The cold outside, the twinkling of Christmas lights, and how a warm sweater simply feels different, fall and winter are always a reset. But what about our hair? Are we maintaining the same appearance all year round or is it the time to be daring? I have always thought that colder seasons give us the go-ahead to get more adventurous, be it a bold chop or a slight change of texture and color. And, frankly, there is something magical about a new haircut with oversized coats and rich seasonal makeup. This roundup will include my top hairstyle trends of Fall/Winter 2025-2026, based on what is trending now and how I have seen women change their appearance this season. Are you about to see what styles will make scarfs and hats even better? Let’s go.
Soft Layered Bob
This is a contemporary version of the classic bob, but with airy layers, which frame the face without any problem. The aspect of light brown colors gives it a natural lightness, which is ideal in cheering up dark winter mornings. It is smooth and yet casual, the type of hair that seems to be present at a holiday dinner and at your local cafe on a Sunday afternoon.
To maintain it, I would suggest a lightweight volumizing mousse such as Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse that doesn’t add any weight but keeps the layers bouncy. A round brush during the blow-drying process will assist in giving that under-curve at the ends, keeping the graceful but fun touch.
I personally find this look flattering on almost any shape of face- it is soft enough that it does not feel stiff, yet structured enough that it feels styled. This layered version nails the nail because celebrity stylist Chris Appleton has often said that a good bob should move with you.
The beauty of this cut is that it can be worn smooth with a warm sweater or messy with a big scarf and it will never go out of style in the fall and winter.
Tousled Blonde Crop
Here we have a mini bob with careless, unbuttoned hair–a cut that speaks of easy style. The icy blonde color is bold during the season, and it is a contrast between the dull colors of winter and a bright touch. It is not too bold or intimidating and those face-framing pieces provide immediate personality.
In order to maintain the health and vibrancy of this haircut, a purple shampoo such as Amika Bust Your Brass performs miracles to counteract brassy colors. I would also recommend a texturizing spray (I use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray) to add that flawless flawless look.
I love the way this style contributes to the cool girl aesthetic–free but edited. It is like you are walking in the streets of New York in December with the red lipstick on and the snowflakes in the air and being completely untroubled.
The fun part? This is a beautiful growing crop. By spring, it becomes a shaggy bob, i.e. you have months of stylish wear and you do not have to visit a high-maintenance salon.
Voluminous Shaped Bob
Volume is in a resurgence and this bob demonstrates precisely why. The cut is cut but flowing and the layers elevate the crown and sides to form a fuller and face-flattering shape. It is the kind of hairstyle that is both vintage and modern, such as a reference to the sleek lines of the 90s, though with softer edges.
To style, I prefer to use a root lift spray prior to blow-drying–Kenra Root Lifting Spray 13 is a good option. It provides that additional thrust without rigidity, thus the form is not overworked.
Being a long time follower of the trends, I can say that volume is cyclical–it goes away, then shouts back. Stylists are reviving it this winter in sophisticated forms. Layering is also important, as it does not allow the appearance to be too helmet-like.
Suppose you are going into a winter party with hair that moves and bounces like this. It is the ideal combination of sophistication and vigor.
Short Textured Pixie Bob
This appearance is a combination of a pixie and a short bob. The platinum color provides it with that icy, wintry look, the feathered layers and side-swept fringe make it feminine and versatile. It is a statement cut of hair that does not require endless styling in the mornings.
The point to this cut is all about texture. A light styling gel such as Bumble and Bumble Grooming Creme is good to use to define the layers without being stiff. Trims are also necessary on a regular basis, to maintain the lines clean and the shape deliberate.
I have always loved cuts such as this one since they have a silent strength. Hairstylist Jen Atkin has mentioned that shorter cuts tend to show independence- and frankly I cannot say I disagree. Something freeing about not covering up with long layers.
It is an ideal cut to those who want a winter update that is bold but can be worn. It can be worn with pearl jewelry or a chunky knit and it will always look timelessly chic.
Sleek Bob with Blunt Bangs
Blunt bangs are back and sharper than ever. This smooth bob with bangs is futuristic and sleek and has a powerful silhouette that gives the face a beautiful frame. The darker roots and lighter ends also provide a depth, and it is an unusually striking hairstyle during the colder months.
