Experts Weigh In: This Winter's Key Hair Trends Will Be Soaked in Nostalgia

      Perhaps it’s the cooler temperatures or the return of Mariah Carey’s legendary voice to the airwaves and our winter playlists, but the standout winter styles, colors, and cuts this year seem effortless, fresh, and filled with nostalgia in a way we haven't experienced recently. Old Hollywood waves are being styled into romantic updos that evoke both Marilyn Monroe and Hailey Bieber, while cropped pixies are finally incorporating texture and modernity without losing their polished look. Furthermore, vibrant hair colors appear to be transitioning into moody, glossy, and warm hues. Clearly, winter 2025 is poised to delight fans of '90s beauty and silver screen icons, so it’s the perfect moment to delve deeper into this season's offerings. To gain insight, we consulted celebrity hairstylists Naeemah Lafond and Chaz Dean for their predictions as we wrap up the year and embark on a new one, sharing their insights (along with valuable tips and tricks for achieving each look) below.

      What Colors Will Be Popular This Season?

      According to our experts, winter 2025 will embrace the luxurious, warm shades typically associated with the season: think dark elegance combined with a high-shine finish that elevates your hair. "This winter is all about rich, cozy tones. Expect to see chocolate browns and deep, moody reds everywhere," Lafond remarks. "Jet black and rich brown pixie cuts will also make a strong comeback. The hairstyles of Nia Long and Halle Berry from the '90s are still frequently referenced." Dean concurs, noting that softer, coppery, buttery blonde shades will also be trending this winter. "This aligns with the season's vibe because when it’s cold, we generally want to warm things up! After years of cooler tones, there's been a noticeable change in the color palette among salon clients," he explains. He anticipates that the warm color trends observed over the last couple of years will persist, promoting a low-maintenance, natural appearance. "It's refreshing because you don’t need to invest a lot of time or money to make a significant statement," he adds.

      Chocolate Brown

      What better way to embrace the season's coziness than with a sophisticated shade like chocolate brown? We first saw this transitional hair color on Hailey Bieber at this year's Academy Museum Gala, marking a shift from her previously lighter highlighted looks throughout 2025. Her new dark chocolate brown hair not only radiates elegance but also represents a definitive change from its milky blonde counterpart.

      Toasted Blonde

      Warm shades will gain traction this winter, and while rich browns, deep blacks, and vibrant coppers from the fall remain, warm blonde will also be on the rise. This season's standout hue is referred to as "toasted blonde"—a warm, soft tone that brightens your winter locks. To achieve this color, ask your hairstylist for a radiant, warm-neutral blonde with a glossy finish. No wonder actress Margot Robbie sported this hue at the Chanel spring/summer 2026 show.

      Natural Highlights

      Natural highlights can complement all hair colors and perfectly fit into the '90s-inspired, voluminous blowouts and "glass hair" that will define winter. Mia Goth showcased soft, lived-in light brown highlights at the tips of her chocolate brown strands while attending the Frankenstein premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Romantic bangs and tousled waves accentuate this timeless aesthetic.

      Ink Black

      Lafond foresees the return of inky black hair for pixie cuts this winter, though it is also being seen on long and medium-length styles. Kendall Jenner dazzled on the red carpet of the fifth Annual Academy Museum Gala with this classic color in a butterfly cut, adding fluttery layers and softness. This striking hue is ideal for those who appreciate a touch of drama.

      Butter Blonde

      Another trending color this season was recently showcased by model Elsa Hosk at the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala. This year, people are leaning towards a warm, soft blonde—often with a honeyed balayage finish—that gives the skin a candlelit glow during the darker months. The color transitions perfectly between touch-ups and maintains its stunning appearance as winter gives way to spring.

      What Styles Will Be In?

      This winter, styles will be defined by softness and movement, and we can expect to see these looks on the most stylish individuals, including favored fashion-forward celebrities. "Style-wise, we're returning to glamour, but in a way that feels more relatable and lived-in," Lafond explains. "Think soft roller sets, bouncy blowouts, smooth silk presses, and that effortless appearance that suggests, 'I put in effort, but I’m not stressing.’” For example, she predicts that this season's pixie cuts will focus on looking polished yet slightly tousled in a chic manner. "It's refined but not overly fussy,” she notes.

      Last year's ultra-polished styles captivated us, but experts anticipate a transition