30 On-Trend Winter Hairstyles

Winter is the perfect time to showcase the latest hairstyle trends – whether you’re wearing loose waves for grabbing a cinnamon-spiced latte or glamming up with an up-do for an office party. Our experts at CLOUD NINE have put together step-by-step guides to achieving these looks with our limited-edition Starlight Collection.

Featuring the latest styling technology, The Starlight Collection comes in a stunning grey and platinum silver and includes: The Original and Wide Iron, available individually or as part of a limited edition Luxury gift set, The Curling Wand, The Airshot hair dryer, and The Airshot Pro hair dryer.

ON-TREND WINTER HAIRSTYLES FOR LONG HAIR

You can do pretty much anything with long hair – from intricate up-dos to wearing it down and loose – it’s hard to have a bad hair day. However, when winter hits, and you’re back to hats, scarves and coats, long hair can get in the way. We’ve got 5 gorgeous long hairstyles for you to try this winter using tools from our extra-special Starlight Collection to give your long hair a touch of glam this winter:

1. Bouncy blow-dry

Achieving a bouncy blow dry has never been easier, and it’s a timeless look that always delivers. 

Step 1: Start by towel-drying your hair after washing and spritz it with a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion. 

Step 2: Let it air dry until it’s mostly dry, then section your hair into medium to large sections. 

Step 3: Use the Starlight Collection Airshot Pro hair dryer and a round brush to roll each section up to the roots and slowly pull it down, curling inward while drying with your Airshot Pro. 

Step 4: After drying, wrap each section around your fingers and use clips to pin and set the curls. Leave the clips in for about 20 minutes to let the curls cool and lock in shape. 

Step 5: Finally, unclip, brush through with the Luxury Dressing Brush, and finish with a hairspray to smooth frizz and keep your style bouncy and glossy.

For curly or coily hair, glide over your hair with the Starlight Wide Iron to create big curls before you pin them – this could help you to achieve a smoother finish.

2. Winter waves

You don’t have to be lying on a beach to rock waves – they look particularly cute tucked under a woolly hat or cascading down the back of your winter coat. Whether your hair is short, long or mid-length, the perfect mermaid waves are easier to achieve than you think with the Starlight Original Iron.

Step 1: Start with dry, brushed hair and spritz it with our Magical Quick Dry Potion heat protection spray. 

Step 2: Section your hair with clips, then take small to medium strands and form an 'S' shape, pressing each bend into the mineral-infused plates of your Starlight Original Iron. 

Step 3: Move down the length of your hair, leaving a gap between each wave. 

Step 4: Repeat this process across your entire head. 

Step 5: Once finished, apply hairspray for hold and volume, then gently run your fingers through the waves to loosen them for that effortless, relaxed look.

If your hair is on the longer and thicker side, we recommend the Starlight Wide Iron as its wider 1½ inch plates will help you achieve this style in less time.

3. Christmas curls

For gorgeous Christmas curls that are full of bounce and volume, the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand is your go-to tool. It's perfect for all hair types, whether you're starting with straight, wavy, or blow-dried curls. The secret lies in its barrel size, designed to give you glamorous, full-bodied curls without the frizz. Plus, with Variable Temperature Control, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your hair type, ensuring smooth, shiny curls every time. Check which temperature is perfect for your hair by completing our Temperature Calculator quiz.

Step 1: Start by prepping your hair with a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion. 

Step 2: Section your hair for easier styling – the thinner the section, the more defined your curl will be. 

Step 3: Wrap each section around the wand, twisting it away from your face for a natural look. 

Step 4: Once you've curled your entire head, let the curls cool to help set the style. 

Step 5: Finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray to keep your curls in place for soft, flawless Christmas curls.

Take a look at our guide on how to achieve gorgeous curls for all hair types for more inspiration. 

4. Polished ponytail

The polished ponytail is a sleek, sophisticated look that's perfect for any occasion and works on all hair lengths.

Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair. Spritz it with our Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect against heat and add shine.

Step 2: Use the Starlight Original Iron to straighten your hair, focusing on getting it sleek and glossy from root to tip.

Step 3: Using the Luxury Dressing Brush, brush your hair back into a high or low ponytail, making sure it's smooth and bump-free. Secure with a hair bobble. For extra sophistication, take a small section of your hair (around a centimetre thick) and wrap it once or twice around the bobble to conceal it, then secure it with a bobby pin underneath the ponytail.

Step 4: After styling, smooth any flyaways with a small amount of CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy for a flawless finish. 

Step 5: Finish with hairspray for extra hold if needed.

5. Festive fringe

With the festive season upon us, there’s no better time to refresh your look than with a chic, voluminous curtain fringe. Whether you're attending Christmas parties or cosy gatherings, this face-framing style adds just the right touch of glam. 

Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair and apply Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection and shine.

Step 2: After drying the rest of your hair with the Airshot Pro from our Starlight Collection, take a round brush and wrap your fringe around it. 

Step 3: Starting at the root, hold the hair dryer above the brush and slowly roll down as you dry to create volume and lift.

Step 4: For a bouncier look, use the Starlight Wide Iron. Bring your fringe towards the centre of your face, then, starting at the root, glide the iron down while turning it outwards to curl the fringe section away from your face.

Step 5: Clip your fringe up after styling and leave it to cool for 10-15 minutes to lock in the bounce. Finish with a light hairspray or smoothing serum to keep it looking polished all day.

ON-TREND WINTER HAIRSTYLES FOR MEDIUM-LENGTH HAIR

You can do what you want with mid-length hair, but winter can make things a bit more challenging. From getting tangled in your scarf to the dreaded hat hair, we’ve got five fabulous festive looks to help you avoid those winter hair faux-pas.

6. Soft, voluminous waves

Soft waves give mid-length hair texture and volume, making them perfect for pairing with cosy winter scarves and coats. Here’s how to achieve a romantic, windswept look with CLOUD NINE’s Curling Wand from our exclusive Starlight Collection:

Step 1: Prep your hair with Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection – its nourishing ingredients will help strengthen your hair strands and lock in moisture while you style.

Step 2: Divide your hair into small sections and wrap a section around the Curling Wand.

Step 3: Hold for a few seconds, then release to create soft waves. Repeat until you’ve styled your whole head.

Step 4: Lightly tousle the waves with your fingers for a relaxed finish.

Step 5: Mist with a texturising spray to hold the style in place for gorgeous waves that last all day.

7. The polished low bun

This look is classic – chic and minimal, it transitions effortlessly from the office to a festive night out. Here’s how to create it:

Step 1: Use the Starlight Original Iron to straighten your hair for a sleek base. If your hair is naturally curly or coily, use our Airshot Pro from the Starlight Collection to blow dry your hair straight first. Always start with a generous spritz of our Magical Quick Dry Potion.

Step 2: Create a clean centre parting – the end of a tail brush is perfect for this job.

Step 3: Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun.

Step 4: Secure the bun with bobby pins.

Step 5: Smooth any flyaways with Magical Remedy for a neat, polished finish.

8. Textured half-up, half-down

This half-up, half-down style is perfect for Christmas parties or festive winter outings. Add texture and volume with the Starlight Wide Iron:

Step 1: Spritz with Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect your hair during heat styling. If you’ve got curly or coily hair, blow dry your hair straight first with the Airshot Pro hair dryer from our Starlight Collection. 

Step 2: Using the Starlight Wide Iron, add waves to the lower half of your hair for texture – tease the crown of your hair for extra volume.

Step 3: Section the top half of your hair and secure it with a clip or hair band.

Step 4: Loosen the hair around your face for a soft, relaxed look.

Step 5: Add festive accessories like clips or pins for extra sparkle.

Check out our guide to using the Wide Iron for even more hairstyling inspiration

9. Sleek, straight and shiny

Sleek, straight hair reflects Christmas lights beautifully – perfect for winter celebrations. Use the Starlight Wide Iron for a glass-like finish:

Step 1: Spritz all over with Magical Potion for moisturising heat protection.

Step 2: If you have curly or coily hair, start with a straight blow-dry with our Starlight Collection Airshot Pro hair dryer.

Step 3: Section your hair and run the Starlight Wide Iron from root to tip. Its wider-than-average 1½ inch mineral-infused plates and innovative Revive Mode™ technology reduce the amount of direct heat on your hair, making the whole process quicker and kinder.

Step 4: Tuck your hair behind your ears for a polished look.

Step 5: Finish with a small amount of Magical Remedy to nourish, protect and add shine.

10. Messy top knot

The messy top knot is a quick, relaxed style perfect for cosy winter days. Here’s how to achieve it:

Step 1: Rub a small amount of Magical Remedy between your palms and runyour hands through your hair.

Step 2: Gather your hair into a high ponytail – whether straight, wavy or curly, anything goes.

Step 2: Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins or a hair bobble.

Step 4: Pull out a few tendrils around your face for a soft, undone look.

Step 5: Pair with a chunky scarf and jumper for ultimate winter vibes.

On-Trend Winter Hairstyles for Short Hair

Short hair can be just as versatile as longer hair – you just have to be creative. These styles are perfect for staying chic during the colder months, whether you’re hitting a Christmas market or heading to the office party.

11. Sleek pixie with a deep side parting

A sleek pixie with a deep side parting creates a bold yet practical look for winter. Here’s how to achieve it with the Starlight Original Iron:

Step 1: Start by applying our Magical Quick Dry Potion for added nourishment and heat protection and brush through your hair with the detangle comb – part of the Original Iron Lux package.

