Colder months tend to push hair in two directions at once: toward easy, lived-in shapes that survive hats and scarves, and toward richer, warmer colour. This roundup covers ten ideas worth trying this autumn and winter, including shaggy fringed bobs with curtain bangs, claw clips as a quick updo tool, natural-looking extensions, twisted DNA braids, a simple middle part and embracing natural gray. On the colour side, you will see auburn and copper, deep chocolate brown and more experimental holographic and mermaid shades, plus party wigs for anyone who wants a temporary change.
Not every trend suits every head of hair. Curtain bangs and middle parts are easiest on straight to wavy hair and round or oval faces; heart and diamond faces usually look better with a fringe or face-framing layers. Warm reds and chocolate tones flatter most skin tones but fade faster than cooler browns, so plan for gloss appointments.
Winter is also tough on hair condition, so think about moisture alongside style, especially if you colour, use extensions or wear your hair up under hats.
1. Fringed Bobs — I Woke Up Like This!
Messy, shaggy bobs with curtain bangs are convenient, polished and easy to style, giving the impression you woke up with your hair already done. Middle-parted bangs recall Brigitte Bardot. Soft ombre or balayage colouring takes the look a step further.
Inspiration: @marlogomer, @hairstorystudio, @nikitahair
2. Claw Clips — The 90s Are Back!
Claw clips are back, along with other accessories from the late eighties and nineties that many assumed would never return. Hairstylist Guido Palau helped revive them in a collaboration with Alexander Wang, styling a runway show entirely with these clips. Dig one out and twist your hair up.
Inspiration: @jennarosenstein, @mykitsch, @sovietnam
3. Party Wigs — A Little Party Never Killed Nobody!
Party wigs let you experiment with an outrageous look without permanently changing your hair colour. They are ideal for discos, costume parties and nights out when you want something completely different for just a few hours.
Inspiration: @beautyspock, @ravvebeauty, @designsbyderrika
4. Natural-Looking Extensions — Rapunzel, Is That You?
Natural-looking extensions are a solution for very thin hair or for anyone impatient to grow it long. Options include clip-in, micro-bead, sew-in, tape-in and fusion methods, chosen according to hair type and how long you plan to wear them. Use shampoo and conditioner made for extensions and limit heat.
Inspiration: @hairby_chrissy, @sonyaesman, @themaneologist
5. Shades of Auburn — Take Summer with You!
Warm shades gain popularity as the weather cools. Auburn, caramel, copper, honey and cinnamon tones evoke summer warmth and look especially good on waves, curls and layered cuts. Mixing darker and lighter strands over an auburn base gives extra dimension.
Inspiration: @le.duc.style, @hairbynoora, @jordan_kindel_salon
6. DNA Braid — Recall Your Biology Classes!
DNA braids, sometimes called viral braids, are easier than they look. Divide the hair into three sections, then cross thin strands from the left and right sections over each other and twist them around the centre. The twisting pattern looks especially striking on rainbow or highlighted hair.
Inspiration: @katieblasius, @alexandralee1016, @gt6peluquerias
7. Chocolate Brown — Natural Is the New Black!
Deep chocolate brown is a rich choice for autumn and winter, and amber or auburn strands can add beautiful highlights. The shade brightens green and brown eyes alike and either contrasts with or warms the skin tone, depending on your complexion.
Inspiration: @alla_parhimovich, @chrisjones_hair, @korimtemkin
8. Experiments with Colors — Try If You Dare!
Feel like a big change? Start with your hair. Holographic, pixel, mermaid and unicorn colouring, as well as printed patterns, are eye-catching ways to add freshness and drama to your look. Semi-permanent dyes fade quickly, so expect frequent touch-ups.
Inspiration: @kristinacheeseman, @janine_ker_hair, @bohobrushed
9. Middle Part — All Genius Is Simple!
Middle parts swap big bouffants and perfect curls for natural minimalism. The look is simple but refined, with a hint of luxurious ease. It suits round and oval faces best; triangular and diamond shapes look better with bangs or face-framing layers.
Inspiration: @circlesofhair, @ciaracoiffure, @shvrvinelxuis
10. Embracing Gray Locks — Wear Them Proudly!
Gray hair was long seen as a sign of fading youth, but natural silver is now celebrated as elegant and stylish. Stop dyeing and let your natural colour grow in. Dyed gray on younger women is a separate trend; the focus here is on embracing your own gray proudly.
Inspiration: @rlhnyc, @deborahdangerreed, @burtonregina
Protecting hair through the colder months
- Switch to a richer conditioner and add a weekly mask; indoor heating dries hair as much as wind does.
- Line wool hats with satin or wear a silk scarf underneath to reduce friction and static.
- Lower the heat on your dryer and straightener, and always use a heat protectant.
- Never go outside with wet hair in freezing temperatures; damp strands are more prone to breakage.
Keeping warm reds and browns rich
Auburn, copper and chocolate shades lose vibrancy with hot water and frequent washing. Wash with lukewarm or cool water, choose a sulphate-free colour-safe shampoo, and use a colour-depositing conditioner in a matching tone every week or two. A clear or tinted gloss at the salon between colour appointments restores shine and depth. If you are transitioning to natural gray instead, a purple shampoo keeps silver tones bright and free of yellow.