32 Winter Hairstyles 2024-2025: Braids, Twists, Buns, Ponytails, Afros and Cute Protective Hairstyles

Winter is the perfect season to experiment with hairstyles that bring warmth, texture, and elegance to your look. Whether you have curly hair or straight locks, whether you’re prepping for a formal occasion or a casual outing, there’s a perfect hairstyle for every hair length and occasion. Let’s explore 32 trendy winter hairstyles for 2024 and 2025 that will keep you looking fabulous throughout the season.

Sleek Braided Bun for Formal Occasions

This updo is a sophisticated choice for formal occasions, especially in the winter months when sleek, polished styles shine. The sleek braided bun combines the timeless elegance of a bun with the added flair of intricate braiding. It’s perfect for black women with medium length or long hair looking to achieve a refined look for weddings or corporate events. With its neat finish, this hairstyle suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and its polished nature complements soft, natural makeup.

To achieve this style, start by sectioning your hair into small sections and braiding each one. Once braided, gather them into a bun at the nape of your neck. Use a smoothing gel to tame flyaways and finish with a light hold spray. Regular maintenance with a hydrating leave-in conditioner, such as SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In, will help keep your hair soft and manageable.

Messy Textured Waves for Casual Outings

For those seeking a more casual, laid-back look, messy hair with textured waves is the way to go. This effortless style is ideal for medium shoulder length hair and adds volume and movement, giving the impression of a carefree, beachy vibe even in the midst of winter. Best suited for heart-shaped and round faces, these waves bring out the best in darker eye colors and pair well with cozy winter fashion, making it a go-to hairstyle for weekend brunches or casual workdays.

To create these waves, use a large-barrel curling iron and curl small sections of hair. Once the curls are set, tousle them with your fingers and apply a texturizing spray to maintain volume without stiffness. For long-lasting results, use Ouai’s Texturizing Hair Spray, which helps hold the style while adding dimension.

Box Braids with a Pop of Color

Box braids continue to be a staple protective style, especially during the colder months. For 2024, a trendy twist is to add a pop of color, like burgundy or teal, to your braids. This style is ideal for black women with long hair who want a low-maintenance, head-turning look. Box braids are also versatile, allowing for different styling options such as updos or buns, making them perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions like holiday parties.

To maintain your box braids, it’s essential to keep your scalp moisturized and clean. Use a lightweight oil like Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil to nourish your scalp and promote healthy growth. Cover your hair with a silk scarf at night to protect your braids from frizz.

Cute Curly Frohawk for Natural Hair

The frohawk is a bold and playful choice for those with curly hair looking to make a statement. This hairstyle embraces natural texture while giving a fresh twist to the classic mohawk. Best for black women with short hair, the frohawk adds height and volume to the crown, making it a fun option for winter gatherings or even as a daring work hairstyle. It’s perfect for diamond-shaped and oval faces, enhancing their features beautifully.

To style, define your curls using a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler, then use hairpins to secure the sides. For a smooth finish, apply a light edge control gel to keep the sides sleek. Regular deep conditioning with a product like TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask will keep your curls moisturized and soft.

Long Romantic Waves for Winter Weddings

Nothing says winter romance like soft, cascading waves. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair, creating a look that’s dreamy and elegant, especially for brides or bridesmaids. The waves gently frame the face, adding a touch of softness that complements formal winter attire. Perfect for square and rectangular face shapes, this style pairs wonderfully with delicate jewelry and winter bridal bouquets.

To achieve these waves, use a curling wand to create loose curls and gently brush them out to form soft waves. Finish with a shine-enhancing spray to keep your hair glossy throughout the day. Moroccanoil’s Glimmer Shine Spray is an excellent choice to give your waves a radiant, polished finish.

Medium-Length Twists with Hair Extensions

For those with medium length hair, adding hair extensions can elevate your look by adding length and volume without much effort. Twists are a great protective style that can be styled up or down, making them suitable for a variety of occasions—from birthday parties to elegant evenings. Twists work well for all face shapes, and the added length from the extensions can balance out rounder faces beautifully.

To achieve this look, section your hair and twist each section with the extension. The twisting method keeps the hair protected and ensures longevity. Be sure to use a moisturizing twist gel like Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel to define and hold the twists. Maintain the health of your scalp by using a refreshing braid spray every few days.

Cute Shoulder-Length Afro for Work

A shoulder-length Afro is a bold and beautiful option for winter, especially for natural hair lovers who want to showcase their texture. This style strikes the perfect balance between professional and trendy, making it an excellent choice for the office or even a formal occasion. It works best for oval and round face shapes, accentuating the natural curves of the face while giving a polished finish.

To style a cute shoulder-length Afro, use a defining cream to shape the curls, and pick out the roots to add volume. Regular use of a leave-in conditioner, such as Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream, will help keep your hair hydrated and soft. For a polished look, consider a light mist of Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk for additional moisture and shine.

Short and Sleek Updo for Formal Events

For those with short hair, a sleek updo can be a perfect option for formal winter events such as galas or weddings. This hairstyle adds a touch of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for black-tie events or birthday parties. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, highlighting cheekbones and drawing attention to the eyes.

To achieve this style, slick back the hair using a strong-hold gel, and twist it into a sleek bun at the nape of the neck. Regular use of a smoothing serum, like Redken Frizz Dismiss, will help keep the hair sleek and frizz-free, especially in colder weather.

Messy Half-Up Bun for Everyday Wear

If you’re going for a more casual look, the messy half-up bun is a great everyday hairstyle for medium to long hair. This effortless style strikes the balance between cute and chic, making it ideal for days at the office, running errands, or even casual beach days. It works well for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, giving a relaxed, carefree vibe that still looks polished.

