Winter brings with it a unique set of challenges for hair care, especially for black women.
This season calls for hairstyles that not only guard against the elements but also maintain the hair’s natural moisture and health.
The goal is to find styles that combine protection with style, allowing for versatility and expression even in the chilliest months.

In light of these needs, our article ’23 Winter Hairstyles for Black Women’ serves as your ultimate guide.
We’ve curated a diverse range of hairstyles that cater to various tastes and occasions, ensuring that your hair remains healthy and vibrant all winter long.
From protective styles like beaded Fulani braids and high loc buns to chic options like a short pixie cut with blonde highlights, this collection offers something for everyone.
Winter Hairstyles Ideas for Black Women

1. Voluminous Curly Weave
Transform your winter look with a voluminous curly weave that exudes boldness and drama. This style features long, tight curls cascading down, offering a standout full-bodied appearance.
To achieve this dazzling look, start by installing a weave or wig with well-defined curls. Use a curl-defining cream or mousse to maintain the curls’ shape.
Add fluff by teasing them for maximum volume, ensuring your hairstyle makes a bold statement. Keep your curls bouncy and frizz-free by applying moisture-rich products regularly.

2. Natural Afro
Celebrate your natural texture with a timeless afro that turns heads all winter long. This style embraces voluminous, tightly coiled hair, perfect for showcasing bold beauty. Begin by detangling your curls with a leave-in conditioner and a curl-enhancing cream.
Hydration is key to keeping your afro soft and manageable, so ensure your hair is moisturized. Use an afro comb to perfect the full shape, and finish with a light sheen spray for added shine. This ensures your afro looks vibrant and healthy.
This low-maintenance yet stylish look is ideal for anyone wanting a fuss-free, stunning hairstyle.

3. Short Textured Curls
Opt for a short and stylish winter hairstyle with textured curls that exude elegance and simplicity. Ideal for those with naturally curly hair who prefer a shorter length while maintaining character, this look is perfect for winter.
Start with freshly washed hair and apply a curl cream or gel to define your curls. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to preserve its soft, natural texture. This technique keeps your curls looking fresh and lively.

4. Shoulder-Length Twists with Defined Ends
Elevate your style with shoulder-length twists that add a modern flair to classic protective hairstyles. These tight, uniform twists with curled ends offer an elegant touch of texture, perfect for enhancing your winter style.
Achieve this chic look by twisting your natural hair or using extensions. Ensure the ends are coiled with a curling wand or flexi rods for a polished finish, giving your twists a refined appearance.
This hairstyle is perfect for winter as it helps retain moisture and protect your natural hair from the cold.

5. Short Twist-Out with Defined Curls
Embrace a short twist-out hairstyle this winter, perfect for style and simplicity. This look features twisted hair that’s unraveled to reveal defined curls with a soft, voluminous finish.
Start by applying a twisting cream or gel to damp hair, dividing it into small sections for twisting. Once the twists dry, gently unravel them to reveal well-formed curls.
This technique keeps your curls intact and moisturized, ideal for cold months when hair tends to dry out.

6. High Puff with Side Bangs
The high puff is a classic winter hairstyle offering elegance and simplicity. It showcases a puff at the crown, with face-framing side bangs for added charm.
To achieve this look, use a soft-bristle brush to gather your hair into a puff and secure it with a headband or hair tie.
Style the bangs with a curl-defining cream for a polished finish. This protective style tucks the ends away, preserving moisture and safeguarding your hair from harsh winter air.

7. Chunky Bantu Knots
Chunky Bantu knots offer a bold, stylish winter look while protecting your hair. Large sections of hair are twisted into knots, creating a structured, eye-catching style.
Start by dividing the hair into sections, twisting each into a tight knot, and securing it with bobby pins or hair ties.
This style is great for hair protection against the cold while retaining moisture. It’s perfect for low-maintenance days, keeping your hair healthy and hydrated for several days without much effort.

8. Long Faux Locs
For a versatile and protective style, opt for long faux locs this winter. They offer the beauty of locs without the commitment, allowing for a bold, elegant appearance. The locs are crafted using synthetic hair wrapped around your natural strands.
You can install them yourself or seek professional help. This style shields your natural hair from harsh winter air, offering excellent protection. Accessorize the locs with beads or cuffs for a personalized touch.
Faux locs require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for those looking to keep their hair stylish and protected throughout the winter months.

9. Classic Cornrows
Classic cornrows are a timeless and protective hairstyle, perfect for winter. These braids lay close to the scalp, creating a sleek look that keeps hair neat. Begin by sectioning the hair into rows and braiding each tightly.
This style protects natural hair from the winter cold while requiring low maintenance. With proper care, cornrows can last for weeks, making them both practical and stylish.

10. Waist-Length Box Braids with Highlights
These waist-length box braids with highlights add both length and dimension to your look. Box braids are a popular protective style, and highlights bring extra flair. Start by braiding synthetic hair into sections of your natural hair.
Incorporate highlighted extensions for a burst of color. This style not only shields your hair from winter cold but also offers versatile styling like updos.
Perfect for everyday wear, these braids blend protection with stylistic versatility, enhancing your winter wardrobe effortlessly.

11. Half-Up, Half-Down Braided Style with Waves
The half-up, half-down braided style paired with waves is both chic and trendy. Braid the crown area while leaving the rest in soft waves, providing both protection and glamour.
To achieve this style, cornrow the top half and use a curling wand for waves. The mix of textures between braids and waves creates a unique, eye-catching look.
This combination keeps hair protected while offering a fashionable appearance, perfect for winter events and special occasions.

