Highlighted Hair Colors for Winter 2025–2026: Cool & Bright Ideas for Brunettes and Blondes

In the time when days are shorter and air feels colder it is natural to desire something that is more seasonal? The new palette of featured colours of winter 2025-2026 is quite striking and bright, as well as soft and subtle. But what were you supposed to do if your hair had the same drama as a snowy evening sky or the light of candle against black glass? I will provide some of the most beautiful winter hair colors with highlights in this article, which would suit brunettes, blondes, and all the middle classes. The result will be a combination of daring and vintage sounds, all of which will be fashioned in a manner that will make you feel inspired – perhaps even your next visit to the salon.

Soft Brunette Layers with Subtle Blonde Highlights

It seems to be classically clean lines and long, face pushing strands of blonde highlights. This style is smooth and lightweight, which provides brunettes with that exact look of depth and illumination. The overlaid cut diffuses the general form and the lighter ribbons stick out and immediately transform it into winter. It is one of the most versatile winter hairstyles with highlights, to my mind, as you can use it straight or use soft waves.

To make those highlights not fade in the dry winter air, I would typically suggest using a purple shampoo such as Fanola No Yellow every now and then with a cream-based conditioner that is nourishing. It assists in maintaining the tones lively, and avoiding that feared brassiness. And in case you are fair-skinned, this shade makes the face bright without making you look washed out– which is always an advantage in the darker months.

I always thought that this combination was somehow of a quiet luxury in hair. It does not make a big a ruckus, but as the light strikes it, you have that tiniest twinkle that makes you feel like you have just left a salon advertisement. Gregory Patterson had once remarked that hair must represent the fashion palettes of the season, and such warm but lightweight hair strands resonate with the same winter style.

Chic Bob with Icy Ombre Blend

Winter beckons; and sometimes the daringest thing to do is to become colder and sharper. This shiny bob flows out of a dark brunette foundation into an icy mortar-bald crown, an appearance that seems fashionable and radical. The edge of the cut is also very clean, and the difference between shades is emphasized by the almost metallic shimmer. To me, it is all about confidence – it is the type of cut that makes one feel like walking taller.

It is not easy to keep this type of cool palette, though. Another lifesaver, so that the ends stay silky, is a hydrating mask, such as the Redken All Soft Heavy Cream that becomes very helpful as soon as the air becomes dry. If you have ever experimented with winter hair color highlights on brunettes, you are aware that the darker base maintains that subtle regrowth and the ends of the hair provide that icy hit of silver-blonde.

When I look at this shade, I also imagine frosted windows and city lights in December – it is elegant, urban and with no apology to others, it is modern. It is also one of my best recommendations to brunettes looking to take a break into the cool tone trend without the full commitment of platinum.

Long Waves with Ash-Blonde Ribbons

Nothing is more romantic than long cascading waves with high contrasts streaks of ash-blonde. In this case, the brown hair colors with highlights winter combination works against the texture in that the darker brunette background keeps the style down-to-earth, whereas the cool-colored highlights in their beams of light slice through. It is dreamy but with a touch that is seasonally appropriate.

The thing I like about this style is its ability to fit into other styles. Toss it back and messy and you will have care-free, beach-like motion (although winter-tested). Stick it up in half and the stripes set your features in the prettiest manner. And should you be considering how to dress during the fall winter, this color is a smooth way to cross over the season.

Celebrity stylists have a tendency to mention how the wearer adds lighter ribbons to not only lighten the appearance, but the mood as well. I think so too–on dark, cloudy days that ray of sunshine is a long way. It is almost a light source in your pocket.

Caramel Balayage on Medium-Length Waves

It is a style of hair that is warm: the chocolate brown roots melt into the caramel accents of gold. It is the type of balayage caramel blondes that immediately make you feel at home sort of like a warm knit sweater. On medium-length waves, the blend appears natural but raised up high the highlights are not bumpy but are threaded through to give the right amount of lightness.

