A woman with braided hair, which is one of the best winter protective hairstyles.

Chic Winter Hairstyles to Try Out

As the cooler, drier air of the South African winter settles in, you might find yourself reaching for cosy layers and seeking styles that keep you warm and exude effortless chic. But when it comes to your hair, winter doesn’t have to mean swapping style for practicality. If anything, it’s the perfect time to explore the latest hair trends and experiment with sophisticated looks that complement your winter wardrobe.

At Muk Hair, we believe every season is a chance to flaunt your style, and our Muk Styling collection is here to help you effortlessly achieve the most coveted winter hairstyles for women, whether you have short, long, curly or straight hair. 

Effortless Elegance: The Sleek Low Ponytail

There’s a good reason the sleek low ponytail consistently graces runways and street-style blogs—it represents understated elegance and is incredibly practical for winter. The clean lines of this hairstyle beautifully complement the higher necklines of sweaters and the bulk of scarves, creating a balanced and sophisticated silhouette. 

Want to pull off the sleek low ponytail in winter? Start by ensuring your hair is smooth and frizz-free. A small amount of Muk Hair Smoothing Serum worked through the mid-lengths and ends can tame flyaways and impart a healthy shine. If you want to use heat to achieve extra smoothness, be sure to prep your hair with Hot Muk Thermal Protector. Then, create a clean part, whether you prefer a sharp centre parting for a modern edge or a soft side sweep for a touch of classic glamour. Finally, secure the strands at the nape of your neck with a hair tie. 

Here’s a pro tip to add more sophistication to your low pony hairstyle: Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic, securing it neatly underneath. You can also elevate this simple style with a chic hair accessory, such as a metallic cuff, velvet ribbon, or any element with flair.

Texture and Volume: Embracing Natural Waves and Curls

Winter in South Africa can sometimes bring drier air, which can affect the definition of natural waves and curls. However, embracing your natural texture can be a beautifully chic and low-maintenance option in winter. The key is to enhance your hair’s natural movement while taming any unwanted frizz. 

Our Kinky Muk Leave-In Moisturiser is a fantastic product for nourishing and hydrating waves, leaving them soft and defined. If you have more defined curls, get the Kinky Muk Curl Amplifier to provide the perfect amount of hold and definition without stiffness, ensuring your curls remain bouncy and beautiful even in the cooler air. 

To combat any potential dryness that winter might bring, consider incorporating a deep conditioning treatment from Muk Hair into your weekly routine to keep your natural texture healthy and hydrated. Looking for a stylish, shorter option that celebrates texture and is easier to maintain during the drier season? Consider a pixie bob haircut or any other curly bob-cut hairstyle for women this winter. 

Polished and Protected: The Tucked-In Style

Sometimes, the most stylish solution is also the most practical. Tucking your hair into scarves, turtlenecks, and the collars of your winter coats isn’t just about staying warm; it can also create a sleek and effortlessly put-together look. This style works amazingly well for longer hair, instantly creating a chic, shorter silhouette. 

The key to making this look intentional rather than accidental is to ensure your hair is smooth and relatively tangle-free before tucking it in. A light spritz of a finishing hair spray like Hot Muk - 6 in 1 Working Hair Spray can help rid any flyaways around your face and keep the overall look polished without feeling stiff or unnatural. Also, feel free to play around with different ways of tucking your hair. Go for a full tuck for a completely streamlined look, or leave a few face-framing strands for a softer feel. 

Braids with a Twist: Elevated Plaits for Winter

Braids are a wonderfully versatile hairstyle that can be practical for keeping hair styled neatly during windy winter days. From a relaxed and voluminous fishtail braid draped over your shoulder to a chunky side braid that adds a touch of bohemian flair, there are countless ways to elevate this classic style for winter. You can even incorporate braids into updos for a more intricate and sophisticated look. No wonder braids have become one of the best winter protective hairstyles out there!

To give your braids extra body and make them easier to style, try using Hot Muk - 6 in 1 Working Hair Spray before you begin. As a multifunction spray, it adds grip and a touch of effortless texture, preventing the braid from looking too slick. Don’t be afraid to pair your braids with your favourite winter accessories. A chunky knit beanie worn over a side braid or a stylish headband accentuating a braided updo can add warmth and personality to your look.

Volume and Movement: The Chic Blowout

Need a look that exudes glamour and volume? The classic blowout is a perfect choice for winter. The added body and smooth finish can instantly elevate any winter outfit. If you have short layered hair, a blowout can add incredible texture and dimension, creating a stylish and manageable look for the cooler months.

However, you need the right products to achieve a long-lasting and voluminous blowout. Start with Muk Hair Volumising Blowout Mousse on damp hair to create lift at the roots. Use a round brush while blow-drying to smooth the hair and create a bouncy volume. Finish with a hairspray to maintain the shape and prevent frizz. 

The Chic Updo: Effortless Winter Glamour

While updos are often associated with formal occasions, they can also be surprisingly chic and practical ways to manage your hair during winter. Relaxed and textured updos, like a slightly messy bun or a loose chignon at the nape, emanate effortless glamour and keep hair neatly away from your face and any high collars. 

To create volume and texture for these softer updos, grab Muk Hair Volumising Mousse and apply it to your damp hair before styling. Once you’ve created your desired shape, a spritz of hairspray will ensure your style stays in place without looking stiff or unnatural, even on a breezy winter day. Elevate your winter updo by adding a velvet scrunchie in a rich jewel tone or a delicate jewelled clip. 

Final Tip

With the help of Muk Hair’s comprehensive styling collection, you have all the tools you need to effortlessly achieve your desired winter hairstyles. From smoothing serums for sleek ponytails to texturizing sprays for voluminous braids, our Muk Styling range will help you look and feel your best—all season long. Explore the rest of our hair collection today and discover more products for your winter hair styling sessions.

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