As the first snowflakes begin to fall and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the cozy charm of winter. Along with warm sweaters and festive decorations, a change in hairstyle can perfectly complement the season. Braids, in their myriad forms, offer a versatile and stylish way to keep your hair looking fabulous throughout the winter months. From classic to contemporary, intricate to effortless, there’s a winter braid hairstyle for every occasion and personal style. This winter, let your hair be a reflection of the season’s beauty with these inspiring braid ideas.
Classic French Braid with a Festive Ribbon
The timeless French braid gets a winter upgrade with the addition of a festive ribbon. Choose a ribbon in rich jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, or sapphire blue to complement the season’s colors. Weave the ribbon into the braid, letting it peek out between the strands for a touch of holiday sparkle. This style works beautifully on medium to long hair and can be adapted for both casual and formal occasions. In the US, velvet ribbons are trending, while in the EU, silk ribbons with delicate embroidery are gaining popularity.
Dutch Braid Crown with Icy Blonde Highlights
Embrace the winter wonderland aesthetic with a Dutch braid crown adorned with icy blonde highlights. The Dutch braid, also known as the reverse French braid, creates a raised braid that sits atop the head like a crown. Incorporating icy blonde highlights, a popular trend in both the US and EU, adds dimension and a touch of frost to the look. This style is perfect for showcasing long, thick hair and is ideal for holiday parties or winter weddings.
Fishtail Braid with Snowflake Accessories
Channel the delicate beauty of snowflakes with a fishtail braid embellished with snowflake accessories. This intricate braid, characterized by its textured appearance, creates a romantic and whimsical look. Small, sparkling snowflake hairpins or clips, scattered throughout the braid, add a touch of winter magic. This style is particularly popular among younger generations in both the US and EU and is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to everyday winter outfits.
Side-Swept Waterfall Braid with Burgundy Lowlights
Add a touch of drama and warmth to your winter look with a side-swept waterfall braid accented with burgundy lowlights. This romantic braid allows strands of hair to cascade down, resembling a waterfall. Incorporating burgundy lowlights, a trending hair color in the EU and gaining popularity in the US, adds depth and richness to the braid. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and is suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Double Dutch Braids with Chunky Knit Headband
Embrace a cozy and playful vibe with double Dutch braids paired with a chunky knit headband. This youthful and sporty style is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while staying warm and stylish. Opt for a headband in a neutral color like cream, gray, or beige, or add a pop of color with a vibrant hue. This trend is popular among teenagers and young adults in both the US and EU.
Pull-Through Braid Ponytail with Metallic Thread
Elevate a simple ponytail with a pull-through braid and metallic thread. This trendy technique involves creating a series of loops and pulling sections of hair through them, creating a textured and voluminous braid. Weaving metallic thread, particularly silver or gold, through the braid adds a touch of glamour and shine. This style is versatile and can be adapted for both day and night looks. It’s a popular choice for holiday parties and special occasions in both the US and EU.
Halo Braid with Pearl Embellishments
Embrace angelic elegance with a halo braid adorned with pearl embellishments. This classic braid encircles the head, creating a romantic and ethereal look. Adding small pearl hairpins or clips throughout the braid adds a touch of sophistication and timeless beauty. This style is perfect for formal occasions like winter weddings or holiday galas and is a timeless classic appreciated in both the US and EU.
Rope Braid Bun with Velvet Scrunchie
Combine elegance and comfort with a rope braid bun secured with a luxurious velvet scrunchie. This chic and easy-to-achieve style involves twisting two sections of hair together to create a rope-like effect, then wrapping the braid into a bun. A velvet scrunchie in a rich jewel tone adds a touch of texture and sophistication. This style is perfect for everyday wear or more formal occasions and is a trending look in both the US and EU.
Five-Strand Braid with Face-Framing Layers
Showcase your braiding skills with a five-strand braid and face-framing layers. This intricate braid adds texture and dimension to your hair, while face-framing layers soften the look and accentuate your features. This style is particularly popular among those with long, thick hair and is a great way to showcase highlights or balayage. It’s a sophisticated yet trendy look seen in both the US and EU.
Ladder Braid with Glittery Hairspray
Add a touch of sparkle and magic to your winter hairstyle with a ladder braid and glittery hairspray. The ladder braid, with its unique interwoven design, creates a visually stunning effect. Spritzing the braid with glittery hairspray, particularly popular during the holiday season in both the US and EU, adds a festive and eye-catching shimmer. This style is perfect for holiday parties and special occasions.
Milkmaid Braids with Winter Floral Crown
Embrace a bohemian winter vibe with milkmaid braids adorned with a winter floral crown. This classic style involves two braids that are wrapped around the head, creating a romantic and whimsical look. Adding a crown made of winter flowers like holly, evergreen branches, or winter berries adds a touch of festive charm. This style is popular for holiday gatherings and winter festivals in both the US and EU.
Braided Half-Updo with Crystal Hair Comb
Combine the elegance of an updo with the beauty of braids with a braided half-updo adorned with a crystal hair comb. This versatile style involves braiding sections of hair from the front and securing them at the back of the head, leaving the rest of the hair flowing freely. A crystal hair comb adds a touch of sparkle and sophistication. This style is perfect for both casual and formal occasions and is a popular choice for winter weddings and holiday parties in both the US and EU.
