Winter 2022 Hair Trends: The Season’s Must-Try Cuts, Colors, and Styles
Discover the ultimate guide to Winter 2022’s most coveted haircuts, colors, and styling trends, with inspiration for every texture and personality.

As the colder months approach, Winter 2022 brings with it a fresh array of hair trends—from transformative haircuts and dimensional hair colors to must-have styling tricks and glamorous accessories. Whether you’re in the mood for a full style overhaul or a subtle seasonal update, this comprehensive guide will inspire your next look. Below, we break down every major hair trend, with expert tips and celebrity inspiration for every hair type, length, and personality.
Table of Contents
- The Bob Is Back—In Every Form
- ’90s Layers and Effortless Shags
- Curtain Bangs, Box Bangs, and All Things Fringe
- Embracing Natural Texture
- Super Glossy, Healthy Hair
- Dimensional Color: Warm Browns, Rooty Blondes, and More
- Sleek Updos and Chignons
- Soft, Effortless Curls and Waves
- The Return of Luxe Accessories
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Bob Is Back—In Every Form
If one haircut dominates Winter 2022, it’s the bob. No longer limited to just one style, the bob has been reinvented for every mood and hair type.
- Mid-Length Bob: The “mid” or “lob” cut sits above the shoulders but grazes the chin, offering versatility and movement. It’s perfect for those who want a dramatic change without losing all their length.
- Blunt-Cut Bob: Featuring sharply cut, single-length ends, the blunt bob gives an instantly fuller, healthier appearance to fine or straight hair. Ask for a chin-length or jaw-grazing finish for a modern edge.
- Textured or Tousled Bob: Add beachy wave texture, subtle layering, or razored ends for an undone, effortless look perfect for natural waves and curls.
- Bobs With Side Parts: The side part is staging a major return—pairing beautifully with both straight-edge and curly bobs. Deep side or exaggerated parts add volume and drama, drawing from red carpet inspiration.
- Bobs With Center Parts: For a chic, Y2K-revival vibe, ask for a center part, especially if you’re a fan of polished, symmetrical looks.
Whatever your texture and styling preference, there’s a bob cut for you. Celebrity stylists recommend pairing your new bob with glossing treatments and mousse for shape that lasts through winter dryness.
’90s Layers and Effortless Shags
The vintage resurgence continues with ’90s layers and shag-inspired shapes taking center stage. These cuts are celebrated for their movement and ability to frame the face beautifully.
- Long Layered Hair: Add volume and interest to medium to long lengths with artfully placed layers. Longer, face-framing layers create a glam, bombshell blowout effect reminiscent of Claudia Schiffer’s golden era.
- Shag Cuts: The modern shag offers lived-in texture, piecey ends, and plenty of bounce. Great for wavy and curly hair types, shags can be worn with or without bangs for a personalized look.
- Sculptural Layering: For thicker hair, opt for sculpted layers cut to enhance your natural shape, giving fullness and movement even on the dullest winter days.
Don’t forget: The key to the new layered look is softness. Use texturizing sprays and light creams to define individual pieces for a cool, relaxed finish.
Curtain Bangs, Box Bangs, and All Things Fringe
Fringe lovers, rejoice—bangs are officially bigger than ever. This winter’s headlining styles include:
- Curtain Bangs: Soft, parted bangs that sweep outwards from the center are universally flattering. Curtain bangs add face-framing movement and can be worn with hair up or down.
- Box Bangs: Chunky, straight-across bangs with blunt ends (called box bangs) inject instant personality and edge into both long and short hair.
- Wispy Bangs: Offer a lighter take, with feathery ends and easy grow-out. Perfect for bang beginners or commitment-phobes.
Styling tip: Use a round brush and blow-dry spray to fluff and define your fringe. Curtain and box bangs also work well pulled out of face-framing ponytails or updos for that effortless, undone look.
Embracing Natural Texture
This season, it’s all about embracing your natural texture—be it coils, curls, waves, or straight.
- “Less-Is-More” Styling: Rather than fighting your natural pattern, enhance it. Use hydrating creams, lightweight mousses, and curl gels to define natural texture and combat winter dryness.
- Air-Dried and Undone: Let hair dry naturally, combining minimal heat with diffusers or light braiding to amplify texture with control.
Glossing treatments, deep conditioning, and protective styles (like twists or braids) are big for keeping natural hair healthy and shiny during the colder months.
Super Glossy, Healthy Hair
Across every runway and red carpet, shiny, healthy hair reigns supreme this winter. Think of it as the “no-makeup makeup” of hair: understated, expensive-looking, and impeccably glossy.
- High-Shine Finishes: Opt for glossing serums, shine sprays, and at-home gloss treatments to mimic that just-left-the-salon glow.
- Glass Hair: Flat-ironed and impossibly smooth, glass hair is for those who love the high-drama, high-gloss effect. Ensure hair is well-moisturized and protected from heat.
- Elevated Natural Color: Even more important than styling is the health of your hair. Deep treatments and repairing masks are musts as temperatures drop.
This trend is all about healthy, hydrated hair—so trim those ends, mask often, and go easy on mechanical tools!
Dimensional Color: Warm Browns, Rooty Blondes, and More
Winter 2022 colors take a turn towards rich, dimensional shades that feel effortless but sophisticated.
- Warm Brunettes: Chocolate and chestnut tones with subtle caramel highlights create a deep warmth that flatters in low winter light.