I love this shade especially on people with expensive skin, be it olive or fair, as the caramel colors make them have a warm glow winter leaves sometimes. This half-way option is perfect in case you need ideas on what to do with your blonde that does not want a complete look of blondes.

I love balayage because it grows out well. You do not need to jump back to the salon after every six weeks and the fade looks equally stylish to the fresh highlights. It is a style that is easy to wear and that does not work against you.

Textured Lob with Smoky Gray Highlights

This appearance suits the winter cool side in the most fitting manner. A lobbed top, now with layered ends is raised with smoky grotesque streaks, as sharp as well as touchable. And it is confirmation that winter hair colors with highlights need not imply warm or golden but can be dark, dimensional and moody.

I would combine it with a good texturizing spray (Dry Texturizing Spray by Oribe is iconic with the reason) to fully achieve that look of messiness and effortlessness. Personally, this is among those concepts of brunettes who are not afraid to take the darker shade of the palette.

The image was initially playing in my mind the late-night winter walks, the kind of winter walks where streetlights fall on snowy areas and everything is movie-like. It is daring without being loud and in some cases that is all winter needs.

Frosted Blonde Melt on Long Waves

This style is the meaning of cool sophistication. A dark bottom fades gently into light platinum lengths into a frosty kind of effect, which resembles winter morning sunlight on fresh snow. The gradient is even more mesmerizing by the long waves which seize movement with each stride. It is among my favorite winter hair color blonde highlights as it is contrasted and softened well enough to be chic and easy at the same time.

I have discovered that maintaining this tone in a radiant state involves a rigorous taking care plan. My standard recommendation to use at home is Olaplex No. 3, as an at-home strengthening treatment, and a weekly violet toning shampoo. In its absence these icy notes will slip too fast into the territory of yellow. When silver and snowy white are your favourite colour, you will be the brightest colour all season long.

Half-Up Brunette with Caramel Highlights

This hair style combines the finest of rugged and posh. It is a light brown foundation raised on ribbons of caramel and buttery blond and cut in cascades and half-pulled back. It is flirtatious yet refined and it becomes one of those brown hair colors with highlights winter looks that can be worn during your coffee run and on holiday dinner dates.

In my case, this colour is nothing but comfort. It is cozy, familiar and complimentsary to so many complexions. Colorist, Johnny Ramirez frequently reminds clients that low-maintenance blends such as these will yield maximum results without them always having to visit the salon. I could not disagree with that–this one grows out very well, which gives it a big plus in seasons when winter schedules are hectic.

Golden Chunky Highlights on Straight Hair

This is a retro trend restructured: chunky golden streaks of low lights that are boldly placed on top of a deep base. The hair is straight and it gives the contrast a crystal clear finish with bold finish. It is not unobtrusive, and this is why it is so attractive as a thought for any brunette who wants to make a statement.

It might appear to be too bold in winter, however, I think it is the best moment to test. When the weather is gray and the fashion will be layered, hair may be your most daring accessory. To take care of it, I would certainly have a color-defending spray such as Pureology Color Fanatic on hand–it encases that shiny look.

Berry Ombre with Pastel Ends

This is so much like pure art. An auburn-berry foundation fades into candy-colored pastel pink strands, and as a result, it looks like a head-turner. It is cute yet mighty, a hair color that does not want to blend in with the masses. During the winter days, this color is as though carrying your own sunrise.

It is admittedly gorgeous, but I understand that fantasy tints such as this one need additional maintenance. I would suggest placing masks such as the Overtone Red or Pink treatments between visits to the salon to ensure that the color does not go dead. This is a dreamy path if you have been seeking daring accessories to use on a blonde who is willing to move into the fantasy colors.

Dimensional Chocolate Brown with Subtle Highlights

And lastly, we take up a perennial favorite which can never go wrong rich chocolate brown strands with soft highlights to make them deep. It is not too flashy yet admittedly fashionable and one would do well to choose it as a classic choice among winter hair colors on a brunette with highlights. It is styled to have natural waves that have that carefree style that just works.

