The winter may be cold but that is what makes it the ideal season to warm up your appearance. It seems so empowering as the days grow shorter and the air seems colder to make a change in your hair color, to create a new narrative to the next season. The trends of hair color in the winter of 2025-2026 in the dark skin group are rich colors, worn-out shine, and color that adds to the naturalness without letting it fade away of your glow.
I have been following all the chatter of what the stylists are terming the winter glow effect – in which the colour does not simply lie on your hair, but goes with the light. Since rich mochas and plum glosses to honey-caramel coziness, these appearances are setting new standards in the way of having a mane fit to brave winter. You will have the shades ready to rule your mirror this season?
Soft Curls with Deep Espresso Dimension
This eye gaze glorifies natural fabric without any apology. The espresso hair dye makes a contrast that is so much elegant that it adds a curl and a coil to each and every strand, and the light bounces through the layers of natural volume. I am obsessed with the richness of the shade that makes it feel very grounded and luxurious, i.e. like a favorite winter latte, because it is smooth and comforting but slightly dramatic.
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother is my constant companion to keep my hair shiny and curly and to keep the moisture in the hair even during dry winter. The most important one is hydration – a lightweight leave-in cream that does not load the curl pattern.
It has a silent strength in being proud of your natural curls and having them styled in this way and combined with a sophisticated tonal shade. It is the type of the appearance that can be at home in both a boardroom and a local coffee shop, plain, classic and full of personality.
Wine-Infused Plum Bob
Plum hair color in winter is magnetic in some way–it is warm, contemporary and a little bit out of the ordinary. With its smooth side-part and weak points of burgundy, this bob is easily chic. The color is very warm on the skin, with a sort of glow of candlelight on cooler colors.
I have realized that plum shades are usually easy to lose their color without going to the gym, a color-safe shampoo, such as Redken Color Extend Magnetics, works miracles on durability. I would always recommend gloss refresh on a weekly basis to maintain that just walked out of the salon shine.
Such a confident energy is emitted by this short cut it is ideal to use by women who wish to transform but not to be overly aggressive. It is nice, yet do not mistake it is head turning.
Golden Mocha Layers
This appearance is a glance of dimension and radiance. The mocha hair color is done in golden tones which gives the feeling of warmness as the sunshine in a chilled winter morning. These layers are flowing and provide volume and radiance without any sort of harsh contrast. It works in a harmony of the warmer shades of the darker skin, with the warmth and depth that interact beautifully.
My personal favorite is applying a lightweight argan oil serum to the hair once it has been styled; it helps to keep the frizz away and adds shine to the hair. The original treatment of Moroccanoil is one that I have used over the years and mostly during cold weather.
It is one of the colors that sounds like a fortune but without making much effort. It is not too fancy to wear on a daily basis, but unique enough to make you feel on top of the world, as though you are wearing cashmere sweater on your hair.
Caramel-Toned Curly Bob
Here is a gaze that seems to be flirtatious but refined. The tight, defined curls are given some form by the brought out caramel highlights which reflect light in the most flattering manner. The color blushes the face and gives it that glow of radiance winter weather usually steals.
To sustain bounces, I am a believer in Pattern beauty Curl gel which defines without being stiff. Curls are maintained by regular deep conditioning (once a week) and color is maintained.
Such style reminds me of weekends – brunches, walks in the city, small occasions when you need to be glamorous and nonchalant. It’s confidence in curl form.
Warm Honey Bronze Flow
Honey bronze has few shades that can lighten up dark skin in winter. It is all saturated, warm and completely flattering–the tone that appears to radiate even on cloudy days. The waves are soft, and they come naturally, with an old-fashioned, half-undress beauty that every one of us desires in the colder seasons.
To maintain the honey colors, I would suggest Kerastase Blond Absolu Huile Cicaextreme Oil that will allow keeping the warm colors but prevent the dryness. The trick is to put in a few drops of it on wet hair and then blow-dry it.