To keep this appearance, a flat iron pass is needed to achieve maximum smoothness, and a shine serum such as Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to keep the ends shiny. Bangs may take a little more work, hence I would always recommend having a mini dry shampoo to refresh in between washes.
In my opinion, this is the best cut to a person who is fond of structure and polish. It is not casual messy bob energy–it is deliberate, strong and highly statement-like. Imagine it to be your haircut version of a custom-made winter coat.
In the case of fall and winter, this style is especially complementary to minimalist outfits, and the hair is the most striking accessory. It is an expression that means: I know what I want.
Light Layered Blonde Sophistication
It is a style of elegant volume and mellow. The layers fall in a gradual way and the blonde lights brighten the face, reflecting light in the most desirable manner. I also enjoy the way the bangs are cut in a curtain form, which makes the eyes open and at the same time sophisticated. It is the type of haircut that can be worn during the day and then changed into evening glamor particularly when worn with a smooth outfit.
In order to keep this amount of shine and movement, I would always recommend to invest in a good nourishing shampoo and conditioner. A purple toning shampoo such as the one available in Amika Bust Your Brass can help keep brassiness at bay in drier winter months, particularly among blondes. An exfoliating mask that hydrates, such as Olaplex No. 8, is used weekly to restore softness when the cold air attempts to dry out your hair.
The most interesting thing about this haircut is that it is versatile. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton frequently claims that hair must move with you, not against you, and this cut feels like it does. It is not hard polished and there is a kind of perennial movement in its stratified flow.
To me, such an appearance represents fall dinner with friends, when you want to look nice but not too fancy. It is glam, friendly and inexhaustibly flattering.
Copper Playful Bangs
Here the depth of copper hair color comes into the limelight. Multi-layered waves add volume and the bangs add a fun, slightly vintage touch. This red is warm enough to brighten grey days, and it is also very compatible with warm fabrics such as knit sweaters or soft cardigans. It is daring and easy to wear–a classic of the fall with a twist of 2025.
Red hair is a burden to care about, yet it is a burden I personally believe is worth it. To keep that fiery tone alive I would always recommend color-protecting formulas like Redken Color Extend Magnetics. Silk pillow case is also a miracle in eliminating color fade and frizz overnight. Minor decisions can be significant in keeping it shiny.
I have experimented with the shades in this family and there is no shade like copper to make the skin shine. Tracey Cunningham, among the best Hollywood colorists, has often remarked that warm hues have the natural effect of brightening the complexion–and I could not agree with her more. This trim and this shade are like an in-built beauty filter.
This mix is an ideal solution in case you are willing to make a bold change in season, and yet you want to feel grounded and natural. It is bold and cozy, such as pumpkin spice to your appearance.
Fiery Texture Tousled Pixie
The pixie cut is updated with messy layers and red. This brief style is fresh, light-hearted, and so assured. The texture gives it depth and smoothness, and hence does not appear too harsh. I adore the way this cut frames the face and brings out the jawline–it’s like putting on your cheekbones as an accessory.
Lightweight styling products that do not make it heavy should be used on short hair like this one. I suggest Bumble and bumble Texture Cream to add definition without being stiff. The volume can be fun and light with a quick blow-dry using a diffuser. A cut like this bounces back with minimum effort even in winter when hats are a requirement.
In my view, it is a cut that makes the mornings more convenient. You wake up, rub your fingers in it, and you already look like you have been styled. Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin frequently talks about the need to have a haircut that fits into your lifestyle and this one really does. It is nonchalant and yet smooth.
I imagine that when I look at this haircut I think of evenings out in the city over the holidays, with all the sparkling lights, cold air on your face, and hair that feels stylish and effortless. It has short hair in the most feminine fashion.
Smooth and Chic Pixie
This fashion is about smooth accuracy. A smooth layered pixie cut that falls near the head giving clean lines and sharp elegance. The warm auburn color is rich and it does not appear flat. It is a cut that exudes confidence, particularly in the work or formal world.
