These Are The Top 50 Hair Color Ideas for Winter 2024

Photos
winter hair colors
Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Winter hair colors vary from light hues that go with the cold weather to darker tones that show contrast. Blondes are very popular, but brunettes and smoky tones carry out a warm, welcoming vibe. Even other fashion and pastel colors are in during this coziest, coldest season!

When hair dyeing, make sure that the shade flatters your skin tone and enhances your eye color.

Ladies with tan or olive complexion can pull off natural shades or a warm balayage. Chocolate brown and rich reddish tones are sure to bring out the warmth in your skin.

With brighter hues, pick one that’s opposite of your skin undertone. Dirty or ash blonde can complement cool complexions. It’s also one of the trendiest hair shades throughout the winter solstice.

Each hair dye corresponds to a specific care routine. This is why your lifestyle plays a significant aspect in deciding your desired color.

Get in touch with your stylist to acquire professional tips. You can ask about ways how to style your locks at home and what products to apply.

It’s never too late to shake things up. Read on to find images of the trendy winter hair colors here.

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#1: Pale Violet Ash

If you’re a blonde looking to cool down your bright tone, try asking for a deep silver tone. The look gives your base more depth. The lighter pieces around your face brighten up your features. Even though the tone is darker you’ll need to be lightened to a pale blonde to achieve this color. Otherwise, it will look uneven.

Black and White Money Piece
Instagram @domyhairdrew

#2: Black and White Money Piece

If you are someone who loves to embrace hair color trends, this black-and-white money piece is a must! The blonde is created in a simple color-blocking technique and toned with an icy gloss. Make sure your colorist is confident your hair can handle lightening to this platinum.

Berry Red on a Long Bob for Winter
Instagram @ritatamer

#3: Berry Red on a Long Bob

If you’re looking to intensify your lob, try getting a vibrant red color. I love to add just a bit of VR pigment to any intense reds that I use to add richness. The color is bold and seductive. Along with a bobbed cut, the combo will compliment any skin tone and thin your facial features.

#4: Rich Mahogany Hue with Face-Framing Blonde Hair

Try a rich mahogany hue color with bright face-framing blonde hair. Bleaching out the front piece is great to add some brightness to your face. If you’re looking for winter hair colors for light skin, add a chestnut brown to create richness.

Milk Chocolate Brown Color Melt for Winter
Instagram @allure.hairsalon

#5: Milk Chocolate Brown Color Melt

Make your locks look luxurious with a milk chocolate brown color melt. Spice up your dark brunette tresses by warming up your color palette. Warm winter hair colors will give your locks a golden sparkly dimension and shine.

Peekaboo Indigo on Bronde Hair for Winter
Instagram @michelle.zapanta

#6: Peekaboo Indigo on Bronde Hair

Peekaboo indigo on bronde hair is a great transition color going into a new season. If you’re usually a bright blonde, doing a fun darker color underneath your hair lets you keep some of it. With winter blonde hair, ask your stylist to try a darker blonde toner on your highlights. This can change your look without too much commitment. Toners usually last for about 20 to 25 washes. So you can change the tone of your hair at your next appointment.

Wintery Partial Choco Caramel Balayage for Dark Hair
Instagram @aaashleee

#7: Partial Choco Caramel Balayage for Dark Hair

Winter season is bringing out the dark in a lot of us but adding a statement piece will make your color a show stopper! Start with a rich dark brown base and add balayage through the front. Then, tone it down to a deep chestnut shade that will add pop to your color. Try adding curls to this look to have those pieces showcased just perfectly!

#8: Whipped Cappuccino Hair with a Money Piece

Looking for perfect winter brown hair colors? A creamy, warm balayage is one of the top winter hair colors for olive skin. To get that cascading look, try pre-toning your hair, then melting your base and gloss together. Be mindful of not running the base down too far on the money piece area. Complete this look with KMS Therma Shape spray. Add curls with a 1 1/4-inch curling iron. Just leave the ends of your hair out and comb through once done curling to get a beach wave look.

#9: Dark Crimson Balayage

Gorgeous, gorgeous girls rock dark crimson balayage. For this color, the base is a dark brunette hair color. While the top is lightened and glazed with a semi-permanent crimson red. This gives an overall dimensional look. Deep winter hair colors are trending more toward jewel tones with a playful placement. Think peekaboos, split dye, chunky.

