Ahh summer; warm days, sandy beaches, iced coffees, and frequent trips to the hairdresser for blonde highlight touchups. Now summer is ending, the common question is…what hair colour will look good with my wintertime wardrobe?
The wintertime is a great season to re-look at your current hair colour. While we pile on the jumpers and coats, your hair colour can really stand out against a darker, layered wardrobe.
In this guide, I will be going through the top trending winter hair colours to help you decide on what hair dye to grab at the shop. I will be giving my top hair dye recommendations to buy and the best hair products to keep your hair shiny and hydrated.
Winter Hair Colour 1: Flaming Red
With celebrities like Stacey Dooley, Isla Fisher and Florence Welch darning bright red locks – this is a popular upcoming winter look. Dying your hair flaming red really makes a bold statement and has always been a favourite winter hair colour.
What Hair Colour Do You Recommend Having If You Want to Go Red?
The perfect hair colour would be between light blonde to dark blonde if you want to go ‘flaming red’. If you are a brunette or have dark hair, you will need to bleach your hair first before dying it red. If you are bleaching then I really recommend going to the hairdresser if you want to achieve this ‘flaming red’ look.
What Skin Colour Goes Best With Red Hair?
Now usually, red hair goes best with porcelain skin. I would stay away from this hair colour if you have a darker complexion. However, you can speak to your hairdresser if you are keen on going red – they can add copper tones to match your complexion better.
How Long Does The Colour Last For?
This does depend on your natural hair colour. Those with grey hair will need touch-ups after two to three weeks. Talk to your hairdresser about when to come back for touch-ups. Most hair dyes last for six weeks.
What Red Hair Dye Do You Recommend?
- L’Oréal Paris Colorista Permanent Hair Dye – Bright Red – an affordable dye and works well if you have dark hair.
- Schwarzkopf LIVE Permanent Hair Dye – Red Passion – a slightly more ‘purple’ shade that will still turn heads when you walk into the room.
- Bleach London Super Cool Colour – I Saw Red – cruelty-free and vegan – perfect for creating a vibrant red shade.
How Should I Style My Red Hair for The Winter?
One of the perks of having bright red hair in the winter is that you can get away with darker clothes. Even wearing a full black outfit really makes your bright red hair stand out.
Winter Hair Colour 2: Bright Fringe Streak
The 90s are back! Bold streaks have become the latest hair trend. This is where two strands of your fringe are bleached, commonly side to side, framing the face with a bold fringe look. What makes this trend so exciting is that you can play around with what bold colour to choose as your fringe look. The most common colour is bleach blonde against dark brown or black hair.
What Hair Colour Do You Recommend If Dying Your Fringe?
This look works best if you have dark brown or black hair, as the blonde bleach really stands out against it. But as I said, you can play around with hair colours and what colour you want your fringe streaks. Here are some examples:
- Black hair with blue fringe streaks – it really makes a statement and stands out.
- Light brown hair with a dirty blonde fringe streak – a more subtle look for those wanting a casual winter hair colour.
- Brown or black hair with bleach blonde fringe streak – a popular ‘trending’ look that screams ‘90s girl’.
What Skin Colour Goes Best With Bright Fringe Streaks?
I would say it doesn’t matter what skin tone you have. The most important thing is that you have the hair colour and fringe colour planned out to complement each other.
How Do I Achieve This Look?
Firstly, make sure you are clear on what hair colour you want to go for. If you are wanting a darker shade against the bleach blonde streaks then make sure you have achieved this hair colour first (either dye or a trip to the hairdressers).
If you are dying your hair, make sure to perform a patch test at least 48 hours beforehand. Apply a small amount of the dye behind your ear and see if there are any reactions. If you have no reaction then you are good to go.
Ready to streak your hair? Section two to three inches of your hair from your fringe to be ready to dye. Once you have sectioned the desired amount of fringe, use plastic clips to keep them in place while you tie up the rest of your hair in a tight bun. You want to avoid mixing the dye into your tied-back hair.
Make sure you have plastic gloves on and an old towel on your shoulders (you don’t want to ruin your favourite top!). Massage the bleach hair dye (or whatever colour you have chosen) into your fringe. Leave the dye on for its allotted time (it should say on the hair dye box) and then wash it off.
If you are nervous to take on this hair dye challenge then head to your hairdressers and let them do the hard work.
How Long Does the Hair Colour Last For?
