Winter 2026 hair color trends lean toward glossy espresso brunettes, creamy bronde and softer copper, according to colorists and stylists.
The common thread is color that looks rich and polished without a lot of upkeep.
(via Shutterstock)
What Are the Biggest Winter 2026 Hair Color Trends?
Here are the shades colorists keep naming this season:
- Frosted Espresso: a deep brunette with a cool, reflective finish
- Cashmere brunette and teddy brown: warmer browns with golden, caramel and amber undertones
- Bronde: a creamy blend of brown and blonde
- Copper: a softer, rose-tinted red instead of bright orange
- Wintery wine: a deep wine red
- Icy beige: a cooler blonde that suits the season
Frosted Espresso Is the Brunette to Know
Frosted Espresso takes deep brunette and adds a cool, reflective finish.
L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador Min Kim says the shade layers a “reflective glaze” over rich brunette for a coffee-like shine in winter light.
Jenna Ortega has already been spotted wearing the shade.
A close cousin is espresso brunette, and Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber are cited as inspiration for the look.
This winter’s version isn’t flat or nearly black, either, as colorists are weaving in subtle mocha and cinnamon undertones that catch as much winter light as possible.
Also read about: These 5 Hair Color Trends Taking Over Fall 2026
Cashmere Brunette and Teddy Brown Add Warmth
If dark brown feels too heavy, warmer browns are having a moment, too.
Teddy brown and cashmere brunette are two of the warmer names showing up in winter color guides. Golden brown with caramel and amber undertones with a honey-and-cinnamon feel is slated to be one of the most requested colors of 2026.
One winter color guide notes that this season’s palette is heading into warmer, brighter territory instead of retreating into darkness.
Hailey Bieber’s glossy, warm brown is a good picture of this softer side of brunette.
Bronde Stays Creamy and Sunlit
Bronde, the blend of brown and blonde, is the wearable, low-fuss option for anyone who doesn’t want constant salon visits.
Buttery bronde and fawn blonde are the softer, warmer blonde-leaning options.
Sofia Richie Grainge has been making the case for an understated bronde, and celebrity colorist Jenna Perry has talked up creamy, subtly blended bronde after creating the sun-kissed color she gave Kaia Gerber.
Crème brûlée is another name to know, and one colorist guide describes it as toffee roots with golden lengths.
Gigi Hadid’s honey-blonde layers, blended with light brown, show how creamy and sunlit the look can be.
Copper Gets a Softer Winter Look
Copper is still around, but it’s getting a more sophisticated makeover.
Instead of bright orange, colorists are working with muted auburn, cinnamon brown and smoked paprika tones.
Think of copper as a soft, rose-tinted red, while Golden Copper is the bolder option for anyone who wants more punch.
One caution for cool-toned looks: very warm copper-red bases can pull orange as the color fades.
Lindsay Lohan’s soft, wavy copper is a good example of the warmer, muted version.
Wine and Icy Beige Offer Something Different
Wintery wine is a deep, wine-red shade for anyone who wants a richer pop of color.
At the other end, icy beige is a cooler blonde that suits the season.
Frosted hazelnut is a light brown with a soft frosted sheen.
McKenna Grace’s pale, cool blonde shows the icy beige end of the range.
How to Choose Your Winter Hair Color
Start with how much upkeep you want.
Espresso brunette and frosted hazelnut ask the least of you because they sit close to a natural brown, so your roots grow out gently.
You don’t need a dramatic overhaul to join in, either. A few strategically placed highlights or a fresh gloss can be enough to freshen up your color for the season.
Bring a photo to your colorist and ask for the tone and depth you like, since that’s what will make the shade look right on you.
How to Keep Your Winter Hair Color Looking Fresh
Cold air and indoor heat dry hair out, and dry hair scatters light instead of reflecting it, which can make color look flat.
That’s why Redken’s colorists call glossing and care essential in winter.
Start with the shower. Hot water opens the hair cuticle and lets color wash out faster, so turn the temperature down a little and finish with a cool rinse.
Protect your hair from heat, too. Heat styling makes hair more porous and speeds up fading, so use a heat protectant every time and give your hot tools a break when you can.
A salon gloss is the easiest refresh. It adds shine and can adjust a tone that has shifted, which helps with copper and cooler blondes in particular.
Add a hydrating mask to your weekly routine. Colorists say a well-moisturized cuticle helps color last longer.
Finally, pat your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.
Winter 2026 Hair Color FAQ
What are the biggest winter 2026 hair color trends?
Frosted Espresso, cashmere brunette and teddy brown, creamy bronde, softer copper, wintery wine and icy beige are the shades colorists keep naming this season.
What is Frosted Espresso hair?
It’s a deep brunette with a cool, reflective finish and subtle mocha and cinnamon undertones.
What is bronde?
Bronde is a blend of brown and blonde, and it’s the wearable, low-fuss option for anyone who doesn’t want constant salon visits.
What is the lowest-maintenance winter hair color?
Shades that sit close to a natural brown, like espresso brunette and frosted hazelnut, grow out gently. Bronde is another low-fuss pick.
Will copper hair turn orange?
On cool-toned looks, very warm copper-red bases can pull orange as the color fades.
How do I keep my hair color from fading in winter?
Turn down the water temperature, use a heat protectant, add a weekly hydrating mask and ask your colorist about a gloss.
Do I need a full color change to try a winter trend?
No. A few strategically placed highlights or a fresh gloss can be enough to freshen up your color for the season.
What should I bring to my colorist?
Bring a photo and ask for the tone and depth you like.
Also read about: Plum, Animal Print and Funnel Necks Define Winter 2026-2027 Style
Looking for a manicure to match your new color? Check out Cat Eye, Chocolate Suede and Deep Teal Lead Winter 2026 Nail Trends.
