33 Winter Hairstyles for Black Women: Braids, Wigs, and Protective Styles

Winter is the perfect season to experiment with protective and stylish hairstyles that not only shield your hair from the harsh elements but also keep you looking fabulous for all the festive events. For Black women, the season’s chill presents an opportunity to embrace versatility, from braids to wigs, while taking into account the need for moisture retention and scalp protection. In this article, we’ll explore winter hairstyles that will keep you slaying throughout 2024 and beyond. Whether you’re looking for something for the holidays or just an everyday look, these styles will help you stay chic while protecting your hair.

Braided Crown Updo

A braided crown updo is a regal and practical winter hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions and festive gatherings. The hairstyle involves weaving two thick braids around the crown of the head, creating a halo effect. This look works wonderfully with all types of natural hair, especially 4c textures, as it keeps the ends tucked away and protected from cold winds. Best suited for women with oval or heart-shaped faces, this look can be elevated with accessories like gold beads or subtle hair jewelry, adding a touch of glamour. The braided crown also complements a range of winter styles, from chic turtlenecks to bold, patterned scarves.

To achieve the braided crown, you’ll need a fine-tooth comb for parting, edge control for sleek edges, and a hydrating braid cream to keep the style moisturized throughout the winter. This hairstyle can be done at home or in a salon and lasts up to two weeks with proper care. To maintain the look, regularly oil your scalp and sleep with a silk scarf to keep the braids neat.

Faux Locs for Winter Protection

Faux locs are an excellent winter option for women looking to protect their natural hair while achieving a stunning boho look. This style, popular in 2024, involves wrapping synthetic hair around your own strands, creating the appearance of real locs. Faux locs are perfect for women with short or long hair, as they can be customized in terms of length, thickness, and color. This look works well for round and square faces, and the natural texture of the locs adds a touch of elegance to any winter outfit, especially chunky knitwear and cozy coats.

Creating faux locs can take several hours, so patience is key. You’ll need synthetic hair, a crochet needle, and a loc cream to help twist the synthetic hair securely around your natural strands. To maintain faux locs during the winter, it’s essential to keep your scalp moisturized with oil and to wash your locs gently to avoid buildup. Sleeping with a satin bonnet can also help preserve the style and protect against frizz.

Sleek Short Bob with Bangs

A sleek bob is a timeless choice that pairs well with winter’s minimalist fashion trends. This short haircut, especially when paired with bangs, gives a polished look that can transition from work meetings to holiday parties effortlessly. It’s perfect for women looking to switch up their look for the fall and winter seasons. A sleek bob works well with oval or heart-shaped faces, while the bangs can be customized for women with larger foreheads or angular features, making it a versatile option.

To create this look, you’ll need a quality flat iron and heat protectant spray to achieve that ultra-sleek finish. Regular trims every six to eight weeks will keep the bob looking fresh, while a moisturizing leave-in conditioner can maintain its shine and softness. For added texture, a styling cream can help enhance the natural beauty of the cut.

2024 Winter-Ready Box Braids

Box braids are a go-to protective style for many women during the winter months. This iconic style is not only versatile but also shields your natural hair from cold air and harsh weather. Box braids can be styled in numerous ways—from buns and ponytails to leaving them down for a casual look. The braids themselves add length and thickness, making them a great option for women with short or medium-length hair. This style suits a variety of face shapes, especially round and oval, and works well with statement accessories like large hoop earrings or winter hats.

To install box braids, you’ll need synthetic hair extensions, a parting comb, and edge control for smooth finishing. This style can take hours to install, but the longevity—lasting up to eight weeks—makes it worth the time. To maintain your braids, use a light oil to keep the scalp moisturized and wrap your hair in a satin scarf at night to prevent frizz and preserve neatness.

Curly Weave for Extra Volume

A curly weave is the perfect solution for adding volume and texture to your look while keeping your natural hair protected. The beauty of a weave is that it allows you to experiment with different curl patterns and lengths without manipulating your own hair. This style can be worn in 2025 with confidence, as it complements a variety of face shapes and looks stunning paired with bold winter makeup or simple everyday styles. A curly weave is also a fabulous option for women with 4c hair, as it allows them to enjoy looser curls without the need for heat styling.

Installing a curly weave requires hair extensions, a needle and thread, or glue depending on your preference. Regular maintenance includes deep conditioning the weave to keep the curls bouncy and prevent dryness. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a curl-enhancing cream to maintain the shape and texture of the weave. A silk bonnet will help reduce friction and frizz while you sleep.

Classic Afro Puff

The Afro puff is a winter-friendly style that highlights the natural beauty of 4c hair. It’s an effortless yet stunning look that can be worn high or low, depending on your face shape and preference. Ideal for women with round or oval faces, the Afro puff can be paired with bold winter accessories, such as scarves and oversized earrings, creating a striking silhouette. This look is perfect for casual outings or even formal events when styled with sleek edges and bold makeup.

To create an Afro puff, you’ll need a wide-tooth comb, an elastic band, and edge control for neatness. Gently tease the hair to add volume before securing it into a puff. To maintain this style, regular deep conditioning is key to keeping your curls moisturized. A water-based leave-in conditioner is perfect for refreshing the puff throughout the week.

