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As far as winter hair colors go, 2024 might be our favorite yet. We’ve got the classic dark shades to match the cozy vibes that the cold weather brings, like a smokey brunette or an alluring deep chestnut. But there are also a few bright spots if you’re wanting to provide some stark contrast to anything dark (and to dress for the weather you actually want and all that), like a bombshell blonde or a strawberry copper. Whatever your mood, there’s a shade you’re bound to fall in love with.
But don’t just take our word for it. Below are the 12 winter hair colors that the pros think should be on your radar. Scroll through to find the one that calls to you this season.
Chestnut Brown
Nothing looks more chic and luxe than a chestnut brown. “It’s such a timeless, classic color that’s easily able to be tailored to flatter anyone’s skin tone, eye color, and hair texture,” says Olivia Casanova Holohan, colorist and founder of IGK salon NYC. “It’s extremely universal.”
For best upkeep, Holohan recommends getting a gloss or a quick base color with your colorist every couple of weeks. At home, use something like IGK’s Color Depositing Mask in Brown Bella.
Teddy Bear Brown
Teddy bear brown was everywhere this fall, and you can expect to see it well into the winter (and probably beyond). “This is a great hair color choice for anybody who wants to be low-maintenance. It can be achieved by using a gloss and you can play with a few highlights,” celebrity colorist Jenna Perry once told Vogue.
Take inspo from Daisy Edgar-Jones, who wears this rich shade with ombré tips. If your salon carries R+Co, Perry says to ask for the demi-permanent shade Quicksand (9.03).
Dark Suede Blonde
Jacob Schwartz, celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. hair color trend ambassador, loves a dark suede blonde for when it gets colder out. It’s deep and rounded, with a few golden highlights woven throughout to add subtle hints of brightness.
Old Hollywood Blonde
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If you’re all about being bright, opt for a bombshell Old Hollywood–esque blonde. Perry says that a platinum shade like Kendall Jenner’s will be big this winter. To keep it looking vibrant, Perry recommends using the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector to prep your hair before you shampoo and conditioner. Using an oil like the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil will also help keep your blonde looking bright.
Spiced Rum
Spiced rum, which can be best described as a deep brown with a copper tint, is a shade Holohan loves for this winter. But be warned: It’s a bit more maintenance than the rest. “No matter what shade of red, they always tend to fade fast,” she says. You’ll want to get a touch up every four weeks and avoid washing your hair with hot water to keep your hair looking vibrant.
New England Gold
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Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is forever a beauty and style icon for many, and Perry says an NYC golden blonde shade will be trending everywhere this winter. It’s a classic that overlaps highlight applications to create natural high and low points.
Supernatural Red
We’re all for keeping the spooky and witchy vibes for this winter (we still think about Gigi Hadid’s Met Gala red from 2021). Schwartz calls this dark red “supernatural” for its deep and mystical color that’s just mesmerizing. For maintenance, he recommends a demi-permanent color like the Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance, which he says comes in a variety of shades that can help you create your perfect custom color.
Crushed Velvet
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December cover star Kaia Gerber’s brunette shade, which Perry calls a smooth “crushed velvet,” is a warm brunette with lots of shine. To get this shade, Perry says you’ll want to tell your colorist to add tone on tone highlights to get that reflectiveness and lightness to brighten even the deepest brunettes.
Toasted Almond Brown
Holohan loves this dark brown with light lowlights to give hair depth and dimension. For upkeep, she recommends the Davines Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner in Tobacco.
Strawberry Copper
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Copper is a staple no matter the season, and this winter Schwartz says to keep an eye out for strawberry copper. It strikes the perfect balance between bright and subdued tones for a warmer look that’s just cozy.
Dark & Vampy
Dark and alluring, this winter is all about embracing deep shades, and Perry loves a dark vampy shade for winter. Look to someone like Megan Thee Stallion, whose long dark strands are always enviable.
Smokey Chocolate
Schwartz says to look to Bella Hadid for a smokey brunette shade. It’s rich and extra glossy, perfect for any and all winter activities on your social calendar this season.