Again this depends on what hair colour you go for, but it should last for four to six weeks. Your roots will start to show in your fringe after time; luckily, you can easily keep topping up this look. If you want the dye not to last as long, then make sure you grab a semi-permanent dye instead of a permanent one.
What Hair Colour Do You Recommend?
- If you want a bold colour in your fringe, then I recommend using Bleach London products.
- Bleach blonde? Garnier Nutrisse Bleach Hair Dye Permanent – Ultra Blonde. This will get you the perfect bleach blonde for your fringe.
How Should I Style my Bright Fringe Streak For the Winter?
This is where you can really amp up your winter fashion. The bright fringe streak is seen as the 90s ‘e-girl’ look, so you can really play up to that. Grab your doc martens and thick tights to create an edgy winter fashion look that will stand out with your new bright fringe streaks.
Winter Hair Colour 3: Subtle Tweaks to Current Shade
If you aren’t quite ready for a drastic change have a think about tweaking your current hair colour shade. This is a great way to have a change in the winter season without making a drastic hair colour decision.
Subtle Tweaks?
A great way to tweak your current shades is by adding shades similar to your current colour. This is a great way to create a richer look for your current summer hair colour.
For blondes, this means adding a deeper shade of blonde, specifically, adding tones like apricot shades, buttery blonde streaks, and for those with darker blonde hair, adding light brown shades.
For brunettes, this means adding tones like amber, gold, and light brown tones to make your hair colour richer. Overall this should give a warmer, richer look to your summer shade.
What Hair Colour Do You Recommend For This Look?
I recommend already having either blonde or brunette hair. If you have red/ginger hair, you can also achieve this look by adding different shades of red to your colour. Stay away from this winter look if you already have a bold hair colour that you want to keep for the winter.
How Do I Achieve This Look?
I would highly recommend going to your hairdresser if you want a more subtle winter colour to your hair. However, if you are ready to do this yourself, then have a word with your hairdresser first to see if they have any tips for you.
Once you have your subtle look perfected, you want to look at ways to keep your new shade glossy and healthy during the cold winter months.
What Products Do You Recommend For My Subtle Winter Look?
- Got cash to spare? Try Christophe Robin Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil (£31.00 Look Fantastic) – great for a glossy look!
- Want something cheaper? JASON Hair Care Aloe Vera 80% and Prickly Pear Conditioner (£6.99 Look Fantastic) – healthy for your hair and creates a winter glow.
- Trending? L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water 8 Second Hair Treatment (£9.99 ASOS) – perfect if you have long hair that needs hydration.
How Should I Style My New ‘Subtle’ Hair For the Winter?
What makes this hair colour so popular is that it can go with any winter fashion look. However, because it is so subtle, I recommend making a statement with your winter wardrobe to help you stand out. Try a bright hat or scarf to make your hair pop.
Winter Hair Colour 4: Bold Black
Now I can’t do a winter hair colour guide without mentioning ‘bold black’ as your next winter hair choice. This look can go with any skin type and looks great if you have well-moisturized hair, so keep it hydrated if you are going to dye your hair black.
What Hair Colour Do You Recommend If I Want to Dye My Hair Black?
If you already have dark hair, then it is very easy to dye your hair black, and your roots won’t show too quickly. You’ll need to use colour safe products to retain its colour and to keep roots at bay.
If you do have lighter hair then keep in mind it will be a commitment to retain your new black winter hair colour. However, black is a popular winter shade due to it looking more natural and healthy – so don’t be afraid to experiment with this look.
Don’t forget your eyebrows either! If you have naturally light eyebrows, then it might be worth looking into eyebrow dye. You can also go to your local beauty shop or counter to get your eyebrows dyed professionally.
If you are dying your brows at home, then I recommend Eyelure Dybrow to darken up your brows. It’s quick and easy AND matches perfectly with black dyed hair.
What Hair Dye Do You Recommend for a ‘Bold Black Look’?
- Schwarzkopf Live Intense Colour – Deep Black (£3.99 Fragrance Direct). Schwarzkopf is a fan favourite for bold hair dyes and keeps hair looking shiny and vibrant.
- L’Oreal Paris Colorista Deep Black Permanent Gel Hair Dye (£5.99 ASOS) – a well-trusted brand that keeps hair colour long-lasting once dyed.
- Garnier Nutrisse 1 Black Permanent Hair Dye (£5.79 Boots) – This dye comes with a restorative conditioner that has 5 essential oils to give your hair a glossy finish.
