20 Cute Hairstyles for Winter 2027: Soft Braids, Buns & Waves

Winter softens everything: the light turns muted, the textures get cozier, and our hair ends up being the finishing detail that shows how we feel about the season. For 2027, the mood is soft elegance with a relaxed edge, looks that seem effortless even when a bit of care went into them. So where do you start when the cold months arrive? I’ve gathered the cutest winter hairstyles, from gentle braids and romantic twists to half-updos that suit cozy days, practical enough for scarves and hats and pretty enough to wear out. Let’s go through them one by one.

1. Boho Braids with Soft Waves

This bohemian-inspired half-braid feels young, relaxed, and beautifully suited to winter. Two small braids on either side frame the face and blend into long, beachy waves that add texture and lightness. It works just as well for cozy weekends as for festive gatherings.

I’ve always relied on Davines OI All-in-One Milk before heat styling. It protects the hair and adds a natural, hydrated sheen. If you want the waves to last all day, lightly wrap them around a large barrel curling iron, then brush them out for a soft, airy texture.

There’s a quiet confidence in this style. It isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling comfortable, feminine, and free-spirited, even when the world outside is covered in snow.

2. Soft Winter Updo with Natural Texture

This relaxed winter updo feels fresh, effortless, and perfectly seasonal. It’s softly gathered, with loose pieces framing the face for that “just stepped out into the snow” look. The natural texture gives it charm: a little undone, yet completely intentional. It pairs well with oversized scarves and long coats, which makes it ideal for chilly city days.

When I style something this soft, I work a dab of Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine Cream through the mid-lengths. It boosts shine without weighing the hair down and creates a lived-in finish without frizz.

This is the kind of updo that looks lovely with flushed cheeks and a wool scarf. It’s simple, warm, and quietly confident.

3. Low Romantic Bun by the Fireplace

There’s something calming and intimate about a low romantic bun, especially with the soft glow of a fireplace nearby. The style sits gracefully at the nape of the neck, with a few tendrils left loose to frame the face. It instantly makes you feel cozy, elegant, and put together, like wrapping yourself in your favorite cashmere sweater.

To create this look, I blow-dry my hair with a round brush to keep it soft and smooth, then twist it into a loose bun and secure it with discreet pins. For shine and control, Moroccanoil Treatment Light is my go-to. It adds a healthy gleam without making the style heavy. The secret is keeping the bun slightly undone so the soft, wispy layers can move naturally.

This hairstyle is perfect for evenings in, whether that’s a movie night, dinner with close friends, or curling up with a book. It feels personal and effortless yet polished enough to make you look like you spent more time on it than you did. In the golden winter light, it’s pure quiet luxury.

4. Textured Braided Updo with Winter Warmth

There’s something irresistibly feminine about this textured braided updo. It has structure, softness, and that perfect “I didn’t try too hard” vibe. The braids wrap gently around the crown while a few strands frame the face, adding movement and warmth. It’s just right for a crisp winter morning or an evening event.

To build the texture, I mist my roots with Kevin Murphy Bedroom.Hair Spray before styling. It gives lift and a touchable hold. Once the braids are in place, a few gentle tugs along the plaits create a fuller, soft-edged effect. I always pull a couple of front pieces loose to keep it romantic.

This hairstyle suits holiday parties and winter weddings, yet it’s easy enough for everyday glamour. It’s timeless, flattering, and pairs beautifully with knit turtlenecks or off-the-shoulder tops. Think snowflakes, candlelight, and effortless charm.

5. Soft Waterfall Braid with Loose Waves

This style balances romance and structure: a braided half-updo that melts into loose, glossy curls. The strands travel gently from temple to temple, forming a cascade that adds volume while keeping everything neat. I love how the braid turns into soft, wavy lengths that catch the light with every turn.

To keep the waves shiny and smooth, I reach for Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother. It tames frizz and leaves a satin finish, even when the winter air is dry. A light mist of Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray gives the braid some structure without making it stiff.

This look reminds me of slow weekend brunches or quiet evenings at home. It feels romantic, yet it’s easy to wear every day. As hairstylist Kristin Ess likes to say, “Perfect hair is the one that still moves.”

6. Soft Hollywood Waves with Pearl Accent

Old Hollywood glamour never really fades, and these glossy S-shaped waves prove it. The volume starts high on the crown and flows into smooth, sculpted curls that shimmer in the light. The pearl hair clip adds a delicate winter touch, like a snowflake catching the glow of evening lights.

