When the air turns crisp and sweaters replace sundresses, I always feel that tug to reinvent myself—just a little. Maybe it’s the quiet magic of winter, or maybe it’s that reflection in the mirror that suddenly feels ready for a glow-up. So, what’s new for brunettes this season? Are we leaning into warmth, depth, or shimmer? Honestly, a bit of everything. Winter 2025–2026 is rewriting brunette hair color rules: it’s all about dimension, rich undertones, and that subtle elegance that looks like effort—without actually being high-maintenance.
This season’s brunette palette whispers of cozy cafés, late-night city walks, and candlelit confidence. From cinnamon lights to plum-tinted waves, we’re stepping into hues that make the cold feel downright glamorous. Below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite winter hair color trends for brunettes—each one an invitation to change, soften, or simply shine differently.
Deep Plum Brunette
Soft yet dramatic, this shade combines the elegance of deep brown with the mystery of plum wine. It’s one of those colors that looks rich under low winter light—sophisticated, moody, and endlessly flattering. The color melts from espresso roots into dark burgundy ribbons that catch the light just enough to hint at something bold beneath.
To keep the plum brunette vibrancy alive through winter, I recommend using a color-protecting mask twice a week—Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics is a favorite of mine. It helps seal the cuticle and prevent the fading that tends to happen with darker red tones.
I’ve always thought there’s something effortlessly powerful about this shade—it’s subtle until it isn’t. Celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham once said that deep berry tones “add just enough intrigue to brunette hair without feeling costume-y.” I couldn’t agree more.
Chestnut Balayage
This look is a love letter to the natural brunette who still wants a little glow. Think soft, toffee-brown highlights brushed gently through dark roots, creating movement and warmth without losing that cool-girl polish. It’s dimensional but still grounded—like autumn leaves caught in golden-hour light.
What I adore about chestnut balayage is its low-maintenance vibe. You can easily stretch salon visits because it grows out so naturally. For home care, a sulfate-free shampoo like Pureology Hydrate keeps those caramel streaks glossy through the cold months.
Honestly, this shade feels like confidence in motion—soft, but sure of itself. It flatters almost every skin tone and adds just enough radiance to combat dull winter light.
Berry-to-Auburn Melt
Here’s where artistry meets rebellion. This gradient of deep berry into coppery auburn feels fresh, daring, and unapologetically modern. The way the warmer ends play against the cooler crown gives a cinematic edge, like a scene lit by sunset through frosted glass.
To keep this multi-tone brunette looking intentional and not brassy, colorist Gregory Patterson suggests using a blue-pigment conditioner weekly. It tones down orange warmth while preserving that luxe berry hue.
I’ve always seen this shade as the perfect middle ground for anyone flirting with red but not ready to fully commit. It’s rich, mysterious, and still totally wearable for everyday life.
Classic Espresso Bob
Minimalist, confident, and polished—the espresso bob is pure winter chic. It’s that effortlessly sleek cut that frames your jawline just right, with a color as deep as midnight coffee. No gimmicks, just shine and structure.
To keep the espresso tone glossy, I rely on Moroccanoil Treatment Light—it gives that mirror-like finish without heaviness. Shorter cuts can lose moisture quickly in winter, so a weekly deep-conditioning treatment is essential.
There’s something quietly powerful about a short, dark cut like this—it doesn’t scream for attention; it commands it. I love pairing this look with gold jewelry and a soft knit—it feels both modern and timeless.
Bronze-Ribbon Waves
If you crave drama but still want softness, this one’s for you. Dark chocolate hair threaded with bronze ribbons creates an elegant contrast that feels sunlit even in the coldest months. It’s warm, dimensional, and looks incredible styled in loose, face-framing waves.
To keep those bronze highlights gleaming, I recommend a gloss treatment every 6–8 weeks. According to celebrity stylist Anh Co Tran, “Bronze tones can look incredibly natural on brunettes when balanced with a neutral base—it’s all about placement.”
Honestly, this shade gives me main-character energy. It’s glamorous but wearable, playful but polished. Exactly what winter hair should feel like.
Rosewood Ombre
This shade feels like winter’s softer side—a deep brunette base melting into muted rosewood ends. It’s romantic, a little nostalgic, and totally wearable for anyone craving something playful yet grown-up. The pink undertones warm up even the coldest days and look stunning with cozy knits or tailored coats.
Keeping a rose ombre fresh takes love and a bit of care. I usually go for a gentle color-safe shampoo like Pureology’s Strength Cure Blonde—it keeps that delicate blush tone from turning brassy. A weekly pink-depositing mask can also help you skip unnecessary salon touch-ups.
There’s something so quietly bold about this color. It’s not bubblegum pink—it’s the color of confidence wrapped in softness. As stylist Guy Tang once said, “Pink on brunettes is the new neutral,” and honestly, he’s right.