It is so easy to style a cut like this. I would use a smoothing serum, such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime, to increase shine and manage any flyaways. It only takes a flat brush blow-dry to keep it sharp. To maintain that neat figure, it is necessary to trim after every 4-6 weeks.
I think this cut is ideal to anyone in need of a reset. In fall, when everything seems like a fresh start, there is nothing like feeling freer than going short. I have always liked the way such cuts can make features jump out. One of the hairstylists, Sally Hershberger once said that short hair is about attitude and this style reflects just that.
It is stylish in the office, classy at dinner and convenient to wear when there is a hectic week in winter. A haircut that labors this hard is always worth a thought.
Pixie Blonde with Cool Dimension
Layered texture and cool-toned highlights make this blonde pixie a combination of edginess and softness. It is contemporary and sharp without being cruel, creating the right balance between playful and elegant. The cold sounds make it feel winter-ready, almost fresh frost on a cold morning.
It is easier to care of blonde at this length than when it is longer, but I would still recommend a toning product to maintain the color bright. There is a reason why Fanola No Yellow Shampoo is a cult favorite. I would apply a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray to give it a shiny, non-stiff texture.
This is the cut of confidence to me. It is brash, powerful and a bit defiant. I have observed the way shorter styles such as this expose jewelry and clothing details- your earrings, turtlenecks or statement coats suddenly appear ten times more purposeful.
It is a winter-time haircut, brisk, bold, and memorable. This could be the sign you have been waiting to go short and blonde.
Sleek Textured Pixie in Winter Glow
Something brave about a short pixie cut is that it has layers and thus forms this feathered, textured finish. The platinum blonde is soft and frosty but warm at the same time, as winter sunlight shining on the snow. As a Fall/Winter 2025-2026 hairstyle, this type of hair is ideal to women who want to look elegant and edgy at the same time. It shapes the face well, maintains a low time of styling and never appears accidental.
Naturally, such short cuts are worthy of attention. I would always suggest switching between a purple shampoo (I would recommend Amika Bust Your Brass) to keep the blonde bright, and a moisturizing conditioner to combat dry winter air. The lived-in, effortless appearance is maintained with a quick tousle with a texturizing spray in the morning.
I have experienced shortages in winter myself, and it was freeing. Once celebrity stylist Chris Appleton stated that a great pixie cut can be used in place of makeup, and I could not agree more. This cut highlights brows, eyes and bone structure in a manner that longer styles simply cannot.
And in case you worry about expanding it? Believe me, the middle ground is as easy as it has never been with headbands, clips and styling creams. Attitude is everything with short hair in winter and this one has a lot of it.
Side-Swept Pixie Bob
This is a trim that anyone can use who desires short hair yet wants to have movement and softness. The side-swept layers allow it to be not as harsh as a classic pixie, and the longer top adds some dimension. I believe that it is the best hybrid: professional enough to attend office meetings but stylish enough to spend a night out in winter.
To maintain, a light volumising mousse is used to lift the top of the head so that it does not become flat when wearing a hat or hood. The Thickening Spray by Bumble and bumble has never failed me particularly when used with a blow-dry. The secret is to make the upper airy and not stiff.
My favorite thing about this cut is the fact that it flatter almost any face shape. I imagine fashion week street style outfits when I see this trending: women wear it with oversized coats and bright lipstick. It is informal but high-end.
This may be your safe zone in case you have been reluctant to go short. It also has sufficient hair to be styled with and enjoys the low-maintenance advantage of shorter hair cut.
Sleek Bob with Bold Contrast
The slick bob will always make a comeback, but there is a twist to this one, the contrast of light and dark colors interwoven in the strands. It is graphic, contemporary and somewhat bold, which makes it one of the best options during colder seasons when we also layer our textures in style. The cut is cut just above the jawline creating that strong, smooth look.
There is an additional commitment to maintaining a two-tone color such as this. I would suggest color safe shampoos such as Pureology Hydrate, and toning appointments every six to eight weeks to make the contrast crisp. Heat guard sprays are also needed – the slick finish normally requires a flat iron.
I recall the first time that bobs re-emerged with such a bold streaking and it was so new. It has now become something classic but cool with hairstylists such as Anh Co Tran redefining the bob each season.
