TOP 10 Winter Hairstyle Trends 2024 - Warm Up Your Winter Look

As the temperatures drop, many of us start to crave a change in our appearance to reflect the cozy vibes of the season. A new hairstyle is the perfect way to refresh your look for winter without a major transformation. This year, hairstylists and runways are forecasting a variety of charming styles that are sure to spice up your hair routine through the colder months. Whether you want to try something new yourself or get inspired for your next salon visit, keep reading to discover the top 10 hairstyle trends predicted to dominate winter 2024.

1. Priscilla Inspired Volume

The recently released biopic focusing on the life of Priscilla Presley has sparked a revival of her signature hairstyle - the bouffant. This puffy, rounded style defined the era of 1950s and 60s glamour and is making a comeback this season. Celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko predicts we'll be seeing many Presley-inspired takes on the bouffant moving into winter 2024. "Adding volume at the crown of the head was Priscilla's signature look and showed off her beauty," noted Polko. She recommends teasing the roots and applying copious hairspray to achieve Priscilla's bouffant form. Whether you slick back strands or leave hair softly curled, backcombing at the roots will bring heightened glamour worthy of Hollywood's golden age.

2. Rainbow Bright Clip-Ins

For a fast and fun way to incorporate color into your look, many experts forecast clip-in hair extensions in vivid hues taking off this season. Hairstylist Dhairius Thomas says bright clip-ins allow you to play with pops of color without permanence or damage to your natural hair. "Being able to change your color on a whim by simply clicking in extensions opens up endless possibilities," he noted. Thomas advises opting for contrasts when selecting clip-ins, like black paired with blonde, red and black, or reds juxtaposed with blonde strands. This makes the color stand out even more. Wear them full-time for an ombré effect, or partially hidden throughout locks for subtle highlights. Either way, colorful clip-ins let you showcase vibrant winter vibes without the long-term commitment.

3. Messy Updos Unbound

Taking a cue from the runways, a looser, sleepier take on buns is rising to the top of the trend charts. Where once a sleek, tight chignon reigned, this season sees the messy bun emerging as queen. Hair influencer Sofia Richie has popularized the slicked-back variation, but designers like 3.1 Phillip Lim are showing messy buns with undone elements built in. To recreate the effortless vibe, gather hair halfway up and secure it with an elastic, then tease the base for lift and volume. Pull out tendrils and pieces around the perimeter to loosen the shape. Finish by spraying for hold but keeping it a bit rumpled. This undone-done look adds relaxed refinement to any ensemble.

4. Hair Accessorizing

Bejeweled barrettes and decorated claws have had their moment, but two new clip styles are shining this season. French clips that lift hair upwards and backward create poise, according to Polko. Metallic snap clips lining the fringe bring attitude when fastening bangs away from the face. Both combine fashion and functionality whether you're attending holiday parties or winter get-togethers with friends. Polko recommends the French clip for its versatility - wear it alone or layered for a multidimensional effect. Snap clips corral baby hairs and provide polish. Use them as accent pieces rather than the sole hair accessory for a blended look. Together, these clips elevate any style with a touch of flair.

5. Bows and Ribbons Unraveled

Taking the balletcore trend mainstream, dainty hair ribbons and bows continue charming their way through winter 2024. Commonly spotted adorning the locks of celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber, ribbons can tie off braids, top ponytails, or wrap around buns and messy dos. Their feminine flair adds a sweet detail. Christian Siriano endorsed the ribbon trend down his Spring/Summer 2024 runway where models wore them woven into knots at the nape resembling corset lacing. Off-duty, tie one loosely or wear ribbons flowing freely for a romantic effect. Their versatility allows customizing to any seasonally-inspired ensemble. Ribbons go from barre to ballroom, exuding old Hollywood glamour with ease.

6. '90s Bombshell Waves

Channel your inner supermodel and dial up the glamour with styled '90s waves this season. Celebrity colorist Ashlee Norman predicts the defined curl look populating runways will turn up in salons nationwide as more embrace Old Hollywood vibes. Cindy Crawford epitomized the era with her signature tousled blowout effect. To recreate, section hair and use a round brush and curling iron or hot roller to set each piece with the bend. Spray with texturizing spray before scrunching out curls with your fingers. Finish by backcombing roots for lift and apply volumizing mousse from mid-lengths to ends. Let air dry or diffuse for fullness. High-gloss pomade tames flyaways and intensifies shine. Seductive curls exude vintage allure.

7. Rethinking Part Placement

Hairstylist Brittany Johnson says part placement trends are expanding options this season. While the classic middle part remains foundational, side parts are also in style. Switching up your usual part changes the flow and frame of your face in a refreshingly different way. Johnson recommends experimenting with combing hair over to one side to complement features when wearing styles down. The dramatic diagonal line also works well with updos like slicked buns or braided crowns. Zendaya shows how deep side parts flatter with curls and waves too. Consider playing around to see how altering your part impacts the look and vibe. Finding what flatters you expands possibilities for every haircut.

8. Embracing Day-Old Dirt

Leave fresh-faced styles behind and embrace your inner grunge this season. The Miu Miu show sent sticky, slept-in locks down the runway that celebrated imperfect textures. Think greasy bangs swept across the forehead, roots that could use a wash, and midsections with a sprinkling of product residue. Models sported the post-beach appearance sans sand and surf. Hair guru Jimmy Paul brought a headbanging element to Jason Wu too with partial wet waves that appeared in need of a towel dry. The trend trades prim perfection for lived-in, nonchalant dimensions. Lean into texture and sheen without fussing over flyaways or frizz control. Imperfection is the new polished when it comes to winter hair inspo drawing from grunge nostalgia. Let your locks do as they please for low-key charm.

9. Glossy Braids

Laura Polko predicts braids gaining traction, especially for winter weather when hair protection comes in fashionable form. A long, loose braid trailing down the back adds laidback polish to any outfit. Polko says braids camouflage greasy strands better than other styles too.

For freshened flair, add glitz with hair glosses that soak strands without residue or weight. Dip sections pre-braid application for an all-over reflective sheen lending shine. Pigtail braids prove ultra girlish nostalgia whether worn down or looped at the crown too according to Polko. Low-maintenance styles remain chic and seasonally-suited when a bit of luster is thrown in.

10. Shifting to Behind-the-Ear Styles

Hairstylist Amy Abramite brings focus to behind-the-ear styles this season as an easy update. Sweeping long or lobbed hair back behind the ears lifts it off the face for openness. The shift framing brings structure regardless of length worn down. Abramite cites how Laura Harrier’s bob pops with sudden personality behind the ears instead of forward-facing. Consider your usual styling and ways pulling hair back from your features could impact your look's vibe, a la fresh-faced allure or elegantly polished refinement. Subtle changes make a statement when flattering your face's feminine qualities.