Winter is here, bringing frosty weather and shorter days, but it’s also the perfect time to revamp your look. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace, enjoying festive gatherings, or braving the winter chill on daily commutes, a hairstyle that’s both chic and low-maintenance can work wonders to lift your look and your spirits. This season, hair trends are all about ease, versatility, and a touch of nostalgic glam. From face-framing curtain bangs to the voluminous blowouts of the ‘90s, these eight winter hair trends are designed to be effortlessly stylish and surprisingly easy to wear.
Here’s a guide to the season’s hottest hair trends, perfect for all lengths, textures, and levels of styling expertise. Embrace the cold with these chic, low-fuss styles that are perfect for adding a touch of glam to your winter look.
1. Curtain Bangs
Nothing says “chic” quite like curtain bangs. Parted down the middle, these soft, face-framing bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, adding warmth around the face without the commitment of full bangs. They’re perfect for anyone wanting to change up their look without a drastic cut.
Why it works for winter: Curtain bangs are low-maintenance and work well with hats and scarves. Unlike blunt bangs that can feel heavy, curtain bangs have a soft flow, making them an easy-to-style option that still looks fresh in winter.
Styling tips: Use a round brush and blow-dry the bangs away from your face for a natural look. A bit of lightweight mousse or texturizing spray can keep them airy and prevent them from lying flat. If you’re out in the winter air, don’t worry; curtain bangs look just as good when slightly tousled by the wind!
2. ‘90s Blowouts
The ‘90s blowout has made a glamorous comeback this season, bringing back the era’s iconic volume, bounce, and supermodel-worthy curls. This look is all about body and movement, with fluffy ends that look straight off a runway.
Nostalgic appeal: With its retro roots, the ‘90s blowout is timelessly cool. It’s an easy way to add instant glamour to your look, making it ideal for everything from a regular workday to a festive holiday party.
How to achieve it: Start with a volumizing mousse applied to damp hair, then blow-dry using a round brush to lift at the roots. For the ultimate bouncy effect, wrap large sections of hair around a barrel curling iron or use a hot air brush to finish. Spritz a flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without sacrificing softness.
3. Soft Waves
Soft, tousled waves aren’t just for summer beach days. They’re a great way to add texture and effortless elegance to winter hair, giving your look a relaxed yet polished vibe. Plus, waves add dimension, especially if your hair has highlights or natural color variations.
Why it’s trending: Soft waves have an unstructured appeal that’s ideal for winter, creating a beautiful contrast to the season’s more tailored, layered clothing. The waves add visual interest and softness that pairs well with cozy winter outfits.
Styling tips: Use a curling wand or a straightener to create loose waves, starting a few inches below the roots. For those who want minimal heat styling, braid slightly damp hair before bed and let it dry overnight. Once undone, these waves add a hint of texture without much effort. Finish with sea salt spray for an undone look.
4. Textured Bobs
Bobs are a classic cut that continue to reinvent themselves with each season, and this winter, it’s all about adding texture. A choppy or textured bob with layers brings movement and dimension to the look, making it feel fresh and modern.
Why it’s chic for winter: Textured bobs pair wonderfully with winter fashion and are easy to style. The layers allow for a playful, tousled effect, and the length keeps the style manageable, especially for those who don’t want to fuss with their hair every morning.
Styling tips: A texturizing spray or styling cream is key to achieving a perfectly tousled bob. Use your fingers to scrunch and lift sections for a lived-in look that will hold even on chilly, windy days. You can blow-dry with a diffuser for extra volume or air-dry for a more natural finish.
5. Deep Side Part
This simple yet striking change can transform any hairstyle into a bold, sophisticated look. By creating a deep side part, you can add instant volume and make any length or texture feel more dynamic.
Why it’s effortless: Whether you have short, long, straight, or curly hair, a deep side part can add a touch of glamour and shape to your style with minimal effort. This look also adds depth to the face, framing it beautifully.
How to style: Simply use a comb to shift your part to one side, creating an exaggerated, dramatic look. For extra volume, apply a lightweight volumizing powder or root-lifting spray at the crown. A deep side part is easy to create and gives a sophisticated touch to any winter ensemble.
6. Slicked-Back Bun
Sleek, chic, and ready for any occasion, the slicked-back bun is a winter staple. It’s a style that keeps your hair in place on windy days and looks as polished at the office as it does at an evening event.
Perfect for winter: With no loose strands to worry about, the slicked-back bun keeps your look together despite the weather. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and can be dressed up or down.
Styling tips: Start by applying a smoothing serum to avoid flyaways, then use a fine-tooth comb to gather hair into a low or high bun. A bit of gel or hairspray will help keep the bun neat. This style is perfect for those brisk winter days when you want to look put-together with minimal fuss.
7. Shaggy Layers
The shaggy layered cut is edgy yet relaxed, making it a go-to for those who want a modern, low-maintenance look. Shaggy layers add volume and texture without requiring a lot of styling, and they can be tailored to suit various lengths and face shapes.
Winter appeal: This cut is especially practical for winter, as it pairs well with hats and can easily be worn loose or pulled back without losing its shape.
How to style: Use a light styling cream to define layers and add texture, giving the shag that effortlessly cool look. A little scrunching can go a long way in enhancing the shape. For extra texture, use a diffuser while blow-drying, or let your natural texture take center stage.
8. Bold, Natural Texture
Embracing your natural hair texture is one of the most beautiful and empowering trends of the season. Winter is all about working with what you have, and letting your curls, waves, or coils shine is a great way to celebrate your unique beauty.
Why it’s trending: Minimizing heat styling is particularly beneficial during winter when hair can become dry and brittle. By embracing your natural texture, you can maintain healthy hair while staying on-trend.
Tips for care: The key to rocking your natural texture is hydration. Invest in a good leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or hair oil to lock in moisture. Use a diffuser for curly or wavy hair if you’re blow-drying, and consider a satin-lined hat for those cold days to protect against dryness and frizz.
This winter, staying chic means embracing styles that combine elegance with ease. From bouncy ‘90s blowouts to natural texture, these trends prove that a winter hairstyle can be both stylish and manageable. Whether you’re drawn to the polished look of a deep side part or the effortless charm of curtain bangs, these styles offer a fresh way to keep your look current with minimal effort.
