As the weather gets colder, it’s the perfect time to try some fun winter hairstyles. When mornings feel gray and chilly, a cute braid can make you look stylish and keep your hair in place all day. Pair it with a soft beanie, a warm scarf, and your favorite sweater, and you’re ready for any winter day.
If you want to stay cozy and still look amazing, winter braids are the way to go. Whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends, or sipping hot cocoa by the window, a pretty braid adds the perfect touch.
For the cold winter months, here are 18 stylish braid options to help you maintain a fabulous appearance with every outfit.
1. Cozy French Braid
This is the braid that you can do in every season. It’s that timeless style that looks chic with everything from turtlenecks to oversized coats. Wrapping the braid helps to protect the hair from dry winter winds.
Try it like this
- You can start with some neat and smooth hair.
- Then take the three sections from the crown, finish the braid all the way down, and tie it off.
- Gradually cross the sides over the middle, adding more hair each time.
- Pull the sides lightly for the finished look.
2. Double Dutch Braid
If you need something that can handle a busy winter day, double Dutch braids are perfect. They’re tight, fun, and hold their shape under hats or hoods. Great for errands, gym days, or snowy walks.
Here’s how to get the look
Part your hair straight down the center. Take one side and divide it into three strands. Instead of crossing over, cross under the middle strand. Keep adding hair as you go. Repeat on the other side, then secure both ends with small elastics.
3. Low Braided Bun
Wearing a low braided bun gives you a cozy, warm, put-together feeling. It is classy and helps keep hair away from your scarf. It is also very versatile and works for the office and for dinner afterwards. Feel your best while remaining warm and cozy.
To achieve
- Perform a three-strand braid.
- You can twist your braid into a bun at the nape of your neck.
- If you would like a soft romantic finish, you can pull soft strands out to frame your face.
- You can then secure your braid into a bun using bobby pins.
4. Fishtail Side Braid
The Fishtail Side Braid is for you if you like dreamlike, effortless styles. It works perfectly with your warm, cozy silhouette and gives you a relaxed winter vibe.
Want to recreate it? Do this
- Gather all your hair to one side. Split it into two equal parts.
- Take a small piece from the outside of one section, cross it over to the other, and repeat until you reach the end.
- Secure with an elastic and gently loosen it to add volume.
5. Rope Twist Ponytail
This style is ideal for those rushed mornings when time is limited and something quick yet neat is needed. It looks refined and remains secure even under scarves and hats.
Quick styling guide
- Quick styling guide
- Secure your hair into a low ponytail.
- Next, divide it into two sections.
- Twist both sections in the same direction, then cross them in the opposite direction.
- Secure it with a tie at the end, and just like that, you’re done!
6. Crown Braid
Warm and romantic hairstyles can give you that extra boost of self-confidence, and a halo crown braid is a perfect example. It keeps hair in check, and the romantic, warm glow it gives is just perfect for date nights and festive get-togethers.
Here’s what to do
- Part your hair in half to create two sections.
- On both sides, create two simple braids.
- Then, take one braid over the top of your head and pin it.
- Repeat with the other side, tucking the ends under.
- Your smoothing and holding spray is perfect for flyaways.
7. Chunky Side Braid
Loosely woven braids just complete a cozy winter outfit. They look great with scarves or high-neck sweaters, and their style gives your outfit that unpretentious charm.
To make it happen
- Sweep all hair to one side and divide it into three large sections.
- Start braiding by taking each section, in order, and crossing it to the center
- Then braid down to the end and tie with an elastic.
- Pull at the braid gently to give it an undone, fuller look.
8. Braided Ponytail
This braided style is sure to get you a compliment. it keeps your hair out of your face while looking stylish and is quick to complete. It works well with warm outerwear and big earrings.
Style step-by-step
- Pull hair back into a high ponytail, and braid it down to the end.
- Wrap a small section to cover the elastic.
- Finish with a little shine spray to keep it glowing.
9. Half-Up Braid
When you want a laid back and relaxed look but still want it to seem intentional, a half-up braid is the perfect hairstyle. It is perfect for coffee runs, cozy nights, and weekend plans. It half keeps the hair up and half keeps it down, which is ideal for the indecisive.
Get the look
- Take two small front sections of hair, and braid each of them.
- Braid them and then place them at the back of your head, securing them with a small band or clip.
- The rest of your hair can be down, straight, or wavy.
10. Dutch Crown Braid
If you want attention and want your hairstyle to be head-turning, try the Dutch crown braid. It is bold and textured. It is a fun version of the normal crown braid.
