There’s something about the cheer of holiday lights and bright colors of festive wear and décor that makes me want to reconsider my hair color. There’s a whole spectrum of shade options out there right now, which is both exciting but also overwhelming when contemplating a color change. Whether you’re heading in for a routine refresh or looking for something completely fresh to go with a new haircut, here’s a rundown of this winter’s top hair colors.
First, there is the subtle dimensional brunette, which is an easy way to seasonalize your hair color if you’re currently blond. Dimensional color means adding dimension throughout the hair with a contrast of darker shades, lighter shades, or highlights.
Adding some brown tones into your blond will great a deep golden brown, perfect for time by the fire. One the flip side, adding some blond lowlights to your current brunette do’ also adds a golden effect to celebrate the season.
Similar to the dimensional brunette is the highlighted brunette, a trending brown of the moment that can deliver a tone of shine. It’s also subtle and will grow out seamlessly, especially if you start with a darker brown or black base. Adding a gloss will enhance the shine effect.
Of course, we all know blondes have more fun, and you may not be interested in brown tones of any kind. You can still work with your colorists on highlights for a balanced blonde, using multiple tones of blonde for a warmed-up look to your tresses. Try dark blonde, some medium brown tones, and then super bright platinum shades to really make your locks pop as we roll into winter.
Another blonde option for the season is NYC Blonde, which is a bit darker than platinum blonde and comes across as more effortless and low maintenance.
There’s also shimmering blonde, which is a shade of platinum with a bit of yellow-y warmth in the base. The idea behind this blond is that it can almost sparkle in the sunlight. If you’re game to try a bright, shimmery blond, ask your colorist about a faux beach and tone technique that gets the hair as blond as possible without bleaching each strand. When used with Olaplex (a salon-professional bond repair cream), any potential damage to the hair can be mitigated. Winter is dry enough on your hair; keeping it healthy will only make your color more vibrant.
Early this fall, red surfaced as a trending color for sweaters and shoes; now, as the year is approaching, it’s also becoming a popular choice for hair. In fact, copper red is the current “it” color moving into the new year. Copper contains both hints of golden and strawberry for a supernatural red shade. However, this tone of red is a commitment, as red fades faster than other colors. Be prepared for more trips to the salon to keep up with the maintenance of this hair color.
Another tone of red that’s having a moment is a bright cherry shade. This red has more purple undertones than its copper counterpart. You can go with a full head of cherry red or work it through mid-lengths and ends for an ombre effect. Having “dipped ends” is a fun way to celebrate the season and can be a festive send-off for longer locks you’re thinking of chopping off in the new year.
Temporary hair colors are an easier way of playing around with different shades here this winter and are cheaper alternatives than multiple trips to the salon. So, if you’re interested in switching up your color with the change of season, maybe try some at-home trials to see which blond, brunette, or redhead is right for you.
