Okay, it’s 20-degrees outside, but feels like zero. If you could’ve left your apartment wearing your comforter, you would have (we’ve definitely considered it). But, instead, you reach for your warmest coat, bundle up from head to toe, and brave the arctic temps. The last thing you’re worried about is your hair. But, hairstylist Dhiran Mistry says there is a way to warm your face in the wintertime, and that’s with your bangs. Think of face-framing fringe peaking out from beneath your hat like little rays of sunshine. Hear me out.
“There’s more coverage and less sweating,” Mistry says of wearing bangs in the winter. “You can get away with more in the face. It’s the opposite of what I tell people in the summer: they shouldn’t get bangs, because it will stick to their face.” With that genius tip in mind, we asked hairstylists which cuts mesh well with the various seasons, specifically winter.
As an aside, iconic colorist Christophe Robin notes, “Any hairstyle will look its best if the hair is healthy.” He stresses the importance of taking really good care of your hair to achieve any look, during any season. “For instance,” Robin continues, “applying a protective hair oil before a salon appointment, washing your hair with a gentle shampoo, and using a daily hair cream will avoid split ends and breakage—and make any style look its best.”
Coils
Lean into your natural volume to play with different shapes, like baby bangs and an angled bob. The layers remove weight and will help keep your natural curl pattern intact and beautiful.
Curly
“For curly hair,” Robin says, “it’s good to layer a bit, especially in the winter when the air gets dry and your curls have a harder time holding. The layers allow your hair to stay bouncy because a few pieces are shorter, and thus, lighter.” He adds, “If you want to get a few highlights on curly hair, I recommend working on the lengths to emphasize the layers and curls, rather than the roots.”
Jillian Halouska, a hairstylist and OGX brand ambassador adds, “A mid-length shag works wonders. She suggests, “Get the most volume and curl enhancement by cutting internal layers to remove excess weight. Bonus is you can also option bangs for this look.”
Wavy
Mistry recommends those with wavy hair try textured, piece-y bangs, as they’re less likely to air-dry their hair in the winter. “Because you are blow-drying your hair more, there are more styles available,” he says. So, it’s the perfect time to take a leap with bangs.
Wavy + Thick
“Try thinning the back or going for an undercut to create less volume and prevent tangles in your scarf,” says Mistry. “It will also help hair dry quicker on those frosty mornings,” he adds.
Wavy + Fine
Halouska recommends trying a jawline bob, which she describes as “an elevated and daring version to the better-known lob.” She suggests telling your stylist to keep the ends in line with your jaw bone, angling it a bit longer in the front and letting it falling just below the ears. “The finer your hair, the more blunt you will want it cut to keep the shape.
Straight
“Try soft curtain bangs,” says Halouska. “It’s an easy, French-inspired, face-framing look.” She explains, “Without the high temperatures and humidity of summer, this is the perfect trendy winter option with minimal drying and styling.”
Straight + Fine
Those with fine hair, winter is the time to really go for it. We’re talking a full-on pixie cut. Mistry suggests leaving some soft long edges and a bit of coverage over your ears. “It looks nice when it’s tucked behind your ears, but can be worn either way.”
Straight + Thick
Robin suggests trying a few light layers to give your hair movement, especially around the face, as well as bangs. “It can be a beautiful way to frame your face,” he says.