Midnight Teal Ends
If you’ve ever wanted to flirt with fantasy colors without going full mermaid, midnight teal is your answer. The cool blue undertones peek through dark strands like a secret, giving your hair a touch of mystery that feels ultra-modern. It’s edgy but somehow still office-appropriate—a total win.
Blue pigments fade faster than most, so I swear by Overtone’s Blue Deep Conditioner. It’s easy to use at home and keeps the color vibrant between salon visits. I also love how teal shades enhance brown eyes—it’s a small detail, but it truly changes how light hits your face.
This color gives me quiet rebel energy—like you’re not trying too hard, but you’re absolutely unforgettable.
Mocha Dimension
There’s something timeless about this one—smooth, glossy mocha hair with soft ribbons of caramel and espresso woven throughout. It’s not flashy, just effortlessly elegant, and perfect for anyone who wants to refresh their brunette without a drastic change.
A colorist once told me that multi-tone mocha brunettes age beautifully because they mimic how natural light hits hair. For maintenance, I suggest alternating between a moisture mask and a glossing treatment—try the Davines MINU Hair Mask for instant shine.
This tone always makes me think of luxury—quiet, refined, and endlessly chic. It’s the kind of color you’ll still love six months later.
Emerald Face Frame
Unexpected yet so cool—the emerald streaks framing the face bring life to dark hair instantly. It’s youthful but not loud, playful yet elegant. The green tones pop especially well on cool winter days, catching light and contrast beautifully against brunette depth.
Colorists like Chris Appleton have been saying it for months: vivid streaks are back, and it’s all about placement. Keep your base rich and the highlights concentrated near the face—it draws attention to your features and adds instant personality.
For upkeep, I love using Kérastase Chroma Absolu Serum—it locks in pigment and shine without weighing hair down.
Smoky Silver Brunette
Think elegance meets edge. This smoky silver brunette blends soft charcoal tones with a muted brown base, creating that cool metallic sheen that feels straight out of a winter editorial. It’s mysterious, sophisticated, and completely mesmerizing in natural light.
Silver hues need love—use a purple shampoo once a week to maintain that crisp tone. I always reach for Fanola No Yellow—it works wonders on cool brunettes.
To me, this color is the perfect mix of fantasy and sophistication. It’s that “I just walked out of a winter dream” look, but make it real life.
Lavender Veil Highlights
If winter had a signature fantasy shade, it would be this one—soft lavender ribbons whispering through dark brunette layers. It’s equal parts cool and dreamy, adding an ethereal twist to an otherwise classic base. The subtle purple glow creates movement without overpowering the natural color, perfect for anyone craving a little whimsy.
Maintaining this lavender balayage means committing to a purple toning conditioner once a week—I love the one by Amika, which keeps the pastel pigment from fading too soon. The trick is to wash hair in cooler water to preserve that gentle, icy hue.
This color feels like self-expression at its most delicate—it’s playful, but still wearable. As hairstylist Kristin Ess once said, “Lavender is the new beige—it makes everything look expensive.”
Frosted Money Pieces
When you want to brighten your look without going full blonde, frosted money pieces are the secret. The soft, frosty blonde highlights framing the face instantly lift and illuminate brunette hair, almost like holding a candlelight glow around your features. It’s modern, clean, and effortlessly chic.
For upkeep, use Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo to keep the light tones crisp and balanced. The best part? This color grows out beautifully and transitions seamlessly into spring trends.
Personally, I love this look for winter—it’s bright without being harsh, polished yet approachable. It’s proof that sometimes, less really is more.
Cinnamon Merlot
This hue is pure warmth—rich, velvety tones of red wine blended with soft cinnamon undertones. It’s one of those brunette shades that catch the light in ways that feel both cozy and luxurious. It brings out the blush in your cheeks and flatters all skin tones.
Colorist Tracey Cunningham often says that rich reds are timeless because “they enhance the skin and make hair look thicker instantly.” I’ve found this especially true with cinnamon merlot—it’s bold but never brash, the kind of shade that feels like confidence in motion.
It’s the perfect choice for those ready to ditch dullness and embrace warmth this winter.
Classic Brunette Bob
This is the definition of understated perfection. The classic brunette bob brings focus back to healthy shine and shape. Slightly tousled waves add that effortless “I woke up like this” energy while the chocolate-brown tone gives it polish and depth.
Maintenance here is blissfully simple: a glossing treatment every few weeks and a smoothing serum like Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil. It’s an ideal winter cut if you’re craving minimalism without losing impact.
Sometimes the chicest thing you can do is go back to basics—just with better hair.
Toffee-Rose Balayage
This one’s pure artistry—a soft swirl of toffee, rose gold, and mocha tones blending into a warm, multidimensional brunette base. It’s flirty, elegant, and glows under every kind of light, from morning coffee runs to candlelit dinners.
To keep rose and toffee hues shining, use a gentle gloss enhancer like dpHUE Gloss+ in Light Brown—it refreshes tone without salon visits.
