26 Stunning Winter Hairstyles for Black Women
When the winter season rolls in, it’s more than just bundling up in cozy sweaters and scarves.
For Black women, winter is also a time to care for and protect natural hair from the harsh cold while still serving stylish, head-turning looks.
The combination of cold air and dry indoor heat can leave hair prone to dryness and breakage, so choosing hairstyles that not only protect but also enhance the beauty of natural curls, coils, and waves is essential.
We’ve curated 26 winter hairstyle ideas for Black women that will keep you looking fabulous while taking care of your hair through the colder months.
From sleek braided ponytails to fluffy afros, defined curls, and intricate twists, these styles offer versatility, flair, and practicality.
Winter Hairstyles for Black Women
1. Half-Up Curly Afro
This half-up curly afro is a great way to maintain volume and keep hair out of the face. The hair is gathered at the crown, leaving the rest of the curls loose to flow down.
To achieve this, use a comb to pull the top section of your hair into a high ponytail, leaving the curls in the back loose and free.
Apply a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls. This style adds both height and fullness, making it an excellent choice for a versatile winter look that can go from day to night.
2. Curly High Puff with Twists
A curly high puff combined with two sleek side twists makes for a casual yet chic winter look. The hair is pulled up into a puff, leaving the natural curls to bloom freely at the top. The twists at the front add an extra layer of detail.
To recreate this style, moisturize your hair, apply a defining cream to enhance the curls, and secure it into a puff using a band or scarf.
Then, create two small twists at the front for that added texture. This style is easy to maintain and perfect for colder months when protective styles are essential.
3. Braided Ponytail with Scrunchie
This style features a sleek braided ponytail paired with an eye-catching orange scrunchie. The ponytail is high and tightly braided, giving it a polished look while the scrunchie adds a playful pop of color.
To achieve this look, part the hair into sections, braid them tightly and gather into a high ponytail. Use styling gel for a smooth finish.
Add a bold scrunchie or hair accessory to elevate the style. It’s ideal for keeping hair out of the way while making a statement with your winter accessories.
4. Curly Afro with Bangs
The curly afro with bangs is a timeless style that works beautifully during the winter months. The short, voluminous curls frame the face while the bangs add a youthful touch.
To achieve this look, moisturize your curls to keep them defined, and use a pick to fluff up the volume. The bangs are shaped naturally, blending into the rest of the afro seamlessly.
This style is low-maintenance, yet packs a bold punch and works well with scarves and winter hats. It’s the perfect combination of natural beauty and winter-ready flair.
5. Double Puff Braids
This hairstyle combines two cornrow braids leading into voluminous puffs, making it a stylish and protective winter look. The cornrows are braided tightly to the scalp with a center part, and the ends are tied off into puffs.
To achieve this style, braid two thick sections of hair starting from the front and ending at the nape of the neck, securing each section into a puff.
The defined curls at the ends add volume and texture. This style is perfect for keeping your hair protected from the cold while maintaining a chic and neat appearance.
6. Full Afro Hair
A big, fluffy afro is a stunning way to showcase natural hair in the winter. This look requires minimal manipulation and works best when hair is moisturized and picked out for maximum volume.
To achieve this style, after washing and moisturizing your hair, use a wide-tooth comb or an afro pick to fluff the curls, adding volume without losing the natural curl pattern.
This afro style is both bold and empowering, offering a low-maintenance option that keeps your hair full and free throughout the winter season.
7. Voluminous Twist Out
This voluminous twist out gives the hair a soft, defined curl pattern with lots of body. It’s a great winter hairstyle for natural hair, providing volume while maintaining moisture.
To achieve this, section your hair and apply a twisting cream to each section, then twist your hair overnight. In the morning, unravel the twists and separate the curls for added volume.
This look is perfect for combating dryness during the colder months while giving your hair a defined and lively appearance.
8. Medium-Length Box Braids
Box braids are a wintertime favorite for Black women because they offer versatility and protection.
These medium-length box braids feature chunky, rope-like sections that are both stylish and practical. To recreate this look, part the hair into small square sections and braid each one to the ends.