This shade is as if the golden hour in strands, radiant, warm and ceaselessly beautiful. It is one of those unique glances, which makes one feel both happy in and out, regardless of the weather.
Fiery Copper Curls
This look is somehow fearless because the copper hair color is unapologetic, bold, and full of life. It is warm like the dying light of the sunset on a winter day on the complexion, the glow is golden. The curls are short and voluminous, which adds vitality and motion to the general appearance and contributes a fresh sort of youthful attitude to it.
I never stop reminding friends who are fond of bright colours to invest in the colour safe hydration. Try the daily protect colour conserve of Aveda a light treatment that is a leave-in but does not leave the hair as it contains the colour which does not fade away too quickly such as copper and red. It also puts frizz in check, which is necessary when you are taking up curls with this much spring in your step.
It has the insubordinate sweetness of this shade–like the chili-spiced hot cocoa hair. It is a color, which tells you, Yes, I am a bold girl, but I understand how to wear it.
Golden Caramel Bob
The golden caramel hair color here is both vintage and current simultaneously. The gentle waves and the sweet honey and toffee are what makes this bob a remarkable winter selection. It is the best middle ground, neither too dark, nor too light, but flattering enough to reflect the strength of the interior light, yet retaining that warm, sophisticated feel.
To maintain, I use Pureology Hydrate Conditioner since it causes the hair to be soft, controllable, and shiny- That is what this appearance requires. Dryness in winter may dull caramel shades quickly, this is why it is important to use deep moisturizing.
The style arouses memories of those stylish urban mornings – cup of coffee, bespoke coat, the brushy bounce of hair which seems to be styled so easily. It is motion picture understated luxury.
Soft Ombre Glow
To achieve a winter look that is very subtle but impressive, the ombre hair color with a mix of caramel ends is magic. The changes in deep espresso origins to honey-colored lengths add the depth so much that it is so much like being in the sun on a gray day. It is a nice lightening method, but does not make you look shallow.
I have experimented with such appearances and I have discovered that Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil allows to maintain the color and make it shiny like a mirror. The slightest drop through the middle-lengths and extremities gives this whole manner of style reality.
The best thing about this shade is that it is a universal shade; it suits well with a warm winter dress as much as it suits a statement dress. It is that in-between quality that is so glamorous so easily.
Frosted Honey Blonde Curls
The year 2025-2026 is the time to work with a honey blonde on natural curls, this tender and shiny shade is giving an angelic image that glorifies dark skin. The black roots and light curls contrast to give the appearance a character and ease to it. It is new, young, and completely aligned with the trend of the season which is the revival of glow.
Since light colors are delicate, each week I would recommend SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Mask to fortify the curls and keep them hydrated. It gives it back its elasticity without making that golden colour dull and dark.
This color is a way of providing luxury with care-free touch. It is cute, radiant, and strong, the type of gaze, which makes people compliment you even when you are wrapped with scarves and coats.
Bronzed Balayage Waves
Bronzed balayage always stays in style but the one this year is warmer and silkier and is meant to make the skin tones darker. The balayage is seamlessly done with the roots of the hair of chestnut color, which is being changed to the color of bronzed honey ribbons, forming a natural light and shadow effect. It is a glitzy decision that remains down-to-earth – ideal in day to day and in the city.
Once stylist Tracey Cunningham stated that balayage must always appear natural; like your hair one day has a sudden urge to glow. This is exactly what this quote describes. A drop of Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale can come in handy to make it shiny and soft.
It is glowing, elegant, a bit enigmatic, the type of fashion which seems like candle-light on silk.
Soft Hazelnut Bob
It is a non-obtrusive winter glamour this hazelnut hair color. The combination of light mocha and beige colors creates a soft creamy aspect that adds to all angles of the bob. It is a classy appearance that is both contemporary and classic and suits well with individuals who do not favor high drama colors.
I have observed that this tone compliments lots of undertones, both the warmness is well defined under natural light, and the cooler lowlights bring a frame to the house. In order to preserve the color, I would suggest Kerastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo that does not strip the moisture and provides protection to pigment. It makes the hair silky and shiny and even camera ready despite the dry winter air.
