Winter is the perfect season to experiment with hairstyles that not only keep you cozy but also make a bold, stylish statement. Braids, in particular, are having a major moment this winter, blending practicality with stunning aesthetics. From icy-inspired crowns to sculptural twists, these six trending winter braid styles—Frosty Crown Braid, Snowflake Fishtail Braid, Winter Wonderland Half-Up Braid, Icy Waterfall Braid, Frosted Milkmaid Braids, and Glacial Twist Braid—are stealing the spotlight in 2025. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes each style unique and provide step-by-step guides on how to achieve them at home. Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the fire or braving the snowy outdoors, these braids will keep you looking fabulous all season long.
1. Frosty Crown Braid: A Regal Winter Classic
The Frosty Crown Braid is the epitome of winter elegance, wrapping around your head like a halo of snow-dusted strands. This style works best with long, wavy hair in blonde or silver tones, enhanced with frosty highlights for a shimmering, icy effect.
How to Achieve It:
- Prep Your Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a lightweight texturizing spray to add grip and volume.
- Section the Hair: Part your hair down the middle or slightly off-center for a softer look. Take a 2-inch section from each temple.
- Begin Braiding: Create a three-strand braid on one side, working from the temple toward the back of your head. Repeat on the other side.
- Form the Crown: Bring both braids across the top of your head, overlapping them to form a circular shape. Secure with bobby pins, tucking the ends underneath for a seamless finish.
- Add Frosty Flair: Use a temporary shimmer spray or weave in subtle highlights with hair chalk for that snowy glow. Gently pull apart the braids for a fuller, softer look.
- Finish: Frame your face with loose strands and set with a light-hold hairspray.
Styling Tip: Pair this with a chunky knit scarf for a cozy yet regal vibe—perfect for holiday parties or winter walks.
2. Snowflake Fishtail Braid: Delicate and Dazzling
Inspired by the intricate patterns of snowflakes, the Snowflake Fishtail Braid is a tight, precise style that cascades down your back with crystalline embellishments. It’s ideal for those with long hair in cool tones like platinum blonde or icy blue.
How to Achieve It:
- Prep Your Hair: Brush your hair to remove tangles and apply a small amount of smoothing serum for a sleek finish.
- Divide the Hair: Split your hair into two equal sections down the back.
- Fishtail Technique: Take a thin strand from the outside of the left section, cross it over, and join it to the right section. Repeat on the opposite side, alternating until you reach the ends.
- Add Sparkle: Weave in tiny crystal beads or hair rings every few inches as you braid for a snowflake-like effect.
- Secure and Style: Tie the end with a clear elastic and gently fan out the braid for a fuller look. Leave the ends loose and wavy.
- Finish: Mist with a glossy shine spray to enhance the icy aesthetic.
Styling Tip: This braid shines brightest with a chunky sweater and minimal makeup—let the hair be the star of your winter ensemble.
3. Winter Wonderland Half-Up Braid: Festive and Fun
The Winter Wonderland Half-Up Braid combines practicality with whimsy, making it a go-to for holiday gatherings. It’s versatile for medium-length hair and looks stunning in warm tones like chestnut or caramel.
How to Achieve It:
- Prep Your Hair: Curl your hair loosely with a wand for added texture and volume.
- Section the Top: Gather the top section of hair from your crown (about 3-4 inches wide) and clip the rest out of the way.
- Braid It: Create a simple three-strand braid, starting near the crown and working backward. Stop after about 4-5 inches.
- Secure: Tie the braid with a small elastic and let the loose curls flow beneath it.
- Festive Touch: Add pearl pins or sparkly clips along the braid for a holiday-ready look.
- Finish: Tease the curls lightly and spritz with a flexible-hold hairspray.
Styling Tip: Rock this with a turtleneck and bold earrings for a cozy, festive vibe that’s effortlessly chic.
4. Icy Waterfall Braid: A Flowing Winter Dream
The Icy Waterfall Braid mimics the beauty of melting icicles, with strands cascading down like a gentle stream. It’s perfect for cool-toned hair with a glossy finish.
