Winter is the perfect season to embrace warmth, comfort, and effortless style—and your hair should reflect that cozy vibe too. Soft winter waves are the ultimate hairstyle to achieve a relaxed yet polished look, offering texture, volume, and movement without looking overdone.
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, heading to a festive gathering, or simply enjoying the chilly outdoors, these waves add a touch of elegance and softness to your seasonal style.
From subtle beachy waves to voluminous glam curls, there’s a wave for every mood and occasion this winter. Let’s explore 18 must-try soft winter waves that combine comfort, charm, and chic sophistication.
1. Loose Romantic Waves
Loose romantic waves are the epitome of feminine elegance, offering a soft, flowing texture that feels effortless yet refined. These waves create a naturally romantic vibe, perfect for winter evenings, holiday gatherings, or cozy indoor settings. The gentle movement of hair in this style frames the face beautifully, softening sharp angles and highlighting your best features.
How to Style: Start with dry or slightly damp hair and apply a heat protectant. Use a large-barrel curling iron or wand to curl sections away from your face. Once all curls are done, gently brush them out or run your fingers through to achieve a soft, airy finish. Finish with a lightweight, flexible hairspray to maintain shape while keeping the waves soft and touchable.
Why You Must Try It: Loose romantic waves exude warmth and charm, perfectly complementing soft winter sweaters, scarves, or layered outerwear. They offer a timeless aesthetic that works for both casual winter days and special occasions, making them an essential go-to style for the season.
2. Soft Layered Waves
Soft layered waves are perfect for adding texture, depth, and dimension to your hair. By incorporating layers, this style creates a natural, voluminous look without requiring heavy styling. It works exceptionally well on medium to long hair and can transform straight or slightly wavy hair into a luxurious winter-ready hairstyle.
How to Style: Begin with clean, towel-dried hair and apply a texturizing or volumizing spray. Blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots, then use a medium-barrel curling iron to curl hair in sections. Alternate the direction of curls for a natural, tousled effect. Once curled, lightly separate the waves with fingers and finish with a soft-hold hairspray for long-lasting shape.
Why You Must Try It: Soft layered waves are versatile and flattering for all face shapes. They provide an effortlessly chic, cozy aesthetic, pairing beautifully with turtlenecks, oversized cardigans, and winter coats. This style brings movement to your hair while maintaining a polished yet relaxed winter look.
3. Tousled Winter Waves
Tousled winter waves are intentionally undone and slightly messy, offering a playful, casual charm that feels relaxed yet stylish. They are ideal for everyday winter looks, giving your hair texture and fullness while maintaining a natural, carefree appearance. This style is perfect for pairing with casual winter outfits, from chunky sweaters to jeans and boots.
How to Style: Apply a sea salt or texturizing spray to damp hair. Blow-dry using your hands or a diffuser to enhance natural waves. Use a curling wand to define random sections of hair, leaving some strands untouched for an effortless, tousled look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.
Why You Must Try It: Tousled waves are versatile and low-maintenance, making them perfect for a busy winter schedule. They convey relaxed elegance and pair beautifully with casual winter accessories like beanies, scarves, and cozy jackets, giving a playful yet sophisticated seasonal look.
4. Glamorous Winter Waves
Glamorous winter waves offer a sophisticated, polished style reminiscent of old-Hollywood elegance, making them ideal for holiday parties, evening events, or any occasion where you want to make a statement. This style focuses on smooth, uniform waves that exude class and poise while maintaining softness and volume.
How to Style: Begin with smooth, blow-dried hair. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create structured waves, curling sections uniformly in the same direction. Brush gently for a seamless, polished finish. Pin one side behind the ear for added glamour and apply a shine serum to enhance radiance. Finish with medium-hold hairspray to secure waves without making them stiff.
Why You Must Try It: Glamorous waves elevate any winter outfit, from evening gowns to chic coats. They convey elegance and sophistication, perfect for holiday dinners, formal gatherings, or festive events. This hairstyle adds instant style credibility and a cozy yet luxe winter vibe.
5. Subtle Side-Swept Waves
Subtle side-swept waves create a soft, romantic look with a hint of drama. By sweeping your hair over one shoulder, this style highlights facial features and adds asymmetry for a flattering silhouette. It’s ideal for both casual and semi-formal winter occasions, offering effortless sophistication.
