top of page
Search

Hair Colors for Winter Seasons

  • Dec 30, 2024
  • 5 min read

Winter seasons in color analysis are characterised by their cool, deep, and striking qualities. Natural hair colors for Winters can range from dark browns and blacks to ash tones, creating a sharp contrast with their skin and eyes. These natural tones are often complemented by adding depth, coolness, or vibrancy when choosing hair dyes.


This article will explore the best hair colors for True Winter, Deep Winter, and Bright Winter, along with product recommendations and tips for maintaining your look.


More inspiration on the Best Hair Colors for Winters on Pinterest.


Natural Hair Colors of Winter Seasons

Winters are known for their dark hair and brighter skin and eyes, which create the quintessential "Winter" high-contrast look. The natural hair colors of all Winter subseasons is typically dark, from cool espresso browns to jet-black. It's uncommon for Winters to have natural hair that is lighter than a level 5-6.


Although all Winter seasons typically have cool-toned and dark hair, there are some subtle variations that can exist between the different subtypes.


  1. True Winter: The natural hair color of True Winters typically ranges from dark ashy brown (levels 4-5) to soft black or blackish brown (levels 2-3). It is a little softer than that of Bright Winters and Deep Winters but still has much more intensity and contrast when compared to Summer seasons for example.


  2. Deep Winter: Deep Winters have the darkest natural hair colors of all the Winter types. Their hair typically ranges from pure black to very dark brown, often with cool or neutral undertones.


  3. Bright Winter: Bright Winters typically also have very dark hair naturally, ranging from jet black with various undertones to a rich espresso brown. While their hair may still carry cool undertones, it is often slightly more vibrant or shiny, reflecting their bright and clear overall palette.



Dying Your Hair As A Winter

The general rule in hair dying is to stay around 1-2 levels of your base level (learn more about hair color levels). So, for example, if you're a natural level 3, then you could dye your hair a level 1 true black or lighten your hair up to a level 5 medium brown. Going any lighter or darker would damage your hair more, need more maintenance and might look off with the rest of your features.


Your hair color level is determined on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the darkest of blacks and 10 being a pale Scandinavian blonde. If you're unsure about your level, ask your hairstylist.


In general, hair colors for Winters should be deep, rich, vivid, intense, saturated and cool-toned, think of the darkest cool browns, espresso browns, soft blacks, blue blacks and jet blacks. Stay away from tones that are too warm, golden, yellow, or red, as well as tones that are too light or muted.


Find the best shades of blonde (yes, there are some types of blonde that can suit Winters!) and brunette and scroll down to learn more about the best shades for True Winters, Deep Winters and Bright Winters.


True Winter Hair Colors

True Winters should stick to colors that are close to their natural tone. Their best hair colors are ones that emphasize their cool tones and high contrast. Look for shades with blue, violet, or ashy undertones to maintain harmony with your cool palette.


  • Soft Black (Level 1-2): A softer black, with hints of espresso undertones.

  • Cool Dark Brown (Level 3-4): A cool, icy dark brown.

  • Dark Ash Brown (Level 4-5): A medium-to-dark brown with cool, smoky undertones.

  • Highlights: Ashy highlights can work, as long as the base is kept dark. Some contrast actually works well for Winters.


Hair Color Products for True Winter

Avoid

Avoid any hair color that is too warm and light. For example, shades like golden browns, chestnuts, or any hair dye with red or orange undertones, as these can clash with True Winter’s cool complexion. Blonde is also not the best color for True Winters since it can make you lose that much-needed contrast.


Tips: Stick to darker and cooler tones and look for keywords like "cool", "ash", and "iced".





Deep Winter Hair Colors

Deep Winter thrives with dark, dramatic shades that enhance the natural depth and intensity of their features. Since Deep Winter is a neutral season bordering Autumn, then you can also go for colors with a subtle chocolate-y or mahogany undertone. Just make sure the color is dark and not too warm.


  • Black (Level 1): A deep, pure black with cool or neutral tones.

  • Espresso (Level 2-3): A rich, almost-black brown.

  • Deep Brown (Level 3-4): A dark brown with cool to neutral undertones.

  • Dark Chocolate (Level 3-4): A rich dark chocolate brown with neutral undertones.


Hair Color Products for Deep Winter


Avoid

Avoid colors that are too light or warm, such as honey blonde, golden blonde, or strawberry blonde, which can wash out the richness of Deep Winter’s natural palette.





Bright Winter Hair Colors

Bright Winters should stick to hair colors that are clear, bright and vibrant with some depth. Vibrant and cool shades are ideal.


  • Vibrant Black (Level 1): A pure black with extra shine.

  • Rich Espresso Brown (Level 2-3): A neutral-cool medium brown.

  • Cool Platinum Highlights or Ombre (Level 9-10): Bright, icy blonde highlights to add dimension and contrast.

  • Cool Platinum Blonde (Level 10): As a Bright Winter, you can pull off true platinum.


Hair Color Products for Bright Winter


Avoid

Muted or overly dark shades like charcoal, or overly warm tones like honey blonde or reddish browns, as these can dull the brightness of a Bright Winter’s appearance.




Tips for Dyeing Your Hair As A Winter

  1. Stay Close to Your Base Level: Winter types should generally stick within 1-2 levels of their natural hair color for the most flattering results.

  2. Focus on Cool Undertones: Always choose dyes labeled as ash, cool, icy or neutral to maintain harmony with your cool Winter palette.

  3. Maintenance: Use purple shampoos and conditioners to neutralize any unwanted warmth or brassiness, especially if you have highlights or lighter shades.

  4. Balayage and Highlights: Winters can incorporate subtle, cool-toned balayage or highlights to add dimension without losing their signature cool contrast.

    • True Winter: Consider icy silver highlights.

    • Deep Winter: Opt for cool espresso or black lowlights.

    • Bright Winter: Add frosty platinum or icy blonde accents for a pop of brightness.



Hair Care Products for Winters

  • Purple Shampoos: Fanola No Yellow, Redken Color Extend Blondage.

  • Color-Safe Conditioners: Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, Pureology Hydrate Conditioner.

  • Hair Masks: Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask.

  • Heat Protectants: Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray.



Choosing the right hair color as a Winter season enhances your natural beauty and brings out the striking contrast that defines you. Whether you’re looking to go darker, add icy highlights, or simply refresh your natural tone, remember to stay cool, deep, and vibrant!


bottom of page