Introduction
Winter brings cozy layers, chic coats, and of course, the need for hairstyles that look stylish while keeping you comfortable outside. Whether you’re strolling through snowy streets, heading to festive gatherings, or enjoying casual outings, the right hairstyle can enhance your entire look.
From elegant updos to playful braids, winter hairstyles are all about combining practicality with charm.
This list of 18 trendy winter hairstyles offers fashionable, weather-friendly options that are perfect for the season and guaranteed to keep you looking gorgeous outdoors.
1. Loose Romantic Waves
Loose romantic waves are a winter classic, offering a soft and graceful look that complements the season’s cozy fashion. These waves add natural movement, gentle volume, and an effortless charm that pairs beautifully with chunky scarves, long coats, and knit sweaters.
The style frames your face delicately, making your features appear softer and more refined. Whether you’re heading out for a casual winter walk, a cozy coffee date, or a festive evening event, loose waves create a universally flattering look that feels warm, feminine, and timeless.
Perfect for both short and long hair, this style captures the dreamy essence of winter elegance.
Why You Must Try: Loose waves flatter most face shapes and look effortless. Add a cozy beanie or a pearl clip to elevate the style outdoors.
2. Sleek Low Ponytail
The sleek low ponytail is the ultimate blend of practicality and sophistication for winter. With its smooth, polished finish and hair secured neatly at the nape, it stays perfectly in place even in chilly winds.
This hairstyle highlights your facial structure beautifully, making it perfect to pair with turtlenecks, tailored coats, and scarves without creating bulk. The low placement of the ponytail ensures comfort when wearing hats or earmuffs.
Whether you’re dressing for work, running errands, or heading outdoors for a winter outing, the sleek low ponytail gives you a refined and put-together appearance with minimal effort.
Why You Must Try: It’s easy, chic, and suits all occasions. Tie with a velvet ribbon or scrunchie for a festive winter feel.
3. Messy Textured Bun
The messy textured bun is your go-to winter hairstyle when you want something chic, quick, and effortlessly stylish. It embraces natural texture and gives a relaxed, cozy vibe that fits perfectly with oversized sweaters, warm jackets, and chunky scarves.
Soft, loose strands around the face add warmth and femininity, giving the hairstyle a lived-in, wintery charm. Ideal for everything from casual brunches to holiday shopping trips, this bun keeps your hair secure while still looking beautifully undone.
It’s especially great on days when you want a stylish look without spending too much time styling.
Why You Must Try: It’s casual but stylish. Pair with earmuffs or a chunky knit headband for an added seasonal vibe.
4. Side Braid
The side braid is a classic winter-friendly hairstyle that combines practicality with femininity. Sweeping your hair gently to one side, it keeps strands neatly in place and prevents tangling in windy weather.
The braid lies gracefully over coats, sweaters, or scarves, adding a touch of softness to your overall look.
Whether you’re wearing a casual winter outfit or dressing up for a seasonal gathering, the side braid brings a romantic, rustic charm. It’s simple, secure, and great for long days spent outdoors.
Why You Must Try: It’s versatile and easy to achieve. Tie it with a silk ribbon or decorate with small clips for a fashionable twist.
5. Top Knot
The top knot is a sleek and modern winter staple, perfect for outdoor activities and busy days. This high bun keeps your hair fully out of your face and off your neck, making it ideal for layered outfits and cozy accessories.
The style works effortlessly with beanies, hooded jackets, and scarves without creating discomfort. Despite its practicality, the top knot still looks chic and fashionable, giving your winter look an instant lift.
Whether polished or slightly messy, it’s a versatile hairstyle that transitions easily from day to night.
Why You Must Try: It’s functional yet chic. Style it slightly messy for a casual vibe or sleek for polished outings.
6. French Braid
The French braid is a timeless hairstyle that remains a winter favorite due to its practicality and elegance. It keeps your hair neatly tucked away, preventing frizz and tangles caused by cold winds and scarves.
The braid sits securely against your head, creating a sleek and structured look that feels both classic and sophisticated. Perfect for winter hikes, outdoor markets, or even festive gatherings, the French braid is protective, stylish, and season-proof. It’s ideal for those who want a neat, enduring hairstyle that stays perfect all day.
Why You Must Try: It’s practical for winter winds. Add subtle accessories like metallic pins for a seasonal sparkle.
7. Half-Up, Half-Down Style
The half-up, half-down hairstyle offers the perfect blend of playful charm and polished beauty. It allows you to enjoy the softness of loose hair while pulling the top section back to keep it out of your face—a great balance for winter days.
This style pairs wonderfully with layered winter outfits, highlighting your hair length without overwhelming your look. Whether you’re going for soft waves, straight strands, or natural curls, this hairstyle adds a touch of elegance and works well for both casual outings and more dressed-up winter events.
Why You Must Try: It’s versatile for both day and night. Add a velvet bow or jeweled clip for festive flair.
8. Sleek Straight Hair
Sleek straight hair brings a refined, modern touch to winter fashion. The glossy, smooth finish contrasts beautifully with textured winter wear like wool, faux fur, and knits, making your overall look more polished.
This hairstyle frames the face cleanly and pairs exceptionally well with high-neck sweaters, trench coats, and structured outerwear. Sleek straight hair is easy to style and incredibly versatile—perfect for winter dinners, office days, evening gatherings, or simple outings. It’s a chic and timeless look that never loses its appeal.
Why You Must Try: It’s simple yet striking. Use a smoothing serum to keep it sleek in cold, dry air.
