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Maybe it’s the colder weather (a.k.a. cuffing season) or the nonstop stream of Hallmark holiday movies, but winter inspires us to settle in with our favorite romantic movies. And this winter’s biggest hair trends are straight out of a Nancy Meyers film: soft and romantic with an emphasis on easy, natural colors and textures.

There’s a look for every type of cinephile: Cheeky copper and shaggy ’80s bobs are for fans of Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. The warm cinnamon and cozy mid-length layers of Something’s Gotta Give are an annual winter rewatch. Or refined and delicately styled pixies and crispy clean blondes, if you prefer a ’60s spy romance, or maybe French New Wave is more your speed.

From every era of the silver screen, these winter hair trends are as sweeping and romantic as our favorite movie night love stories. Below, the experts share the styles that will be everywhere this season and how to get the looks.

Glossy espresso

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Picture this: You’ve entered a coffee shop in a New England town (Boston or Providence). The street outside is cobblestone (duh) and dusted with snow, and the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen is sitting at a table sipping a latte and reading Descartes. Or Virginia Woolf? You totally forget because suddenly she flips her glossy espresso-colored hair over her shoulder (which smells great, by the way) and you’re in love.

This romantic lead goes low-maintenance but high-impact. You’d cast Marion Cotillard, Minnie Driver, or Anne Hathaway. Espresso is a deep but cozy color for winter weather and is universally flattering. But the healthy shine is what makes heads turn. “Glossy hair reads as luxury,” says Dallas-based hairstylist Deisy Alfaro.

A single-process color should do the trick. “Ask for a rich brunette with a cool espresso base,” Alfaro says, along with a demi-permanent gloss to seal in shine and give it that reflective quality.

Copper rose

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Copper rose is the embodiment of rose-colored glasses in a hair color—an ’80s movie heroine with optimism and softness. “There’s a cultural appetite for vintage references that don’t feel costume-y,” says Lena Ott, a New York City-based colorist. This color scratches that itch: It’s Robyn Lively in Teen Witch, reimagined for 2025.

This color is “something between a classic redhead and a rose-blonde with shine that feels fresh, not brassy,” says Ott. Ask for copper with a soft pink overlay. “The base is lifted to a bright copper, then toned with a diluted pink or peach glaze. Glossing is key to keeping it luminous, not flat.”

Cinnamon toast

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Our cravings have turned sweeter of late—an eggnog at night and cinnamon toast for breakfast helps keep the chill at bay. And so a warm hair color craving follows suit: A toasted blonde with swirls of cinnamon is sweet and spicy all at once.

“It’s a softer take on summer’s bright blondes,” says Alfaro. “Perfect for clients who don’t want to fully transition into brunette.” Alfaro notes that it’s especially stunning on medium skin tones or those with naturally light hair who want some depth. Ask for a neutral blonde balayage or teasy lights blended with cinnamon lowlights.

Crisp blonde

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A crisp, bright blonde conjures up images of Hollywood past: Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake. Now, she’s a Gwyneth Paltrow, a Michelle Williams, or a Sabrina Carpenter.

The difference? Today’s towheaded starlets don’t have time to maintain a true platinum (they have Marvel movies and album tours to worry about), so they opt for a slightly softer and more wearable hue, like Redken 10GI Tahitian Sand, with some slight root shadow for depth (and an easier grow-out). “The clean blonde flatters fair to medium skin tones,” says Ott. “Especially when the soft root shadow prevents the color from washing someone out.”

“The color reads as platinum under red carpet lights, but it’s just a clean, double-process blonde,” she adds. Ask for it followed by a sand-beige toner and some root shadow, so the look is “grounded, not icy.”

Natural highlights

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This protagonist seems not to even have to try. Bluebirds flit around her when she leaves her home in the morning, she’s volunteering at animal shelters and retirement homes, and her hair just happens to have a gorgeous, natural, soft dimension à la Jennifer Lawrence or Daisy Edgar-Jones.

