From Platinum Cashmere to Espresso Nouveau, Experts Predict the Top 15 Winter Hair Colors of 2025

The fall called for expensive honey, but now the OG is returning for the new year. According to Patterson, expensive brunette is making a comeback. He tells me, “We always walk over to the deeper sides of hair color this time of year. If you’re going for this shade (at home or at a salon), the key to keeping this look *expensive* is using high and low contrast of deep shapes of brown. The cool tone will act as the depth and dimension, while the warmer shade will reflect the brightness coming to the front.” In order to maintain the shine, the stylist recommends using a gloss rinse to perverse the color and deeply nourish strands. 

Friedman predicts the red craze is not stopping its momentum in 2025. Case in point: Velveteen Violet, a creamy combination of red and blue pigment that celebs like Tessa Thompson have been spotted rocking recently. “I’m confirming that the ‘REDVOLUTION’ will continue, which is an evolution of the red craze that started in 2021. There is so much that red can be shapeshifted into, so it will definitely feel fresh this season,” she shares. “This shade has a cool depth and feels soft like swaths of fabric. It leans almost plummy and it’s made for old-Hollywood glamour. I can see it now sparkling in technicolor on the silver screen.” 

No one has rocked a striking red hue quite like Dua Lipa, and I predict this shade will surely be a hit for the holidays. According to Ian Michael Black, a hair colorist and the global artistic director for Aveda, this trendy shade is similar to Cherry Cola, but with more gloss, shine and dimension. “Lacquer Crimson features striking, shiny red locks that exude a vibrant, glossy finish. This look often incorporates panels of darker shades—like deep ruby or black—to create depth and dimension,” he says. “The contrast between the vivid red and the darker tones add an edgy flair, making it a bold choice for those looking to make a statement with their hair.” 

Alexa, play “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. This rich chocolate brown is a great option for the colder months ahead as evidenced by Nina Dobrev at Paris Fashion Week. As Medrano shares, “Espresso Nouveau is good for brunettes as it amplifies their natural tone by adding dimension and lowlights throughout.” 

Highlights have been hot as of late (just look at Jennifer Lopez and Hailey Bieber). So much so that the experts believe this specific shade is going to be on the top of clients’ list. “This combines beige and creamy brown tones for a subtle, frothy look,” says Marie Nino, a senior hair colorist and stylist at Arisa Salon in New York City. “Latte highlights add brightness and depth that complements the natural base color.” When requesting this look, brunettes should ask for a soft lift and a natural blend. Meanwhile, blondes should seek creamy brown lowlights to add depth and dimension for a more grounded look. If you’re looking to keep sections bright, Nino recommends a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and prevent color from fading. 

This neutral tone works best for winter as it brings forth warmth without being too brassy. Rogério Cavalcante, a hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon in Soho, tells me, “This color resembles a soft, beige blonde with subtle ash and honey undertones. It's not too warm or cool, giving it a neutral balance that enhances natural depth while remaining understated. It has a blend of highlights and lowlights, which creates a sun-kissed effect and a multidimensional look.” The stylist suggests a purple shampoo to prevent yellow tones and/or brassiness, along with a deep conditioner once a week to maintain the shine and health. 

Move over Cowboy Copper and Cajun Spice, because there’s a new variation in town. “Deep Grunge Copper is definitely an evolution of the bright coppers and gingers that have been hot for a while. The darkened root gives it a lived-in nature and requires less maintenance,” says Friedman. “Another benefit of the darkened root is that it helps this copper complements many skin tones as it uses the natural root shade as a foundation for the rest of the color.”

If you’re looking for any light brown hair color ideas, Medrano predicts this bronde-inspired shade will give a happy medium in 2025. “Dolce Chai is a dark, warm blonde with light brown pieces throughout the hair,” she explains. As we transition to colder temperatures, the colorist shares clients will revert back to warmer tones. In order to maintain the shade, she suggests implementing a hair mask weekly to help lock in color and nourish strands. 

I’m noticing a common trend among winter hair colors (see #2 on this list if you don’t believe me). But among the browns and reds, the experts I interview see a splash of purple making an appearance this season. One rising shade? Indigo violet. “Indigo Violet features a blend of multidimensional deep violets to create a rich and vibrant look. The interplay of various violet shades—from deep indigos to intense violets—adds depth and movement, making the hair appear dynamic and lively,” explains Black. “Whether styled in curls, waves or sleek and straight, indigo violet hair offers a captivating aesthetic that stands out in any setting.” 

Spotted on celebs like Zendaya and Dakota Johnson, this multidimensional shade is loved by many brunettes for winter. As Cavalcante explains, “This is a rich chocolate brown with warm reddish undertones. The warmth gives it depth and shine, making it look luxurious and polished. It’s created with a mix of lowlights and subtle highlights that enhance the texture.” You can make an appointment at the salon or use a color-depositing gloss that can add warm tones to your hair, while maintaining its warmth and preventing color from fading. 

Here’s your sign to go for a bold shade in 2025. “This is a platinum tone that mimics the touch of cashmere. It’s more soft than stark, swathing the face in a cloudlike embrace,” shares Friedman. “To create this shade, I keep some slight dimension and make sure to add a bit of warmth, which makes it feel really creamy and balanced against any skin tone.” 

The experts all agree that red will always be a dominant shade for winter, and auburn is on the top of the list for the festivities coming up. “This color is a deep auburn red with warm, coppery undertones. It's a bold, rich red with a high-gloss finish, which gives it a sleek, luxurious look. The shade balances intensity with warmth, making it eye-catching and glamorous,” says  Cavalcante. Need a reference? There are plenty of auburns out there, from Kate Mara to Julia Roberts.