12. Textured Afro with Auburn Tones
A textured afro with auburn tones embraces your natural texture with color. This style is bold and voluminous, highlighting your curl pattern with a warm auburn hue.
Define curls with a curl-enhancing product and lift roots for volume. Apply a temporary or semi-permanent color for added depth.
Maintaining moisture is key to preventing dryness and frizz, and keeping your afro healthy and vibrant throughout the winter season.

13. Beaded Fulani Braids
Beaded Fulani braids offer a classic, intricate look that’s perfect for winter. These braids are styled in thin, cornrow patterns, and the ends are adorned with beads for an elegant touch.
Start by cornrowing the hair straight back, leaving a few strands to frame the face, and styling baby hairs along the edges.
Add wooden or plastic beads at the ends for a cultural and stylish finish. This protective style keeps your hair safe from the cold while providing a polished, trendy appearance.

14. Half-Up Crown Braid with Natural Curls
The half-up crown braid with natural curls offers an elegant, low-maintenance look for winter. The top section of the hair is braided into a crown, while the rest showcases natural, textured curls.
To create this style, braid loosely along the front hairline and secure it at the back, allowing curls to flow freely.
This look highlights your natural texture while adding a regal touch. Use curl-enhancing cream or gel to keep curls defined and moisturized throughout the colder season.

15. Half-Up Twisted Braids
The half-up twisted braids provide a chic, laid-back style for winter. The top half is braided or twisted into medium-sized braids, with the rest left in flowing curls or twists. This look adds both length and volume, making it ideal for a protective yet stylish winter hairstyle.
Begin by braiding the top half into twists or box braids, leaving the rest loose or curled.
Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness during colder months and opt for low-manipulation to keep the style fresh for weeks.

16. Curly Headband Wig
The curly headband wig is perfect for those seeking a quick and protective winter hairstyle. This look features voluminous curls accented with a stylish headband for a touch of personality.
Simply wear a pre-styled headband wig with defined curls, secured by an elastic headband. The beauty of this style is its versatility; switch up the headband to match different outfits or occasions.
This protective style keeps your natural hair tucked away, making it low-maintenance while still offering a stylish, modern look for winter.

17. High Loc Bun
The high loc bun is a protective and sophisticated winter hairstyle, perfect for those with locs. Gather the locs into a high bun on the crown, creating a clean and elegant look.
To achieve this style, gather the locs at the top and wrap them into a bun, securing them with pins if needed.
This style keeps the hair protected from harsh winter elements, allowing for easy maintenance. It’s versatile, and suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The bun also helps keep locs tangle-free and neat during colder months.

18. Blonde Locs
Blonde locs are a bold and stylish winter hairstyle that adds a pop of color to your appearance. Dye locs in a light blonde shade, creating a striking contrast with the natural roots. This can be done by dyeing natural locs or using pre-colored extensions.
The light blonde hue adds warmth and makes a statement. Keeping locs moisturized is crucial, as dyed locs can become dry. Opt for hydrating oils and creams to maintain shine and health.
This style is perfect for those looking to make a vibrant change while keeping locs healthy.

19. Thick Freeform Locs
Thick freeform locs offer a natural and low-maintenance style, perfect for winter. Unlike traditional locs, these grow and lock naturally without meticulous maintenance. This carefree yet bold look is ideal for winter.
To achieve this, let your hair mat lock freely, avoiding frequent retwisting or separating. Regularly moisturizing helps keep them soft and hydrated in the cold.
This style gives off a natural, effortlessly stylish vibe, emphasizing texture and individuality.

20. Short Pixie Cut with Blonde Highlights
This short pixie cut with blonde highlights offers a chic, modern take on winter hairstyles. The pixie cut features soft waves or curls, with highlights adding dimension and brightness.
Cut hair short and style with a curling iron or wave technique. Strategically place highlights to frame the face and add contrast.
Perfect for low-maintenance styling, this look suits those preferring a bold yet polished appearance in winter.

21. Two-Strand Twists with Beads
These two-strand twists with beaded accents provide a stylish and protective hairstyle perfect for winter.
From the twists dividing the hair into sections and twisting two strands together, resulting in a defined textured look. Beads are added to the ends for flair, making the style both functional and decorative.
To achieve this look, start with freshly washed hair, apply a twisting cream, and twist each section tightly. Once dry, add beads to the ends for a polished finish.

22. Wet Look Curls
The wet-look curls offer a sleek, glossy hairstyle perfect for colder months. This style features defined, moisturized curls that maintain a shiny, damp appearance without actually being wet.
Start with damp hair and apply a curl-defining gel or mousse from roots to tips, ensuring the curls are well coated.
Use a diffuser to lock in the shape and volume of the curls. This style is low-maintenance yet chic, ideal for any winter occasion while protecting the hair from drying out in cold weather.

23. High Puff with Natural Curls
A high puff with natural curls is a simple yet elegant hairstyle that showcases natural texture. Pull the hair up into a puff at the crown, allowing the curls to fan out and create volume.
Gather the hair at the top of the head and secure it with a soft band, fluffing the curls for added volume.
This is a great winter look because it keeps the hair off the neck and shoulders, protecting the ends. Using a moisturizing curl cream will help keep the hair hydrated and defined in colder weather.


Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.