28 Winter Hairstyles for Long Hair: Cute, Easy, and Elegant Looks for Every Occasion

Winter brings not only cozy sweaters and holiday cheer but also the chance to experiment with hairstyles that complement the season’s cold weather and festive occasions. Whether you’re keeping warm under a beanie or attending a formal occasion, long hair provides a versatile canvas for creativity. In this article, we’ll explore winter hairstyle ideas for long hair that range from casual and cute to elegant and sophisticated. Whether you’re styling your curly, straight, blonde, or brown hair, these looks will keep you chic throughout the chilly season.

Loose Waves with a Beanie

Loose waves are a go-to winter hairstyle that works beautifully when paired with a cozy beanie. This hairstyle is perfect for a casual day out or a cozy coffee date, offering a laid-back yet effortlessly stylish look. The gentle waves provide volume and texture, making this style ideal for those with naturally straight or wavy hair. If you have brown or blonde hair, loose waves enhance the dimension of your hair color, giving it a soft, winter glow. This look is great for long face shapes and pairs well with cute winter outfits. It’s versatile enough for school, work, or a casual occasion with friends.

To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft waves, then gently brush them out for a more relaxed feel. Apply a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff. The beanie not only adds warmth but also keeps the look effortlessly chic. Maintenance is easy, requiring little more than a touch-up with the curling iron on particularly cold or windy days.

High Ponytail with Cozy Sweaters

A high ponytail is the ultimate easy hairstyle for winter, especially when you’re bundled up in cozy sweaters. This sleek yet simple look lifts your face and adds a touch of sophistication, making it suitable for both work and formal occasions. It’s perfect for women with black or brown hair, as the dark tones provide a striking contrast to light-colored winter outfits. A high ponytail works well for oval or heart-shaped faces, and it can be worn straight or with slight waves for added texture.

To create a flawless high ponytail, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles, then gather it at the crown of your head. Secure it with an elastic, and for an extra polished look, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the band. Use a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep everything in place. Maintenance is straightforward, with a simple re-tie throughout the day if needed.

Fishtail Braids for Casual Days

Fishtail braids are a perfect winter hairstyle for long hair, combining elegance with a casual vibe. This look is ideal for cozy days spent shopping, running errands, or even a winter stroll in the park. Fishtail braids work particularly well for brown and blonde hair, as the intricate weaving highlights different shades in the hair, making it appear more textured and vibrant. It suits all face shapes and can be worn with a beanie or with a hat for an extra wintery touch. This style is great for both school and work, as it’s neat but still cute.

To create this look, divide your hair into two sections and begin the fishtail braid by taking small strands from the outer edge of one section and crossing them over to the opposite side. Continue this process until you’ve reached the end of your hair, then secure it with a clear elastic band. For a more relaxed look, gently tug at the braid to loosen it. Use a light-hold hairspray to prevent flyaways. The fishtail braid can last all day with minimal maintenance, making it a simple yet stunning option.

Low Bun with a Twist

The low bun is a classic winter hairstyle that exudes sophistication, making it perfect for formal occasions like holiday parties or wedding events. This style keeps your hair out of your face while still showcasing the length and thickness of your locks. It works well for women with curly or straight hair, and the added twist gives it an interesting texture. This look is particularly flattering on round and square face shapes, as it elongates the neck and accentuates facial features. Whether you’re blonde, brown, or have black hair, a low bun adds elegance to your winter look.

To create this hairstyle, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun. Secure it with bobby pins, leaving a few strands loose at the front for a softer effect. For a sleek finish, apply Moroccanoil Treatment to tame any flyaways and add shine. This style requires little upkeep, though you may need to re-pin the bun throughout the day to keep it secure.

Side-Swept Curls for Special Occasions

Side-swept curls are the epitome of glamour, making them a stunning option for a wedding or any other formal occasion. This hairstyle works wonders for long curly hair, as the volume and texture add a luxurious feel. It’s also ideal for straight hair that has been curled with a large-barrel curling iron. The side-swept look is great for heart-shaped and oval faces, as it frames the face beautifully. Blonde, brown, and black hair colors all look fantastic in this style, with the curls adding movement and bounce.

To achieve this look, curl your hair using a 1.5-inch curling iron, then sweep all the curls to one side and secure them with bobby pins. Apply a strong-hold hairspray to keep the curls intact throughout the day. To maintain the curls’ shape, use a curl-enhancing mousse like TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier. You may need to touch up the curls with a curling iron as the day progresses, but this style generally holds up well.