Winter Wigs for Versatility

Wigs are an absolute lifesaver during the winter months, offering versatility and protection from the elements. Whether you want a sleek bob, long waves, or something in between, wigs allow you to switch up your look effortlessly. Wigs are perfect for women with short hair who want to experiment with different lengths and textures without the commitment of a cut or a long-term style. This protective style works well for all face shapes and allows women to protect their natural hair while staying on-trend for 2025.

To wear a wig, you’ll need a wig cap to secure your natural hair and a wig adhesive or adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. For maintenance, make sure to regularly wash the wig using a sulfate-free shampoo and store it on a wig stand to maintain its shape. A satin cap underneath will also keep your natural hair protected.

Half-Up, Half-Down Weave

The half-up, half-down weave is a trendy, playful look that offers the best of both worlds. This style is especially popular in 2024 because it allows you to showcase length and volume while keeping part of your hair neatly pulled back. The half-up portion can be styled into a sleek bun or ponytail, while the rest of the hair cascades in soft waves or curls. This look suits women with heart-shaped or oval faces and can be accessorized with subtle clips or bold hairpins.

Creating this style requires hair extensions, a comb for parting, and a holding spray to keep everything in place. To maintain the waves or curls, use a light curl-defining cream and wrap your hair at night to preserve the style.

Sleek Ponytail with Extensions

A sleek ponytail is a chic and sophisticated winter hairstyle that works for both casual and formal occasions. Adding extensions gives the ponytail extra length and volume, transforming it into a high-fashion look. The sleek ponytail works well for women with oval or round faces and is a fabulous option for those looking to experiment with length without fully committing to extensions or a weave.

You’ll need hair extensions, a smoothing serum, and a brush to achieve that sleek finish. Use a silk scarf to wrap the ponytail at night and maintain its sleekness throughout the week. Regular touch-ups with a smoothing serum will keep frizz at bay and maintain the ponytail’s polished look.

Twisted Updo for a Winter Wedding

For a more formal occasion, such as a winter wedding, a twisted updo is an elegant and timeless choice. This style works beautifully with natural textures and can be enhanced with braids or twists for added visual interest. The twisted updo is perfect for women with 4c hair who want to keep their look neat and polished for special occasions. It complements oval, heart, and square face shapes, and pairs wonderfully with statement earrings or a bold lip.

To achieve a twisted updo, you’ll need a twisting cream, bobby pins, and edge control for sleekness. This style can last for several days with proper maintenance, including regular oiling of the scalp and sleeping with a silk scarf to keep everything in place.

Cornrows with Beads

Cornrows are a timeless and protective style that never goes out of fashion, especially during winter. This intricate braid pattern is not only practical but can also be customized with beads for a more festive or personalized look. Cornrows are great for women with 4c hair, as the style keeps the hair close to the scalp, protecting it from harsh winter weather. Ideal for round or heart-shaped faces, this style is versatile enough for casual or formal occasions, and adding beads or colored threads can elevate it into a statement look. Whether you’re dressing for the office or a holiday party, cornrows offer a sleek and stylish option.

To achieve this style, you’ll need a fine-tooth comb for precise parting, braiding hair if extra length is desired, and beads or other accessories to finish off the look. The cornrows can last up to a month with proper care, which includes regularly moisturizing your scalp and wearing a silk scarf or bonnet at night to maintain the neatness of the braids.

Bantu Knots for Bold Statements

Bantu knots are a bold and fun winter hairstyle that allows you to showcase your natural texture while protecting your hair from the cold. This hairstyle consists of small, coiled buns formed by twisting sections of hair and securing them to the scalp. Perfect for women with short or medium-length hair, Bantu knots work well with heart-shaped or oval faces and are a great option for those looking to embrace a playful, youthful look. Adding a bit of color or subtle hair jewelry can further enhance the look for holiday events.

To create Bantu knots, you’ll need a twisting cream or gel to define the coils and bobby pins to secure each knot in place. This style can last up to two weeks, and you can even unravel the knots to create beautiful, defined curls after wearing them for a few days. A hydrating leave-in conditioner and regular oiling of the scalp will help keep the hair moisturized and healthy during the winter.

Winter Box Braids with Color Accents

Box braids remain a winter staple, but adding color accents can take this classic style to the next level. By incorporating bold hues like red, blue, or even metallic tones, you can give traditional box braids a modern twist that’s perfect for 2024. This style works for women of all face shapes, and it’s especially ideal for those with 4c hair looking to protect their strands from cold, dry air. Whether you’re going for a subtle color pop or a full-on vibrant look, box braids with color accents will keep you stylish and on-trend this season.

To install this style, you’ll need synthetic braiding hair in your chosen colors, a fine-tooth comb, and braid gel to keep each braid neat. These braids can last up to eight weeks with proper care, including regularly oiling the scalp and ensuring you sleep with a satin or silk scarf to prevent frizz and maintain the braids’ longevity.