Step 2: Part your hair deeply on one side.

Step 3: Use the Starlight Original Iron to straighten your hair section by section. Make sure you’re styling your hair at the perfect temperature by checking out our Temperature Calculator first. Simply answer a few easy questions about your hair type to make sure you’re setting the Starlight Original Iron at the best temperature for your hair. 

Step 4: After styling, smooth down any flyaways with a little Magical Remedy – perfect for adding extra gloss.

Step 5: Tuck one side behind your ear for a sleek finish.

12. Tousled bob

A tousled bob with natural texture adds warmth and volume, ideal for combating winter’s dry air. Use the Curling Wand from our Starlight Collection to create beautiful waves:

Step 1: Spray your hair with our Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect and lock in moisture during styling.

Step 2: Section your hair and loosely wrap strands around the Curling Wand – be sure to use the protective glove, especially with short hair.

Step 3: Release after a few seconds to create natural, loose waves.

Step 4: Scrunch the waves with your fingers for a messy, lived-in look.

Step 5: Finish with a mist of texturising spray for hold and volume.

13. Sleek and tucked behind the ear

For a modern, minimal winter style, tuck sleek, straight short hair behind your ears. Achieve this look with the Starlight Original Iron:

Step 1: Spritz your hair with Magical Quick Dry Potion to keep your hair nourished and protected as you straighten.

Step 2: Use the Starlight Original Iron to straighten your hair, section by section.

Step 3: Tuck one or both sides behind your ears.

Step 4: Add some statement earrings for a festive touch.

Step 5: Finish with a little Magical Remedy for added shine and a spray of hairspray for extra hold.

14. Messy Top-Half Ponytail

A messy top-half ponytail adds volume and texture for milder winter days when you don’t need a hat, or for spending time indoors:

Step 1: Section off the top half of your hair.

Step 2: Gather it into a loose ponytail, leaving the bottom half down.

Step 3: Tease the crown for extra volume.

Step 4: Add festive scrunchies or glittery hair ties for a seasonal touch.

Step 5: Loosen the ponytail slightly to create a messy, laid-back look.

15. Vintage Finger Waves

For a retro-inspired winter look, vintage finger waves bring a touch of elegance and glamour to your Christmas hair repertoire. Use the Starlight Original Iron to create this style:

Step 1: If you have straight hair, dampen and apply styling gel. If your hair is wavy, curly or coily, smooth your hair first using the Starlight Original Iron. Then simply brush your hair close to your head and apply gel to create a smoother texture. 

Step 2: Use a fine-tooth comb close to your head to create deep, sculpted waves by moving the comb forward and then backward as you move it through each section.

Step 3: Pin the waves in place and let them set for a few minutes.

Step 4: Remove the pins and finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

Step 5: Decorate with an embellished hair slide for a festive ‘Great Gatsby’ vibe.

Protective Winter Hairstyles

Winter weather can be harsh on hair, making protective styles a must. These hairstyles keep your hair healthy and stylish throughout the festive season.

16. Classic braided crown

A braided crown is both elegant and practical, keeping your hair protected from winter elements:

Step 1: Part your hair down the middle.

Step 2: Braid each side into two simple braids – either Dutch braids or French plaits work perfectly for this look.

Step 3: Wrap the braids around the top of your head and secure them with bobby pins.

Step 4: Tuck in any loose ends for a polished look.

Step 5: Finish with hairspray to hold the style in place.

Discover more braided hairstyle inspiration

17. Loose, low bun

This loose, low bun is gentle on your hair while protecting it from harsh winter conditions:

Step 1: Lightly curl your hair section-by-section with the Curling Wand from our exclusive Starlight Collection for added texture.

Step 2: Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Use a silk scrunchie to minimise tension and breakage.

Step 3: Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins.

Step 4: Tame flyaways with a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy. Simply rub it between your hands and apply it to your hair for added shine.

Step 5: Finish with a sparkly accessory or some statement earrings.

18. Knotted scarf updo

A knotted scarf updo is a trendy, protective style that adds warmth and flair to your winter look:

Step 1: Choose a festive silk or satin scarf.

Step 2: Wrap your hair into a loose bun at the nape of your neck.

Step 3: Tie the scarf around the bun, knotting it securely.

Step 4: Tuck in the ends of the scarf for a neat finish.

Step 5: Loosen a few strands around your face for softness.

19. High ponytail with wrapped bun

Keep your hair secure and stylish with a high ponytail wrapped into a bun:

Step 1: Pull your hair into a high ponytail.

Step 2: Twist the ponytail into a bun.

Step 3: Secure it with a silk scrunchie to reduce friction.

Step 4: Use the Starlight Original Iron paired with our Magical Quick Dry Potion to smooth any flyaways.