The braids can be styled in different ways pulled back, half-up, or left down. This protective style lasts several weeks, keeping your hair shielded from the cold while still looking fabulous.
9. Curly Shag with Bangs
This curly shag with defined bangs is a perfect winter style that adds both shape and volume to natural curls. The bangs help frame the face while the layers give the rest of the hair a bouncy, carefree look.
To achieve this style, keep your hair well-moisturized with a curl-defining cream, then use a diffuser to dry it while keeping the curls intact. Shaping the bangs to fall just above the eyes provides a youthful and stylish effect.
This look is great for women who want to highlight their natural texture while keeping their curls lively and structured.
10. Half-Up Puff with Curls
This half-up puff is a versatile winter hairstyle that combines loose curls with a top bun, allowing for both volume and control.
The hair is parted in the middle and the top section is gathered into a fluffy bun, while the rest of the curls are left flowing down.
To recreate this look, detangle your curls with a leave-in conditioner, then pull the top half of your hair into a loose bun.
The contrast between the defined curls and the puff adds dimension, making it a relaxed yet stylish option for any winter day.
11. Braided Half-Up with Loose Waves
A half-up braided style with loose waves is perfect for winter days when you want a mix of structure and softness.
The front of the hair is styled in tight braids while the back cascades into loose waves. To achieve this look, start by braiding the front section of your hair, then create soft waves with a curling iron for the loose sections.
The half-updo adds a fun and flirty vibe, while the braids keep it practical for cold weather by keeping the hair out of your face.
12. Braided Updo with Cornrows
This braided updo features intricately braided cornrows that lead up into a voluminous bun on top. The style is sleek, protective, and elegant, ideal for colder months.
To achieve this look, braid the hair into tight cornrows on the sides, starting from the nape of the neck and working upward. Then, gather the braids into a high bun on top of your head.
This updo keeps your hair secure and out of the way, making it a great option for those who want a polished, professional look during the winter.
13. Sleek Braided Ponytail with Ribbon
This sleek braided ponytail is a polished and practical winter hairstyle. The hair is slicked back into a tight ponytail, creating a smooth surface with defined waves.
A simple ribbon accessory ties the braid, adding a playful, yet elegant touch. To achieve this look, apply a styling gel to smooth the hair back, then braid the ponytail into a single thick braid. Secure it with a ribbon or bow.
This style is perfect for maintaining a neat, professional appearance during the cold season while adding a bit of fun with the accessory.
14. Full Voluminous Afro
The full voluminous afro is a bold winter statement that celebrates the beauty of natural hair. This large afro gives off a fun, carefree vibe while offering maximum volume.
To achieve this look, keep your hair moisturized with a leave-in conditioner and pick it out for added fullness. A wide-tooth comb or an afro pick can help lift the hair from the roots, creating an expansive, rounded shape.
This afro style is ideal for those who want to embrace their natural curls and keep their hair free and full during the winter months.
15. Flat Twists Updo
A flat twists updo is a simple and sleek protective hairstyle perfect for winter. The hair is twisted flat against the scalp in two sections and secured at the nape, keeping the hair tucked away from harsh weather.
To achieve this look, part the hair down the middle, and twist each side tightly back toward the nape, securing the twists in a low bun or tuck.
This style works well for maintaining moisture and protecting the ends, making it a go-to for colder months.
16. Box Braids with Curly Ends
Box braids with curly ends offer the best of both worlds braid protection with the softness of curls. The hair is braided halfway down, and the rest is left loose with defined curls.
To achieve this look, part the hair into small sections for braiding, stopping halfway down, and curl the ends with a curling wand or rollers.
This style allows for versatility it can be worn in different updos or left down, making it perfect for the winter season as a long-lasting protective style.
17. Defined Curly Wash-and-Go
This defined curly wash-and-go is a low-maintenance style perfect for the winter months. The natural curls are left loose and defined, giving the hair a soft, bouncy look.
To achieve this, start by washing your hair and applying a curl-enhancing cream or gel. Use a diffuser or air dry to set the curls while keeping frizz at bay.
