes to make them pop!”

Old Money Blonde

Kendall Jenner kicked off the old money blonde trend this fall, and it’s expected to continue well into winter. “I love a nice buttery blonde that gives a healthy old money look,” says Chase Kusero, cofounder of IGK Hair Care. “For upkeep, two great golden shades in the IGK Permanent Color Kits are Almost Blonde and Olsens—these are a great way to achieve the same look at home. Or if you’re looking for something more temporary, try the IGK Color Depositing Mask in the shade Honey Please.”

Edgy Copper

“The top trending shades for this winter season will be a mix of vibrant enchanting reds and coppers,” says Richy Kandasamy, colorist, VP of R+Color development, and R+Co collective member. “Think luxe rich palettes of valentine reds and coppers and bronzes that evoke warmth and sophistication. These can range anywhere from traditional shades to multidimensional hues.”

One of his favorites for the season? Edgy rust copper. “This offers a bit of an edge to traditional red and copper shades,” he says. “For added intensity, you can add more of a rust color.”

Espresso Martini Brunette

“An ode to everyone’s favorite festive cocktail, this season’s espresso martini hair color is steering brunettes toward cooler and deeper shades and away from gold and mahogany hues,” says Shvonne Perkins, Madison Reed master colorist. “The shade emphasizes smoky, cool ash hues in various brown shades, leaning toward a neutral to cool spectrum while minimizing red and warm reflections. The result? Rich, deep brown hair with cool undertones that create a truly sophisticated look.”

Cashmere Bronde

On the lighter side is cashmere blonde, which Perkins defines as an artful blend of coffee tones that emphasizes cooler and darker blonde shades. “Departing from the ultra-light platinum looks of the past, it sits between dark and light blondes with violet sterling undertones, avoiding overly yellow or gold tones for a universally flattering hue,” she says. If you are starting with blonde or highlighted hair, you can achieve it by perfecting your tone with Madison Reed Color Therapy Mask in Perla or Color Reviving Gloss in Crema.

Jet-Black

Dark hair colors like jet-black are predicted to be everywhere in the New Year. “Jet-black is a deep, intense black shade that can create a striking and dramatic appearance,” says Nicole Ann Hardy, a colorist at New York City's Mahogany Grace Salon. “It can be a bold choice that adds a touch of sophistication to your overall look. However, it’s important to note that jet-black hair can require regular maintenance to keep the color looking vibrant and to prevent any potential fading.”

Valentine Red

Expect to see an uptick in bright reds and pinks this winter, says Kandasamy. To get the look, he suggests using IGK’s Color Depositing Mask in shade Tarantino Red.

Subtle-Lights

Prefer your hair colors low-maintenance? There are plenty of natural-looking shades to choose from this winter too. “Focusing on a ‘less is more’ approach, this trend emphasizes accent highlights over a classic shade to create a subtle yet impactful effect without appearing overly highlighted,” says Perkins. “These glowing strands placed throughout your hair will add dimension to your winter locks, and with the right shade and placement, they can also help brighten up your complexion.”

Copper Penny

“Winter will bring a more vibrant twist to the copper trends we’ve been seeing with shades resembling golden and high-shine coppers; think a copper penny,” says Perkins. “Especially for those with light to medium brunette or highlighted hair, this trend emphasizes staying light and bright while avoiding dramatic shifts toward deep reds.” To create the look, use Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit in Matera Merigold or Carrara Crimson.

Deep Brunette

If jet-black feels a little too extreme for you, hair color and extension specialist Kevin Kelly has a solution. “I have most of my clients go more toward a deep brunette, where you’re still overall dark with very subtle brown dimension,” he says.

Caramel Lowlights

For a more quiet-luxury-inspired take on brownie-batter brunette, Nicole Lucero, a colorist at NYC’s Mahogany Grace Salon, recommends dyeing your hair a rich chocolate brown with reddish undertones and opting for lowlights instead of blonde highlights.

“This look is achieved by adding lowlights to the hair in shades of caramel or burgundy,” she says. “It is a great way to achieve a natural-looking hair color that is also striking and bold.”

Smoky Red

Kandasamy also points to smoky valentine red as a top hair color trend to watch this winter. “This is a classic reflective red shade that is glossy and rich,” he says. “Alternatively, you could ask for a cooler, satin-like finish. Go bold and you can add in some smokiness with darker reds.”

