Winter’s 6 Biggest Hair Trends Include Gourmand Color and Supersized Blowouts

The season’s best cuts, colors, and styles.

By Catharine Malzahn 

Published on November 10, 2025 06:45AM

As the temperatures drop, we’re embracing the snowy season, bringing out our softest cashmere sweaters, chic winter boots, and cozy flannel pj’s. But our wardrobes aren’t the only thing craving change this season: Our beauty routines, including our hair, are ready for a winter refresh, too. There’s just something about the beginning of a new season that makes us want to switch up our hair, whether it’s the color, cut, or style. (Plus, with the crisp, dry air, frizz and static are nearly inevitable, so a new cut or style could be your hair’s new winter BFF.)

There’s no doubt about it: This has been the year of the bob. It’s also been marked by other trends, like low-maintenance hairstyling and rich hair color, so what can we expect as we enter the final few months of the year? Glossy, bouncy blowouts, short, layered cuts, and deep espresso hair colors are all things to look forward to this season, according to celebrity hairstylists Nick Stenson and TerraRose Puncerelli.

So, whether you’re heading to holiday parties galore or hosting a night in with your besties, make sure your strands look the part with the six hottest winter hair trends stylists are obsessed with this season.

Meet the Experts

• Nick Stenson is the founder of Nick Stenson Beauty and a celebrity hairstylist based in Chicago.
• TerraRose Puncerelli is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles and New York City.

The Modern Shag

Textured, layered cuts are so in this season: “Everyone is looking for a cut that feels stylish yet easy to wear, and the shag delivers just that,” says Stenson. And the good news is that there are a few ways to make the modern shag your own. First up: the wolf cut. The versatile look “features shorter, choppy layers on top and around the face, with slightly longer lengths in the back to create natural movement, dimension, and an effortlessly edgy vibe,” says Stenson. He says it works well on medium to thick hair, especially wavy or curly textures.

You can also opt for a shaggy lob, which is “a long bob with soft, razored layers and natural movement,” says Puncerelli. “It strikes the balance between effortless and styled—perfect for winter layering and easily dressed up or down.”

The Pixie

Is your bob not short enough for you? Not to worry—hair is going even shorter this season. “I’m seeing a big return to shorter cuts, especially the pixie, which ties into the broader wave of ’90s-inspired minimalism we’re seeing on the runways,” says Stenson. Expect the cut to be “cropped around the sides and back with longer layers on top for movement and texture,” says Stenson. “It works beautifully on fine to medium hair, but can be customized for thicker textures by leaving a little extra length on top.”

Velvet Accessories

Is it really winter if you don’t bring out some velvet? The plush fabric is so wintry and luxe, and you can easily bring it to your hair with some accessorizing. It “adds a festive, romantic touch that transitions from holiday parties to everyday wear,” says Puncerelli. It couldn’t be easier to style at home, too: “Simply gather your hair into a low or mid-level ponytail, secure it with an elastic, and clip the bow over the base for an instant polished touch,” adds Stenson. Bonus: It goes perfectly with a slicked-back bun or pony, another popular trend this year. Both stylists agree that this style suits all textures, especially medium to long hair lengths.

Bouncy Blowouts

The ’90s aesthetic is still going strong in beauty, especially when it comes to hair trends. Big, bouncy, glossy blowouts have replaced beach waves as the go-to winter hairstyle. “The resurgence of ’90s supermodel glam makes this high-volume look timelessly chic,” says Puncerelli.

To achieve that “old money” hair look at home, “start with a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, and then blow-dry section by section with a round brush, lifting at the roots for volume and wrapping mid-lengths around the brush for a soft curl,” says Stenson. “Finish each section with a blast of cool air to lock in shine, and apply a light serum to the ends for smoothness.”

Chocolate Glaze

People tend to go darker in the winter, so get ready to see more deep brunettes and glossy espresso shades this season, advises Stenson. “It’s perfect for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, sophisticated look that still feels polished and luxurious,” he says. 

If you want to create some added dimension, Puncerelli is a fan of a “deep brunette base infused with subtle warm highlights,” she says. “Cozy, dimensional shades complement winter wardrobes and look rich under softer seasonal lighting.” She recommends cinnamon highlights, which bring in copper tones that will also continue to trend through the colder months.

Mushroom Blonde

Platinum blonde is taking a back seat this winter, making way for softer, more lived-in blonde shades that match winter’s more muted light. This winter, we’re going to see mushroom blonde as the “next chic, muted alternative to the bright or icy blondes that were everywhere over the summer,” says Stenson. “It’s ideal for anyone growing out warmer highlights or seeking a modern, understated blonde.” He recommends using a gloss or toner and a lightweight shine spray to maintain the cool, muted tone throughout the season.