The bob is among those effortless kinds of styles, which are just supposed to look like they were intentionally destined to someone who wishes to be polished without taking hours before the mirror.
Deep Cranberry Gloss
Just in case someone needs something deeper and more adventurous, the hair color taking the centre stage this season has to be the cranberry red. The dark berry shade brings a depth and radiance to deeper skin and reflects the light in such a moody and energetic manner. Combined with smooth, mid-length layers it gives an appearance which is both smooth and very charming.
Cunningham (2011) wrote that reds with jewel tones such as cranberry instantly lift complexions in the colder seasons, by celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham. I have discovered that this shade stays in the salon by using a gloss treatment after every three weeks. Redken Shades EQ Cherry Cola is a gorgeous touch up shade.
It has its confidence, the certainty is in it, it is bold, and at the same time there is the gentle touch to it, the type of color that says, “I am here, and I do not have to scream it.
Copper Ringlet Radiance
Copper curls are the trend of the winter. The spiraled pattern and a base of shinning auburn produce an appearance that is lively – full of movement and heat of the fire. This shade makes coily hair look more alive, and every curl is a part of the confidence and self-statement.
To keep some definition and avoid dullness, I would suggest Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie, as it will keep the curls moist and color closed in. It is one of those products that helps the hair to feel good as it looks.
Something in this appearance appeals to me as happy–as a roar of laughter in the chill morning air. It is cozy and lively and one cannot leave without noticing it.
Smoky Blonde Layers
It is a smoky blonde balayage, quite luxurious, yet subdued, with a mix of soft ashy hues and honey ribbons, the effect is dimensional yet natural. Layers are thrown in with ease and the accents surrounding the face put a candlelight effect that is subliminal but impactful. This is the color of women who like balance; cozy yet refined, feminine yet classy.
To maintain the evenness of tones, I apply a purple toning conditioner such as Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Conditioner after every two weeks. It eliminates brassiness and leaves the strands moist.
This color is particularly contemporary – nearly tabloid. The stuff is so easy and yet, it is calculated, the type of hair that makes an impression of having just come out of a winter fashion campaign.
Midnight Chocolate Waves
Midnight chocolate hair colour could become the new black in winter 2025- 2026. This color is very saturated, which brings a deeper dimension and enigmatic quality to the hue, but still has the natural feel. It has the perfect dose of drama and is sleek, refined and endlessly chic with soft, loose waves.
To maintain that dark lustre, Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! It is necessary to fortify the Treatment Oil. It has a reflecting gloss to it and the ends are soft – particularly in those hot dry months indoors.
This is a color of self-confidence. It is the silent type of influence – graceful, ancient, and easily appealing. The ideal epitome of a winter of daring, radiant change.
Golden Glow Balayage
This golden balayage has the texture of bottled sunshine – soft, dimensional and miraculously flattering when combined on darker skins. The light caramel ribbons blend smoothly into fat espresso roots and this gives it movement and warmth that captures any amount of light. It has that fresh out of the salon glow that yet feels inhabited and natural.
Every time I look at this shade, I remember the words of a stylist by the name Larry Sims who once said, Balayage is the addition of what you already possess. That is just what this appearance does, it does not overwhelm your appearance; it balances with it. To maintain my hair, I prefer K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask so that the blonde ribbons remain silky in between visits to the salon.
It is romantic and easy to wear, a color that makes one feel confident but not too swanky.
Soft Butterscotch Waves
Elegance must have a hair color; this butterscotch blonde would be it. The sleek waves are like silk that moves towards the deep brown roots into a golden creamy finish. It is glowing and sophisticated, the type of shade that makes your natural warmness shine through, particularly, when the light is weakly insourced inside.
This is evidence that the secret behind the hair color is rich tones with depth according to colorist Rita Hazan. To keep them shiny, apply Moroccanoil Treatment Light, it will not add weight to the waves.
