From “Old Money Blonde” to “Cherry Cola,” Experts Predict the Top 15 Winter Hair Colors of 2023
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For some of us, winter means investing in comfy outerwear and cozy boots; for others, it means ringing in the season with a fresh hair color. If you’re in the latter camp, we have some ideas for you ahead. Whether you’re looking for an updated brunette shade like “Chocolate Cherry” or want to make the switch to blonde like “Old Money Blonde,” here are the top 15 winter hair colors of 2023, according to leading hairstylists.
Meet the Experts
11 Winter Hair Trends of 2023, Approved By Celebrity Hairstylists
1. Cowboy Copper
This shade first made waves this fall and continues to be a top color choice for winter. With a blend of warm browns and deep reds, ‘Cowboy Copper’ has been seen on everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Meg Thee Stallion. “The hair color allows anyone to [try] a warmer hue without overcommitting to a copper or red tone that might be too bold for their taste,” says Stenson. “Also, winter often means less sunlight, so any addition of warmth is generally welcomed in these months.” Stenson recommends using a shampoo and conditioner that’s catered to color-treated locks to maintain vibrancy in-between touch ups.
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2. Denim Blue
JB Lacroix/Contributor/Getty Images
Not into red? The experts are predicting blue that is going to be a reigning color for the season. “Similar to the color of dark-wash denim, this shade looks deep blue on your hair. It often has cool undertones, which gives it a slight purple or violet finish to make it look even more unique,” says O’Connor. While you can definitely get this done at a salon, O’Connor says you can achieve the look at home as well, using a lightening kit and a blend of dusty metallic blue and gray dyes.
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3. Bronde
Paul Morigi/Stringer/Getty Images
Looking for a subtle change to your brown locks? Consider ‘bronde,’ as seen on Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara and Gisele Bündchen. This classic shade uses brown and blonde tones that blend seamlessly together for a natural, soft finish. “Every season inspires [new] hair color enhancements that allow people to explore softer approaches and provide a fresh and exciting look [for winter],” adds Haliti.
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4. Rooted Blonde
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Stringer/Getty Images
This trend proves that it’s OK to rock grown-out roots—just ask Margot Robbie. “It involves intentionally leaving darker roots, while incorporating blonde tones throughout the rest of the hair for a more natural look,” says Haliti. The expert suggests using either a leave-in conditioner or a heat protectant spray to keep locks hydrated and protect them when styling.
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5. Old Money Blonde
If the ‘Quiet Luxury’ trend had a hair color to represent it, it would be ‘Old Money Blonde.’ “This is a classic blonde [shade with] a buttery neutral tone. In the harsh winter, this shade provides a soft glow around the face. Plus, it’s easy to maintain since it will grow out a bit more natural looking than a bleached blonde,” explains Freidag. To achieve the color, Freidag recommends adding fine highlights to an all over blonde single process color and applying a bond treatment to minimize damage in the long run.
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6. Chantilly
Kevin Mazur/Contributor/Getty Images
We’re calling it: This Beyoncè-approved hair color is going to be huge this winter. Inspired by the chantilly cream dessert topping, this shade is great for both brunettes and blondes. “Since vanilla gold is a soft tone, this color will look flattering on everyone, while still giving a lightness to the hair,” says Freidag. “The key is not pulling in too much warmth, so try to go two shades lighter than your natural color.” To maintain the shade, Freidag recommends a toner to keep the color soft and natural.
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7. Chocolate Cherry
Emma McIntyre/Staff/Getty Images
‘Chocolate Cherry’ uses a blend of rich browns and deep red tones to add shine and dimension to your strands. “This shade is perfect for adding red to any brunette, and since red shades are notorious for fading quickly in the summer sun, winter is the perfect time to try this color,” explains Freidag. To maintain the vibrancy of hue, the colorist suggests using a hair mask often to minimize damage and prevent color from fading.
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8. Candlelit Brunette
Monica Schipper/Staff/Getty Images
“Candlelit Brunette emerged earlier in 2023 and is projected to [gain even more popularity] this winter,” says Leake. The low-maintenance look is created by adding a gloss treatment on brunette hair so it has more dimension. A stylist will also add highlights around the face and blend them into the rest of your hair, according to Leake. He adds, “You can extend the effects of the gloss by mixing in moisturizing products into your hair care routine for more shine.”
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9. Barbie Blonde
Jerod Harris/Stringer/Getty Images
Although we’re near the end of 2023, Barbiecore is having its last hurrah in the beauty world. Enter ‘Barbie Blonde,’ a blend of ash and warm tones that are great for the winter months. From January Jones to Ciara, this buttercream blonde had to be on our list, and the experts are on board. According to Cisneros, using a hair mask once a week will “help repair the hair and protect it from the dry winter months ahead.”
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10. Cherry Cola
Marc Piasecki/Contributor/Getty Images
We already have ‘Cherry Cola lips,’ so it’s only fair that our hair gets the same color treatment, right? “It’s a simple way to stand out amongst all the other winter colors like black and gray, as the pops of red add a bit of mystery to your hair,” says Tang. The shade consists of a dark brunette base (the cola) with the top layer of a deep red (the cherry) as seen on Dove Cameron above.
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11. Espresso
Marc Piasecki/Contributor/Getty Images
“Espresso is the perfect late fall to early winter color. As the seasons start to transition, many people have balayage or highlights, so this dark brunette look is a great change for the weather,” says Tang. For even more shine, the hair colorist recommends using a color-depositing conditioner and a styling spray to keep your locks vibrant.
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12. Elemental Blue
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Pastels were all the rage in 2020, but this light blue hue is making a comeback just ahead of the new year. “Elemental Blue can be worn all over for a bold look or can complement a deep chocolate brown (or a neutral brunette shade for a soft hint of warmth) for those wanting a duo-tone trend. It’s a cool-toned pastel with a soft metallic finish that makes it look expensive,” says Black. Since it requires a major color transformation, Black recommends implementing a haircare routine that’s designed to repair and strengthen strands, while also preserving the light shade between touchups.
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13. Sunshine Blonde
Salon visits can be time consuming and expensive, which is why we love this low-maintenance shade. “This trend is for my ‘twice a year’ girlies. ‘Sunshine Blonde’ meticulously places blonde balayage highlights for a low effort and gorgeous look that lasts,” explains Rojas. To protect your sun-kissed look, Rojas recommends using a heat protectant spray to minimize damage and improve shine.
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14. Chocolate Almond
Getty Images
Sweet shades keep on comin’ and this chocolatey base is a great choice for the season. “It’s a super low-maintenance look that adds subtle highlights to brunette hair,” says Rojas. “The dimensional balayage consists of a warm base with a natural almond tone for movement and shine.” According to the colorist, all you’ll need is a color-treated shampoo and conditioner to nourish your hair and maintain its vibrancy at home.
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15. Subtle Strawberry
Stefania D'Alessandro/Contributor/Getty Images
Red continues to be a popular pick for the season and this soft iteration of the shade will be a strong contender moving into 2024. “Unlike strawberry blonde, ‘Subtle Strawberry’ is a full color all around with a soft pigment to it. It’s the perfect color to transition into winter,” says Leake. If you want to elevate your natural blonde base, the process is quite simple, as it doesn’t involve stripping away any color. You just add light red tones throughout. However, Leake notes a hair mask should be implemented into your routine to prevent breakage, damage and dryness.
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