As a hairstylist, the winter season is a magical time where I get to pair my two loves: cozy fashion and creative hairstyling. The beanie, a staple winter accessory, isn’t just about keeping warm; it’s a fashion statement and a hairstyling challenge. I’ve spent years mastering the art of the perfect beanie hairstyle, and I’m excited to share my insights and tricks with you.
Beanie Basics: Choosing the Right One
Before we dive into hairstyles, let’s talk about selecting the perfect beanie. It’s not just about color or style; it’s about compatibility with your hair and face shape.
Textures and Types: For my curly-haired beauties, a slouchy beanie works wonders, giving your curls the space they deserve. Straight hair? Go for a fitted beanie to avoid frizz. Wavy-haired folks, a pom-pom beanie adds a playful touch to your natural waves.
Face Shapes: Round faces are elongated with a slouchy beanie, while square faces benefit from the softness of a pom-pom. Nearly all styles suit an oval face.
Material Matters: A beanie’s fabric is crucial for hair health. Natural fibers like wool and cashmere regulate temperature and prevent dryness, whereas synthetic materials can lead to brittle hair.
Long Hair, Don’t Care: Beanie Styles for Length
Long hair offers a playground of possibilities for beanie hairstyles. Here’s a sneak peek into my go-to styles:
Braids and Beanies: Fishtail or pigtail braids peeking out from a beanie add a whimsical touch. Pro Tip: Braid your hair, then pull the braids over your head, resting them atop the beanie for a playful vibe.
Ponytails: High or low, a ponytail through the back of a beanie is a classic and functional choice.
Buns: A low bun coupled with a beanie screams effortless chic.
Open Hairstyles: Let your hair flow straight or with curls. Curtain bangs can frame your face, enhancing this carefree look.
Short Hair and Beanies: A Match Made in Heaven
As a short-haired stylist, I empathize with the challenge of pairing beanies with less length. Here are some of my favorite styles:
Bob Cuts: Keep it sleek and straight under your beanie. Side-swept bangs should be neatly tucked away.
Pixie Cuts: Add texture with a spray or mousse. A tousled look works wonders under a beanie.
Volume Tips: Use volumizing products at the roots for an extra lift before donning your beanie.
Creative Braiding for Beanie Days
Braids aren’t just for long hair. They can add a creative twist to any beanie look.
Fishtail and Side Braids: These classic braids work beautifully with beanies, especially when the beanie is pushed back to showcase the braid.
Bubble Braids: A playful and voluminous option. Pair these with a slouchy beanie for a relaxed look.
Braided Updos: For a more formal beanie affair, a Dutch braid wrapped into a bun offers elegance and warmth.
Keeping Your Style Intact
Maintaining your hairstyle under a beanie is crucial. Here are some of my tried-and-tested tips:
Combat Frizz and Static: A texturizing spray before wearing a beanie helps manage frizz. If static is your foe, a low-hold hairspray can keep hair in place without stiffness.
Styling Products: For beanie wearers, a lightweight texturizing spray adds grip without the grease. Heat protectant sprays are essential for those using heat styling tools, maintaining hair health and shine.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the term "beanie" is believed to come from the early 20th century American slang term "bean," meaning head?
Ultimately, your beanie and hairstyle should reflect your personality and style. As a hairstylist, I’ve seen how a well-chosen beanie can transform a winter look, adding both warmth and a touch of personal flair. So, embrace the chill with your favorite beanie and a hairstyle that speaks to you.
#1 Bohemian Burgundy Beanie with Peek-a-Boo Dreadlocks
Sporting a warm, burgundy beanie, the hairstyle beneath is a medley of sandy-hued, dreadlocked strands that fall past the shoulders, exuding an effortlessly cool aura. I appreciate the way the dreadlocks are partially swept into the beanie, allowing for a playful peek-a-boo effect that adds to the charm of this carefree style. The natural texture and color variation within the dreadlocks present an organic contrast to the knit fabric of the beanie, making it an ideal look for someone seeking to infuse a bohemian touch into their winter wardrobe.
This style boasts a shoulder-length cut with soft, wavy layers that give off an edgy yet feminine charm, enhanced by the cool-toned silver and ash blonde balayage. The waves are styled to perfection, creating a voluminous look that peeks out playfully from under a snug, street-style beanie. I'm particularly fond of how the dark roots add depth and an effortless grow-out phase, making this a low-maintenance option for those who love to mix up their look with trendy hats.
Here we see a playful twist on a classic style: two chunky, textured braids that begin just behind the ears, flowing down to create a whimsical, yet manageable look perfect for beanie weather. The golden blonde highlights catch the sunlight beautifully, adding dimension and a touch of warmth to the style. I love the relaxed feel of the loose strands framing the face, which work together with the beanie to frame the features in a soft, flattering way.
