35 Winter Hair Colors for Brunettes That Are Trending Now

When it comes to seasonal updates, winter hair colors for brunettes offer some of the richest, most flattering transformations of the year. From velvety dark chocolate shades to shimmering caramel balayage and cool ash browns, brunettes have endless ways to embrace the season’s mood. These tones reflect the warmth and depth of winter fashion, all while enhancing natural brunette beauty.

The colder months often bring out richer, deeper colors and muted, cool tones that work harmoniously with winter’s lighting and style. Whether you’re looking for a soft refresh or a bold change, these shades are designed to bring out the best in your features and skin tone. Many of the styles below also offer low-maintenance options, perfect for busy holiday seasons or dry, color-sensitive hair.

Winter Hair Colors for Brunettes

In this curated list of 35 winter hair colors for brunettes, you’ll find ideas to suit every vibe—glamorous, subtle, playful, and everything in between. Let’s dive into the season’s most irresistible brunette hues.

Deep Chocolate Brown

Rich and timeless, deep chocolate brown is one of the most popular winter hair colors for brunettes looking to enhance their natural tone. This luxurious shade adds instant depth and shine to dark hair, making strands appear healthier and thicker. It’s ideal for brunettes who prefer a low-maintenance color with maximum impact, especially when the cold weather tends to dull down natural hair luster.

Deep chocolate pairs beautifully with a variety of skin tones, especially warm or neutral ones. It also complements winter wardrobes, standing out against cozy neutrals like cream, camel, and gray. Whether worn sleek or wavy, this color delivers elegance with minimal effort.

Icy Ash Brown

Icy ash brown is the perfect cool-toned option for brunettes wanting something a little edgier this winter. With silvery undertones and a muted, smoky finish, this hair color gives your strands a frost-kissed glow that mirrors the crisp atmosphere of the season. It’s especially flattering on cool skin tones and looks best when styled with straight or softly tousled textures.

This shade is ideal for those transitioning from warmer colors or fighting unwanted brassiness. It offers a modern, fashion-forward take on brunette without going too bold, making it a chic update that still feels grounded and natural.

Caramel Balayage

Soft caramel balayage adds warmth and brightness to dark brunette bases, creating the illusion of dimension and movement. The freehand highlighting technique allows stylists to customize the look for your specific haircut and face shape. Caramel tones bring in golden, honeyed light—perfect for brightening up gloomy winter days.

This color is especially popular because of its low-maintenance nature and ability to grow out gracefully. It also flatters nearly all skin tones, adding a golden softness to deeper shades. If you’re looking to warm things up this season, this is a favorite among winter hair colors for brunettes.

Espresso Brown

Dark and dramatic, espresso brown toes the line between deep brown and soft black, creating a striking yet natural finish. This shade works particularly well in winter when darker tones complement the mood and wardrobe of the season. Its richness gives your hair a polished, glossy look even without frequent heat styling.

Espresso brown is especially ideal for brunettes who want to deepen their base color without completely committing to black. It works wonderfully with both short and long hair and can be paired with cool-toned highlights for extra dimension.

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Auburn Brown

Auburn brown is a fiery mix of red and brunette, bringing a bold touch to your winter look. This hair color reflects beautifully in natural light and adds vibrancy to dull or flat brunette hair. It’s particularly flattering on fair and medium skin tones and works well for both straight and wavy textures.

Adding auburn tones is a great way to step outside of your comfort zone while still maintaining the warmth and richness that brunettes love. It’s one of the most eye-catching winter hair colors for brunettes, especially for those looking to bring some warmth to chilly days.

Mushroom Brown

Mushroom brown is an earthy, ashy blend of taupe, brown, and gray tones that creates a soft, cool-toned effect. It’s incredibly popular in winter for its neutral yet trendy vibe. This shade is ideal for brunettes who want a subtle update that feels sophisticated and understated.

The ashy undertones also help neutralize warmth or brassiness, which can be a concern with older color jobs. Mushroom brown works well as an all-over color or as part of a balayage technique, giving dimension and cool-toned contrast without being loud.

Chestnut Highlights

Chestnut highlights offer a natural, glowing upgrade to medium or dark brown hair. The reddish-brown tones blend seamlessly into brunette bases, creating soft ribbons of warmth that feel festive without being overpowering. These highlights work well for any hair length and add just enough brightness to liven up winter styles.

Chestnut is especially flattering on those with warm or golden undertones. The color also holds up well in low lighting, making it ideal for indoor-heavy winter months. It’s a polished and subtle choice among this year’s best winter hair colors for brunettes.

