The Winter 2026/2027 Haircut Trends You'll Be Seeing Everywhere

Winter is one of the most important seasons for haircuts. The end of the year and the start of a new one are filled with holiday events and fresh starts, which usually means (gulp) photos! But there's no need to fret when getting your hair in shape for the festive season, because we've rounded up the hottest winter 2026/2027 hair trends to get you camera-ready. According to Lindsay Worthen, veteran cosmetologist, beauty educator, and Ogle School campus director, haircuts that are equal parts low-maintenance and luxurious will dominate the chillier months.

"Clients are looking for haircuts that feel polished and elevated but don't require excessive styling time," Worthen tells Women, exclusively. "With busy holiday schedules, colder weather, and an increased focus on hair health, we're seeing growing demand for cuts that enhance natural texture, create movement, and grow out gracefully," she adds. Worthen also tells us that, while we've seen some bold trend-following recently, this winter is more about fresh, easy-to-wear styles. "[It's] less about dramatic transformations and more about personalized cuts that offer versatility and effortless sophistication," she says. Whether you're looking to chop off a few inches, add bangs, or enhance your natural texture, these winter hair trends have a little something for everyone.

Remember the Italian Bob, the short-hair look that was everywhere in summer 2023? It's still around, but with a new twist for winter 2026/2027. Lindsay Worthen exclusively tells Women that the modern way to rock this fuller version of the classic bob is with soft layers and plenty of movement. "This look feels chic and polished while still being easy to style, making it ideal for clients who want a fashionable cut without a high-maintenance routine," she says.

The softer Italian bob is particularly flattering on straight or wavy hair, as well as on those with longer tresses looking for a fresh cut for the holiday season. Shorter hair works so well in the winter because your locks won't get caught in scarves and zippers or pull on fluffy sweaters. Cutting off any dead or split ends also means you'll have healthier-looking, longer hair for when temperatures heat up again. Worthen also recommends this cut for those looking for a timeless new 'do with a sophisticated edge. Pair it with midi bangs (more to come on those later) to be totally on trend for the season.

They may have receded from the spotlight in recent years, but shag haircuts aren't going anywhere. In fact, they received a modern update for winter 2026/2027. But this time, it's a softer and more refined iteration. Lindsay Worthen suggests asking your stylist for blended layers that work with your natural texture to make the classic shag feel more current. "As more people embrace their natural waves and curls, this cut provides volume and movement without extensive styling," she says, exclusively.

This softer take works best on textured hair or hair with natural waves and curls, as it's a solid go-to for those looking to enhance their natural locks without too much styling (aka, less heat). That's great news considering our hair already goes through so much in the winter. From getting tangled in hats and scarves to getting dry and brittle from extreme temperatures, not having to consistently style your strands in the colder months will help your mane stay healthy. "[Soft shags are also great for] clients looking for a fashion-forward style with a relaxed feel," Worthen says.

Another trending cut that will enhance your naturally curly locks for winter 2026/2027 is the curly butterfly. This cross between the shag and a layered cut uses long and short layers to create movement and dimension around the face. This is another 'do with a lot of leeway when it comes to length, so you won't have to worry about sticking to a rigid salon schedule amidst all your holiday celebrations.

Curly butterfly cuts are a solid choice for those who want fuller-looking hair but don't want to lose length. Since the layers do most of the work when it comes to creating volume and movement, you won't have to spend hours styling your locks. That makes this cut surprisingly low-maintenance, so your time can be better spent with family and friends, or curling up in front of a festive movie (ideal, considering we've got the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie for you according to your zodiac sign).

If you're looking for a new haircut this winter but don't want to make a dramatic change, the layered cut with curtain bangs is for you. "Curtain bangs remain one of the most requested salon services because they instantly refresh a hairstyle without requiring a major haircut," Lindsay Worthen exclusively tells Women. This longer, low-maintenance bang style is defined by softer pieces of hair that frame the face, slightly shorter than the rest of your locks. "Paired with layered cuts, they create softness around the face and complement a wide range of lengths," she adds.

Worthen tells us that almost every hair texture, length, and face shape can benefit from curtain bangs because of how flattering they are. "[They also suit] clients who want a trend-conscious update while maintaining flexibility in styling," she continues. Curtain bangs and layers are particularly fun for winter because they offer a range of styling options for one of the busiest social periods of the year. Got a work holiday party? Rock an updo with loose curtain bangs. Heading to a family get-together? Try a more relaxed down-do with wavy layers and add volume to your fringe.

For those ready for a more dramatic hair change, be bold and cut a midi fringe for winter 2026/2027. Think Birkin bangs, one of the most effortless bang styles inspired by model Jane Birkin, that sit around the eyebrows. This fringe style isn't just defined by its length, though. It's wispy, softer, and creates movement, which makes it incredibly flattering for a range of face shapes.

Not only does this style (which works best on straight and wavy locks) help frame the face, but it's also a solid choice for winter because it can majorly upgrade your 'do without needing much maintenance. Unlike more blunt bang styles, Birkin-inspired midi bangs thrive when they look a little more undone. That means you won't have to worry about braving the cold and running back to the salon every few weeks during one of the busiest (and potentially snowiest) times of the year. Winter is also one of the best times to try bangs, especially if you haven't before, because you won't be bogged down by constant styling and refreshing with dry shampoo like you would in the sweatier summer months.