Why Does Hair Get Darker in the Winter?

As we move into the winter months, it’s easy to overlook the fact that our hair, like our skin, responds to seasonal changes and deserves just as much care.

Colder weather brings lower UV exposure, dryness, and shifts in lighting, all of which can make hair appear darker. True pigment changes, however, are uncommon, and most seasonal shifts in color are temporary.

Keep reading to discover why hair seems darker in winter and how to keep your tone warm, radiant, and vibrant throughout the season.

Why Does Hair Look Darker in Winter?

Less Sun & UV

Hair often appears darker in winter because there’s far less sun and UV exposure, so strands don’t receive the natural lightening or “sun streaks” they do in summer. With reduced oxidation and lower light reflection, highlights fade, and the overall color can look deeper and richer.

Indoor Lighting & Clothing Contrast

Indoor lighting and clothing choices also influence how dark hair appears. Cooler, dimmer light naturally deepens hair color, while dark coats, scarves, and beanies create contrast that makes strands look richer and more shadowed than they really are.

Dryness, Build-Up & Shine Loss

Cold air and frequent heat styling can dull the cuticle, leaving hair dry and less reflective. In addition, product and mineral build-up can further mute color, making hair appear flatter and deeper than usual.

Does Winter Actually Make Hair Darker?

Winter doesn’t actually make hair darker, it only appears darker due to reduced sunlight, lower shine, dryness, and contrast from clothing or lighting:

Hair Shaft Pigment Doesn’t Change After Growth

Once a strand has grown, its melanin is set at the follicle, so the pigment itself doesn’t darken with the seasons.

What does shift in winter is the hair’s surface, shine, and overall reflectivity, which can change how the color is perceived, making it look deeper even though the underlying pigment remains the same.

New Growth vs. Seasonal Perception

New hair growth can appear darker because it contrasts with the sun-lightened lengths from warmer months. This creates the illusion of darker hair in winter, but it’s a temporary, seasonal effect rather than a true change in permanent pigment..

How To Keep Your Color Bright in Winter

Hydration & Barrier

Clarify & Tone Strategically

Heat & UV Protection

Blondes, Brunettes & Redheads

The good news is that you can customize your look to complement both your personal style and natural hair color. Here are some ways to maintain lightness and warmth at any level:

Blondes

Add soft golden or honey-blonde lowlights for dimension and warmth. Use Goldie Locks® Brilliant Blonde Purple Shampoo to counter dull yellowing, and consider subtle warm lowlights to maintain a luminous winter glow.

Brunettes

Warm up your brown with toffee, chestnut, or golden caramel balayage. Gloss treatments enhance shine, anti-red formulas help combat brassiness, and light face-frame highlights can keep hair looking dimensional and vibrant.

Redheads

Enhance natural warmth with copper or strawberry-gold tones. Refresh copper and auburn hues with color-safe products, rinse with cool water, and protect hair from UV and heat to preserve vibrancy throughout the season.

FAQs

Does winter make your hair darker?

Hair often appears darker in winter due to reduced sunlight, lower shine, and visual contrast, but the pigment itself rarely increases.

At what age does your hair get darker?

Hair typically darkens from childhood through puberty, then generally stabilizes until the gradual onset of graying later in life.

Does healthy hair get darker?

Not in terms of pigment. However, healthier, shinier hair reflects light differently, which can make it appear deeper and richer.

Why does it get darker in winter?

A combination of fewer UV highlights, dimmer indoor lighting, dryness, product build-up, and darker clothing all contribute to hair appearing darker during the colder months.

Final Thoughts

Winter may make your hair look deeper, but it doesn’t actually change the pigment.

If you want to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant during the colder months, focus on maintaining shine, moisture, and tone.

Booking a seasonal gloss or toner and following a dedicated winter hair care routine will help preserve brightness and keep your color radiant all season long.