Winter Copper Red Velvet Hair Color
Instagram @abarajas130

#10: Copper Red Velvet Hair

Vibrant coppers are such sophisticated winter hair colors for brown skin. The burgundy and red colors add warmth to your darker complexion. The contrast of the color makes your facial features more pronounced and brighter. Staying the same color level as your natural color will allow your regrowth to come in naturally. Try using Kera Color Copper Klenditioner to maintain your color in between appointments.

Winter-Inspired Short Icy Platinum Blonde Hair
Instagram @ferdiakturk_

#11: Short Icy Platinum Blonde Hair

Short icy blonde hair is one of the perfect winter hair colors for blondes. With this platinum hair shade, you give off ice queen vibes. I would start this color with a global application of lightener, lifting to a pale yellow. Or if your hair is healthy enough, passed that. Then I would glaze or tone with violet, pearl, silver, or a combination of said colors. You can put the toner on straight at the bowl but I suggest drying the hair to see its true color. This helps you decide what your formula needs. Whether you need to neutralize or enhance the raw blonde.

Wintery Toasty Pink with Dark Roots
Instagram @hairbylily408

#12: Toasty Pink with Dark Roots

One of the most popular winter hair colors is a dark root with a mauve pink balayage. This color looks amazing on both fair and dark skin. It adds warmth even though it’s considered a cooler color. It can give an elongated appearance which is perfect for medium-length hair. This color can fade quickly so use sulfate and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. For example, Olaplex 4 and 5. You should also wash with cooler temperature water to keep your hair’s cuticle closed.

Short Dark Hair with Pops of Iron Red for Winter
Instagram @pipsyhair_

#13: Short Dark Hair with Pops of Iron Red

Short dark hair with pops of iron red is a perfect color combination for the winter season. This dark almost-black base color is broken up with iron-red blurred streaks. These enhance the shape of the cut and style. As dark winter hair colors are making their appearance, this duo is one of the most beautiful combos. Be prepared to spend some time at the salon. This color is most likely a double process, bring a book or get to know your stylist a little better.

Silvery Gray Hair for Winter
Instagram @yamashita_yuya

#14: Silvery Gray Hair

When considering a new winter hair color, try silvery gray hair to give yourself a cooled down look. An important part of this color is making sure you work with a stylist that can lift your hair to the level needed. That way you can keep your hair as healthy as possible. Working with a celebrity colorist, if possible, ensures they have the experience to get you the color you desire.

Rich Mauve Red Winter Hair Color
Instagram @jadexrenee

#15: Rich Mauve Red Color

A popular winter hair color to try are winter red hair colors, such as a rich mauve red. With all the different types of colored hair, this seems to be the popular color during the winter season. The deep mauve color doesn’t need much lifting when it comes to the process. And that helps keep your hair follicles healthy during the color process. Pair this color with color-safe and sulfate-free hair products, such as Kevin Murphy’s Everlasting.Color line.

#16: Cool Metallic Ash

A cool metallic ash hair color is a great way to change up your style for the winter season. Winter long hair colors are darker tones. You can achieve this by either toning down your blonde to more of an ash tone or coloring it dark altogether.

#17: Melted Ashy Gray Hair

Try a melted ashy gray hair color if your natural hair is ashy. This will help the longevity of that unique smokey gray on the ends. Most women opt for darker shades in the fall and winter. But, winter hair colors for fair skin are a lighter version of those deep jewel tones. Melted hair color is a take on the ombré trend from a few years ago. It’s where the highlight blurred into the base color in a seamless transition. No harsh lines.

Blended Teal and Turquoise on Brunette Hair for Winter
Instagram @kelsey.mtl

#18: Blended Teal and Turquoise on Brunette Hair

Blended teal and turquoise on brunette hair are bold and beautiful. Teal and turquoise are similar colors, one is more green while the other is bluer. Using two colors in the same family draws the eye down the hair and gives your hair more depth. Winter pallete hair colors, like these blue hues, are deep, rich, saturated colors.

Winter Vanilla Blonde Accents on Black Hair
Instagram @locksbylaurynn

#19: Vanilla Blonde Accents on Black Hair

Vanilla blonde accents on black hair is a cousin to the split dye. With this look, you could keep your natural hair color and build from there. With the bleached strands being mostly underneath and half of the fringe, you can tone them in a variety of ways. In this photo, the lightness is graduated from a light caramel on the top to vanilla blonde on the ends. Whatever tones you choose, your hair will be stunning.