Chantilly Blonde

Now that Beyoncé has debuted her own take on chantilly blonde hair, you can expect to see it everywhere soon. “Chantilly blonde is still blonde and bright but with contrast and warmer tones for the fall,” says celebrity hair colorist Rita Hazan, who dyed Beyoncé’s hair the creamy shade for fall.

To get the look yourself, Hazan says there is one rule of thumb: “Go one to two shades darker than your current shade.” At the salon, be sure to ask your hair colorist for contrast and dimension with highlights; that’s essential. “You can add lowlights to create the contrast one to two shades darker,” Hazan says, suggesting you keep the color tones buttery and golden.

Cowboy Copper

Cowboy copper is pretty much the next iteration of last year’s copper craze but is now leaning more into golden auburn territory. “This hair color shifts the bold copper shade we’ve been seeing everywhere to a more muted copper,” says Perkins. “Think apple cider. It’s a mix of a warm, light auburn hue with subtle hints of gold and copper.”

Chai Blonde

If you love to keep your hair light in the winter, don’t fret: Chai blonde might be the hue for you. “In the summer we tend to get more sun exposure at the beach, causing our blondes to lighten more, becoming brighter and drier,” Olson says. That’s why going for a golden dark blonde with hints of honey and caramel in the winter is so popular. “It will give life back into your sun-bleached tresses,” he says.

Warm Chocolate

On the darker side? Opt for warm chocolate tones, like Selena Gomez. “Her dark chocolate tone softens her light honey complexion, and these colors are great for winter,” says Wiley. What’s more, she adds, is that warm tones reflect more light. “Adding warmth in will brighten the hair’s reflection, create shine, and give the skin the appearance of evenness and glow.”

Auburn Balayage

Balayage is making a comeback, especially in red and auburn tones. “These looks are popular because they are changing the norm of heavy balayaged hair,” says Lorena M. Valdes, hair colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon. “It’s usually so dark at the roots to extremely blonde on the ends, but that is time-consuming. Now people want more simplicity”—and to look like Rihanna, obviously.

Cozy Blonde

According to Jennifer Korab, hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa, we’re going to see a lot of cozy blonde and bronde shades this winter. “The cozy-blonde trend is more of a darker blonde, but clients who are usually lovers of bright platinum hair are requesting this color to warm things up for the season,” she says. This look is also super low-maintenance.

Pumpkin Spice Red

Lauren Mildice, hair colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, points to pumpkin spice “bropper,” which is brown hair and copper color mix, as a prime red shade to watch for the season.

“This is a great option for the cozy months when you feel the urge to richen your color but do not want a dramatic change,” she says, adding that the best part about this color is that it’s so customizable. “This color keeps everyone guessing since it reflects differently in the light, like an amber gemstone, and you can keep it solid or add dimension. Customize it with your colorist!”

Gilded Brown

Wiley also predicts an uptick in more dimensional and gilded browns come winter. “Emmy Rossum has that deep golden brunette that everyone will be asking for,” she says. Just don’t forget the importance of at-home hair care when transitioning to or incorporating more warm tones, she continues: “Use a color-safe shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. It moisturizes hair in the winter months and retains your hair color with its sulfate-free formula.”

Icy Blue

If you’ve been platinum for a while, it may be time to give pastels a try. While baby pink had a moment this spring, for winter, celebrity colorist and Clairol partner Jeremy Tardo suggests a pale blue or teal. “Mermaids are a vibe all year,” Tardo says. “If you’re someone who loves to play with hair color, this is a great way to change up your look. We all want more fun!”

Strawberry Shades

Strawberry shades are in high demand too. “Blonde clients are transitioning to strawberry blonde,” Wiley says, and Korab says the same of her own salon: “Clients are requesting this color to warm things up for winter. The warm rich red tones can be more on the natural side, or can be bold and bright.”

Golden Platinum 

The most modern take on platinum is a little warmer than the icy gray shades that popped up a few years ago but is still superbright. “Platinum perfection is hard to achieve,” says celebrity colorist Bianca Hillier. “Buttery golden blonde tones are fun and reflect the most shine.” She adds that a more golden platinum is also easier to pull off if you're pale and prone to redness, since it doesn’t contrast with the warmth in your skin the way silver does. “Keep in mind that when time passes, all color fades, so a perfect purple toning shampoo is key,” she says. “Try using the new Olaplex No 4p Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo for extra longevity between salon appointments.”

