As the winter chill sets in, it’s the perfect time for Black women to embrace bold and protective braided hairstyles that not only shield their hair from the harsh weather but also make a stunning fashion statement. This season, winter hair color trends are leaning towards rich, warm tones, icy cool hues, and playful accents that complement the festive atmosphere. From classic box braids to intricate cornrows and trendy knotless braids, the options are endless. Let’s explore some captivating design ideas to inspire your winter hair transformation.
Jet Black with Burgundy Highlights
This classic combination never goes out of style. Jet black braids provide a sleek and sophisticated base, while burgundy highlights add a touch of warmth and dimension. This look is perfect for those who want a subtle yet impactful color change. Consider incorporating different shades of burgundy, from deep wine to vibrant crimson, to create a multi-dimensional effect. Thicker highlights will make a bolder statement, while thinner highlights offer a more understated look. Popular braiding styles for this color combination include box braids, knotless braids, and feed-in cornrows. You can also experiment with different braid sizes and lengths to personalize the style.
Icy Blonde with Dark Roots
Embrace the winter wonderland with icy blonde braids that evoke the frosty beauty of the season. This high-contrast look features dark roots that gradually transition into a cool-toned blonde, creating a dramatic and edgy vibe. This style is particularly trendy in both the US and EU, seen on celebrities and influencers alike. Consider adding platinum or silver highlights for an extra touch of shimmer. This color combination works well with various braiding styles, including jumbo braids, Fulani braids, and goddess braids. To maintain the vibrancy of the blonde, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for bleached hair. Consider using purple toning products to counteract any brassiness.
Deep Chocolate Brown with Caramel Balayage
For a warm and inviting winter look, opt for deep chocolate brown braids with caramel balayage. This subtle yet stunning color combination adds depth and dimension to your hair, creating a sun-kissed effect even during the colder months. Balayage, a French hair coloring technique, involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair for a more natural and blended look. This technique allows for a seamless transition between the brown and caramel tones. The warmth of the caramel complements various skin tones and adds a touch of luxury to any braiding style. Try this color combination with Senegalese twists, Havana twists, or crochet braids for a textured and voluminous look.
Midnight Blue with Silver Accents
Dive into the depths of winter with midnight blue braids adorned with shimmering silver accents. This mystical and captivating color combination is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement. Midnight blue is a rich and luxurious color that evokes a sense of mystery and elegance. The silver accents add a touch of sparkle and dimension, creating a mesmerizing effect. Consider incorporating different shades of blue, from navy to indigo, to create a multi-tonal look. This color combination is particularly striking with box braids, goddess braids, and cornrows. To maintain the vibrancy of the blue and silver, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and avoid washing your hair too frequently.
Raven Black with Electric Purple Streaks
Elevate your winter look with raven black braids punctuated by vibrant electric purple streaks. This daring and edgy combination is perfect for those who want to express their individuality and embrace a playful style. The stark contrast between the deep black and the bright purple creates a visually stunning effect that is sure to turn heads. The purple streaks can be incorporated in various ways, from thin highlights to chunky sections, depending on your desired level of boldness. This color combination works well with various braiding styles, including faux locs, passion twists, and crochet braids. To maintain the vibrancy of the purple, use color-safe products and avoid excessive heat styling.
Auburn with Golden Highlights
Embrace the warmth of autumn even in winter with auburn braids enhanced by golden highlights. This rich and inviting color combination creates a radiant and glowing look that complements a variety of skin tones. Auburn is a reddish-brown color that evokes a sense of warmth and sophistication. The golden highlights add a touch of shimmer and dimension, creating a sun-kissed effect. Consider incorporating different shades of auburn and gold to create a multi-tonal look. This color combination works well with various braiding styles, including box braids, Senegalese twists, and Marley twists. To maintain the vibrancy of the auburn and gold, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners.
Honey Blonde with Dark Brown Lowlights
For a natural and sun-kissed look, opt for honey blonde braids with strategically placed dark brown lowlights. This color combination creates a subtle yet stunning dimension that adds depth and movement to your hair. Honey blonde is a warm and inviting color that flatters a variety of skin tones. The dark brown lowlights add depth and contrast, preventing the blonde from looking too washed out. This color combination is particularly flattering for those with warmer skin tones. Consider incorporating different shades of blonde and brown to create a multi-tonal look. This color combination works well with various braiding styles, including lemonade braids, fishtail braids, and bohemian braids. To maintain the vibrancy of the blonde and brown, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners.
Platinum Blonde with Black Underneath
Make a bold statement with platinum blonde braids that reveal a hidden layer of black underneath. This edgy and unexpected color combination creates a dramatic contrast that is sure to turn heads. The platinum blonde is a striking and attention-grabbing color that exudes confidence and style. The black underneath adds a touch of mystery and sophistication, creating a peek-a-boo effect that is both playful and alluring. This color combination works particularly well with braided styles that involve intricate parting and layering, such as feed-in cornrows, goddess braids, and stitch braids. To maintain the vibrancy of the platinum blonde, use purple toning shampoos and conditioners to counteract any brassiness.
Ash Brown with Silver Highlights
Embrace the cool tones of winter with ash brown braids accented by shimmering silver highlights. This sophisticated and trendy color combination creates a smoky and ethereal look that is perfect for the colder months. Ash brown is a cool-toned brown that has a grayish undertone. The silver highlights add a touch of sparkle and dimension, creating a frosty and luminous effect. This color combination is particularly flattering for those with cool skin tones. Consider incorporating different shades of gray and silver to create a multi-tonal look. This color combination works well with various braiding styles, including box braids, knotless braids, and crochet braids. To maintain the vibrancy of the ash brown and silver, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and avoid excessive heat styling.
Burgundy with Black Roots
This reversed ombre effect creates a dramatic and bold look. The deep burgundy gradually fades into black at the roots, adding depth and dimension. This style is perfect for those who want to embrace a vibrant color without committing to a full head of burgundy. Consider adding subtle copper highlights to further enhance the richness of the burgundy. Popular braiding styles for this color combination include box braids, Fulani braids, and lemonade braids. To maintain the vibrancy of the burgundy, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and consider using a color-depositing conditioner to refresh the color between salon visits.
Ombre from Black to Electric Blue
This dramatic ombre style transitions from jet black at the roots to a vibrant electric blue at the ends. The gradual color change creates a mesmerizing and eye-catching effect. This look is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement and embrace a futuristic vibe. Consider adding subtle silver or purple highlights to the blue ends for added dimension. Popular braiding styles for this color combination include box braids, Senegalese twists, and faux locs. To maintain the vibrancy of the blue, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and minimize heat styling.
Chunky Blonde Highlights on Dark Brown Braids
Create a striking contrast with chunky blonde highlights woven into dark brown braids. This bold and playful look adds a touch of sunshine to your winter style. The thick blonde highlights create a dramatic and eye-catching effect, while the dark brown base provides a grounding element. Consider varying the thickness of the blonde highlights for a more dynamic look. Popular braiding styles for this color combination include box braids, cornrows, and passion twists. To maintain the vibrancy of the blonde, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and consider using a purple toning shampoo to prevent brassiness.