Step 5: Finish with hairspray for all-day hold.

20. Smooth low ponytail with silk wrap

A smooth low ponytail with a silk wrap combines style and protection, ideal for winter:

Step 1: Straighten your hair with the Starlight Original Iron.

Step 2: Pull your hair into a low ponytail – this look is perfect if you’re on the go, like on a train or bus.

Step 3: Tie a silk wrap around the base of the ponytail.

Step 4: Ensure the wrap is snug but not too tight to avoid damage.

Step 5: Apply some Magical Remedy for a little added gloss and protection from the elements. 

Check out our guide to managing your hair in cold weather

Winter Hairstyles for 4c Hair

Winter can prove tricky if you’ve got afro-textured hair – keeping your hair neat under hats or contained under a scarf can be a challenge. But fear not – here are five stunning winter hairstyles for 4c hair that will keep your hair looking and feeling fabulous this festive season:

21. High puff

The high puff is a chic, effortless style that’s perfect for showing off your natural curls and keeping your hair off your face. It’s also practical for winter, as it keeps your hair neatly gathered and protected.

Step 1: Start by shampooing your hair and then using a hydrating leave-in conditioner like our 3-in-1 Magical Remedy. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner, wash-out conditioner or nourishing hair mask.

Step 2: Blow dry your hair with the Airshot Pro from our Starlight Collection – its mineral-infused Eco-Precision Motor helps minimise frizz and flyaways. Depending on the type of curl you’re after, you could blow dry with the Precision-Drying Nozzle and a brush for a deliberately ‘frizzy’ look, or you could diffuse your curls using the Diffuser Attachment.

Step 3: When dry, gather your hair at the crown and secure it with a headband or a silk scrunchie (to help minimise breakage).

Step 4: Use a pick or your fingers to fluff and shape the puff to your desired volume.

Step 5: Smooth down any flyaways with a bit of edge control gel or a cream that’s specifically designed for styling 4c coils.

22. Diffused curls

Celebrate your gorgeous natural curls by using our Airshot Pro hair dryer with magnetic Diffuser attachment to define your curls for a shiny, dreamy look.

Step 1: Start with damp hair and apply a styling cream or natural oil like coconut, jojoba or argan oil. 

Step 2: Click on the magnetic Diffuser attachment to the Airshot Pro.

Step 3: Gently place a section of hair into the Diffuser and switch on the Airshot Pro, opting for a slow air flow and warm heat. 

Step 4: Hold in place for a few seconds, then switch off the hair dryer and repeat with another section. Keep going until every section has been covered.

Step 4: Once your hair is around 80% dry, fluff and shape your curls as desired, and finish with a light-hold spray.

Head to our guide on how to use a diffuser for more advice.

23. Bantu knots

Bantu knots are a trendy, protective hairstyle that keeps your ends tucked away and protected from the cold. Plus, they look stylish and are easy to maintain.

Step 1: Start with damp or dry hair and section it into small parts using a tail end brush.

Step 2: Twist each section tightly and wrap it into a small knot.

Step 3: Secure each knot with a bobby pin, small hair bobble, or use acrylic thread if you’re after a more long-term look.

Step 4: Let the knots set for a few hours or overnight.

Step 5: You could leave the knots in place for a few days or weeks. Alternatively, unravel the knots to reveal defined curls, and fluff as desired.

24. Braided updo

A braided updo is a sophisticated style that keeps your hair secure and shielded from winter’s elements. It’s perfect for long-lasting protection and a polished look, especially for festive party season.

Step 1: Start by braiding sections of your hair, either in classic three-strand braids or more intricate patterns.

Step 2: Gather the braided sections and pin them into a neat bun or bun-like arrangement.

Step 3: Secure the updo with bobby pins and adjust the shape as needed.

Step 4: Tuck in any loose ends for a clean finish.

Step 5: Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Take a look at our braids style guide for more inspiration

25. Faux fro

The faux fro is a fun, flexible option that mimics the look of a full afro using a large, fluffy hair accessory or a fro wig. It’s perfect for a quick style change between festive engagements while keeping your natural hair protected.

Step 1: Start with your hair in a low, manageable style or completely flat.

Step 2: Position the faux fro over your natural hair, blending it at the roots.

Step 3: Secure the faux fro with clips or combs to keep it in place.

Step 4: Adjust the volume and shape of the faux fro as needed.

Step 5: Blend the edges of the faux fro with your natural hair for a seamless look.

Head to our comprehensive guide on how to care for and style 4c hair

Winter Formal Hairstyles

For special occasions like winter weddings or Christmas parties, you need hairstyles that are both elegant and festive. Here are five formal winter hairstyles that will make you shine.

26. Classic chignon

The classic chignon is an elegant, timeless choice that works beautifully for formal winter events.