Iridescent Orange

Peachy-orange shades were one of the top hair-color trends for fall, and it looks like the shade isn’t going anywhere for winter; it’s just getting a little richer. “This color palette frames your facial features with brightness when cold and dreary climates make everything else look dull,” says celebrity colorist and Clairol partner Jeremy Tardo. “These hair colors are especially flattering on fair complexions that can sometimes look a bit washed out in winter.” To get the shade, he suggests asking for a light red color with peach and orange kickers. If you’re already blonde and want to DIY the shade at home, try Clairol Nice’n Easy 8SC Medium Copper Blonde.

Golden Swirls 

Sometimes you don’t need a cut to refresh your curls, just some carefully placed color. “This is what luxury looks like,” says Hillier. “Swirls of multidimensional sunshine bring blonde brightness to all curls. This look works on tight and loose curls and brings movement in real life and in a still frame. It’s beautiful for keeping depth but also bringing in pale tones.”

Golden Glow

Bring the sunshine with you with a shiny golden shade. “I love this gilded shade of blonde because it’s very warm,” says Freidman. “As skin tones tend to gradually get a bit paler during the winter season, this look is great to infuse color back. To achieve this, I use a lot more golden, warm shades, rather than cool tones, to keep the color bright.”

Buttery Blonde

For blondes this season it’s all about more natural, lived-in color. “Blondes are opting for more casual, shade-on-shade dimension,” says Mark DeBolt, co-owner and master stylist at New York’s Mark Ryan Salon. “We’re creating blondes that have shadowed highlights closer to the root with light ends. This season we achieve this by adding darker pieces directly beneath the lighter strands. This creates contrast and movement throughout the hair and will add depth closer to the root.”

Dark Coffee 

Consider this one of our favorite takes on dark winter hair colors. “It’s softer and easy to wear if you add black to your medium or dark brown base color with foils or balayage rather than going completely solid,” says Rex Jimieson, color educator and colorist at Maxine Salon. “Ask for a demipermanent color so you can change it down the road. Plus, it will be super shiny.”

Vino Rojo

“This is a gorgeous, deep ruby tone,” says Tardo. “It’s warm but dark, so it feels sexy and strong. This is a great color on most skin tones. However, if you have a super-fair complexion, I’d suggest adding a bit more warmth to the color formula.” He suggests asking your stylist for a deep neutral red-brown shade, or try Clairol Nice’n Easy 5M Medium Mahogany Brown at home.

Creamy Blonde

“Warm is the best tonal direction to go for when it starts getting cold out,” says Matt Rez, celebrity colorist at LA’s Meche Salon. “If you’re a blonde who’s been more on the creamy, or even the beige side, and have wanted to try a warmer allover feel, adding midlights that will lift warm and/or warmer highlights to your existing color will ease your way to super warm down the road. Fall is the best time to try this trend—not to mention intentional warmer colors have a softer fade over time.” To ease into the shade, start by asking for a warm golden gloss on top of your existing blonde.

Cinnamon Chocolate 

The trick to nailing this perfect winter hair color is the contrast created between a warm auburn tint and a dark brunette base. The layering is very subtle and looks amazing on every length and texture.

Subtle Dimension

Hillier says it’s all about creating movement and dimension through color. “Painted balayage throughout the bangs make for an even more natural vibe, but be sure to not over highlight and have a lighter chunk hanging in your face,” she says. “These warm tones are all the rage this fall and are giving us autumn inspo.”

Burnt Spice

“This winter is all about burnt copper and brandished red tones,” says DeBolt. “Think deep earth reds with natural finishes. This works well for anyone with warm peachy skin and looks particularly stunning on anyone with green or hazel eyes.”

Chunky Highlights 

“There’s a major nod to the ’90s happening right now in hair, from cuts to color,” says DeBolt. “For color, it’s the reimagined ’90s chunky highlights—it’s all about the contrast! This trend looks cooler with either a blowout or air-dried texture.”

Fine Lines 

For a more natural blonde, ask for a mix of finely woven highlights and lowlights. “As seen on Khloé Kardashian, it gives you an allover statement blonde,” says Karissa Schaudt, a colorist at Maxine Salon. “Ask for babylights to ensure the pieces aren’t chunky and are very blended. This is best on short to medium hair lengths and great on blondes all year round including those winter months.”