Let's be real: Winter isn't typically the most exciting time for of the year for hair trends. We're mostly just bundled up in hats and hoods, choosing red lipstick or winter nail colors over a chic hairdo. But this year, the biggest winter 2023 hair trends are waaaay too cool to just be hiding your hair away all season long. After reporting on the fall/winter runways at New York Fashion Week last year, stalking shows in Milan, Paris, and London, and chatting with experts, I'm fully predicting a winter full of glitz and glamour. Think: glitzy accessories, slicked-back styles, and bold styles.
Keep scrolling for all of the best winter hair trends of 2023, according to runways and expert hairstylist Tatum Neill. And don't miss all the insider tips and product recs to get the looks yourself without needing a whole team doing it for you.
1
The wet-look hair trend for winter
Embrace your greasy roots. In fact, make them even shinier by smoothing a dollop of mousse over your hair, or giving your strands a healthy spritz of shine spray for a wet finish like Gigi Hadid. Runways like Brandon Maxwell, Adeam, and Maison Margiela kept the hair wet, down and pulled behind the ears on models, while Zimmerman pulled models' wet-looking hair into tight, low buns.
2
"Cinnamon cookie butter" hair color trend
"It" girl Hailey Bieber went a little bit darker for fall with this reddish-cinnamon hair color, so expect it to be everywhere this winter. But keep in mind: "Red color can be a bit fragile," says Neill. "If you want to keep your tone nice and radiant, be sure to get a color-safe shampoo and limit your exposure to hot water and UV rays that can prematurely oxidize your color."
3
Sculptural braids for winter 2023
Tia Adeola and Chanel both incorporated variations of these major braid looks on their runways, essentially turning them into a whole art sculpture. Wear 'em to holiday parties, Valentine's Day dates, and idk, the grocery store if you're fancy like that. And what makes it even better is you can place all the work on your braider. Just ask for micro braids, then pull 'em back into ballerina buns with a whole bunch of bobby pins. Or ask your stylist to pull your hair back into a sleek updo, then add in a few jumbo braids and pin them around each other to create a bow, like Amandla Stenberg has above.
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4
This "fox" colored hair for winter
"This may sound like a stretch, but my big bold prediction for Gen Z is the fox color," says Neill. "It’s a dip-dye technique that is going viral right now on Instagram and TikTok." The best part? You only really have to add the color to your ends, meaning it's quite simple to just cut it off if you decide you don't want it anymore. (But I'm def convinced you're gonna decide to keep it).
5
The bow hair accessories trend
Balletcore, but make it beauty. This look can be as simple as adding one single ribbon bow to your ponytail. Or you can take it to the next level like hairstylist Justine Marjan did for Dorit Kemsley by layering multiple bows in different textures for a bigger effect. Plus, it's honestly as simple as picking up some craft ribbon and playing around. DIY away, bb.
6
Short bob haircuts for winter
The coolest winter haircut trend? A simple, short bob, as seen above on Laura Harrier. Neill says this cut "picked up steam this summer, and people who witnessed its greatness will be eager to go for the chop as the leaves begin to turn." And if you needed more celebs to convince you it's a good idea? See: Sadie Sink, Kourtney Kardashian, and Greta Lee.
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7
Winter 2023 trend: Hair jewelry
"Metal clips and accessories are going to be big," says Neill. Think of it like jewelry but for your hair. I'm talking big metal clips, ponytail cuffs, and even embellished bobby pins and safety clips. And if you're down to mix two trends in one, you'll love how easy it is to incorporate hair jewelry with a short bob haircut, Neill adds.
8
Side parts for winter 2023
Take that, Gen Z—side parts are totally cool again, according to the shows at Acne, Fendi, and Vivetta. Hairstylist Ruslan Nureev went for a big, voluminous look with old-Hollywood-esque waves, but runways went for a more minimalistic, undone approach. To get the part ultra-straight and clean, take the pointy end of a rat-tail comb and position it at the the arch of your eyebrow, Then slowly glide it through your hair. If any pieces feel like they're going to slide back over, pin them down with a no-bend hair clip for 10 to 15 minutes to set them in place and finish with some hairspray.
9
Birkin bangs
"For those who are not ready for a full chop, bangs are going to be another big trend," Neill notes. And you've got hella options depending on your ~vibes~, including the "Birkin-bangs" style seen on Emily Ratajkowski. They're basically a thick, full bang that you can easily part down the middle to give a more curtain style vibe. I also love bangs for winter since you won't have to worry about them getting oily from profusely sweating now that the weather is cooler.
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Meet the experts:
- Tatum Neill is a hairstylist based in New Orleans, LA and the creative director of Paris Parker Salons. He's also the creative director at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes and Elevate Hair.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about hair trends, like hair botox and hair-straightening products. She compiled this list after researching the biggest winter 2023 hair trends by attending runway shows and connecting with hairstylists.
Beth Gillette
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