You can try this method
- Start the braid near the ear, and cross each strand under the middle.
- Continue adding hair to the braid and make circles around the head.
- When you reach the starting point, secure it with pins.
- Pull the sections out slightly to get volume.
11. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid captures the magic of winter—gentle, flowing, and slightly ethereal. It is a go-to hairstyle when you want a loose yet elegant braid. It also looks beautiful paired with soft curls and loose waves.
To achieve this braid
- Take a small section of hair near your temple.
- Braid the hair normally, and after a few weaves, drop the bottom section and pick a new top section.
- Continue until you get to the back of your head, and secure it with a small pin.
- Allow the loose hair to waterfall over your shoulders.
12. Braided Headband
No actual headband is required for this hairstyle. The braided headband is perfect for winter, as it keeps your hair out of your face while complementing your outfit. It is also perfect for those hair wash days.
Give it a go like this
- Separate a section of hair from the back of one ear and braid it.
- Then bring it across the top of your head and pin it behind the other ear.
Either waves flowing down or a bun up is cool too. Simple yet sweet.
13. Box Braids
For natural hair, box braids are a classic, and for good reason. They protect your strands from harsh winter air while giving you endless styling options. They’re not just stylish; box braids also last for weeks and are ideal to wear underneath winter hats and scarves.
Styling tip
- Begin with small, square-shaped sections of hair and braid each one from the scalp to the tip.
- If you need them, add extensions for braids.
- Use oil or a leave-in conditioner on your scalp to help moisturize during the harsh winter months.
14. Boho Braids
For a winter style that is more free, comfortable, and casual, the boho braid is best. Looser and more on the textured side, they add charm and casual vibes, making them great for relaxed days, musical evenings, or cabin trips.
Here’s the trick
- To create this style, take a few random, small strands of hair, and braid them loosely.
- Make sure some strands hang loose, while others can be incorporated into the waves.
- For a bohemian flair, you can also add a ribbon or small decorative bead.
15. Pull-Through Braid
The pull-through braid has a fancy appearance but is quite easy to do. It creates a very nice bubble, which is great to show off during a winter party or for those days when you want to feel a little extra glamorous.
How to nail it
- For the pull-through braid, you can start with a ponytail.]
- Then divide it into two sections, clipping the top half out of the way.
- For the bottom half, grab a small elastic to tie a few inches down and then perform the braid, and the top section is pulled through the gap.
- Repeat this until you reach the end and pull on each section to create fluff.
16. Double Braided Bun
The double braided bun is perfect when you want something that looks polished but can be done in a few minutes. You can go out for dinner with this style or relax in a turtleneck and stay comfy at home.
To create this winter look
- Create a central part, then braid your hair in three-strand braids on either side.
- After that, braid the two braids and wrap the braids into a bun.
- Place it at the nape of your neck and secure it with bobby pins.
- For a soft and undone look, gently pull a few pieces around your face.
17. Bubble Braid
Bubble braid is pure fun. It is youthful, bouncy, and very easy to pull off when wearing a beanie or a large scarf. This style is perfect to lift your mood, especially when you catch a glimpse of your reflection.
Do it this way
- Take a ponytail and secure it with small elastics tied every few inches.
- Then, pull the hair between each band to inflate it and create “bubbles.”
- You can keep the style neat or go dramatic, depending on your mood.
18. Accent Braids
Ready to try it? Here’s how
Take one or two small sections of your hair and do a tight braid. You can blend this with the rest of your hair or loose waves. You can also pull this behind your ear and add a charm or a clip that will add some extra bling.
Winter Care for Braids
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the most impact. Accent braids help add some personality to your go-to winter style and don’t require you to do a complete restyle.
When it’s the winter and the air is dry and heated, your hair can become dry and brittle as well, so be sure to take care of it.
- Moisturizing should be frequent: Light oil or a leave-in conditioner should be applied to your hair before braids to keep the moisture in.
- Braids should be loose as well for ease and comfort; you should have no tension in the braids.
- Nighttime care should be in place: A satin pillowcase or a silk scarf to wrap your hair will do.
- Minimal washing: Stripping natural oil occurs with overwashing; doing so every few days is plenty.
All of the above habits will give soft, shiny, and winter-ready braids.
In Summary
Winter braids are a hairstyle, but of course, they are a form of comfort, creativity, and self-expression too. There are numerous options to select, each complementing the season.
This winter, do something different. Get your brush, grab your hot chocolate, and get ready to braid to adjust for the winter months in confidence and style.
Remain warm, remain fashionable, and let your braids speak for you.
