The holidays kick off the winter season, ushering in the perfect opportunity to switch up your go-to hair color or style. Instead of segueing into the season with a ‘do you’ve done many times before, consider a change of pace with one of the top winter hair trends of 2024. According to some of the top voices in the hair industry, styles like curtain bangs, dramatic layers, clavicuts, deep side parts, and layered bobs reign supreme. Meanwhile, in the realm of color, cool blondes and warm brondes set the tone.
Feeling inspired? Keep reading to uncover the top eight winter hair trends of 2024 and as we head into 2025.
Curtain Bangs With Dramatic Layers
Sabrina Carpenter is dominating our feed right now, and according to celebrity hairstylists Laura Rugetti and Jerome Lordet, her curtain bangs and voluminous dramatic layers make for perhaps the most popular haircut of winter.
“People tend to want to go more glam for holiday parties than any time of year, so Sabrina Carpenter’s modern pin-up voluminous blowouts will be a popular look for parties,” says Lordet, owner of the Jerome Lordet Salon. “Curtain bangs also lend themselves to updos for dramatic glam looks.”
To achieve your goal look, Lordet suggests bringing in a few pictures of Sabrina as inspo—and be prepared to dedicate more time to styling your strands on a daily basis. As Lordet points out, even with her signature cut, you’ll need to learn how to style it to achieve her iconic volume at home.
The Sexy Side Part
ICYMI: The side part is back! Stylist and R+Co co-founder Garren points to Eiza González as the ultimate inspo. “This is a fabulous, sexy side part over the eye with a dipped, flippy style,” he says. “This is for girls who are embracing shorter hair.”
To recreate the style at home, Garren says to spritz damp strands with a root-boosting volume spray and light-hold hair tonic, and blow it out with a round brush. Finish with a flexible hairspray.
Winter Blonde
If you’re looking to change up your color this winter, celebrity hairstylist MJ Snyder suggests opting for a winter blonde hue. La La Anthony and Gigi Hadid have both sported gorgeous takes on the color. “Winter blonde shades bring a cooler, more neutral tone to blonde hair, creating an icy, high-shine look perfect for the season,” says Snyder, who is a UNITE ambassador. “This trend leans toward ashy or platinum hues, which complement winter wardrobes and flatter a range of skin tones.”
Clavicle Cut (AKA The Clavicut)
The lob has gotten a new name—and a fresh 15 minutes of fame. “Long bobs are being nicknamed ‘clavicuts’—they are just a shoulder-length cut that is trending as people are growing out their bobs,” Lordet says. “With winter hair accessories, people like hair long enough to show under hats, and this in-between length gives just enough.”
To achieve the look, Lordet says to ask your stylist to cut to your clavicle. “This can be adapted to any hair texture,” he assures us.
The Layered Bob
you’re like us, you’ve been swooning over Gigi Hadid’s hair lately. Her tousled, layered bob looks so effortlessly chic, whether it’s worn wavy, sleek, or blown out. “This cut is great because it’s versatile and easy to maintain, which makes it perfect with static that comes from the cold weather—and the layers will give hair movement and volume,” hairstylist and IGK co-founder Franck Izquierdo says.
To style the trendy cut at home, Izquierdo says to start with a body-building spray on damp hair. (He suggests the IGK Body Language Rice Water Plumping and Thickening Mist). “After blowing hair out, finish with Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum to smooth out ends, while avoiding static,” he adds.
Slicked-Back Styles
Whether you have a day-two ‘do or freshly washed strands, a slicked-back style is a great option this holiday season and beyond. Where celebrity hairstylist Akiko Russell enjoys a classic fully slicked updo, Snyder is drawn to a faux slicked-back headband for more of a half-up style.
“To achieve [a slicked-back updo], rake the UNITE SMOOTH&SHINE Styling Cream through roots to ends and secure the hair in a sleek bun or ponytail,” says Russell, also a UNITE brand ambassador. Once smoothed back, finish with a flexible hold hairspray to secure any stray hairs.
Meanwhile, Snyder’s slicked-back faux headband look is the perfect pick for anyone who prefers to keep their face-framing strands out of the way. “The faux headband is a sleek, polished style that’s both sophisticated and easy to wear, perfect for winter when you want a chic, put-together look,” says Snyder. To achieve the look, she says to section out the front third of your hair on each side of your head. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth each side back and secure them together underneath the rest of your hair with a clear elastic. Finish with a glossing spray and flexible hold hairspray.
Warm Bronde Balayage
Warm tones can work for winter hair colors, too! “This season, rich, warm tones like bronde add warmth and dimension, perfect for brightening up winter complexions,” Izquierdo says. To achieve the look, he says to ask your colorist for a balayage that combines warm blondes with rich browns. Then to maintain your color, add a color-depositing mask to your hair-care routine, or if you’re worried about brassiness, try a purple shampoo or toning drops.
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Blowout
This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show might not have been as iconic as it once was (though, we did love to see a bit more body representation!) but the hair was still hairing. The way Snyder and Russell see it, the Victoria’s Secret bombshell blowout will forever be hair goals.
“The Victoria’s Secret-inspired blowout is all about big, bouncy waves with tons of volume, shine, and movement,” Snyder says. “This glamorous style features lifted roots, smooth lengths, and loose, voluminous curls, giving hair a luxurious, runway-ready finish. It’s perfect for the winter season when you’re looking to add a bit of warmth and glamor to your look.”
To achieve the look, Snyder says to start with a volume spray on damp hair. To further pump up the volume, add a mousse. “Blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting at the roots and creating smooth, curled ends,” Snyder instructs. “Once dried, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, then gently shake them out for added volume.” Finish with a flexible hold hairspray.