Loose Braids for a Winter Wedding

Loose braids bring a romantic, ethereal quality to any winter wedding or special event. This style is perfect for those with long blonde or brown hair, as it accentuates the length and adds a fairytale-like charm. Loose braids are best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, and they look especially stunning when paired with soft, flowing gowns. This hairstyle works for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile choice for the winter season.

To create this look, start by loosely braiding sections of your hair, leaving the braid slightly undone for a softer effect. You can also pull a few strands loose to frame your face. Use a texturizing spray to give the braid a more natural, tousled appearance. This hairstyle is simple to maintain, but you may need to re-braid sections as the day goes on.

Sleek Ponytail with Bangs

A sleek ponytail with bangs is a modern, chic hairstyle that works for work or a formal occasion. It’s an excellent choice for long, straight hair and can be worn by those with brown, blonde, or black hair. The ponytail keeps the hair out of your face, while the bangs add a touch of softness, making this look perfect for heart-shaped or oval faces. Pair it with a statement coat for a winter-ready ensemble.

To create this style, use a flat iron to smooth your hair, then gather it into a high ponytail. The key to keeping this look sleek is using a smoothing serum like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. Maintenance is minimal, but you’ll want to ensure the bangs are regularly trimmed to keep the style fresh.

Messy Bun for Cozy Days

The messy bun is a winter classic that’s both casual and cute. It’s perfect for days spent lounging in cozy sweaters or running errands in a rush. This look works for all hair textures—whether you have curly or straight hair—and is flattering on all face shapes. It’s an excellent choice for those with blonde or brown hair, as the bun highlights the dimension in your hair color.

To create a messy bun, gather your hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap it into a loose bun. Secure it with bobby pins and leave a few strands loose for a more relaxed look. Use Batiste Dry Shampoo to add texture and keep the bun voluminous. This style requires little maintenance, but you can refresh it by adding more texture spray if needed.

Elegant French Twist

The French twist is a timeless, elegant hairstyle perfect for formal occasions or winter weddings. This classic updo works best for straight hair but can be adapted for curly textures as well. The French twist is ideal for those with black or brown hair, as the dark tones add depth to the sleekness of the style. It’s flattering on all face shapes and pairs well with statement earrings or a high-neck winter coat.

To achieve a French twist, gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it upwards, and tuck the ends into the twist. Secure it with bobby pins and apply a strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray to keep everything in place. This style may require a bit of touch-up throughout the day, but it’s well worth the effort for a stunning, polished look.

Classic Hollywood Waves

For a winter look that exudes timeless glamour, classic Hollywood waves are perfect for a formal occasion or holiday party. This vintage-inspired style works beautifully for blonde, brown, or black hair, creating a dramatic yet elegant effect. The sleek waves complement long face shapes, making this hairstyle a fantastic choice for those attending wedding celebrations or corporate events. Paired with a bold red lip and winter coat, these waves bring a touch of Old Hollywood to the winter season.

To achieve these waves, use a 1-inch curling iron to curl your hair, ensuring that all curls are facing the same direction. Once your hair is fully curled, brush through the curls to form smooth, structured waves. Apply a shine-enhancing serum like Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil for a polished finish. This style can be maintained with minimal touch-ups using a soft-bristle brush throughout the day.

Bohemian Loose Braids

Bohemian-inspired loose braids are perfect for a casual winter look, ideal for days spent in cozy sweaters or on a winter getaway. This style is great for those with curly or wavy hair, as it embraces the natural texture of the hair while giving it a romantic, carefree vibe. It works well for oval or heart-shaped faces and pairs perfectly with boho accessories and easy winter fashion. Whether you’re heading to school or hanging out with friends, loose braids will keep your hair looking effortlessly chic.

To create this look, start by loosely braiding small sections of your hair, leaving them slightly undone for a relaxed, messy appearance. Secure the braids with small elastics and finish with a spritz of texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray. These loose braids require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for long winter days.

Low Ponytail with Hair Wrap

For a sleek and sophisticated winter hairstyle, try a low ponytail with a hair wrap. This style is perfect for work or a more formal occasion, adding a touch of polish to any winter ensemble. The low ponytail works for all hair textures, whether you have curly or straight hair, and is especially flattering for those with blonde, brown, or black hair. This look elongates the neck and draws attention to your facial features, making it ideal for round and square face shapes.

To create this look, pull your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Then, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin. Use a smoothing serum like OGX Smoothing Coconut Oil to keep your ponytail sleek and frizz-free. This style is easy to maintain and requires just a quick touch-up throughout the day.

