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As a Black woman, there’s not a day that goes by when I’m not thinking about my hair and how I’ll style it the next time I’m in the salon chair. The winter season is perfect for a wake-up-and-go hairstyle simply because the weather is unpredictable, and I focus on doing as little as possible this time of year.

Depending on your region, the next few months can produce heavy rain and snow that calls for protective styles to save your natural coils or just a dry chilling cold that allows you to take advantage of a bone-straight bob.


Adding personality and individualism to a look is a challenge I look forward to, along with trying new styles I’ve yet to wear. Every year, there are hair trends that gain more popularity and those that are classic styles no matter the month or the season, and it's fun to make them your own.

Whether you plan to keep it simple, experiment with a fun new cut, or just don’t know what direction you're in the mood for, check out the following looks that are trending this winter for the inspiration you never knew you needed.

1. Blunt Bob

A straight, blunt bob is one of my favorite hairstyles. The versatility is unmatched no matter the time of year. It elevates one's persona by its sophisticated essence and appearance of maturity in the chicest way possible.

2. Braided Ponytail

Another sleek option for a low-maintenance look is a braided ponytail. I prefer the updo when in transition from one protective style to the next while still wanting to feel effortlessly chic. Dressed up or down, the braided ponytail snatches in all the right places.

3. Natural Curls

It's important to consider the outside elements when contemplating a natural hairstyle. During the winter, the air is colder, which makes it unwise to wear wet hair outdoors, which can lead to the risk of getting sick. A wig is a great way to protect your hair without compromising your natural journey. I love a curly wig because while I appreciate my curls, I can protect them with another natural-looking option.

4. Large Box Braids

Box braids have been a favorite for a range of Black women over the decades, and this winter, the size has become bigger and bolder. Maybe our patience has grown thin sitting for eight hours in a salon chair, so instead, we’ve chosen a softer life that dictates a quicker routine. You can style large individuals with an endless amount of looks.

5. Alicia Keys Cornrows

Inspiring the term, singer Alicia Keys was the first mainstream artist to popularize cornrows and, in particular, their designs. Another protective style, cornrows have become more intricate with patterned lines and shapes. These are not the cornrows I grew up wearing but more of an artistic take that keeps our eyes busy like a complex maze.

6. Slick Pixie Cut

Sexy, stylish, and cool is how I like to describe a slicked-down pixie. The bold short hairdo is adorned by women who don’t seem tied down to society’s rules about women’s hair and instead look at it as a work of art. Crafting the hair into soft feminine shapes, a pixie cut offers a fearless and creative take on shorter styles.

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Featured image AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

 

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