To style this look, gather the top half of your hair into a bun, leaving the rest down. Use a dry texture spray to add volume and create that slightly undone, messy look. For maintenance, Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume Blast is a great product to keep the style fresh and voluminous throughout the day.

Braided Crown for Winter Parties

The braided crown is a whimsical and romantic option for winter parties and festive gatherings. This hairstyle creates the illusion of a crown made from your own hair, making it an enchanting choice for medium length to long hair. It’s perfect for square and diamond face shapes, highlighting the cheekbones and eyes. The style is a showstopper for birthday or holiday parties, giving off an ethereal, fairy-tale vibe.

To create a braided crown, part your hair down the middle and braid both sides, then wrap them across the top of your head, securing them with pins. A lightweight styling cream like Bumble and Bumble’s Brilliantine will help smooth the hair while adding shine. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the crown in place for hours.

Voluminous Loose Curls for Formal Occasions

Nothing makes a statement like big, bouncy curls that frame the face beautifully. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair and is a glamorous choice for formal occasions like galas or holiday parties. The volume of the curls adds drama, making it ideal for square and heart-shaped faces. Pair this look with a bold lipstick and elegant jewelry to elevate the style even further.

To achieve voluminous curls, use a large-barrel curling iron and curl large sections of your hair. Finish with a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil’s Volumizing Mousse to ensure the curls stay big and bold all night. To maintain the curls, you can use a curl-defining cream like Ouidad Curl Quencher to refresh the style.

Double Dutch Braids for Active Days

Braids are not only practical but stylish, and double Dutch braids offer the perfect combination for an active winter day. This hairstyle is great for school or weekend outings and suits medium length to long hair. It also works well for oval and round face shapes, as it draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and create a Dutch braid on each side. Secure the ends with clear elastics, and apply a lightweight styling cream, like Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray, to keep your braids smooth. This look can last for a couple of days if maintained with a light oil to keep frizz at bay.

Twisted Updo with Hair Accessories

A twisted updo can elevate any winter party look, especially when adorned with elegant hair accessories like pearls or rhinestones. This style works best for medium length or short hair, and the twists add a touch of sophistication. It’s perfect for a bridesmaid or even for a wedding guest. The twisted layers complement heart-shaped and oval faces, giving a polished yet intricate finish.

To create the twisted updo, gather small sections of hair and twist them, securing each one with bobby pins. Use a shine spray like Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray to add a radiant finish. For a long-lasting hold, finish with L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray.

Curly Bob with Bangs for Winter Workdays

A curly bob with bangs is the perfect blend of chic and playful, making it a go-to winter hairstyle for work or casual events. This hairstyle works well for short hair and suits those with naturally curly hair or those who want to add curls to their straight locks. It is flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and adds a youthful, fresh vibe to your look.

To achieve this style, use a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl’s Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam to define your curls and keep them in place. Blow-dry your bangs with a round brush to create a soft, face-framing effect. For upkeep, a moisturizing leave-in conditioner, such as Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner, will keep your curls bouncy and healthy.

Sleek Low Ponytail with a Twist

The sleek low ponytail is a timeless hairstyle, and for 2024, adding a twist to the base of the ponytail gives it a fresh upgrade. Ideal for long hair, this look is sleek enough for the office but stylish enough for a night out. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and the added twist gives it a unique and polished finish.

To style, apply a smoothing serum like Kerastase Discipline Keratine Thermique to your hair before pulling it into a low ponytail. Twist a small section of hair around the base to hide the hair tie and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a shine-enhancing spray to keep the look sleek all day.

Afro Puff with Hair Extensions

For black women looking to add some flair to their natural curls, the Afro puff with extensions is a fun, voluminous style that works great for casual or formal settings. This style is perfect for those with short hair or medium length hair and can be customized with colored extensions for a pop of brightness. It suits round and square face shapes and adds height to the crown for a bold, confident look.

To achieve this look, gather your natural hair into a high puff and attach curly hair extensions for added volume. Secure the puff with a satin scrunchie, and use an edge control gel like Eco Style Olive Oil Gel to lay down your edges for a polished finish. Refresh the curls with a curl-defining spray like Camille Rose Curl Maker.

Wavy Long Layers for Winter Beach Getaways

For those escaping the cold and heading to the beach, wavy long layers are the perfect low-maintenance style. This look is ideal for those with long hair who want a relaxed, beachy vibe that can transition from day to night effortlessly. The layers frame heart-shaped and round faces beautifully, and the loose waves bring out the best in natural highlights.

To style, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray on damp hair, then scrunch it to create waves. Let your hair air dry for a more relaxed look, or use a diffuser to add volume. Finish with a light hold spray to keep the waves in place all day.

Half-Up Half-Down Braids for School

For a more youthful, casual look, the half-up, half-down braids style is perfect for school or casual outings. This style works well for medium length hair and suits oval and round face shapes. It’s playful yet practical, keeping your hair out of your face while still showing off your natural texture.

To achieve this look, create two small braids from the front sections of your hair and pin them at the back, leaving the rest of your hair down. For added texture, use a texturizing spray like Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 to keep the braids looking fresh and voluminous.

In conclusion, winter hairstyles for 2024 and 2025 offer a variety of options to suit every hair type, length, and occasion. Whether you’re attending a formal occasion or looking for a casual yet stylish everyday look, there’s something here for everyone. Feel free to comment below and share your favorite winter hairstyles, or let us know if you have your own go-to style for the season!