#20: Medium Shag with Cool Purple and Hot Pink Tones

If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your hair color and cut, try some vivid colors with a razor cut. You can intensify your color scheme by using multiple colors. Just ask your stylist to frame your face with the brightest one. Ask for heavy texturizing on your shag. It will help your layers stack nicely and soften your blend.

Cool Purple-Blue Accents for Winter
Instagram @heididoeshair

#21: Cool Purple-Blue Accents

If you want dimension in your hair, use 3-4 different colors in the same color family. Make your base a primary color and alternate a second for highlights. For example, a base color would be blue (primary). Magenta and neon blue would be your two alternating colors. When getting vivid colors make sure to book your appointments every 4-6 weeks. That way you don’t get banding when lightening your roots.

#22: Cool-Toned Vivid Blue with Lighter Ends

Have ice cold winter locks with cool-toned vivid blue with lighter ends. Pretty winter hair colors are always a trend and will make you stand out in a crowd. A blue hue does fade fast at first, but it’s the hardest fashion color to remove all together so beware.

Dimensional Cobalt Blue Hair Winter Hair Colors
Instagram @colored.in.chaos

#23: Dimensional Cobalt Blue Hair

Add an icy touch with dimensional cobalt blue hair. Blue is one of the best winter hair colors to try out this season. An icy blue will make your tresses look glamorous and fun. Fashion colors do fade and blue will typically fade to green. So, you will have to do frequent touch-ups to keep your color true to tone.

Winter Hot Magenta Hair Color
Instagram @lovelylocks_dk

#24: Hot Magenta Hair Color

Consider hot magenta hair color this season if you’re ready to stand out from the crowd. Magenta, deep pink, and red-violet are great options for fall and winter hair colors. These warm tones trend in these seasons because of their richness, depth, and vibrancy. Also, clothing changes to the deeper shades in the fall and winter, so why shouldn’t your hair?

Frosty Lavender and Beige Blonde Winter Hair Colors
Instagram @jesslovescolor

#25: Frosty Lavender and Beige Blonde

If you’re looking for winter hair colors for brunettes, try a frosty lavender and beige blonde. The lavender color acts as lowlights. For winter hair dye colors, it’s not typical to go lighter with highlights. But, adding in a fun lavender color definitely gives it more of a cooler, winter feel.

Cream Pink Balayage Highlights Winter Hair Color
Instagram @lamacasias

#26: Cream Pink Balayage Highlights

Winter is upon us and it’s time for the dark brown colors to come out to play. When going for a winter brunette hair color, add some dimension with balayage. I suggest using a demi-permanent or semi-color for your ends. That way you can be open to changing tones at your next appointment.

Mulled Wine Hair Winter Hair Color
Instagram @loganduran.hair

#27: Mulled Wine Hair

If you’re looking for winter hair colors for pale skin, find inspiration from the leaves outside. Red hair color is by far my favorite to work with as you can customize and create an array of different tones. Try adding 2-3 different tones to create a dimensional piece of art that will look different in all light.

#28: Winter Sangria Color on Edgy Short Hair

If you’re looking for a seasonal change, red winter hair colors can add a vibrant contrast to your fair skin. The color gives more contouring around your face, which keeps you from looking washed out. When I do these colors, my go-to is Kenra demi-permanent “RR” and “VR” series. While you’re at your hair appointment, make sure to ask your stylist for a recommendation on a color wash. Color washes help to maintain the intensity of your color.

#29: Black Hair Color with Pink and Violet Glaze

If you’re a woman looking for winter hair color ideas, consider a balayage with magenta and lilac. The two colors give a Moroccan theme. You can alternate the color placement in different sections. Just add one color at the top of the highlight and the second color below and blend the mid-area together. One tip dyeing fact is if you have black tinted hair color and want to add vivid colors, consider extensions. Black hair color has a hard time lifting to the shade of blonde you need to achieve these types of colors. You will be saving the integrity of your hair while also reaching your hair goal.

#30: Soft Tousled Bob with Icy Blue Tones

In my personal opinion and experience, my short haired clients are always up for a daring change. Winter hair colors for short hair should be exciting and pretty. So try diving into an icy blue dream this season. Try using multi tones for a dimension that will look amazing sleek or curled.

