Just because the sun sets at 5 p.m. doesn’t mean you can’t live your brightest hair life. These winter highlights instantly add shine and make us remember (if only for a minute) the beach, sun, and warmth—who remembers warmth? Click through for the ultimate highlight inspo; these styles are all you need to go from snowy day to springtime sun.
Shine On
A hint of ashy bronde subtly adds dimension, not to mention shine, to all shades of brunette.
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Go for Golden
Adding gold works in all weather, especially for those with olive skin. Looking to lighten up without appearing washed out? These winter highlights are your golden ticket.
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Even Blonder
Don’t fear going lighter in the winter months. Just because the sun’s in hiding doesn’t mean you can’t test if blondes have more fun. Use this time to try out your lightest blonde yet with platinum highlights—you might want to go all the way come June.
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Pop of Red
Try a shade you don’t have to worry about getting bleached out, or sun damaged, like this insta-uplifting bright red.
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Hey, Purple
Counting the days till you don’t need a jacket? Adding deep lilac to locks is the perfect way to forget the calendar.
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Focus the Light
Highlights look oh-so-real when the placement is on point. Ask your stylist to create their own version of lived-in color, framing your face with lighter pieces. You’ll be thanking them as the style grows out with you.
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Sunkissed in January
‘Tis the season for faking it—hair included. This winter style is so glowy and bright it’s basically tropical.
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Luminous Ends
Light added to ends makes a short cut move, move, move. If you want winter highlights that add dimension, opt for this hue.
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No Shade
Capture your full winter highlight potential with multi-toned colors, from honey to caramel. No filter required.
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Frosted Tips
Far from the style synonymous with boy bands in the early aughts, this frosted style is a great way to break up bulk and create definition.
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Make it Metallic
Paint your hair metal—the glimmery gloss will look like its everywhere, even if it’s just a few key pieces.
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Subtle Shine
A little light goes a long way, especially when you segue from chocolate to strawberry bronde.
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Dipped in Pink
Looking for a change to pull you out of the doldrums? A choppy bob with woke-up-like-this pink is definitively effortless chic.
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Want more colorspo? HERE are the top five color trends of the new year.