9. Braided Crown
The braided crown is a stunning, whimsical hairstyle that suits special winter occasions perfectly. This look wraps braids around the head like a delicate crown, keeping your hair secure while adding an elegant, fairy-tale charm.
It’s ideal for winter photoshoots, festive celebrations, holiday parties, or outdoor winter weddings. The braid stays in place even under light scarves or shawls, making it both beautiful and functional. With its romantic and sophisticated vibe, the braided crown is a lovely choice for creating a magical winter look.
Why You Must Try: It’s elegant and practical. Add pearl pins or winter-themed clips for a stylish touch.
10. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is playful, trendy, and full of personality—making it a fun choice for winter outings. This hairstyle adds volume and dimension through evenly spaced “bubbles” along the ponytail, giving a fresh and youthful appearance.
It stands out wonderfully against winter layers like puffer jackets and wool coats, adding a stylish twist to your overall look. Perfect for shopping trips, casual meetups, and festive events, the bubble ponytail is secure, easy to maintain, and eye-catching without being overly complicated.
Why You Must Try: It adds creativity to a classic style. Use scrunchies or elastic bands wrapped with ribbons for a cozy effect.
11. Low Chignon
The low chignon is one of the most timeless and sophisticated winter hairstyles. Resting neatly at the nape of the neck, it creates a refined and elegant silhouette that complements the structured shapes of winter coats, turtlenecks, and scarves.
This hairstyle is perfect for evening dinners, winter weddings, or any upscale outdoor event where you want to look polished without overstyling. Its sleek, tucked-away structure also keeps your hair protected from cold winds, making it both beautiful and practical for the season.
Why You Must Try: It’s refined and timeless. Enhance the look with jeweled or metallic accessories.
12. Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls bring instant glamour to any winter outing. By gathering your curls to one side, you create a romantic, voluminous look that pairs wonderfully with high-neck tops, fur-trimmed coats, and elegant shawls.
These curls move gracefully as you walk, adding softness and warmth to your winter style. Ideal for holiday parties, outdoor celebrations, or cozy nighttime strolls, this hairstyle frames your face beautifully while adding a luxurious, red-carpet-worthy touch.
Why You Must Try: They add red-carpet elegance. Finish with shine spray for smooth curls that last.
13. Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails are the perfect blend of playful charm and winter practicality. They keep your hair neatly secured and tangle-free, making them great for outdoor activities like ice skating, winter markets, or weekend getaways.
This hairstyle gives off a youthful, cozy vibe, especially when paired with knitted beanies, earmuffs, or chunky sweaters. Despite their simplicity, braided pigtails look adorable and stylish, making them a favorite for casual winter days.
Why You Must Try: They’re cute and practical. Add ribbons at the ends for a winter-inspired twist.
14. High Ponytail
The high ponytail is bold, polished, and effortlessly chic. By adding height at the crown, it elongates your face and gives your winter outfit a confident, lifted look.
This style works wonderfully with layered scarves, padded jackets, and oversized hoodies because it keeps your hair completely out of the way. Whether you’re heading out for a quick coffee run or dressing up for a day out, the high ponytail gives you a sleek, modern winter vibe.
Why You Must Try: It’s versatile and striking. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a sleek finish.
15. Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are the ultimate winter glam hairstyle. Defined, glossy, and full of luxurious movement, these waves give off old-Hollywood elegance that pairs perfectly with formal coats, evening gowns, and sophisticated accessories.
Whether you’re attending a holiday gala, a romantic winter dinner, or a special celebration, Hollywood waves elevate your entire look. Their smooth, sculpted finish adds a dramatic yet polished effect that stands out beautifully in the cold season.
Why You Must Try: They never go out of style. Pair with bold lipstick for a classic winter look.
16. Loose Chignon
The loose chignon offers a softer, more romantic take on the classic bun. With gently pulled-out strands and relaxed structure, it feels elegant without being overly formal.
This hairstyle is perfect for winter dates, casual gatherings, and outdoor festivities where you want to look effortlessly put-together. The loosened curls around the face add warmth and charm, making the style feel cozy and feminine—ideal for winter’s gentle, romantic atmosphere.
Why You Must Try: It’s chic yet relaxed. Add a sparkly hairpin for a festive seasonal upgrade.
17. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is an eye-catching and stylish choice for winter, giving your look a bohemian twist. Its intricate pattern stands out beautifully against chunky sweaters, long coats, and winter scarves.
The braid stays secure throughout outdoor activities, making it perfect for long winter walks, holiday shopping, or casual outings. It’s both elegant and laid-back, offering a unique balance of creativity and effortless charm.
Why You Must Try: It looks intricate but is easy to style. Loosen it slightly for a softer effect.
18. Curly Updo
The curly updo is perfect for showcasing natural texture while keeping your hair protected from the winter chill. By gathering curls into a soft, voluminous shape, this style adds glamour and height, making it ideal for outdoor events, celebrations, or winter photoshoots.
The curls bring dimension and movement, creating an elegant silhouette that pairs wonderfully with formal coats, shawls, and hair accessories. It’s a stunning choice for anyone who wants beauty and practicality in one winter-ready hairstyle.
Why You Must Try: It shows off curls elegantly. Accessorize with winter-inspired clips for added charm.
Conclusion
Winter is the season to embrace hairstyles that balance style with comfort. From braids and buns to curls and waves, these 18 trendy looks are perfect for outdoor activities and festive gatherings.
Each hairstyle offers its own blend of practicality and charm, ensuring you look effortlessly gorgeous while staying cozy. Whether you’re heading to a party or enjoying a snowy walk, these hairstyles will help you elevate your winter fashion with ease.