#31: Winter Navy Blue and Purple for Long Hair

Get a winter navy blue and purple for your long hair to be on trend this season. The winter balayage is a total hit. It has a vast variety of cool winter hair colors ranging from white grey, through royal purple to deep navy blue. Anything you fancy and of course, the condition of your hair allows. Don’t forget to get suitable home care cosmetics from your hairdresser.

Blue and Purple Color Melt with Shadow Root
Instagram @presleypoe

#32: Blue and Purple Color Melt with Shadow Root

A fun way to try out vivid hair color is a blue and purple color melt with shadow root! If you have naturally dark hair, then you would benefit from a soft grow out with this shadow. Setting up a thorough consultation with your stylist will be necessary to determine if your hair is a good candidate for vivid hair, and to go over product and appointment maintenance.

All Over Baby White Hair Color
Instagram @haircancekic_

#33: All Over Baby White

If you want to make a striking statement this winter, go for an all-over baby white! A blonde to this extreme has to have the right starting point, to avoid compromising integrity and achieving the right tone. Getting a consultation to determine if your hair is a good starting canvas is very important. Platinum maintenance is typically around 3-8 weeks to prevent banding, and making sure you have the right take-home products is also really important to keep the health of your platinum locks strong.

#34: Violet Red

If you are a lover of red hair, try tweaking your tones to a violet red! Lighter reds tend to rock a more copper/red tone, so adjusting the tone to a violet red will add more richness and depth to your red. The slight root shadow will soften out your new growth, allowing for 8-10 weeks between maintenance appointments.

Dark Silver to Navy Blue Ombre
Instagram @memmieyo

#35: Dark Silver to Navy Blue Ombre

A bold approach to fantasy color, this dark silver to navy blue ombre is sure to turn heads. On dark, rich skin tones, these hues are sure to pop. Working on clean virgin hair will be necessary to achieve the level of lightness to add this smokey grey and dark blue. Tones this cool do require some maintenance, with a silver or blue shampoo for home, and a 6-week maintenance routine.

2-Tone Purple Root Smudge
Instagram @memmieyo

#36: 2-Tone Purple Root Smudge

An easy way to stay low-maintenance while turning heads is trying this tone purple root smudge. Depending on your starting point, this may be a multiple process to achieve these dimensions. With a root smudge, your maintenance will be around 8-12 weeks, but having a violet fantasy shampoo will aid in keeping the vibrancy in between appointments.

Smokey Blonde Ombre
Instagram @josievilay

#37: Smokey Blonde Ombre

An ice blonde’s dream comes to life with this smokey blonde ombre! To achieve this look, a light pale blonde is the starting point. So make sure your colorist gives the green light so that this look can be obtained. Maintenance for these smokey locks will be around 4-6 weeks for root touch-ups and don’t forget to keep a silver or violet toning mask or shampoo to refreshen the tone once a week.

#38: Dark Cherry

A great way to add some vibrancy to darker hair is this dark cherry color! This look is obtainable for almost all hair colors, especially if your hair is between a level 5-7. The violet tone of this red helps add a great richness and depth to the red, with pops of brighter cherry on the ends. A big way to prevent fading is by using professional products and room temperature water when washing. Maintenance for these cherry locks will be anywhere from 6-10 weeks.

#39: Bold Bubblegum Pink

If you are someone that is looking for a whimsical hair color, this bold bubblegum pink will be show-stopping! A pink this pale will be best achieved on a natural blonde, or if you’ve gone through previous lightening services. Skin tones best suited for a bubblegum pink will be cool and neutral tones since this type of pink will showcase warmth in the skin. Pigmented masks and shampoos are strongly encouraged to help maintain vibrancy in between your 4-8 week maintenance appointments.

#40: Lived-In Brown and Blonde Color Melt

A sophisticated take on dimensional color, a lived-in brown and blonde color melt is a classic choice. The beige tone of this hair makes it a very user-friendly option for most skin types. It provides balance for olive, neutral, and pink undertones. This color is a great low-maintenance option. You can go 8 to 12 weeks if you are naturally a medium brown-medium blonde.

Dimensional Blue and Black
Instagram @jbootybb

#41: Dimensional Blue and Black

Try a dimensional blue and black hair color to really align with the winter solstice energy. The deepness and vibrancy of the blue and black work so well to prevent washing out of light skin tones while still serving up some chilly vibes. This is a color that will require more upkeep and it should be noted that keeping the hair healthy is especially important to the longevity of fashion colors. Try a color-depositing hair mask whenever you need to freshen up the blue.

