Name: Iron And Ivy Hair Studio
Price range: $$

Every season has its defining colour direction, and winter 2026 in New Zealand is firmly in the brunettes camp. After years of the blonde conversation dominating hair trends, there’s a pronounced shift happening — toward deeper, richer, more grounded colour that feels perfectly suited to cooler months and alpine landscapes.

Why Brunettes Rule in Winter

There’s something instinctively right about deeper colour in winter. Rich brunette shades echo the season’s aesthetic — warm fires, wool coats, the colours of the Queenstown landscape as the leaves fall and the mountains go white. Beyond aesthetics, deeper colour is also technically well-suited to winter haircare. Darker shades don’t show fading as visibly as blonde, and warm brunette tones are particularly forgiving to maintain.

The Specific Shades Trending Now

Chocolate mocha: Rich, warm brown with depth and dimension — the quintessential winter brunette. Our most-requested shade this season.

Espresso gloss: Deep, almost-black brunette with a gloss treatment on top that makes it look lustrous and healthy. Low maintenance, high impact.

Cinnamon brunette: For those who want warmth and drama, cinnamon tones add a reddish richness to dark hair that feels bold and seasonal.

Dimensional dark: Dark base with subtle lighter tones painted through to create movement and light — achieves maximum impact without requiring significant lightening.

Is Now a Good Time to Go Darker?

Absolutely. Going darker is one of the least invasive colour changes you can make — it requires no bleach, can often be done in a single appointment, and the results are immediately transformative. Winter is the perfect time to commit to a richer, deeper shade.