- Rooty Blondes: Maintain root depth for a natural finish with multidimensional blonde highlights. Cooler beige, mushroom blonde, and honey-comb shades are popular, with visible roots adding a lived-in edge.
- Glossy Jet Black and Espresso: For the bold, all-over jet black or rich espresso hues add an air of mystery and shine.
- Natural, Slightly “Undone” Color: Balayage and soft highlights are still in—but this year, they’re even more subtle, focusing on enhancing your natural undertones.
Pro tip: Ask your colorist for “color melts” or root smudging to stretch the time between touch-ups and keep your color low-maintenance.
Sleek Updos and Chignons
When it comes to updos this winter, sleek and polished styles are front and center—perfect for party season or cozy holiday gatherings.
- Low Chignons: Sculpted, tidy chignons and buns exude classic glamour. Use a smoothing serum or gel and finish with a shine spray for a modern polish.
- Center-Parted Buns: Split hair down the middle and pull into a tight, low bun for a sleek, face-framing look that works for both day and night.
- Ponytail Upgrades: Swap your basic pony for a high-gloss, bubble, or braided version—with added ribbons or clips for an elegant finish.
Don’t forget: A few wispy pieces left out around the face soften more severe updos and increase comfort and versatility.
Soft, Effortless Curls and Waves
Soft, touchable texture is the season’s most romantic hair trend. Effortless curls and almost-undone waves are as perfect for a daytime stroll as they are for a formal event.
- Wide-Magic Waves: Use a large-barrel curling iron or big rollers to create oversized waves with a gentle bend, avoiding tight ringlets.
- Airy Ringlets: For curly and coily textures, creams and hydrating gels help define natural curl patterns, while maintaining bounce and frizz control.
- Soft Volume: Add a touch of teasing at the roots or use volumizing mousse to ensure your waves look abundant—but naturally so.
The goal is always movement, not perfection, so skip crunchy hairspray in favor of soft creams and light sprays that allow hair to move freely.
The Return of Luxe Accessories
Accessories are back in a big way this winter—think statement headbands, velvet bows, jeweled pins, and chunky barrettes. Whether you want to add instant polish to second-day hair or elevate a simple style for evening, the right accessory can transform your look.
- Oversized Headbands & Scarves: Channel retro cool with padded, fabric headbands, or tie silk scarves in unexpected ways for seasonal charm.
- Embellished Clips & Hair Pins: Pearl, gold, rhinestone, or enamel hair pins add sparkle to loose waves or updos.
- Velvet and Satin Scrunchies: Not just for ponytails—twist them around buns or let them peek out from braids for a luxe, cozy upgrade.
Pro styling tip: Mix and match textures and finishes for a curated yet effortless look that stands out in any Zoom meeting or holiday event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the number one hair trend for Winter 2022?
A: While many styles are trending, blunt bobs with center or side parts and curtain bangs top the list for versatility and impact.
Q: Are bangs hard to maintain in winter?
A: Bangs need routine trims and can get oily due to hats and scarves. Dry shampoo and mini brushing help, and curtain bangs grow out easily for less commitment.
Q: How can I keep my hair healthy and shiny during cold months?
A: Use deep conditioning treatments weekly, minimize heat styling, opt for sulfate-free shampoos, and trim regularly to prevent split ends.
Q: What are the most flattering hair colors for winter?
A: Rich brunettes, dimensional balayage, rooty blondes, and shiny jet black are winter’s most popular colors due to their warmth and brilliance.
Q: Are scrunchies and barrettes still in style?
A: Absolutely. Chunky barrettes, velvet scrunchies, and bold headbands are the fastest way to update any look for Winter 2022.
Top Expert Tips for Your Next Salon Visit
- Bring reference photos for haircuts and color inspiration to help communicate your vision clearly to your stylist.
- Consider your lifestyle and maintenance preference before committing to bangs or bold color changes.
- Ask your stylist for product recommendations to maintain shine, color, and style integrity in winter’s harsh conditions.
Summary Table: Winter 2022’s Must-Try Hair Trends
Trend | Description | Best For |
---|---|---|
Blunt Bob | Single-length, sharp ends for fullness and polish | Straight & fine hair |
’90s Layers | Face-framing, voluminous layering | Medium to long lengths |
Curtain Bangs | Soft, parted fringe that flatters all faces | Any length/texture |
Natural Texture | Defined, hydrated natural waves and curls | All curl patterns |
Dimensional Color | Subtle highlights, rooty blondes, and glossy brunettes | All skin tones |
Luxe Accessories | Headbands, barrettes, scarves, and scrunchies | All hair types |
Ready to try a new trend? Whether it’s the classic bob, a modern shag, gleaming glass hair, or simply an accessory refresh, Winter 2022’s hair trends invite creativity and self-expression—one chic snip or gloss at a time.
References
- https://jasonchampagnemd.com/blog/2021-11-27-hair-trends-2022-these-will-be-the-most-popular-cuts-styles-and-colors
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/best-spring-2022-hair-trends
- https://www.purewow.com/beauty/hair-trends-for-winter-2022
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/these-will-be-the-most-popular-cuts-styles-and-colours-in-2022
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/g41410251/winter-hair-trends-2022/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/
- https://www.ipsy.com/blog/2022-hair-trends
- https://www.perfectlocks.com/blogs/all-tressed-up/the-most-gorgeous-spring-hair-colors-to-try-in-2022
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