Sleek Low Bun with Side Part

The sleek low bun is a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for winter events or everyday wear. Adding a deep side part gives the style a polished, modern edge, making it a go-to option for women with short or medium-length hair. This hairstyle works particularly well for oval or square-shaped faces, as the side part frames the face beautifully while the bun itself offers a neat and tidy appearance. The sleek low bun is ideal for formal winter gatherings, such as weddings or galas, as well as office settings.

To achieve the sleek low bun, you’ll need a smoothing serum or gel to keep your hair in place, a fine-tooth comb for parting, and bobby pins to secure the bun. A satin or silk scarf can help keep the hairstyle sleek and prevent flyaways. Regular use of a leave-in conditioner will keep the hair moisturized and prevent dryness during the colder months.

Jumbo Twists with Highlights

Jumbo twists are another protective style that’s perfect for winter, offering a bold and voluminous look. Adding highlights to the twists—whether through colored extensions or natural highlights—creates dimension and adds a pop of color, making it ideal for the fall and winter seasons. This hairstyle works well for women with longer hair or those who prefer a more dramatic look. It’s best suited for heart and oval-shaped faces and pairs beautifully with bold makeup or statement jewelry for special events.

To create jumbo twists, you’ll need a twisting cream or gel, synthetic hair for added length or thickness, and a parting comb. The twists can last up to six weeks with proper care, including regular scalp moisturizing and wearing a silk bonnet at night to prevent frizz and maintain the twists’ neatness.

Short Pixie Cut with Curls

A short pixie cut with defined curls is a playful and chic option for the winter months. This hairstyle is low-maintenance and perfect for women who want a bold change in 2024. The pixie cut frames the face beautifully, making it ideal for those with round or oval face shapes. By embracing the natural curl pattern, you can add texture and volume, giving the short style an extra dimension. This cut works well with minimal makeup and bold accessories, making it a standout look for the holiday season.

To style a short pixie cut, you’ll need a curl-defining cream and a diffuser to enhance the curls’ shape. Regular trims every four to six weeks will keep the pixie cut looking fresh, while a moisturizing conditioner will prevent the curls from becoming dry or brittle in the winter air.

Half-Up Braided Ponytail

The half-up braided ponytail is a trendy and versatile winter hairstyle that combines the sleekness of a ponytail with the intricate detail of braids. The top half of the hair is braided and pulled back into a ponytail, while the rest of the hair is left loose or curled for added texture. This look is perfect for women with medium-length or long hair, especially those with round or square face shapes. It’s a fun and youthful style that works for both casual winter outings and formal events.

To create this style, you’ll need a fine-tooth comb, braid gel, and hair ties to secure the ponytail. To maintain the look, use a light-hold hairspray and sleep with a satin bonnet to preserve the braids and keep frizz at bay. Regularly moisturizing the scalp is essential to prevent dryness during the colder months.

2025 Voluminous Weave with Soft Curls

If you’re looking to add volume and glamour to your winter look, a voluminous weave with soft curls is a perfect choice. This style, set to be popular in 2025, adds body and movement to the hair, making it ideal for formal winter events or nights out. The curls frame the face beautifully, complementing round or heart-shaped faces, and can be customized in terms of length and curl pattern. This look pairs well with dramatic makeup and bold winter outfits.

To install a voluminous weave, you’ll need hair extensions, a curling iron, and heat protectant spray to achieve the soft curls. To maintain the curls, use a sulfate-free shampoo and a curl-defining mousse. Sleeping with a silk scarf or using a satin pillowcase will help keep the curls intact and prevent frizz.

Classic Finger Waves

Finger waves are a classic hairstyle that exudes vintage charm and elegance, making them a fantastic option for formal winter events. This sleek and polished look works particularly well for women with short hair, creating soft, sculpted waves that frame the face beautifully. Best suited for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, finger waves can elevate any outfit, from evening gowns to chic winter coats. The hairstyle is ideal for occasions where you want to make a bold, stylish statement.

To achieve finger waves, you’ll need a setting lotion, a fine-tooth comb, and wave clips to shape the waves. Once set, the waves can last for several days with proper care, including using a silk scarf to keep the style intact overnight. A light-hold hairspray will help maintain the shine and definition of the waves.

Twisted Ponytail with Beads

The twisted ponytail with beads is a playful and protective winter hairstyle that adds a unique twist to the classic ponytail. The hair is twisted into sections and pulled back into a ponytail, with beads added for extra flair. This style works for women with 4c hair and is especially suitable for oval or square-shaped faces. The beads can be customized in terms of color and size, making the style perfect for casual winter outings or holiday celebrations.

To create this look, you’ll need a twisting cream, beads, and a parting comb to section the hair. Regularly moisturizing your scalp will keep the twists neat and prevent dryness. To maintain the style overnight, wrap your hair in a silk scarf to protect the twists and preserve the beads.

Conclusion

These winter hairstyles for Black women are not only protective but also stylish and versatile, offering something for everyone, from braids to wigs and everything in between. Which of these will you be rocking this winter? Share your thoughts and favorite styles in the comments below!