How to Style: Curl your hair in loose waves using a medium-barrel curling iron, then sweep all hair to one side. Secure lightly with pins if necessary. Smooth the top layer with a comb or brush while keeping the ends soft and touchable. Finish with a lightweight hairspray to maintain shape.
Why You Must Try It: Side-swept waves are elegant yet understated, making them perfect for pairing with winter coats, scarves, or festive attire. This hairstyle enhances your neckline and cheekbones, providing a flattering frame while exuding cozy winter charm and feminine appeal.
6. Winter Waves with Braided Accents
Winter waves with braided accents add an element of whimsy and sophistication to classic soft waves. By combining gentle curls with delicate braids, this hairstyle creates texture, visual interest, and a playful touch, perfect for holiday events, casual outings, or cozy indoor gatherings. Braided accents elevate a simple winter wave, giving it a more polished and unique appearance.
How to Style: Start by curling your hair into soft waves using a medium-barrel curling iron. Take small sections near the crown or hairline and braid them loosely, securing with clear elastics. Let the remaining waves flow naturally around the braids. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves soft while holding the braid in place.
Why You Must Try It: Braided accents offer versatility and charm, enhancing ordinary waves with a stylish twist. They work beautifully with winter accessories such as beanies, scarves, or statement hairpins, making this look both cozy and visually striking.
7. Messy Chic Waves
Messy chic waves are the ultimate effortless winter hairstyle. Intentionally undone, slightly tousled waves exude casual sophistication and carefree elegance, making them ideal for day-to-day wear or casual winter gatherings. This style embraces imperfection, giving your hair natural volume, texture, and movement without appearing over-styled.
How to Style: Apply a texturizing or sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch while blow-drying or letting hair air dry. Curl random sections with a curling wand, leaving some strands untouched to maintain a relaxed feel. Finger-comb through the curls to loosen them and create soft, messy waves. Finish with a lightweight hairspray or volumizing powder for texture and hold.
Why You Must Try It: Messy chic waves are effortlessly stylish and perfect for a laid-back winter look. They pair well with casual knitwear, layered jackets, and winter boots, creating a cozy, approachable vibe while remaining fashion-forward.
8. Textured Bob Waves
Short hair can look incredibly dynamic with textured bob waves. This hairstyle transforms a simple bob into a voluminous, playful, and chic winter look. Soft waves on shorter hair add movement, enhance natural texture, and create a polished yet relaxed style suitable for any winter occasion.
How to Style: Use a small or medium-barrel curling iron to curl short sections of hair, alternating directions for a natural, tousled effect. Lightly finger-comb the curls to soften them and create effortless texture. Apply a matte styling cream or texturizing spray to add definition and hold without stiffness.
Why You Must Try It: Textured bob waves give short hair fullness and dimension, creating a stylish winter-ready appearance. This look complements cozy sweaters, scarves, and winter coats, offering a chic, low-maintenance style that’s both flattering and versatile.
9. Curtain Waves
Curtain waves are soft, face-framing waves that resemble the gentle drape of curtains, offering elegance and a romantic winter vibe. They provide subtle structure while highlighting facial features, making them perfect for both casual and semi-formal winter settings.
How to Style: Curl your hair in large sections, directing curls away from the face. Gently brush or finger-comb the waves to create a soft, flowing curtain effect. Finish with a light serum for shine and a soft-hold hairspray to maintain movement.
Why You Must Try It: Curtain waves create a flattering frame for the face and add effortless sophistication to your look. They pair beautifully with turtlenecks, scarves, and layered winter outerwear, offering a soft and romantic aesthetic for the season.
10. Deep Side Part Waves
Deep side part waves bring a touch of drama and elegance to soft winter waves. By creating a pronounced part, this hairstyle enhances asymmetry, frames the face beautifully, and adds a polished, glamorous appeal suitable for festive or formal winter occasions.
How to Style: Curl your hair in uniform waves using a medium or large-barrel curling iron. Create a deep side part, sweeping hair to one side for maximum effect. Brush gently for smoothness and apply a shine serum or soft-hold hairspray to maintain the sleek, voluminous look.
Why You Must Try It: Deep side part waves exude sophistication while still maintaining softness and warmth. This style highlights cheekbones and the neckline, pairing perfectly with winter coats, statement earrings, or festive dresses, making it ideal for holiday parties and special occasions.