#4 Casual Chestnut Waves with a Side Braid and Orange Beanie
This laid-back hairstyle features long, naturally wavy tresses in a chestnut brown hue, with subtle layering that adds a touch of movement and texture. The casual side braid adds a playful twist, peeking out from under a vibrant orange beanie, creating a look that's both cozy and stylish. I'm drawn to how the beanie allows the hair's natural volume and waves to flow freely, embodying a relaxed yet put-together vibe that's perfect for chilly days.
#5 Honey-Blonde Waves Topped with a Pastel Pompom Beanie
The hairstyle featured is a cascade of luxurious, honey-blonde waves, each layer crafted to fall smoothly and enhance the hair's natural volume and movement. Topped with a soft, pastel beanie adorned with a playful pompom, the look balances urban chic with a touch of whimsy. I'm quite enamored with the way the waves spill out from beneath the beanie, framing the face and highlighting the wearer's features, a gorgeous choice for those who wish to stay stylish even in the chill.
#6 Chic Ash-Blonde Waves Framed by a Charcoal Beanie
In this look, the model's hair is styled into flowing, ash-blonde waves that softly taper down, creating an elegant frame for the face. The ribbed, charcoal beanie sits back on the crown, allowing the voluminous curls to take center stage and giving a relaxed, yet chic winter vibe. What catches my eye here is the seamless blend of cool blonde tones, which gives the style an icy sophistication ideal for pairing with winter accessories.
#7 Sleek Braids Meet Cozy Black Beanie with Fur Pompom
This hairstyle showcases sleek, chestnut-brown hair fashioned into two precisely plaited braids, giving off a neat, symmetrical allure that's both trendy and timeless. The dark roots fade into lighter ends, creating a subtle ombre effect that adds depth and dimension to the braids. Topped with a classic black beanie featuring a playful fur pompom, the style offers a delightful contrast between the structured braids and the beanie's casual coziness.
#8 Relaxed Fishtail Braids under a Warm Burgundy Beanie
The hairstyle displayed is a set of loose, fishtail braids draped over the shoulders, providing a relaxed yet intricate appearance. A rich chestnut color graces the long, textured hair, which transitions beautifully into lighter ends, highlighting the detailed braiding work. The ribbed, burgundy beanie not only complements the hair's warm tones but also adds a cozy, fashionable touch to the overall ensemble.
#9 Platinum Blonde Fishtail Braids with Urban Grey Beanie
The hairstyle here is effortlessly chic, featuring platinum blonde locks that fall into two perfectly twisted fishtail braids, blending casual cool with a touch of elegance. These braids are a lovely contrast to the textured, slate grey beanie, which adds an urban edge to the look. What I like most is the brightness of the blonde, offering a striking juxtaposition against the muted tones of the outfit and the autumnal background, creating a standout style that's both playful and polished.
#10 Bubble Braids and Pastel Pink Beanie in a Snowy Setting
The hairstyle pictured is a playful arrangement of bubble braids, lending a fun and spirited air to the snowy backdrop, with the platinum and ash blonde strands beautifully contrasting the winter scene. A soft, pastel pink beanie, complete with a fluffy pompom, sits atop the head, adding a dash of whimsy and a pop of color that complements the cool tones of the hair. I'm especially fond of the way the braids offer a creative twist on the classic pigtail look, proving to be both functional for a snowy day and fashionable for the winter season.
#11 Luxurious Golden Waves Beneath a Creamy Chunky Beanie
Here we have a hairstyle that exudes softness and femininity, featuring long, luxurious waves of golden blonde hair that flow elegantly past the shoulders. A chunky knit beanie in a creamy hue sits atop, complete with a cute pompom, enhancing the cozy yet chic aesthetic of the look. What I love about this style is the subtle darker roots that fade into a lighter shade, giving the hair beautiful dimension and making it a perfect match for the texture of the beanie.
#12 Beachy Blonde Waves with a Sun-kissed Balayage Beanie Look
This style showcases a playful yet sophisticated long blonde haircut with soft, beachy waves that give it a relaxed vibe. I'm fond of how the layers are crafted to add volume and movement, complementing the face without the need for bangs, which works well when pairing with a beanie. The choice of a subtle dark-to-light gradient—balayage—gives it a sun-kissed effect that's both chic and low-maintenance, ideal for someone who loves to accessorize with hats but still wants their hair to be a standout feature.
#13 Glossy Chestnut Waves Perfect for Beanie Season
This luscious, chestnut-brown mane cascades in gentle, loose waves, giving a nod to a relaxed yet polished look that's perfect for beanie weather. I appreciate the subtle layering which adds dimension and allows for the natural texture to really shine, especially when framed by the snug fit of a beanie. The hair's rich color and glossy sheen make it stand out, while the long, flowing length means it can be styled in a variety of ways, from peeking out beneath a beanie to being showcased over a cozy sweater.
