The on-trend hair colours you need to try this winter

Now that the winter season is almost in full swing and the temperature is dropping towards single digits, it’s time to rethink your approach to beauty. Spray tans should be swapped with gradual tanning solutions that give you a hint of colour (rather than a heavy hit of bronze), facial oils should be introduced into your skin care routine to keep dryness at bay, and new makeup colours should make their way into your daily kit to complement the cooler weather ahead.

As for your hair, winter is the perfect opportunity to experiment with hair colours that steer away from predictably summery hues of honey, caramel and coffee. We spoke with L’Oréal Professionnel Guest Artist, Jordan Hone of Sloans, for his hair colour recommendations (inspired by the latest red carpet looks) this season, plus his expert tips on how to replicate each one and the best way to look after your new hair colour.

Bright blonde

This season’s blonde shade is all about an all-over application that’s neither brassy nor too white; it’s the perfect balance between warm and cool tones.

Who it suits: Got fair skin? Listen up. “I think the paler your skin tone, the lighter you can go with your hair,” says Hone. “If you have a cool undertone to your complexion, then you are better suited to a blue-based hair colour like platinum, champagne or a bright blonde.”

What to ask for: For those that want to go from brunette to blonde in the salon, Hone has the following advice: “it will be a gradual process of several appointments, where we would start by applying highlights, then get to a stage where we could apply an all-over lightener. This is important to maintain the integrity and condition of the hair.”

How to look after it: At-home maintenance for blonde hair is a must-do to guarantee that your colour lasts as long as possible. A purple shampoo is a necessity as it can help protect your colour and neutralise any orange tones. Hone recommends using L’Oréal Professionnel Silver Shampoo once a week to keep your blonde looking fresh. We also like TONI&GUY Purple Shampoo (bonus points for its lovely scent) and John Frieda Sheer Blonde Brilliantly Brighter, which can boost shine (psst… both of these product received 4 stars from our Review Crew® panel).

Burnished browns

The latest slew of red carpet images have confirmed that a warm, chestnut brown is the way to go if you’re looking to update your brunette hair colour.

Who it suits: The best thing about this hair colour is that it suits just about everyone. In particular, Hone says: “It may sound like I’m contradicting myself, but those with a ruddy complexion actually suit warm brown tones in their hair. It can enhance their facial features and be more flattering than a cool brown hair colour.”

What to ask for: At the hairdressers, ask for a warm brown colour that has undertones of red and gold. “This colour can be achieved by using a L’Oréal Professionnel Semi Permanent Gloss to add shine or a L’Oréal Professionnel Permanent Colour to give depth and cover greys,” explains Hone.

How to look after it: Your haircare routine should include products that can protect your colour and keep it from fading. Hone recommends L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Colour A-OX Masque as it can target damaged areas of coloured hair. We also like Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo as it’s super gentle on fine hair, as well as Bumble and bumble Colour Minded Shampoo, which is sulfate-free and won’t dry out your locks.

Jet black

If a dark-as-night hair colour is good enough for Kendall, Bella and Gal, then it’s certainly good enough for us.

Who it suits: This dramatic hair colour is best for people with a lighter skin tone. “The idea is to create a contrast between your hair colour and your complexion,” says Hone. “If your hair colour is too close to your skin tone, your features will disappear. A cooler to pale-olive skin complexion would suit this jet black tone.”

What to ask for: The trick to nailing this colour is to ask your hairdresser for a semi-permanent or permanent black colour that has cool undertones.

How to look after it: Just like with brunette hair, black hair needs to be treated with products that can gently wash and treat your hair and look after your colour at the same time. Hone recommends the L’Oréal Professionnel Nutrifier Shampoo, which can clean, nourish and make hair feel soft; we also like Jonny + June Original Shampoo for its gentle formula and Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask with Lemon as it can lightly cleanse without being abrasive on sensitive scalps.

Want to get the exact hair look you’re after at your next appointment? Follow these tips to ensure you’ll never have another hair disaster again.

Which hair colour are you most likely to try, and why? Tell us in the comments below.

Image credits: Getty