In my case, this is a color of versatility. It would look beautiful by its own, and also it would be the best foundation to work with later and add auburn or caramel tints. And to get into the fall and then to the winter, there is nothing like a fresh and shiny glossy brunette with slight sparkle.

Soft Ashy Brunette with Gentle Highlights

This glance is one of understatement. It is a very light feather base, slightly browned without being overpowering the natural color. It is the type of winter brunette hair colors that bare but subtle, ideal when you want your hair to look like you, but better. The rounded waves bring in a lived in beauty that I believe can be worn over and over.

To my eyes this shade is particularly vivid on light skin since the light hair tends to raise the face, and the dark undertones to bring it down. In order to maintain its shininess and freshness, I would recommend applying a gloss treatment such as Kristen Ess Signature Gloss in Smoky Topaz every few weeks. It lends the correct amount of shininess back to subdued colorings.

Layered Honey Brunette with Accents

It is no secret why layered hair is not going away soon, it suits the face well and allows highlights to shine through it. In this case warm honey and gold ribbons are sprinkled on a chocolate brown base and the hair moves wonderfully. It is one of these brown hair colors with highlights winter varieties that makes you feel glowing even in the rainy days.

As an individual, I believe this appearance is ideal to anyone who is looking at what to do with brunettes without going too light. It is still hot, still sunny, but in a sort of comfortable instead of summery way. Love balayage, but want more definition, such smart are these soft ribbows.

Silver Ombre with Brunette Base

The present one is a complete palette of cool: deep brunette roots ease into flowing ends of silver, nearly a moonlight draining into inky water. It is audacious, impressive and it immediately attracts attention. This is, perhaps, the most dramatic of winter colors highlight hair, but an excellent option.

It reminds me of snow and shiny frost when I look at this. To make that silver shiny I would suggest violet and blue shampoos (Matrix So Silver is also a traditional) instead of yellow and green hues that tend to creep in between. It is one of my favorite concepts of brunettes who would like to touch the icy lands without their dark origins.

Smoky Brunette Lob with Soft Ash Highlights

This is the way to go in case you want something that is fashionable but easy going. Wavy long bob is casual and stylish, and the ash details do not break the dark base too much but provide the effect of the 3D. It’s subtle and yet very trendy which makes it one of those winter hair colors that brunettes with highlights can wear in real life with ease.

I have always believed that this style would be the most suitable one to use during the season of knitwear, casual and yet, luxurious. It is an evidence that hair color does not need to shout to make any statement.

Bright Icy Blonde with Subtle Depth

And after an hour we are back to pure brightness: an icy blonde of light with a shadow at the roots to make it three-dimensional. It is loose-waved, and of that shade that gleams under winter sunlight. And, when you are in need of winter hair colors with blonde highlights, this one is an immediate self-esteem enhancer.

There is something of bravery in this type of blonde that I always feel. It is fashionable, shiny and unashamedly bright- the ideal way to combat gloomy winter spirits. To maintain the look, a weekly hydrating mask (such as Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask) makes those ends appear soft and silky, as nothing is as fast as a ruined blonde.

Midnight Teal Waves

The initial glimpse reveals smooth flowing hair of deep-brunette base with unforeseen teal streaks. The dark ground causes the bright teal ribbons to sparkle in their movement, as reflections of ice upon a frozen lake. It is daring but high-end, the ideal one that will suit anyone who desires some ideas on how to make a brunette shine in the colder months.

This type of color is a special one and needs special attention, teal pigments fade very quickly compared to warm colors. I tend to recommend a shampoo that is color safe such as Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and a tinted conditioner to maintain the vibrancy alive. A hair mask once in a week makes the hair strands plush and shiny, even during winter when the air becomes dry.