#14 Voluminous Curls with Color Gradation Under a Beanie
The cascading curls of this hairstyle are a dream, flowing in rich, dimensional waves that provide both body and bounce. What catches my eye is the seamless gradation of color from a deep brunette to lighter caramel ends, which enhances the voluminous curls and plays up the textured look, especially under a beanie. This hairstyle strikes the perfect balance between effortless and styled, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to let their locks loose with a bit of flair.
#15 Bold Burgundy Ombre Straight Cut with a Stylish Beanie
This hairstyle flaunts an exquisite, extra-long straight cut, which creates a sleek canvas for the striking deep burgundy ombre that sets a bold statement. I'm particularly taken with how the stark contrast in color adds a dramatic edge, effortlessly peeking out from beneath the beanie, suggesting a personality that's both playful and daring. The lack of layers keeps the look modern and manageable, a splendid choice for those who prefer a minimalist yet vibrant style to pair with their winter wear.
#16 Tousled Chestnut Layers with a Cool-toned Beanie Contrast
Here we have a natural, tousled hairstyle that exudes a carefree elegance, with its long layers adding a bit of texture and movement. The warm, chestnut hues of her hair beautifully complement the cool tone of the beanie, creating a delightful contrast that's both striking and harmonious. This unstructured style is fantastic for those who value simplicity and versatility, easily transitioning from a laid-back beanie day to an evening out with minimal fuss.
The hairstyle here is a stunning example of how curls can softly enhance the overall look, with the hair's rich auburn color adding a warm, vibrant glow against the winter backdrop. The gentle, flowing layers create a lovely cascade effect that's perfect for tucking into a cozy beanie, allowing just the right amount of curl to spill out. It's a delightful choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their winter ensemble, embodying a balance of playfulness and sophistication.
#18 Blonde Updo with Braids Peeking Through a Stylish Beanie
This playful updo, peeking through a snug beanie, is a charming mix of casual and stylish, with two thin braids adding a whimsical touch to the blonde tresses. I'm drawn to the contrast between the textured locks pulled back loosely and the structured knit of the hat, creating an urban, laid-back vibe. It's a fresh take on the classic ponytail, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of flair without compromising on comfort or ease.
#19 Chic Waves and Straight Textures under a Casual Beanie
This hairstyle presents a delightful blend of soft waves and straighter textures, a versatile look that’s effortlessly chic beneath a beanie. I admire the subtle graduation from darker roots to lighter ends, offering depth and a hint of playfulness to the mid-length cut. It's the kind of style that's easy to manage and perfect for someone who wants a look that's both understated and trendy.
#20 Bohemian Charm with Rope Braids and Grey Beanie
The hairstyle featured here is a playful take on classic pigtails, twisted into loose, rope braids that add a touch of bohemian charm. I love how the warm, honeyed tones of the hair catch the light, creating a beautiful contrast with the cool grey of the beanie. It's a sweet and practical choice for someone who wants to keep their hair tamed while showcasing a bit of personality, even on a blustery day.
#21 Flowing Layers and Bouncy Curls with a Neutral Beanie
This hairstyle radiates effortless grace with its flowing layers that transition seamlessly into soft, bouncy curls towards the ends. The dimensional blonde highlights add a radiant touch, harmonizing beautifully with the neutral tones of the beanie. It's a look that's both sophisticated and playful, perfect for someone who wants to keep their style fresh and versatile throughout the cooler months.
#22 Timeless Elegance with Classic Braid and Berry Beanie
The hairstyle presented is a classic, neat braid that exudes an air of timeless elegance, gracefully complementing the cozy texture of the knitted beanie. I admire the rich, dark hue of the hair, which provides a lovely visual harmony with the deep berry color of the hat. This style is perfect for those who prefer a tidy and refined look that keeps hair securely in place while adding a touch of sophistication to the warmth of winter attire.
#23 Whimsical Bubble Braids Paired with a Mustard Beanie
This creative hairstyle features playful bubble braids, a whimsical variation on traditional plaits, with each section cinched to create voluminous 'bubbles' of hair. The contrast between the dark hair and the vibrant mustard beanie adds a pop of color that's both eye-catching and stylish. It's a fun, youthful look that shows off a daring sense of style and personality, perfect for anyone looking to make a statement with their hair this season.
Amy is an hairstylist and the editor-in-chief at Snazzy Lair, where her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the direction of the publication and ensuring its continued success. With over a decade of experience in the hairstyling industry, Amy has honed her craft to perfection. She possesses an innate talent for transforming hair into works of art, and her dedication to her clients' satisfaction knows no bounds.