It is the type of hairstyle concept that shouts confidence. Heading into the holidays, or simply feeling like a mood change before the new year, nothing like a sharp bob with fearless color says fresh start.
Modern Layered Shag
The layers are rocking the boat once more–literally. This contemporary shag haircut introduces that soft rock-and-roll feel but makes it presentable in our day-to-day life. The feathered ends make the length light and the sweeping bangs provide a light frame to the face. The thing I love about this cut is its motion: each step, each wind, it breathes.
Shags do require a little more attention. A leave-in spray with hydrating properties is used to keep the layers smooth and shiny without making them heavy. I like the Redken One United Multi-Benefit Spray because of this reason. A few random strands curled with a large-barrel iron will give the hair some volume but not too much.
I particularly like this cut during the colder seasons since it can be paired with thick turtlenecks and earrings. It possesses that easy and yet dressed up feel, and that is so winter cool.
And here is a stylist tip I learned at the hands of stylist Sally Hershberger, the pioneer of the shag: do not over think the hair. The beauty lies in the blemish. It is a cut that is playful and thus is refreshing in a season that at times seems too structured.
Mischievous Undercut in Daring Color
This is the statement haircut of the season to the bold at heart. A slight undercut and bright pink and peach hues are electric on winter palettes. It is light-hearted, sharp and can not be overlooked – just what you need when the days are short and the nights seem long.
The upkeep is real, though. Bright colors need color-depositing conditioners such as Overtone to prevent the pinks fading. And undercuts grow out fast, so it is necessary to trim them regularly to maintain the shape. Nonetheless, the reward is immense– it is a mood booster whenever you look in the mirror.
I like how this cut defies the notion that winter hair is meant to be understated. Celebrity colorist Guy Tang once remarked that hair is the ultimate accessory, and with colors such as these, it is indeed. Why be like everyone when you can be different?
This is your cue in case you have been in need of an impetus to finally give bold hair color a shot. Cold weather is kindly enough- there is less sun to fade, and hats actually preserve the color. It is adventurous and, at the same time, practical.
Asymmetrical Platinum Pixie
This is a bold fall-winter cut, combining the stingingness of a pixie with an asymmetrical line that is contemporary and self-assured. Platinum blonde color reflects the light and is perfect on short winter days when we all need some light. It is flirtatious, punky and yet very feminine with that long fringe running across the face.
To retain platinum this crisp I would suggest a purple mask once a week such as Fanola No Yellow Mask which miracles in keeping that ice like tone. A little pomade on the ends will increase separation and texture without losing softness.
Personally, I like this hairstyle as it makes short hair look dramatic and dimensional. It is not only a question of making your hair short, but making it a fashion accessory that defines your personality.
This pixie is best worn with statement earrings or graphic eye makeup, so it would fit well at a holiday party or New Years Eve.
Flowing Length Undercut
This is a haircut that talks to confidence and individuality. The undercut on one side is in perfect contrast to the longer flowing strands on the other side. The darker colors blend into the light ends, providing depth and personality that take the whole style to the next level. It is bold and it informs the world that you are not afraid to go to extremes.
To maintain it, it is important to keep the shaved part clean and sharp. Swing by your stylist every few weeks to have the undercut updated, and a smoothing cream such as Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream will keep the longer parts of your hair slick and shiny.
In my opinion, this appearance is almost cinematic–the sort of hair you would find in a winter street-style photo series. It is a feat to strike a balance between rebellion and elegance.
It is one of those cuts that changes with the way you wear it: swept back in a dramatic effect, forward in an edgy look, or tucked behind the ear in a soft, natural look.
Spiky Undercut Pixie
This pixie is spiky and short with an undercut that is energetic. The contrast and dimension is created by the choppy texture, the icy blonde highlights on the top and darker tones underneath. It is crisp and young, the ideal appearance of a person who prefers his haircut to be lively.
A light paste such as Redken Rough Paste 12 is a godsend when it comes to sculpting spikes but retaining movement. It is not about doing too much–this appearance is based on restrained disorderliness.
I am intrigued by this style as it is tough and elegant at the same time. It can be worn with oversized winter sweaters, in which the contrast of soft material and hair in the form of edges is striking.