Cinnamon Spice

Cinnamon spice is a bold, warm-toned shade that blends rich copper and red into brunette hair for a look that’s both cozy and eye-catching. It adds intensity and drama to otherwise standard brown hues, making it a great choice for brunettes craving something different this season.

This shade looks especially beautiful in curls or soft waves, where the light can catch its reddish undertones. It’s flattering on both light and medium complexions and pairs wonderfully with winter fashion in deeper tones like wine, forest green, and charcoal.

Mocha Melt

Mocha melt is a dimensional mix of cool and warm brunette tones, giving the appearance of swirled shades that resemble your favorite coffee drink. The blend usually includes milk chocolate, dark mocha, and soft beige highlights for a multi-tonal finish that flatters a variety of complexions.

This color technique works well on medium to long hair and looks especially striking when styled with loose waves or curls. It’s a sophisticated way to refresh your look without a high-contrast change, making it a dependable pick for winter.

Soft Black with Blue Sheen

Soft black with a subtle blue sheen adds an unexpected twist to classic dark hair. Under certain lighting, the blue undertone catches the eye, giving your hair a bold yet sophisticated finish. It’s ideal for brunettes who want to deepen their shade while adding a mysterious cool-toned pop.

This color works best on short bobs or layered cuts where the sheen can really shine through. It’s low-maintenance but delivers big style points—perfect for winter months when cooler tones naturally dominate fashion and beauty trends.

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Hazelnut Brown

Hazelnut brown is a soft, warm brunette shade that offers subtle golden undertones—perfect for brightening up hair during the colder months. It creates a creamy, dimensional look that complements fair to medium skin tones and adds softness to facial features. This color has a comforting, approachable quality, much like its namesake nut.

For brunettes who don’t want a drastic change, hazelnut brown provides just the right amount of lift and shine. It’s especially beautiful in natural light and works well with layered cuts or blunt ends. As an understated but radiant choice, it blends elegance with seasonal charm.

Warm Brunette with Honey Babylights

Honey babylights are ultra-fine highlights designed to mimic the way hair naturally lightens in the sun. When paired with a warm brunette base, they offer a soft, sunlit shimmer that brightens the face and adds depth. This look is especially flattering in winter when natural light is sparse.

Honey tones warm up the complexion and give the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. The subtlety of babylights also means less frequent maintenance, which is perfect for wintertime routines. It’s a flattering choice for brunettes seeking a gentle glow-up.

Burgundy Balayage

Burgundy balayage is a bold yet wearable way to introduce red and violet tones into dark brown hair. The balayage technique keeps the transition soft and natural, while the rich burgundy hue adds instant drama and sophistication. It’s a favorite winter choice for those who love color but want to keep it refined.

This shade is particularly stunning on curls and waves, where the depth and highlights show off their full range. Burgundy blends beautifully with cool and neutral undertones, making it one of the more creative yet elegant winter-ready hair color ideas.

Butterscotch Highlights

If you’re looking for brightness without going blonde, butterscotch highlights are the perfect middle ground. These golden-brown strands complement deep brunettes and infuse the hair with a buttery warmth that glows in winter light.

The tone is universally flattering and softens strong features while enhancing natural depth. Butterscotch works especially well in long, flowing hairstyles where movement allows the highlights to catch light and add radiance. It’s a sunny twist on a cold-weather favorite.

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Cool Brunette with Silver Glaze

For those drawn to ashier tones, a cool brunette base finished with a silver glaze offers a high-fashion, icy twist. The glaze adds a subtle metallic shimmer that enhances the depth of dark hair while controlling unwanted warmth or brassiness.

This modern look works best on sleek hairstyles and polished cuts, giving a frosty sophistication perfect for winter months. It’s an excellent choice for brunettes ready to experiment with cooler tones without straying too far from their natural base.

Maple Brown

Maple brown is a rich, reddish-brown shade that adds instant warmth and dimension to any brunette base. The warm red undertones reflect beautifully in natural light and offer a vibrant contrast against darker winter clothing.

This color suits a variety of skin tones and is especially flattering on medium to deep complexions. Maple brown is also low-maintenance and fades softly over time, making it ideal for those looking to add vibrancy without heavy upkeep.

Neutral Mocha Brunette

Neutral mocha is a balanced blend of warm and cool undertones, perfect for brunettes who want a classic, elegant shade that works in any lighting. This sophisticated tone complements almost every complexion and looks natural while still being a noticeable upgrade.