This style showcases the natural beauty of your curls while keeping your hair moisturized and hydrated, which is key for winter hair care. It’s great for those who want a simple yet polished look without a lot of manipulation.
18. Twist-Out with Volume
This voluminous twist-out is a fantastic winter hairstyle for adding definition and texture to natural hair. The twist-out provides stretch and definition while still maintaining volume.
To recreate this style, section your hair and apply a twisting cream to each section. Twist your hair, let it dry overnight, and unravel in the morning for a full and fluffy look.
The defined twists provide structure while the fluffiness adds an effortless charm. This style is perfect for cold weather as it keeps your hair in a protective state while still looking stylish.
19. Soft Curls with Side Part
This soft curl style with a side part adds a touch of elegance to natural curls. The curls are voluminous and well-defined, with the side part giving it a structured look.
To achieve this style, use a curling cream or mousse and let the hair air dry or use a diffuser to maintain definition. The side part gives a sophisticated edge, making it perfect for more formal winter occasions.
This style works well for both casual and professional settings, offering a polished yet natural appearance.
20. Fluffy Fro with Defined Edges
A fluffy fro with defined edges is a bold winter hairstyle that highlights natural volume. The hair is picked out for maximum fluff, creating a cloud-like texture, while the edges are sleek and defined.
To recreate this look, start by moisturizing your hair and using an afro pick to gently lift the roots for volume.
Apply edge control gel to smooth out the edges for a more structured contrast. This style is great for making a statement during the winter months, offering both texture and shape.
21. Short Defined Curls
This short defined curls hairstyle is ideal for a low-maintenance winter look that enhances natural curls. The hair is cut short with tight, defined curls framing the face.
To achieve this style, wash and apply a curl-defining gel or cream to damp hair, then use a diffuser to dry while maintaining the shape of the curls.
This look is perfect for those who want a neat and chic hairstyle that requires minimal upkeep, keeping your curls hydrated and healthy during the cold months.
22. Pinned Afro Puffs
This style features two pinned afro puffs, which add volume and fun to natural curls. The hair is sectioned into two parts and pinned at the sides, creating puffy, voluminous sections that bring attention to the face.
To achieve this, part your hair in the middle, and secure each section with bobby pins or elastics, fluffing out the curls for a fuller effect.
This playful style is perfect for the winter season when you want to show off your natural texture while keeping your hair in a protective shape.
23. Side-Swept Curly Ponytail
The side-swept curly ponytail is a sophisticated look that combines the elegance of a ponytail with the natural beauty of curls.
The hair is gathered to one side and secured in a ponytail, with loose curls flowing over the shoulder. To recreate this, pull the hair to the side and use a curling cream or gel to define the curls.
Add accessories such as hairpins or gold cuffs to enhance the look. This style works for formal winter events or everyday wear.
24. Sleek Green High Ponytail
A sleek green high ponytail with bold, bright color brings a pop of vibrancy to the winter season. The ponytail is slicked back tightly with the hair extended into long, soft waves.
To achieve this look, start by straightening the hair and applying styling gel for a smooth base, then gather the hair into a high ponytail.
The vibrant green color gives it a standout appearance, making it perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their winter look.
25. Double Puffs with Twists
This double puff hairstyle with added twists is a chic way to keep natural curls defined and playful during the winter months.
The hair is sectioned and twisted at the front, with each side pulled into fluffy puffs. To achieve this look, part the hair down the middle and create small flat twists or two-strand twists at the front.
Secure the back sections into two puffs using elastics. This style keeps your hair protected while showing off natural volume, perfect for casual winter days or events where you want a polished yet fun look.
26. Short Retro Waves
This short retro wave hairstyle brings a sleek, vintage-inspired flair to the winter season. The hair is styled into tight, defined waves that curve gracefully, giving a structured and elegant look.
To recreate this, use a curling iron or a flat iron to create smooth waves, then apply a shine serum to keep the hair looking sleek.
This is an ideal winter hairstyle for special occasions, as it brings both sophistication and polish to any look while keeping the hair secure and protected.