11. Winter Waves with Volume
Winter waves with volume combine soft waves with lifted roots, creating a full-bodied, dynamic hairstyle that feels lively yet cozy. This style adds drama and sophistication to otherwise simple winter waves, giving hair a bouncy, airy appearance perfect for holiday gatherings or casual outings in the colder months.
How to Style: Begin with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray. Blow-dry your hair upside down to enhance lift at the roots. Curl sections with a medium or large-barrel curling iron, alternating directions for a natural effect. Once curled, gently tousle with fingers to add texture, and finish with a flexible hold hairspray to maintain volume without stiffness.
Why You Must Try It: Voluminous waves elevate your overall winter look, adding energy and elegance to outfits like chunky sweaters, tailored coats, and scarves. This hairstyle is perfect for creating a lively, stylish, and effortlessly glamorous vibe in the season’s colder weather.
12. Soft Ombre Waves
Soft ombre waves blend subtle hair color transitions with gentle waves, creating a glowing, textured, and stylish winter hairstyle. The ombre effect enhances dimension, making soft waves appear more natural and radiant, while providing warmth and depth to the hair.
How to Style: Curl hair in loose waves using a medium-barrel curling iron. Brush through the curls gently to create soft, flowing waves that highlight the color gradient. Apply a lightweight shine serum to enhance radiance and finish with a soft-hold hairspray to maintain movement and softness.
Why You Must Try It: Soft ombre waves beautifully emphasize color and texture, creating a warm, cozy look ideal for winter. This style complements both casual and formal outfits, from oversized sweaters to festive dresses, offering a modern yet effortless aesthetic.
13. Wispy Waves
Wispy waves are light, airy, and delicate, creating a subtle, romantic winter hairstyle. Unlike heavier curls, these waves offer soft texture and a floating movement that feels ethereal and effortlessly chic. They’re perfect for casual outings, winter dates, or even office-appropriate looks.
How to Style: Curl small sections of hair with a small or medium curling wand, then lightly brush or finger-comb through to achieve a feathery effect. Use a light hairspray or texturizing spray to maintain the softness and flow of the waves without weighing them down.
Why You Must Try It: Wispy waves provide understated elegance and sophistication while remaining soft and touchable. They complement winter layers, scarves, and coats, offering a gentle, romantic aesthetic that enhances your seasonal style effortlessly.
14. Glam Updo Waves
Glam updo waves combine the sophistication of an updo with the softness of gentle waves, creating a stunning winter hairstyle perfect for formal events or special occasions. This style is both romantic and polished, offering a balance of elegance and coziness.
How to Style: Curl the hair in soft waves and gather sections loosely at the nape or back of the head. Pin them into a relaxed updo while leaving some waves cascading around the face. Add a touch of shine serum to enhance texture and finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.
Why You Must Try It: Glam updo waves elevate any winter outfit, from festive dresses to elegant coats. They create a refined, graceful appearance that is perfect for holiday parties, winter weddings, or evening events, all while maintaining a soft, romantic feel.
15. Layered Shoulder-Length Waves
Layered shoulder-length waves are ideal for mid-length hair, offering movement, volume, and a stylish winter-ready aesthetic. By incorporating layers, this hairstyle enhances texture and prevents hair from looking flat or heavy during the colder months.
How to Style: Curl medium-length layers with a medium-barrel curling iron, alternating directions for natural-looking waves. Brush lightly or finger-comb to create soft movement, then finish with a texturizing spray or light hairspray for hold without stiffness.
Why You Must Try It: Shoulder-length layered waves are versatile and flattering for all face shapes. They pair beautifully with winter fashion staples like sweaters, jackets, and scarves, creating an effortlessly chic and cozy look suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Conclusion
Soft winter waves are versatile, cozy, and effortlessly stylish, making them the ideal hairstyle for the season. From casual tousled textures to glamorous evening waves, each style brings warmth and elegance to your winter wardrobe.
With the right techniques and products, these 18 soft wave styles can elevate your look, enhance your facial features, and complement your seasonal outfits. Whether you’re at home by the fireplace, enjoying festive gatherings, or braving winter weather in style, soft waves are your go-to hairstyle for comfort, charm, and seasonal sophistication.