As January arrives and stepping outside becomes a challenge with icy sidewalks and biting winds, everyone shares a common goal: to stay warm. This quest for warmth manifests in various ways, from bundling up in cozy scarves and sweaters to clutching a steaming cup of hot chocolate. However, you might also notice that the desire to escape the cold influences the beauty trends of the season. In makeup and nails, expect to see an uptick in toasty eyeshadow shades and cozy tinted polishes. According to hair experts, this warm energy will also be reflected in the winter 2025 hair color trends.
If you’re considering a fresh dye job to welcome the new year, the best hues to try will be warm-toned shades that add depth and contrast to your complexion. In my experience, choosing the right color can not only enhance your look but also boost your confidence during the colder months.
Not sure what to look for? We have consulted three hair colorists to highlight the shades that will be in high demand at salons, along with tips on how to maintain them. With options like icy chestnut, rusty copper, and dark suede, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re leaning towards brown or blonde.
Keep reading to discover six of Winter 2025’s most popular hair color trends and all the information you need to discuss with your stylist. The “new year, new you” preparation is getting an early start this year, and it’s the perfect time to embrace a fresh look!
Rich Brunette
As everyone’s tan fades during the colder months, celebrity colorist Sierra Kener suggests that now is the perfect time to infuse some “richness” into your hair. Opting for a decadent shade that complements paler skin can create a stunning contrast that enhances your overall look.
Kener recommends this approach for anyone looking to elevate their dark base with lush brown highlights. In my experience, adding dimension through highlights can breathe new life into your hair, making it appear more vibrant and full of depth. Rich brunette shades can range from deep chocolate to warm chestnut, allowing for a variety of options that can suit different skin tones and personal styles.
The Benefits of Rich Brunette Shades
One of the key benefits of choosing a rich brunette color is its versatility. These shades can be tailored to fit any occasion, whether you’re dressing up for a holiday party or keeping it casual for a day out. The depth of color can also provide a sophisticated look that is both timeless and trendy, making it a great choice for anyone looking to refresh their style.
With the sun setting earlier during this time of year, Kener notes that rich brunette shades will provide a lively pop to your hair, even in the dark. “It will bring out eye color by softening it to add dimension, [so that] the skin [doesn’t have] such a high contrast,” she explains. This thoughtful approach to color not only enhances your features but also creates a harmonious balance that is especially flattering during the winter months.
Maintenance Tips for Rich Brunette Hair
To keep your rich brunette color looking fresh and vibrant, Kener emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance. Using color-safe shampoos and conditioners can help preserve the richness of your hair while preventing fading. Additionally, incorporating regular deep conditioning treatments can keep your hair hydrated and healthy, especially in the dry winter air.
Kener also suggests scheduling regular touch-ups to maintain the vibrancy of your highlights. This will ensure that your hair continues to look lively and full of dimensions rather than dull or flat.
Icy Chestnut
For those who thought that the “frosted” effect could only be achieved on blondes, Garnier Celebrity Beauty Expert Millie Morales assures us that’s not the case. A shade she’s predicting will be popular this winter is icy chestnut, which takes a medium brown and mixes it with ashy undertones to create a glacial coolness on a brunette. In my opinion, this innovative color offers a fresh take on traditional brunette shades, making it a standout choice for the season. It’s a perfect way to embrace the winter vibe while still maintaining a rich, warm base.
Morales explains that icy chestnut complements the colder weather and provides a subtle, sophisticated contrast against winter wardrobes. I find that this color not only enhances your hair but also harmonizes beautifully with the rich textures and tones of winter fashion, from cozy knits to elegant outerwear. It’s a versatile shade that can elevate any winter outfit.
Achieving the Icy Chestnut Look
To achieve the icy chestnut look, Morales recommends that your hairstylist layer a cool-toned semi-permanent gloss over a base color. This technique allows you to achieve depth without the warmth being too harsh, creating a balanced and refined appearance. I believe that the gloss adds a reflective quality that enhances the icy effect, making your hair look luminous and vibrant.
If you want your icy chestnut to appear bolder, Morales suggests consulting with your stylist about adding highlights for dimension. In my experience, strategically placed highlights can elevate the overall look, adding movement and texture that catches the light beautifully. This added dimension can make the icy chestnut shade even more dynamic, ensuring it stands out in any setting.
Who This Color Suits Best?
“This color is ideal for people with neutral to cool undertones and those looking for a low-maintenance, natural look,” says Morales. I think the versatility of icy chestnut makes it a fantastic option for anyone wanting to refresh their hair without committing to a high-maintenance routine. It’s particularly flattering on those with light to medium skin tones, as the cool undertones can enhance the natural glow of the complexion. Personally, I love how this shade can brighten up your overall appearance, especially during the dreary winter months.
Maintenance Tips for Icy Chestnut
To keep your icy chestnut looking fresh and vibrant, it’s essential to use color-safe hair products. Shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair can help maintain the integrity of the color while preventing fading. I’ve found that investing in good hair care products makes a significant difference in how long your color lasts. Additionally, incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment can keep your hair hydrated and healthy, especially during the dry winter months.