Stylist Jen Atkin often says the secret to sleek waves is in the prep, and I agree completely. I start with Ouai Heat Protection Spray before curling, then brush everything out with a boar bristle brush for a silky flow. A finishing mist of L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray keeps the waves soft but secure.

This look makes me think of candlelit dinners, velvet dresses, and soft winter music. It’s timeless, romantic, and a little cinematic.

7. Polished Low Ponytail with Volume

When simplicity meets elegance, you get this polished low ponytail. It’s smooth, voluminous, and incredibly easy to wear, perfect for the minimalist look that dominates winter 2027. The wrapped base detail instantly lifts the style, turning something classic into something quietly sophisticated.

I prep my hair with Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Spray, which helps control static, a major winter issue, and adds weightless shine. After blow-drying with a large round brush, I gather the hair low, wrap a small section around the elastic, and secure it discreetly underneath. A touch of Color Wow Pop + Lock Serum adds a sleek finish.

This ponytail works for almost any occasion. It moves easily from the office to the evening and always looks chic. Paired with bold lipstick or simple nude tones, it highlights your natural features and makes you feel confident, clean, and modern. It’s a reminder that sometimes less really is more.

8. Braided Chignon with Golden Dimension

To end the collection on a luxurious note, this braided chignon is pure winter romance. It makes you feel polished yet approachable, a mix of elegance and ease that’s trending this season. Thick, dimensional braids are pinned into a soft bun, creating an intricate texture that glows under any light.

For this look, I always use Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil before braiding. It adds gloss and hydration and helps prevent the dullness that winter dryness brings. Then I gently pin the braids into a loose bun and pull out a few soft strands to frame the face. The result balances control and spontaneity: polished but never rigid.

It’s perfect for winter soirées, date nights, or any time you want to feel like the main character in your own cozy movie. The chignon’s glow and movement make it one of those hairstyles that feels quietly luxurious, like silk against your skin: simple, golden, and timeless.

9. Romantic Crown Braid for Winter Evenings

Few hairstyles feel as effortlessly regal as a crown braid. This one sits softly around the head, with tendrils falling gently to frame the face. It’s delicate yet confident, a perfect pick for winter gatherings or an evening out. The intricate weave and texture catch the light and add a subtle glow to the whole look.

To keep the braid smooth and defined, I use Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Cream. It keeps frizz away and brings out natural shine. The key is balance: not too tight, not too loose.

This style feels both nostalgic and modern. It’s soft, romantic, and endlessly flattering, exactly what winter hair dreams are made of.

10. Chunky Side Braid with Frosted Elegance

A side Dutch braid combines function and fantasy, which is why it suits the colder months so well. It frames the face beautifully and keeps the hair protected from the wind while still looking refined. I love how the wide plaits add texture and dimension, creating a frosted, fairy-tale feel.

For grip and control, I use Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo before braiding. It adds texture and keeps the braid from slipping apart. Finish with a light serum for shine.

This is the kind of hairstyle that feels like a walk through a snowy park: simple, serene, and a little bit magical.

11. Romantic Fishtail Braid for Cozy Days

There’s something about a fishtail braid in winter that just feels right: a bit rustic, a bit fairytale. This version is gently pulled apart for volume and pairs nicely with chunky scarves and turtlenecks. It’s casual but not careless, with just enough detail to catch the eye.

To keep it intact all day, I work Ouai Matte Pomade through my fingertips while braiding. It adds texture and helps the strands stay woven together. A quick spritz of flexible hairspray sets the shape without stiffness.

This hairstyle feels like a winter morning: soft light, cool air, and a cozy sweater. It’s simple, graceful, and timeless.

12. Classic Milkmaid Braid with a Modern Twist

The milkmaid braid has a charm that never fades. It’s neat, timeless, and surprisingly wearable even in 2027. This version wraps around the crown with perfect symmetry, while loose tendrils near the temples keep it soft. It’s a good fit for cozy winter dinners or a festive gathering, elegant without looking overdone.

I usually prep my hair with Kerastase L’Incroyable Blowdry Lotion. It smooths the strands so the braid looks glossy and clean. The style lasts all day without touch-ups, even under a wool hat.

If you’ve been wanting a hairstyle that instantly makes you feel polished, this is it. It’s structured, soft, and quietly sophisticated, like a cup of warm cocoa on a frosty morning.

13. Elegant Low Bun with Statement Makeup

A sleek low bun has a certain power. It’s timeless, sculptural, and works in any season. The hair is parted cleanly down the middle and drawn back into a smooth bun that shows off every facial feature. It’s sophistication at its finest, especially with bold winter makeup like deep berry lips.