Short haircuts are said to bring out your features differently as hair experts put it. This fashion attracts the eyes and cheekbones, so it is ideal when you want to emphasize your face.
Fringe Pixie Blonde with Fringe
This haircut is a variation of the traditional pixie and is made softer by a side swept fringe. The platinum color makes it cool and contemporary and the smooth styling makes it feel classy. Combined with red lipstick and minor accessories, it is one of those classic hairstyles that will never go wrong.
A smoothing serum such as Biosilk Silk Therapy Original is a good option to keep this polished effect. It controls flyaways and gives it that glassy look we all desire when we are wearing smooth looks in the winter.
I have personally always liked cuts such as this because of its versatility. Dress it up to a workday or down to a weekend brunch and it never feels out of place.
It is stylish, understated, and best worn during colder seasons, when simplicity tends to be the most classy.
Cold Silver Pixie Long Fringe
This hair style is a combination of icy silver and a long sweeping fringe that is futuristic and glamorous. The metallic cool color is ideal in fall and winter- it reflects the frost on windows and creates instant drama to any outfit.
Silver tones are hard to maintain. An oVertone Silver Conditioner color-depositing conditioner can be used to refresh the color between visits to the salon. Apply it with a moisturizing mask once a week to avoid drying.
In my case, this is the type of hair color that is almost magical. It even makes even the most basic styles such as a black blazer or a chunky knit appear to be a part of a runway-ready scene.
When you are thinking about this appearance, keep in mind: silver is not only a color, it is a statement. And in the very middle of winter, it cannot be a more appropriate one.
Sleek Platinum Bob Side Part
Something polished to an irresistible degree about this platinum bob. The deep side part makes it have a modern sophistication and the jawline is framed beautifully by the smooth graduation in length. The cool-coloured blonde is icy and sophisticated–perfectly suited to fall and winter when the mood of the season is towards cool minimalism.
Maintaining platinum shades is bright in colder months. I would suggest alternating a purple shampoo such as Kerastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet with a light hydrating formula. To make sure the hair does not lose its softness in the dry air, adding a light oil, like Moroccanoil Treatment Light, is recommended.
This cut is among the most classic methods of wearing short hair that I have ever found. It possesses that Parisian assurance–organized, clear, yet with movement. Hairstylist Chris Appleton has been quoted saying that the right bob will automatically lift your whole appearance and I could not agree more. The manner in which this cut highlights the neckline and accessories makes each outfit look more purposeful.
It is the type of haircut that makes you feel pulled together even when you are simply slipping on a warm sweater and going out on errands. A cool bob is not just a cut–it is a statement.
Daring Undercut with Contrasting Highlights
This haircut goes a step further with undercut that is contrasted with longer, voluminous layers. The black foundation and platinum blonde streaks produce an impressive effect that is both rough and cool. It is a style that lives on the attitude and is ideal to a person who wants the haircut to be as expressive as the wardrobe.
To maintain it, I would keep a texturizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, on the rotation. It gives the upper layers lift and motion and increases the edgy differentiation of tones. Frequent shaving of the shaved area also maintains the appearance of a fresh and deliberate look, as opposed to an overgrowth.
On a personal level, I interpret this cut as a re-writing of winter hair rules. Rather than subtle, toned down fashions, it is all about being bold during the colder months when fashion can be cumbersome and thick. This hairstyle slices all that and provides you with immediate presence.
It makes me think of the words of celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen: “Hair is the final accessory- when it is daring, it transforms your entire energy. This undermining is the best illustration of that. It is bold, fashionable and up to the stage.
When the season changes and the air turns colder, our hair is not only a style, but a way of walking around in the long nights, at parties, and warm mornings. Bobs are soft and pixies are daring and all the haircuts of this fall and winter are about finding a balance between comfort and daring, warmth and edge. I have posted the images that make me feel most motivated at this moment, yet the charm of hair is that it is a very personal thing. What appeals to me may give you an entirely different idea–and that is the fun of it.
Which of these styles is your next chapter? Are you prepared to go sleek and classic or are you more like a fearless, textured cut? Whichever you go, make your hair a mirror of this season energy: fresh, confident, and unapologetically you.