Regular touch-ups are also recommended to maintain the icy effect and ensure that the ashy undertones remain vibrant. Consulting with your stylist about the best maintenance schedule can help you keep your hair looking its best throughout the season. I believe that a little extra care goes a long way in preserving the beauty of your hair color.
Dark Suede Blonde
“This is for the blondes that want something different for fall,” says Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador Jacob Schwartz. In my opinion, this is a refreshing take for those who want to switch things up without making a drastic change. “They don’t want to go red or brunette, but they need a change.”Different from the vanilla tones that were prevalent in fall 2024 hair color trends, Schwartz is forecasting that blondes will start to lean towards an ashy light brown undertone that’s reminiscent of taupe suede. I find this shift towards darker, more muted tones to be a beautiful way to embrace the season while still maintaining a light and airy feel.
The Appeal of Dark Suede Blonde
This dark suede blonde shade is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated yet low-maintenance option. Schwartz notes that this is the ideal tincture for anyone interested in a blonde that requires less upkeep. I believe that this makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to look stylish without the commitment of frequent salon visits.
He suggests this look for someone with light brown hair or who’s already blonde. In my experience, transitioning to dark suede blonde can be a seamless process for those who already have lighter hair, as it allows for a natural progression in color that feels effortless.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
To maintain the beauty of dark suede blonde, it’s essential to use color-safe hair products that help preserve the ashy undertones. Shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair can prevent fading and keep your color looking fresh. I’ve found that incorporating a purple shampoo into your routine can also help neutralize any unwanted warmth, ensuring that the cool tones remain vibrant.
When it comes to styling, this shade pairs beautifully with soft waves or sleek, straight hair, allowing the color to shine. I think that adding some texture can enhance the overall look, making it feel more dynamic and modern.
Rusty Copper
According to Kener, the striking copper and auburn shades that you probably saw this fall will continue to shine as winter approaches. “These rich, fiery hues add warmth to the season and suit various skin tones,” says Kener. In my opinion, the allure of rusty copper is undeniable; it brings a vibrant energy that can brighten even the coldest winter days.
While the boldness of these colors remains popular, Kener notes that you may also see some more subtle variations, such as ginger or cinnamon, for those who prefer a softer look. I think this flexibility in shades allows individuals to express their personal style while still embracing the warmth that copper tones provide.
The Appeal of Rusty Copper
The rusty copper shade, which reads like a reddish-brown, is expected to receive plenty of salon requests this winter. This color strikes a perfect balance between bold and approachable, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a statement without going overboard.
Rusty copper is particularly flattering on those with warm undertones, as it enhances the natural glow of the skin. In my experience, this shade can also beautifully complement a variety of eye colors, making it a versatile option for many.
Warm Caramel Balayage
If you’re still holding on to your summer glow, Morales suggests that a warm caramel balayage is the perfect way to add a radiant, honeyed glisten to your hair. In my opinion, this technique not only enhances your natural beauty but also provides a seamless transition into the winter months. This color is achieved by adding warm caramel balayage throughout the hair, “creating a sun-kissed effect even in the cooler months,” says Morales.
Customizing Your Caramel Shade
Since shades should be uniquely adjusted based on skin tone, Morales emphasizes the importance of discussing your preferences with your stylist. I believe that this personalized approach is key to achieving a look that feels authentic and flattering. She advises ensuring that you communicate the level of lightness you prefer in the caramel tint.
This warm caramel shade is particularly recommended for individuals with warm or olive undertones, as the undercurrents in the color beautifully match this type of pigment. In my experience, finding a color that complements your natural undertones can make a significant difference in how vibrant and healthy your hair looks.
The Benefits of Warm Caramel Balayage
As winter tends to bring out darker fashion choices, Morales notes that this color trend warms up the complexion and adds brightness. I find that warm caramel balayage can be a fantastic way to keep your look fresh and lively, even when the weather turns dreary.
Additionally, this balayage technique is versatile and looks stunning on both straight and wavy styles. Whether you prefer sleek, polished locks or soft, beachy waves, warm caramel balayage can enhance your hairstyle and add depth.
Another significant advantage of this color is that it grows out softly, making it an excellent choice for those who aren’t keen on high-maintenance hair. In my opinion, this low-maintenance aspect is a game-changer, especially during the busy winter months, when regular salon visits may not be feasible.
Snow-Kissed Blonde
Not everyone is ready to embrace the dark side, and if that sentiment resonates with you, then a frosty blonde is definitely your vibe. In my opinion, this shade captures the essence of winter beautifully, evoking images of glistening snow and icy landscapes. “This works great for lighter base clients that love being blonde,” says Kener, highlighting its appeal for those who want to maintain their bright locks during the colder months.
The Allure of Frosty Blonde
Kener further suggests that this style complements anyone with chilly blue eyes or those who love silver jewelry. I find that the cool undertones of snow-kissed blonde can enhance the brightness of blue eyes, making them pop even more. This shade creates a striking contrast that can elevate your overall look, especially when paired with winter fashion.
However, it’s important to note that this is a shade that requires a lot of maintenance. In my experience, committing to a high-maintenance color can be a rewarding choice, but it’s essential to be prepared for the upkeep. Kener suggests heading to your stylist for touch-ups every six weeks to keep the roots fresh and prevent brassiness.