There is a film noir quality in this style, soft and poised, with a touch of golden-hour magic.
Velvet Mahogany Volume
Mahogany brown hair with velvet finish is almost kingly. This appearance generates the more dramatic winter. Waves are rich and reminiscent, as chocolate with a touch of red wine. It is an ideal one to those who desire something sensual yet something to wear.
I have experimented with the same color in the past and believe you me, that ensures that that glossy look is retained by glossing of the color after every 4-6 weeks. The gloss will restore the depth and shine that will fade away with darker colors.
This color is a feeling of confidence in movement – it is very loud to be sure that it makes its statement but, at the same time, very gentle to hear.
Subtle Golden Face Frame
The trend of face-framing will not leave in 2025-2026, and it has its reason. This appearance has fine golden lines on the face, which add to the bone structure and create that effect of being lit up inside. The rest of the hair is dark and this brings a sense of balance and depth.
Stylist Chris Appleton had once said that the secret of a great money-piece highlight is positioning – it must kiss the light where it is most required. To maintain it, I apply Color Wow Dream Coat in order to make those strands smooth and shiny.
It’s not in-your-face, but it is life-changing, such as turning the ring light on wherever you are.
Cool Beige Balayage
The last item in this collection is a classic favorite – cool beige balayage. This shade incorporates a warmness with a touch of smoke beige, which makes the shade a fashionable, balanced appearance that would be very flattering to dark skin tones. It is contemporary and yet homey, the ideal winter brunches, urban walks, and all the other things.
I would never do without a gloss spray on top of this shade, and Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray is my own choice. It makes hair shinier and provides the appearance of glass-hair without being heavy.
The hue represents the peaceful, non-assertive luxury that Winter 2025-2026 is understated, natural and absolutely versatile.
Chestnut Swirl Balayage
This chestnut balayage is of silent elegance. The chocolate foundation is melted into rich brown hues that glitters in the light that form multidimensional depth that is both opulent and organic. It is such hair color which is as good during the day as it is during the night.
Stylist to celebrities Nikki Lee frequently declares that the best winter colors must feel like cashmere – luxurious, soft, and something to be touched. It is precisely what this color is doing. To maintain, apply L’Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Mask to preserve the tone and make the strands shiny.
It is sophisticated yet easy to access, a color that speaks quietly on luxury without having to make a statement on it.
Cinnamon Copper Glow
The cinnamon copper shade is winter 2025-2026 fire of pure warm, spicy, and vibrant color. It is an ideal medium between the red and brunette and it adds life to the complexion and brings out golden undertones in dark skin. The gentle waves have an award-winning, editorial touch that is eternal and stylish.
I like the fact that this color reflects the light of winter sunsets, warm and soft, fiery and feminine. To achieve this additional shine, consider Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo that maintains the copper tones as shiny and lustrous during weeks.
It is very outspoken, not shy and just easily photogenic a combination of comfortable and high end.
Espresso Curls
Expresso brown is a guaranteed one, when uncertain, it is rich, and deep, and endowed with natural deepness. One has a soft wornah feel that provides the version with a slightly unkempt, Parisian appearance. It glorifies natural curls and puts a mild layer of warmth to the skin that now looks even more radiant.
As I know, dark hair should receive the same amount of care as light color, and so I apply Pattern Leave-In Conditioner by Tracee Ellis Ross to moisturize curls and provide shine. It maintains all the coils pliant and tender during the cold seasons.
It is an elegant understated beauty, traditional, powerful and calmly stunning, in fact.
Burnished Auburn Ombre
This shiny auburn ombre is the maturity shade that every person who would like to have some drama but not too much would pick. The gradient shifts between the dark burgundy bottoms to sparkling coppery ends and takes the light like a slow burning flame. It is classy and hippy – perfect to the woman with a sense of balance.
In order to make the fade gradual and smooth, I would always suggest to use Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector one time a week to make your warm tones last longer since it strengthens and protects hair.
This color has a cinema romance–it is like candlelight on silk so powerful and at the same time so tender.