For that glassy finish, I use Color Wow Pop + Lock Frizz Control Serum. It adds shine without weighing the hair down. Then I mist a light Sebastian Shaper Spray for hold that still allows natural movement.

This is my “I mean business” hairstyle. It’s ideal for events, dinners, or any moment when you want to look put together in five minutes flat. It’s sleek, bold, and unapologetically confident.

14. Half-Up Braid with Soft Curls

This half-up braided hairstyle balances structure and romance perfectly. It combines the soft flow of curls with the detail of a delicate braid that gently pulls the hair away from the face. It suits a cozy family gathering or a festive night out, sophisticated but still natural and approachable.

I start by curling the hair with a GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron, then brush through gently to loosen the waves. The braid works best when kept loose, because the goal is not perfection but an effortless, dreamy texture. A pearl or crystal pin adds just enough sparkle to make the look festive without tipping into “too much.”

The best part? This style wears beautifully all day. It’s low-maintenance, holds its shape, and frames the face softly. It’s one of my favorite ways to feel feminine and put together in winter, especially with a flowy blouse or a cashmere dress.

15. Side Braid with a Polished Finish

This side Dutch braid works well when you want your hair out of the way without giving up on style. It sits close to the scalp and gathers all the length to one side, creating a sculpted, dimensional shape that is both practical and pretty. The rest of the hair falls sleek and smooth, showing off the subtle winter highlights.

For shine and hold, I use Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray before styling. It smooths the cuticle so the braid gleams. A little serum on the ends keeps everything looking healthy rather than heavy.

I’ve worn this to coffee meetings and date nights alike. It feels playful but still put together, like the beauty version of a cashmere sweater.

16. Half-Up Twist with Golden Highlights

A half-up twist is one of those classic winter hairstyles that never goes out of style. The subtle twist at the crown adds lift, and the soft, warm blonde tones reflect the light like melted caramel. It’s simple yet luxurious, equally good for brunch or a snowy stroll.

Colorist Tracey Cunningham often talks about keeping depth through the winter months, and I couldn’t agree more. Subtle golden highlights make your complexion glow even when the sun is hiding. I refresh mine with Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo to keep brassiness away.

This look is minimal but full of life. It pairs beautifully with chunky knits and soft scarves, the perfect mix of cozy and chic.

17. Textured Twisted Half-Up Braid

This half-up braided style strikes a lovely balance between structure and softness. The twists and mini braids add subtle movement while the rest of the hair falls freely. It’s ideal for casual days when you still want a touch of charm, especially in winter, when cozy textures take over everything.

I like to prep this look with Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil for hydration and shine. A little goes a long way, especially in winter when indoor heating can dry out hair quickly.

It’s soft, feminine, and full of detail. It looks even better with a cozy sweater and candlelight around you.

18. Modern Braided Crown with Soft Tendrils

The braided crown updo is still a favorite for winter 2027. It feels chic, a little whimsical, and surprisingly easy to wear. The braid wraps softly across the front and leaves a few face-framing strands loose, which strikes a nice balance between structured and undone. It looks both vintage-inspired and ready for the street.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton once said that texture is what makes braids feel modern, and I agree. I prep my hair with a volumizing product like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray before braiding, which gives the strands grip and fullness.

This is one of those hairstyles that changes how you carry yourself. You stand a little taller, feel a little softer, and walk around with a quiet confidence wherever you go.

19. Low Twisted Ponytail with Soft Volume

A low ponytail twist is one of my favorite understated winter styles. It has texture and simplicity in a way that always looks deliberate. The hair is twisted gently at the nape and secured with a hidden section, giving that clean, knotted finish. The slightly teased crown adds a subtle lift that works well under hats or scarves.

To keep the twist tidy, I smooth the roots with Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Cream before styling. It keeps static away and makes the strands much easier to handle.

Honestly, I love how effortless this feels, as if you didn’t try too hard and everything simply fell into place. It’s polished and modern, and it goes with everything from cozy knits to silk blouses.

20. Effortless Messy Bun with Framing Strands

This textured messy bun is modern ease at its best. Loose waves are swept into a soft bun at the crown, and delicate face-framing strands give it a romantic feel. It looks even better as the day goes on, perfectly imperfect and very on trend for winter 2027.

For extra hold without stiffness, I rely on Oribe Superfine Hair Spray. It locks everything in place while keeping that touchable softness. A bit of Ouai Wave Spray before styling adds volume and a light grit, which helps create that relaxed movement.

Honestly, this is my go-to on mornings when I’m running late but still want to look like I tried. It’s cozy-girl chic: think hot chocolate, big sweaters, and rosy cheeks from the cold.