It’s one of the more versatile winter hair colors for brunettes, offering a polished and timeless finish. Whether worn straight, curled, or waved, neutral mocha adds quiet luxury to your seasonal style.

Dimensional Brown with Copper Accents

Adding copper accents to a brunette base brings in striking contrast and warmth. These metallic hints add vibrancy without taking over the entire look, making it a great option for brunettes who want a seasonal update that still feels wearable.

The copper tones shine in both natural and artificial light, giving your hair a dynamic, eye-catching finish. It’s a creative option that pairs beautifully with layered cuts, especially when styled to enhance movement.

Soft Mahogany Blend

Soft mahogany is a luxurious mix of deep brown and reddish-purple tones that offers depth and richness. The shade is sophisticated, polished, and perfect for the winter months, when darker hues dominate beauty trends.

It’s especially flattering on brunettes with medium to deep skin tones, adding a warm undertone that livens up the complexion. This blend is also surprisingly low-maintenance and grows out gracefully, making it both beautiful and practical.

Beige Brunette Balayage

Beige balayage brings in soft, creamy tones that add a hint of cool contrast to brunette hair. These light beige strands lift the overall appearance of the hair without pushing it too warm or too blonde.

This color is ideal for brunettes looking for subtle brightness and a more dimensional look during the colder season. The balayage placement ensures a natural grow-out and gives the hair movement and texture. It’s one of the most refined ways to lighten up for winter.

Dark Chocolate with Rosewood Tint

This elegant variation of dark chocolate brown features a subtle rosewood tint—infusing red and pink undertones for a romantic finish. The rosy hue isn’t overpowering but becomes visible under winter sunlight or indoor lighting. It’s a great choice for brunettes looking for an understated yet noticeable seasonal change.

This tone flatters medium to olive skin and is especially gorgeous on layered, wavy hair. Among bold winter hair colors for brunettes, rosewood tints stand out for their balance of trendiness and natural depth.

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Espresso with Soft Caramel Veins

Espresso hair with soft caramel streaks delivers contrast without being too bold. The deep, almost-black base paired with fine caramel veins adds a glowing dimension, perfect for brunettes who want to maintain their dark base but still lighten up for the season.

It’s an excellent pick for brunettes with warm undertones or anyone who loves a dark roast–inspired palette. This color combination is chic, high-shine, and ideal for winter makeovers that still feel grounded and low-maintenance.

Cool Mocha Fade

A cool mocha fade blends ashy tones into a neutral medium brown base, giving your hair a cool, smooth finish that mirrors the muted ambiance of winter. The fade can be subtle or strong, depending on your cut and personal style preferences.

This shade is a stylish take on traditional brunette tones, offering freshness and subtle contrast. It’s also a great option for brunettes who want a modern look with minimal upkeep. This is one of the most contemporary winter hair colors for brunettes this year.

Chocolate Mauve Balayage

Chocolate mauve balayage blends soft purples and dusty rose hues into a rich brunette foundation. This unique color mix feels romantic and ethereal, while still wearable thanks to the grounded chocolate base. It’s a wonderful choice for brunettes who enjoy artistic color combinations.

Ideal for medium to long hairstyles, this balayage brings life and flair to dark strands. It works well on both warm and cool skin tones, especially when styled with soft waves or curls.

Ash-Toned Brunette with Shadow Root

Ash-toned brunette colors are perfect for brunettes who want cool, frosty dimension during winter. Adding a shadow root keeps the look natural while making grow-out easy and seamless. This combo works especially well on fine or straight hair, giving the illusion of depth and movement.

It’s a sleek, urban-inspired shade that feels modern and edgy. For those craving cooler vibes, this look lands among the top trending winter hair colors for brunettes this season.

Mahogany with Plum Lowlights

Deep mahogany gets an edgy twist with the addition of subtle plum lowlights. The dark red-purple tones create richness and variety, especially when the hair moves or hits the light. This luxurious look is ideal for brunettes who want a moody, seasonal vibe.

It’s a color that suits winter fashion perfectly—pairing well with jewel tones and cozy textures. Plum tones also work beautifully on warm and dark skin tones, making this a unique yet flattering winter update.

Neutral Brunette with Creamy Beige Tips

This gradient effect starts with a true neutral brunette and fades softly into creamy beige at the ends. The gentle contrast lightens the overall look without harsh lines or overprocessed brightness.