Walnut Brown with Peek-a-boo Blonde
Instagram @kyleedanaehair

#42: Walnut Brown with Peek-a-boo Blonde

Cold weather means warm walnut brown colors, so add a peek-a-boo blonde underneath for some bright lively dimension. The contrast between the walnut brown and the blonde peek-a-boo keeps the face bright and open while still having an overall darker and warmer color scheme. The blonde peek-a-boo is a great way to try out lighter colors without having to fully commit. The blonde peek-a-boo underneath actually creates the appearance of volume and thickness as light colors expand, so this is an amazing color placement for someone who wants to fill the neck and collarbone area or draw attention to it.

Icy Blue with Pops of Pastel Purple
Instagram @cozmic.color

#43: Icy Blue with Pops of Pastel Purple

Icy blue that has pops of pastel purple is a strong contrast to the typical winter hair colors. Pastel colors and light colors are very high maintenance and fade very fast. So be sure to avoid heat styling or washing too much and prepare for more maintenance appointments. If you love going to the salon for touch-ups this color is perfect. But if you are looking for low-maintenance and easy care, this is not your color. Light colors work best on very light hair, so if your hair is naturally quite dark, the color process will likely be longer and more damaging, but will look fabulous when your dark roots come in.

Metallic Silver
Instagram @jhair_stylist

#44: Metallic Silver

One of the most iconic winter hair color ideas is the metallic silver. Silver is less maintenance than fashion colors and pastels, but it does take lots of work to get there and keep hair healthy, toned, and maintained. Hair that is extremely dry or damaged should not try silver until their hair is healthier simply because it can be hard on the hair to use purple shampoo frequently. Purple shampoo is the best way to maintain a silver metallic hair color in between touch-up appointments because purple shampoo can be a little stronger than regular shampoo, it’s really important to use a very nourishing conditioner.

#45: Deep Black with Subtle Brunette Highlights

Get out the hot chocolate, bake the gingerbread, and get ready to melt over a luxurious deep black color with subtle brunette highlights. Deep, warm colors add the appearance of healthier hair as well as provide a lovely contrast to the white snow-covered backgrounds. Try loose waves and a cute bright touque to create the perfect hairstyle for a skate date with some delicious hot chocolate to warm up. People with extremely light skin should try to stay away from very deep black colors as they can wash the color out or appear too harsh. But, the brunette highlights will help to bring that color back to your skin.

Evergreen Green
Instagram @cgannhair

#46: Evergreen Green

The colder months are no excuse to shy away from beautiful and vibrant colors like evergreen green. Evergreen is an amazing shade to compliment women with brown eyes as well as skin with yellow or peach undertones. To keep your color fresh, healthy, and vibrant, make sure you protect it through the chilly weather and have a great hair care routine.

#47: Mulberry Red

One of the classic winter hair trends is the lavish mulberry red. A deep red brings warmth and color to the face despite freezing temperatures. While most reds do take more upkeep, they can work well with any skin tone and can be customized to work with your age, air type, and any other contributing factors. The deepness of the mulberry red gives a striking contrast to white snow or rosy cheeks and is the perfect pick me up for surviving the cold season.

Smoked Rose Gold
Instagram @jhair_stylist

#48: Smoked Rose Gold

Warm up with a smoked rose gold color to get you through the coldest season. Rose gold is fantastic for winter because it warms up skin tones. For easy upkeep and longevity, be sure to use a color-safe shampoo and for longer lasting vibrancy, try a color-depositing conditioner.

#49: Brown Balayage

A brown balayage tone is the perfect way to fight the polar weather. When snow falls, warm up with some beautiful chocolate tones. Going with a deeper shade is a great way to keep hair healthy over the winter and makes for a beautiful contrast against the white snow. To keep brightness around the face, try adding a caramel-toned money piece to frame the face.

#50: Black with Chocolate

Black hair with chocolate accents is a staple for those who like the dark side but still want dimension. Cozy up in your favorite flannel and sip some hot cocoa by the fire while the warm lighting illuminates the lighter tones of your hair. Dark colors are lower maintenance which is great for winter as cold, dry weather is hard on the hair, so the less chemical services performed, the better. Try using a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner to keep rich tones vibrant.