Braided Crown for a Festive Occasion

A braided crown is an elegant winter hairstyle that’s perfect for a festive occasion or wedding. This style suits all hair types but looks particularly stunning on curly hair, as the texture adds volume and dimension to the braids. The braided crown is a great way to show off your long hair while keeping it neatly out of your face, making it an excellent choice for winter parties or formal gatherings. It works well with heart-shaped or round faces and pairs beautifully with cozy sweaters for a balanced look.

To create a braided crown, part your hair down the middle and create two braids, one on each side of your head. Then, pull the braids up and across the top of your head, securing them with bobby pins to form a crown. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like Tresemmé Micro Mist Hairspray to keep the style in place. This hairstyle requires minimal maintenance, but you may need to adjust the bobby pins throughout the day.

French Braids with a Beanie

French braids are a classic school hairstyle that becomes even more cute when paired with a beanie for winter. This style keeps your hair neatly tucked away while still allowing your long hair to shine. It’s a great option for those with brown or blonde hair, as the braids add texture and dimension to the hair color. French braids suit all face shapes and are perfect for busy winter days, whether you’re running errands or attending casual get-togethers.

To create French braids, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Begin braiding each section at the crown of your head, gradually incorporating more hair as you move down. Secure the braids with elastics and top them off with a beanie for a cozy winter vibe. This style is simple to maintain and can last all day with minimal touch-ups.

Twisted Low Bun with Bangs

The twisted low bun with bangs is a sophisticated hairstyle perfect for work or a formal occasion during the winter season. This look combines the elegance of a low bun with the playful nature of bangs, creating a balanced hairstyle that works for any winter event. The twisted bun is ideal for straight or wavy hair and suits all hair colors, from blonde to black. It’s particularly flattering for oval and square face shapes.

To create this style, part your hair down the middle and twist both sides toward the nape of your neck. Gather the twists into a low bun and secure with bobby pins. Use a hairspray like Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray to keep the style in place. This hairstyle requires minimal maintenance, though you may need to re-twist sections throughout the day.

Half-Up Braids for Winter Fun

Half-up braids are a playful and cute winter hairstyle, ideal for casual days out or even a fun school look. This style is great for those with brown or blonde hair, as the braids add dimension and texture, making your hair color pop. The half-up braids work well for all hair types and are flattering for heart-shaped and oval faces. Whether you’re attending a winter festival or simply spending time with friends, this style is easy to achieve and maintain.

To create this look, section off the top half of your hair and braid it into two or three small braids. Secure the braids with elastics and leave the rest of your hair loose. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the braids intact. This style is low-maintenance and perfect for long winter days.

Romantic Curls with a Side Part

Romantic curls with a side part are the perfect hairstyle for a wedding or a formal occasion during the winter season. This look is ideal for those with curly or wavy hair and adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. The side part creates a dramatic effect, framing the face beautifully and adding volume to the hair. This style works well for round and heart-shaped faces, and the curls look stunning on blonde, brown, and black hair.

To achieve this look, use a curling iron to create soft, voluminous curls, then part your hair deeply to one side. Apply a volumizing mousse like TRESemmé 24-Hour Body Foaming Mousse to keep the curls bouncy and full. This style can be maintained with occasional touch-ups throughout the day using a curling wand.

Braided Low Ponytail for Easy Elegance

The braided low ponytail is an easy yet elegant hairstyle for winter, perfect for both work and formal occasions. This style works well for all hair types, whether you have curly, straight, or wavy hair. It’s a great way to add a little extra flair to a traditional ponytail, making it ideal for school or casual outings as well. The braided ponytail is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and adds a touch of sophistication to any winter look.

To create this style, start by braiding a small section of your hair, then gather the rest into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to create a decorative effect. Use a light-hold hairspray like Pantene Pro-V Airspray to keep the style in place. This hairstyle requires minimal upkeep, making it perfect for busy winter days.

Sleek High Bun for Formal Occasions

The sleek high bun is a timeless, elegant hairstyle perfect for a formal occasion or wedding during the winter months. This look works best for straight hair, but can also be adapted for wavy or curly textures. The high bun is especially flattering for those with black or brown hair, as the sleekness adds depth and shine to darker hair colors. It’s a great choice for round and square face shapes, as it elongates the neck and creates a graceful silhouette.

To create a sleek high bun, pull your hair into a high ponytail, then twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Apply a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray to keep the style smooth and flyaway-free. This hairstyle requires minimal maintenance and is perfect for long winter events.

Conclusion

These winter hairstyles for long hair offer a range of looks from simple and casual to elegant and sophisticated. Whether you’re braving the cold with a beanie or attending a winter wedding, these styles will keep you looking chic and season-appropriate. Feel free to try these styles, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and favorite looks in the comments!