This is an ideal choice for brunettes looking for a whisper of change rather than a dramatic shift. It feels soft, natural, and elegant—perfect for those who love balanced and wearable winter shades.

Golden Mocha Layers

Golden mocha layers introduce warm, buttery hues to a medium brown base, adding glow and movement throughout the hair. The golden tones pick up natural light beautifully, especially in layered cuts that allow the color to shine with each flick.

It’s a sweet and cozy option that flatters all skin tones and suits various textures. Golden mocha is especially popular among those seeking warm winter hair colors for brunettes that don’t require constant touch-ups.

Soft Brunette with Dusty Copper Ends

This modern color pairs soft brunette roots with dusty copper ends, offering a subtle ombré effect that feels grounded and fresh. The dusty copper tone is muted enough to work for winter but still brings warmth and vibrancy.

It’s perfect for brunettes who want to play with red-based tones without going too fiery or saturated. The transition feels natural and pairs well with long or shoulder-length cuts.

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Walnut Brunette with Champagne Shine

Walnut brunette is a deep, woody tone, and when enhanced with champagne-toned gloss or highlights, it gains a radiant, candlelit glow. This combination brings the richness of winter woods together with the softness of sparkling light.

It’s a color that looks expensive and effortlessly polished. Champagne tones soften the overall look while still adding dimension—perfect for anyone looking for luminous, low-contrast color this season.

Mocha Brunette with Subtle Gold Dust

A refined twist on classic mocha, this shade adds the lightest dusting of gold throughout the hair, giving a barely-there sparkle effect. It’s perfect for brunettes who want shine without obvious highlights.

This style is low-maintenance but delivers maximum glow under both natural and artificial light. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and ideal for holiday events or everyday elegance.

Brunette with Rose Beige Lowlights

Rose beige adds a touch of soft pink and gold undertone into darker brown hair. It creates an ultra-feminine, delicate finish that feels fresh and luxurious.

Ideal for those who want a little softness and romance, this color flatters lighter complexions and works well on sleek or wavy styles. It’s a great way to elevate brunette shades with something unexpected yet beautiful.

Smoky Brown with Blue Undertones

This smoky shade features muted brown with hints of navy or slate blue, giving a shadowy, mysterious vibe that suits winter’s cool atmosphere. It’s ideal for fashion-forward brunettes looking to stand out without loud color.

Blue undertones create contrast and interest, especially under cool lighting. It’s a stylish, editorial pick for brunettes wanting something edgy but wearable.

Cold Brew Brunette

Inspired by your favorite coffee drink, cold brew brunette mixes rich espresso, medium roast, and soft caramel tones to give multi-dimensional warmth. This dynamic shade mimics the swirling tones of iced coffee, making it lively and modern.

It works well on medium to long hair, especially with layers or beach waves. As one of the newer winter hair colors for brunettes, it’s gaining popularity for its balance of cool and warm tones.

Deep Brunette with Glossy Topcoat

Sometimes, the best winter color is a simple one enhanced with shine. A deep brunette base finished with a high-gloss topcoat amplifies richness and leaves the hair looking hydrated, healthy, and luxurious.

It’s perfect for those who love their natural color but want to elevate it with dimension and polish. Glossy finishes also protect the hair during dry winter months, making this both a styling and care win.

How to Maintain Winter Hair Color for Brunettes

Once you’ve chosen one of these stunning winter hair colors for brunettes, the next step is making it last through cold, dry months. Winter weather can be harsh on colored hair, so protecting your strands is essential.

Start by switching to a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and deep conditioning weekly to retain moisture. Hot showers may feel great, but lukewarm water will help prevent fading. If you opt for shades with red, copper, or caramel undertones, consider a tinted gloss or toner every few weeks to keep your color vibrant. Always use a heat protectant when styling, and limit the use of flat irons or curling wands to reduce dryness and breakage.

A little extra care goes a long way in preserving the richness, depth, and shine of your winter color—ensuring your brunette hair looks salon-fresh all season long.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Winter Brunette Shade

From rich espresso and cool ash to warm caramel and subtle plum, these winter hair colors for brunettes offer something for every style, personality, and skin tone. Whether you’re seeking a dramatic shift or a soft seasonal glow-up, the options are more inspiring than ever.

Choosing the right winter hue is about more than just trends—it’s about enhancing your natural beauty while embracing the magic of the season. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new tones or mix and match highlights and lowlights for a customized look. With proper care and the right colorist, your winter hair transformation can be both low-maintenance and high-impact.

Let your brunette locks shine this season with a shade that’s uniquely you.