I personally like this type of shade taking things a bit further. Once, celebrity colorist Guy Tang stated that jewel colors work best during colder seasons as they are more layered and darker-looking and thus the bright colors will shine through. This is precisely the emotion, and this unforeseen tragedy does not require a lot of enhancement.

Wouldn’t this make such a conversation conversation starter at a holiday party? A splash of teal on a black turtleneck or metallic dress is easily stylish.

Smoky Caramel Dimension

In this case we get a muted effect of brunette roots falling onto warm caramel, thus bringing about a sense of dimension and depth. It is a contemporary version of brown hair colors that have highlights during winter, which is ideal to anyone desiring a natural but sleek finish. The layers provide movement, and the balayage caramel effect of the blondes is used to soften the overall dark roots to light ends.

Maintenance in this case is less difficult than jewel tones. A gloss after six to eight weeks will keep the caramel alive and I have achieved excellent results when we recommend Redken Shades EQ Gloss as it only adds warmth and not brassiness. They also need heat protectors – soft highlights like these will not be as nice in the presence of frizz.

I have always thought this type of appearance differentiable. During casual days it can mellow well with knitwear and on night time it would provide a small touch of glow when it is under candlelight. I would have said it is the perfect option when you are just getting your feet wet in change, but you do not want a complete makeover.

Doesn’t this seem the ultimate middle ground of warm and elegant?

Red Flame Contrast

The third one is unashamedly bold–a jet-black base burnt with red ends. It is cool, defiant, and ideal among those desiring winter hair colors highlifts, which shout personality among brunettes. The auburn to crimson transition gives the high impact finish of a raging fire on a black night.

High contrast colors such as this require good management. No compromises on color-safe shampoos and heat protection and I would put an Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector in the routine to strengthen it. The red colors become faded after some time, however, a coloured conditioner (such as Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash in red) preserves that flame.

In my own experience, this appearance is mood-related– it is not about being hidden, it is about being conspicuous. One hairstylist, Gregory Patterson, once said that the winter season is when bright colors seem most dominant, as all the other elements in the surrounding are dulled. I have never forgotten that recommendation.

And this would only make a leather jacket or a winged eyeliner so much more instantly glamorous?

Ash-Toned Balayage

Following is a cooler and sophisticated look; ash-colored balayage blending perfectly with medium length waves. The gradient effect in the dark roots to frosty blond strands makes one of the most classy concepts of fair skin tones during winter. It is sophisticated yet never unattractive, withsing towards coolness instead of warmth.

These lighter tones are enhanced with purple shampoos in order to avoid brassiness. I have found Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to be my best fit in maintaining that icy white brightness without going green undertones by adding it. It is also nourishing and makes the shade not to appear flat.

Personally, this appearance has always been reminding me of snow mornings. It is trendy and discreet enough, and it suits a person who does not wish to be loud and obnoxious. It is the sort of style that matches up with wool coats as it does with sequined holiday dresses.

But what is your opinion–would you bend into warmth, or is this season more alluring to you, these cold spots?

Golden Glow Balayage

The last appearance in this series is a combination of natural beauty and glamour. There is a brown, soft brunette foundation that is combined with golden accents, and it flows into layers. This style is very well placed as one of the ideas of blondes and chocolate brown and sunlit ribbons. There is nothing overt, just a hint of the glamorous kind of subtle.

In order to preserve that glossy look, I suggest that you use a combination of a moisturizing shampoo and a color preservative shampoo. Kerastase Blond Absolu line is particularly useful when it comes to preventing dullness. The balayage is also kept soft and fresh by regular trims.

It is my personal safe zone, as this look is universally applicable, simple to dress and style, but never plain. I have heard numerous stylists mention that balayage is the highlight technique that is costly to look expensive regardless, and I could not support them in the statement.

Does not this make it the type of color to get you out of your warm weekends and glitzy winter parties so easily?