Winter Hair Colour 5: Silver Champagne
Now, if you are not ready to leave your blonde roots, then why not go blonder? This icy winter look is perfect if you aren’t ready to try a dark hair colour just yet.
What skin Colour Compliments the ‘Silver Champagne’ Look?
Any! However, if you have a darker complexion, ask your hairdresser to add golden highlights to the look to compliment your skin tone.
What Hair Colour Do You Recommend For This Look?
‘Silver Champagne’ is best achieved if you already have blonde hair. If you have darker hair, then you will need to bleach your hair first. I recommend going to the hairdresser to achieve this look; if you have dark hair, then you can have your hair bleached professionally first. If you have blonde hair, then you can achieve this look at home.
How Do I Achieve This Hair Colour?
Do you want to dye your hair at home? Try this WikiHow tutorial on how to dye your hair.
What Hair Dye Do You Recommend if I’m Going to Dye My Hair ‘Silver Champagne’?
- Bblonde Permanent Hair Kit Ice Blonde 11.12 (£8.99 Superdrug)
- L’Oreal Paris Recital Preference hair dye Z2 10.21 Stockholm (£8.79 Roxie Cosmetics)
- Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour 10A (Light Ash Blonde) (£10.99 Holland & Barrett)
How Should I Style My New Look?
Make sure to get a sleek blowout to really show off your winter look if you are at the hairdressers. During the winter months, opt out of using hot hair tools and try air drying your hair. There are many different styles you can achieve with a simple overnight braid.
Winter Hair Colour Round-Up
Flaming Red – Remember you will need to bleach your hair first if you have darker hair colour. Be bold with this look and style it with your favourite black beanie.
Bright Fringe Streak – A perfect 90s look that will make you stand out from the rest. This is a look that can either be achieved at home or at the hairdressers.
Subtle Tweaks to Current Shade – Perfect if you are not ready for drastic new hair colour. I recommend going to the hairdresser to achieve this shade of ‘subtle’ so that you can really make your summer hair colour pop.
Bold Black – A wintertime favourite and easy to do if you already have dark hair colour. Keep in mind the maintenance if you don’t have dark hair.
Silver Champagne – A great ‘winter’ look and easy to achieve if you already have blonde hair.
Now I have gone through the most popular winter hair colours it is important to have hair products nearby to keep your hair shiny and hydrated during the cold months.
Best Hair Products for the Winter
- Got cash to spare? Try Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment by Macademia Hair (£16.45 All Beauty UK). This product provides light moisturizer and repairs damaged hair – remember only to use a small amount.
- Dull hair? Try Moringa Shine & Protection Hair Mist by Body Shop (£10.00 Body Shop). This vegan spray is perfect for giving you shiny hair in the winter months.
- On a budget? Try Aussie Deep Treatment 3 Minute Miracle Moisture (£2.20 Boots). This hair remedy is a deep conditioning treatment for dry and damaged hair.
FAQs
Answer: My top ‘trending’ hair colours for this winter are:
– Flaming red
– Bright fringe streaks
– Subtle tweaks to your current colour
– Bold black
– Silver champagne
Answer: This depends on what winter look you want to achieve. If you want to stand out, try out red or black hair colours but if you want something casual, then add some tweaks to your current colour by adding darker shades.
Answer: Make sure to try out leave-in conditioners or Aussie Deep Treatment 3 Minute Miracle Moisture I recommended above. If your hair is really needed some TLC, then grab a deep-conditioning hair mask. Hairspray and heat protection products are your new best friends this winter – use them!
Final Thoughts
Some people dread the winter months, which bring cold, dark days and layers of clothes. But a new winter hair colour can get you through your winter funk. Whether you choose to dye your hair yourself or go to a professional, your new look is bound to draw attention. Keep in mind hair products to keep your hair hydrated like the Body Shop hair range and protect your hair with heat protection sprays like Ghd Bodyguard Heat Spray.
Whether you pick a bold hair colour or darken up your current shade, be sure to take lots of selfies with your new hair colour – maybe you will inspire someone else to take the plunge and dye their hair a winter colour.
Looking for more inspirational ideas? Check out:
- Straight Hair Balayage Ideas Guide That You’ll Love!
- Pink Ombre Hair Ideas Guide: A Lovely Look to Try!
- Ombre Vs Balayage: What’s The Difference?
- Winter Hair Colors Style Guide: Your Next Go-to Winter Shade - September 20, 2021