Beauty
The 10 Winter Hair Color Trends Everyone Will Be Asking For In 2024
Time for a switch up.
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As Coco Chanel once said: “A woman who changes her hair is about to change her life.” This rings especially true at the start of the winter season, when the chilly weather and ultra-short days often call for a major visual change that can serve as a serious pick-me-up.
For winter 2024, the motto is “new hair, new you.”
Celebs Are Switching It Up
A-listers have already gotten the itch to switch up their hair colors, with the former dark brunette Dua Lipa opting for a sultry, deep red shade. The “Dance The Night” artist happened to be very on-trend, as her new “cherry Coke” shade is a major trend to watch for winter 2024.
Yet another hair transformation that’s right in line with the wintertime trends is Beyoncé’s near-white platinum blonde, which she formally debuted at the world premiere of Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé.
Winter’s Top Hair Colors
Alongside distinct shades of brunette, blonde, and auburn, professional hair colorists tell Bustle that one unexpected color in particular might just be on the rise — although generally, the vibes are all about adding warmth to your hair.
In need of some inspiration before you book your next salon appointment? Below, find 10 expert-approved winter hair colors that are set to be trending for 2024, as forecasted by industry experts Rita Hazan, Carly Zanoni, Kat Collett, Nick Stenson, Reece Walker, and Tylor Johnson.
1
Cowgirl Copper
Zanoni, a colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador, tells Bustle that “cowgirl copper” is sure to be a wintertime staple. “It’s a deeper, more sassy version of the bright, strawberry copper we’re used to seeing,” she says. “It’s a bit more red instead of orange; think auburn but with a little extra spice.”
Considering a major switch? “Reds will forever be one of the most high-maintenance colors,” Zanoni says. “I recommend that anyone with cowgirl copper come back every eight to 12 weeks for a conditioning gloss. Using salon-quality products at home and minimal washing and heat styling will also be helpful to keep the color looking bright and fresh.”
2
“Cherry Coke” Brown
If winter 2024 were a hair color, it would be a shade of reddish brown — and a few hair gurus agree. “The hair color I think that will be major for the upcoming winter season is cherry cola brown,” says Collett, a colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador.
Walker, a New York City-based hair colorist, agrees. “Dua Lipa’s beautiful garnet ruby red might take over,” he says.
Wondering if it works for you? “The cherry coke trend can be formulated for every skin tone,” says Collett. “A cooler version with more violet undertones, versus a strong red, may work better on someone with a lot of red undertones to give contrast from their skin to their hair.”
3
Bright Winter Blonde
Still feeling the Barbiecore blonde vibes that dominated this summer? Hazan, founder of Rita Hazan and celebrity colorist who works with Beyoncé, is here for it. “You don’t have to go dark just because it’s winter,” she says. “Stay bright blonde.”
As for maintaining an ultra-bright platinum hair color? “The trick is to not use any colored products — for example, a yellow hair oil — as they can build up on the hair and dull it down,” Walker says. “A filter on your shower is a big help too, as copper and minerals build up and can really dull your bright creamy highlights to a yellowish green color.”
Walker named a couple of essentials to consider. “I recommend a good clarifying shampoo and Malibu C Crystal Gel Treatment when needed,” he says. “Purple toning blonde shampoo does not make your hair brighter like most people think. It will only make your hair dull.”
4
Hot Chocolate Brunette
With chocolate manicures and cocoa-scented perfumes very much on-trend, it makes sense that the chocolate obsession would extend to hair color trends.
Hazan predicts that shades of rich chocolate brown with subtle sun-kissed highlights will be popular this winter.
“I expect people to be asking for natural looking dimensions,” Zanoni agrees.
5
Out-There Icy Blue
Prefer a more unexpected hair color? Collett has the perfect winter-approved suggestion. “I think icy blue is going to have a moment and I’m 500 percent here for it,” she tells Bustle.
“I felt that this trend was starting to come into play through the use of these colors in different mediums that pick up on the fun winter wonderland vibe. It’s a subtle but powerful color.”
In order to maintain a fashionable color like light blue, she recommends washing your hair with cold water and alternating between a co-wash and a regular color-safe shampoo. Additionally, she says that it’s best to use low heat temperatures when heat styling.
6
Subtle Cinnamon Brunette
Between “cowgirl copper” and “cherry coke” hair colors — it’s safe to say that red is in. Johnson, hair colorist and founder of Nous Haircare, offered up a natural hair color with a subtle reddish tint for the minimalists who want to test the waters.
“Cinnamon brunette is a rich chocolate brunette with a hint of copper red to it,” Johnson says, naming Hailey Bieber’s shade as an example. “This is what I have been seeing the most with brunettes going into the holiday season.”
7
Lived-In Neutral Blonde
Alongside shades of red, blonde shades can also be high-maintenance hair colors that require more upkeep.
Walker doesn’t think that will prevent the lighter color from trending this winter, though. “I think there is a shade of blonde for everyone,” he says. “Neutral to warmer blondes suit most people.”
Noting that soft, warmer, lived-in blondes are trending, he says that he loves to add creamier pops of blonde around the face for a little extra something.
8
Espresso Girl Winter
For those who want to embrace their dark feminine side, deeper shades are the move. Collett expects to see more of this come winter. “I think the brunette that will reign this winter season would be the deep espresso tones that keep coming in strong,” she says.
9
Sun-Lit Caramel Balayage
Yet another lived-in hair coloring technique that allows for less frequent salon visits is a balayage. “This season, my favorite hair color is caramel balayage,” says Nick Stenson, an artistic director at Matrix.
“If you’re looking to add some dimension and brightness to your brunette or create depth for blondes, a caramel balayage creates a beautiful sun-kissed effect.”
10
Buttercream Blonde
Yet another shade of lighter hair is set to trend for winter 2024. “Blonde is always popular, no matter the season,” Zanoni says. “But I predict that we will see way more warmth in blondes.”
Hazan adds that warm, buttery blondes with lots of natural contrast will be the move for winter.
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