Frosted Beige Blend

This appearance smears soft brunette roots into frosted beige ends creating one of the most classic winter hair colorations with blonde highlights. The layers are feathered to provide movement and texture and the icy blonde ribbons contrast a neutral base and provide brightness. It is a trendy choice to whoever is seeking ideas on what to wear in the fall that can easily transition to winter.

Such tones are helpful to use with purple shampoos to prevent brass. I tend to advise the Fanola No Yellow line on smoother finishes, or Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo on a less harsh cleansing. In order to stay soft, it is important to switch with a moisture mask.

I consider this shade to be universal, as it is soft enough to be worn in the office, but bright enough in the evening. I recall that one stylist, Tracey Cunningham, once wrote that neutral blondes suit all skin tones since they can be changed with the changing season. I couldn’t agree more.

Would not this be ideal dressed with oversized knits and winter neutrals?

Silver Panel Highlights

This aggressive fashion has smooth dark hair and cool silvery panel underlines, which allow a great contrast. It is not your common mix, it is designed and shaped, almost more of a fashion accessory. It fits very well as a brunette idea because it is experimental but at the same time, classy.

High-contrast tones such as this one should be taken care of with regard to shine. An oil, like Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil, will provide the silver with a sleek shine, so that it does not lose its shine. The highlights are another thing that should be avoided when they become dull by keeping the heat tools at the lowest levels.

This seems to me like almost editorial, such as something one would find at New York Fashion Week. It is simple, minimal and still very bold. And combined with black-and-white clothing, it gives a futuristic aesthetic that is just ideal in winter.

Would you give yourself the audacity to attempt such a statement-style?

Smoke-and-Ice Ombre

That is a transition of dark roots to a smooth gradient of icy ash blonde. The smooth part highlights the ombre effect and it is one of the most emphatic winter hair colors featuring highlights. Such appearance is based on contrast, and it is most suitable when one wants to appear sophisticated yet not lose their ground.

I would recommend purple toning products to maintain the icy finish and a nourishing serum to deal with the static, which is usually a problem during winter. One of my favorites here is Redken Color Extend Blondage.

Personally I prefer this ombre effect, as it makes the silhouette of the hair longer. It is also classy in winter coats and scarves, but retains the high-shine, salon-fresh smell.

Would this not be a great thing on a snowy background?

Champagne Glow Ends

The emphasis on this style is the gradual transition between medium brown and champagne blonde. The polish is glowing and reflects the light in a manner that instantly brightens the face. It is ideally placed in the category of brown hair colors with highlights winter and suits best those that want a palette that is soft and glamorous.

It is easier to keep the champagne tones than the icey ones, but glosses every few months would keep the glitz. Wella Color Fresh Masks in beige or golden blonde are some of the products I usually suggest to maintain at home.

In my case, this color brings warmth to me, it makes me think about winter holidays, flutes of champagne in hands, candles flickering. It is a sophisticated and easy-to-wear color that looks great with winter make-up trends, such as tan skin or red lipstick.

Doesn’t it just feel timeless?

Rose Ribbon Highlights

The final glance in this collection is a mix of gentle brunette with light hearted rose. Cut in loose waves and secured with a velvet scrunchie, it is effortlessly feminine and up to date. It is an entertaining way of experimenting with auburn and pink shades without overwhelming the entire impression a perfect representative of what blondes should keep in mind when experimenting.

Light colors such as this are sensitive, I would apply color-depositing conditioners like Overtone Pink to maintain the blush colors. Masks once a week are also quite useful, as pastel colors look the best on healthy and glossy hair.

This appearance seems to me very romantic. It possesses the Pinterest-worthy feel and can be worn on a daily basis. Celebrity stylist Chris Appleton has once explained that soft fantasy shades tend to be the most flattering since it serves as a type of filter to your complexion. I have tried it myself–those pink ribbons are like sunshine on the skin.

And would this not be the ideal alternative to anyone who desired a bit of fun in the colder seasons?