How to Achieve It:
- Prep Your Hair: Straighten or lightly wave your hair and apply a shine serum.
- Start the Braid: Take a 2-inch section near your temple. Divide it into three strands.
- Waterfall Technique: Begin a three-strand braid, but after the first cross, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new one from the loose hair below. Continue this pattern diagonally across your head.
- Blend It: Once you reach the back, transition into a regular braid for a few inches and pin it behind your ear.
- Enhance the Ice: Use a silver-toned hair gloss or spray for that frosty sheen.
- Finish: Tousle the loose waves and set with a light mist of hairspray.
Styling Tip: Pair this with a sleek black outfit for a sophisticated, icy-cool look that’s perfect for evening outings.
5. Frosted Milkmaid Braids: Romantic and Timeless
Frosted Milkmaid Braids offer a romantic, headband-like style with a wintery twist. They’re ideal for light blonde or ash brown hair with frosted highlights.
How to Achieve It:
- Prep Your Hair: Add texture with a curling iron or texturizing spray for better grip.
- Divide and Braid: Part your hair down the middle and create two three-strand braids, starting at the nape and working upward.
- Wrap Around: Bring each braid up and over the top of your head, crossing them at the back. Pin them securely with bobby pins.
- Frosty Effect: Apply a shimmer powder or temporary highlight spray along the braids.
- Soften It: Pull out a few tendrils around your face for a romantic touch.
- Finish: Lock it in with a strong-hold hairspray.
Styling Tip: Wear this with an off-white sweater and rosy makeup for a soft, wintry glow that’s universally flattering.
6. Glacial Twist Braid: Bold and Sculptural
The Glacial Twist Braid is a modern masterpiece, combining tight twists and a coiled bun for a striking look. It’s best suited for long, straight hair in silvery-gray shades.
How to Achieve It:
- Prep Your Hair: Smooth your hair with a flat iron and apply a lightweight gel for hold.
- Section It: Divide your hair into two equal parts down the back.
- Twist Technique: Twist each section tightly in opposite directions (one clockwise, one counterclockwise). Cross them over each other repeatedly to form a rope-like braid.
- Coil the Bun: Wrap the twisted braid into a low bun at the nape of your neck and secure with pins.
- Add Glacial Shine: Mist with a high-shine spray for a crystalline effect.
- Finish: Ensure the bun is tight and sleek, then set with a firm-hold hairspray.
Styling Tip: This pairs beautifully with minimalist outfits—think white dresses or tailored coats—for a futuristic winter vibe.
Final Thoughts: Braiding Your Way Through Winter
These six trending winter braids offer something for everyone, from the dreamy Frosty Crown to the bold Glacial Twist. To keep your braids looking fresh, sleep with a silk scarf, avoid over-washing, and refresh with dry shampoo as needed. Experiment with accessories like pearls, crystals, or metallic clips to personalize your look, and don’t shy away from temporary color sprays to amplify the frosty theme.
Which braid will you try first? Whether you’re channeling a snow queen or a cozy holiday vibe, these styles are sure to turn heads this winter. Grab your comb, some bobby pins, and a mirror—your next signature look is just a braid away!
Joan Seifert es una educadora experimentada con más de 10 años de experiencia en enseñanza/educación. Con una profunda pasión por capacitar a los estudiantes de todas las edades y orígenes, ha dedicado su carrera a crear entornos de aprendizaje innovadores que fomenten el crecimiento personal, el pensamiento crítico y el éxito académico.
Ha sido reconocida por innumerables publicaciones o contribuciones a blogs educativos. También es una oradora, consultora y mentora solicitada que ha ayudado a innumerables educadores, estudiantes y organizaciones a alcanzar sus objetivos.
Ella cree que el aprendizaje debe ser una búsqueda de por vida, y está comprometida a inspirar a otros a abrazar el poder de la educación para transformar vidas y comunidades.