Winter brings shorter days, cooler weather, and cozy layers—and it’s a perfect time to refresh your hair color with deeper, richer tones. If you’re browsing Pinterest for inspiration, you’ll find that these darker, moodier hues dominate the “dark winter hair” boards.
Here are 10 dark winter hair colors that are trending, flattering, and ideal for the season. Each includes what makes it work and tips for carrying it off.
1. Jet Black
Jet-black hair is ultra-dark and dramatic, and pairs well with winter clothing like charcoal, burgundy, and forest green. Its depth stands out against pale skin and low winter light.
Why it works: The season’s muted light makes dark tones pop, and black hair reflects light differently in winter’s soft ambiance.
Tip: To avoid a flat look, request a shiny gloss finish. Keep hair hydrated and use purple-toned or cool-toned gloss to avoid warmth creeping in.
2. Espresso Brown
A step away from black, this rich dark brown with subtle cool undertones is timeless. As one expert puts it, “Espresso brown will always be a yes,” and it works across complexions.
Why it works: It gives depth without being overly harsh, and its warm-cool balance suits many skin tones in winter.
Tip: Ask for a dark chocolate base with milk chocolate or mocha ends for dimension. A demi-gloss application helps keep it vibrant without heavy commitment.
3. Dark Chocolate with Caramel Ribbons
Dark chocolate brown is rich, and caramel highlights add soft warmth and movement.
Why it works: Winter fashion tends to lean into deeper tones, so having subtle warm accents keeps your hair from looking flat or one-dimensional.
Tip: Keep highlight contrast soft (just 1-2 levels lighter) and concentrated mid-shaft to ends to maintain a dark base. Use gloss treatments to protect the caramel highlights from fading.
4. Chestnut Brown
Chestnut brown is warm and elegant, giving a cozy winter vibe.
Why it works: Trend updates for winter 2025 highlight “icy chestnut” for its cool undertone twist on a warm classic.
Tip: For a more remarkable effect, ask for ash or neutral undertones in your chestnut. Maintain with color-protecting shampoo and avoid overly warm glazes that might read orange under winter lighting.
5. Berry Burgundy or Wine-Red
Burgundy, wine, or berry hues are rich, bold reds perfect for winter.
Why it works: Red shades draw interest, offer warmth and richness in dimmer winter light, and blend beautifully with both cool and warm wardrobes. In “red-brown” roundups, burgundy brunette is highlighted as a low-lightening and high-impact option.
Tip: Because reds fade faster, use a color-safe shampoo and a weekly gloss treatment. Choose a shade with a red-violet undertone if you have cooler skin, or auburn-red for warm skin tones.
6. Black-Cherry (Black Base + Cherry Highlights)
Black-cherry combines a dark black base with cherry highlights for added depth.
Why it works: As noted in a trend guide, “Cherry cola highlights” on a dark base are an ideal winter update.
Tip: Keep the cherry highlights concentrated near the face and tips for impact, and maintain the base color to keep the overall look dark and luscious.
7. Deep Aubergine / Plum Brown
Plum or aubergine brown has a cool, subtle violet undertone for winter.
Why it works: Cooler tones can counter the washed-out look that winter lighting sometimes brings, and a dark base with violet undertones adds dimension.
Tip: Ask for a brown base with a hint of a violet or plum undertone (just enough to read the undertone, not full purple). A gloss every few weeks will keep the violet from fading.
8. Mocha Brown with Chestnut Undertones
Mocha brown with chestnut undertones is a warm, subtle shade that catches light gently.
Why it works: It balances warmth and darkness, ideal for winter when golden tones may appear too bright and pure black may feel harsh.
Tip: Choose a mid-dark base (level 4-5) rather than ultra black. Gloss regularly and use a shade-protecting mask monthly to maintain shine.
9. Cool-Undertone Raven Brown
Raven brown is a very dark brown with ashy, cool undertones.
Why it works: If you have cool skin undertones or prefer silver jewelry, this refined dark shade maintains the depth of dark hair while avoiding warmth that may clash. Winter 2025 trend pieces mention using cool-toned deep brunette shades for the season.
Tip: Ask for an ashy base and skip red/orange glazes. Use color correction treatments if you notice unwanted red tones emerging in the light.
10. Smoky Chocolate Brown
Smoky chocolate brown is glossy and dark, with a subtle, calm tone for a fresh look.
Why it works: It gives classic brunette vibes with a fresh twist; trend coverage lists “smoky chocolate” as a winter 2024 favorite.
Tip: To achieve the smoky effect, request a chocolate brown base, then tone with a slightly cool gloss. Use shine-boosting treatments frequently, since winter dryness can make dark hair appear dull.
Maintenance & Seasonal Tips
- Gloss & shine matter: With darker shades, shine reflects light, preventing your color from looking flat or lifeless under winter’s diffuse daylight.
- Hydration is key: Cold air and indoor heating can dry hair out. Use deep conditioning masks weekly and thermal protection when styling.
- Avoid unwanted warmth: If you lean cool-toned or prefer less warmth, ask your colorist to avoid red/orange glazes and instead use ash or neutral undertones.
- Switch shampoos: Use formulas labeled “color-safe” and suited for dark/bright tones; these help limit fading and brassiness.
- Refresh regularly: Dark hair still needs upkeep—roots, glosses, and minor touch-ups help maintain richness.
- Match your wardrobe & skin tone: While dark hair works broadly, pair your undertone (cool vs warm) with your skin and jewelry preferences to maximize effect.
Final Thoughts
Winter is the ideal time to go deeper, richer, and more dimensional with your hair color.
Whether you choose bold (jet black, black-cherry) or subtle (espresso, mocha brown, chestnut), these 10 dark winter hair colors offer a range of looks to match your style and maintenance preferences.
Use them as inspiration for your next salon visit—and bring along a Pinterest board for extra reference.