This color feels like a warm hug for your hair. It’s vibrant yet sophisticated, and honestly, the perfect way to step into the new year with a little extra glow.
Burnt Copper Glow
There’s something wildly mesmerizing about this shade—it’s like capturing the last light of a winter sunset. The burnt copper ombre brings warmth and energy to darker hair, glowing softly against cold city air. It’s fiery, but in a refined, wearable way that flatters medium and olive skin tones beautifully.
This shade benefits from a shine serum to enhance its gleam—try Color Wow Dream Coat for that mirror-finish effect. A quick pass with a curling wand keeps the movement alive, adding that touch of cinematic warmth every time it catches the light.
Every time I see this tone, I think: this is confidence bottled as color. Bold, cozy, and impossible to forget.
Chocolate Bronze Lights
For those who want to flirt with luminosity without leaving brunette territory, chocolate bronze lights are a dream. The color dances between deep cocoa and subtle bronze ribbons, bringing a natural radiance that feels luxurious but not showy. It’s perfect for soft waves or sleek blowouts alike.
I swear by gloss treatments to maintain this tone—John Frieda’s Brilliant Brunette Luminous Glaze works wonders for keeping the shimmer alive between salon visits.
It’s the kind of understated beauty that says “I care,” without ever trying too hard. Honestly, this might be my favorite trend of the season—it looks like velvet feels.
Rosy Brunette Melt
This rosy brunette melt is where sweetness meets sophistication. The deep mocha roots transition effortlessly into soft rosewood mid-lengths, giving a flushed, candlelight warmth that feels both modern and timeless. It’s gentle, romantic, and just the right amount of different.
To maintain that tender pinkish glow, I recommend Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Copper—it subtly refreshes tone while keeping the texture silky.
This shade makes me think of café mornings and cashmere scarves. It’s soft power—the kind that doesn’t shout, but lingers.
Ash Smoke Layers
A fearless choice for winter, the ash smoke brunette combines steel-gray highlights with soft layers that add texture and cool dimension. It’s edgy, editorial, and carries that effortless “downtown confidence” vibe. Perfect for someone who loves contrast and character.
I’ve noticed silver tones thrive with proper toning care—use Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière to maintain brightness and prevent dullness.
There’s something cinematic about this shade—it feels like the soundtrack to a snowy evening walk through the city, leather jacket on, everything a little mysterious.
Amber Latte Balayage
Warm and refined, this amber latte balayage feels like the lovechild of caramel and copper. The light flows from espresso roots to golden-amber ends in soft, natural gradients, catching every bit of light beautifully. It’s that kind of “lit from within” brunette everyone wants in winter.
Glossing sprays are your best friend here—try Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray for that polished salon sheen. The best part? It flatters every skin tone and transitions effortlessly into spring.
It’s a look that whispers warmth and sophistication at once—like a latte on a cold morning: comforting, smooth, and a little indulgent.
Rosewood Velvet Waves
This shade feels like romance woven into every strand. The rosewood velvet brunette combines deep espresso roots with dreamy shades of dusty rose and plum through the mid-lengths. It’s soft yet commanding—a winter evening mood bottled into hair color.
For care, I always lean on color-safe hydration. The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate system is a favorite of mine—it keeps these multi-tonal hues shiny and resilient through the cold months.
There’s something magnetic about this tone. It feels both gentle and powerful, like quiet confidence under soft light. It’s one of those colors that turns heads without even trying.
Smoky Caramel Fade
The smoky caramel fade is the perfect balance between cool and warm. The roots stay dark and moody, while the ends melt into soft beige-caramel waves that shimmer subtly against winter’s gray skies. It’s a look that says effortless sophistication.
A gloss treatment every few weeks keeps the transition tones buttery smooth. I’m partial to the dpHUE Gloss+ in Medium Brown—it refreshes color without stripping moisture.
This hue feels like the winter version of sunlight—it doesn’t shout, but it glows quietly, like a secret warmth you carry with you.
Berry Noir Ends
The berry noir brunette is a bold statement—deep, glossy black-brown hair that fades into jewel-toned fuchsia ends. It’s a playful take on contrast, adding energy and youthfulness while keeping the base classic.
To keep this color from dulling, colorist Gregory Patterson recommends alternating between hydrating masks and pigment-replenishing conditioners. Overtone’s Vibrant Magenta is perfect to maintain intensity without damage.
It’s the color for anyone ready to walk into winter with fire in their veins—dramatic, chic, and surprisingly easy to love.
Amethyst Ombre
Meet the amethyst ombre—a modern muse’s dream. Deep brunette roots give way to mystical violet tones that flow seamlessly through the ends, creating dimension and depth that shifts in different lights. It’s bold but graceful, a perfect nod to 2025’s love of artistic color expression.
I find purple hues stay freshest when washed sparingly—dry shampoo is your best friend. Try Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo to stretch the time between washes.
This shade gives me a soft rebellion vibe—it’s mystical, modern, and instantly adds a touch of creative personality to any winter look.