We can’t help you with the bluebirds (try birdseed?), but natural highlights are within reach for just about anyone. “Blondes, redheads, and brunettes can all achieve this look,” says New York City-based colorist Kirsten Stuke. “Soft pops of brighter pieces give a lived-in look without the harsh growth line of demarcation.” Which means you can focus on planning the town square holiday party (where you will bump into the love of your life!) and not need to find time for a salon visit. “Ask for a more toned-down, natural, rooty highlight that will grow out effortlessly,” says Stuke.

Refined pixie

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A romance with a dangerous French stranger or a ride on the back of a Vespa calls for something pretty and refined (we’re in Europe for this movie, after all), but something that also says, “I’m not afraid to get on the back of this man’s motorbike without a helmet.”

Celebrities like Carrie Coon and Brie Larson have resurrected this delicate crop lately, and it's an easy, elegant look this season (and it doesn’t lose its charm after wearing a winter hat or, ahem, a helmet). “The cut is close and sculpted with precision scissor work around the ears and nape, left slightly longer at the crown for softness,” says Travis Speck, a New York City-based hairstylist.

“Short cuts like these can work on many people; it’s more about attitude and tweaking the details,” adds Los Angeles-based hairstylist Michael Duenas, but straight and slightly wavy hair types will have an easier time achieving that iconic, young Mia Farrow look.

Curly wolf cut

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There’s something soft and Shakespearean about long, gentle curls. Tracee Ellis Ross and Grace Bowers capture that vibe and balance it with a shaggy, wolf cut length to keep the style cool and modern: Rosalind in 2025. Juliet with an iPhone and Ray-Ban aviators.

Those with naturally curly or wavy hair can get the look by asking for “a layered cut that focuses on face-framing curls and crown volume,” says Alfaro, who sculpts this look with both wet and dry cutting to customize for curl patterns and maintain bouncy volume.

Full, blunt bangs

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Full bangs are a cool, down-to-earth leading lady. The one who runs the ranch back at home, looks great in every pair of jeans, and teases you for becoming too “big city” and forgetting your small town roots (even though she definitely looks like she has a Fifth Avenue blowout and her nails have never seen a day of manual labor). Cast Taylor Swift or Dakota Johnson in the role.

Chicago-based hairstylist Raven Hurtado expects to be cutting a lot of these full, blunt bangs this winter, thanks largely to how dramatically they can change a look without having to lose major length or do a 180 from blonde to raven. Plus, the fullness of this season's fringe makes it a little more wind-proof (fluttery curtain bangs tend to blow back in winter weather, and they aren’t terribly suited for hats).

’80s shag bob

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For the lovers of quirky, coming-of-age romcoms, a bouncy haircut is as necessary as a good tape deck. Somewhere between a shag and a bob lies Molly Ringwald’s iconic feathery style—“a chin-to-cheekbone length cut with layered, rounded edges,” says Ott. “It’s a direct nod to Molly Ringwald’s 1980s silhouette, but the modern versions are more fluid.” Today, you’ll spot it on the likes of Pamela Anderson, Tina Leung, and the runways in Milan and Paris.

“It brings your hair’s natural texture to the forefront,” says New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth, which is why it’s a particularly great cut for thick, curly, or wavy hair. “Make sure the shorter curls on top of the crown are styled forward into your bangs area,” he says. The face-framing pieces give it a cool, tousled, I’m-not-afraid-of-after-school-detention look.

Mid-length butterfly layers

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Early aughts movies were defined by a few things. A high-stress job at a fictional magazine, an “opposites attract” love story, and mid-length hair with fluttery layers. Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30. It’s a look that practically begs you to root for it. It’s universally flattering and an ideal in-between or transitional style while growing your hair out, offering movement without looking too “styled,” says Alfaro.

It’s important that the layers stay delicate and not too heavy, adds Chicago-based hairstylist Sanda Petrut. “[Your stylist] can use slide cutting or point cutting for softer ends,” she says.

Meet the experts

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• Deisy Alfaro is a hairstylist specializing in curly hair and the owner of Pixie Glam Studio in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Lena Ott is a New York City-based colorist and the founder and creative director of Suite Caroline salon.
• Kirsten Stuke is a New York City-based colorist at Suite Caroline.
• Travis Speck is a New York City-based hairstylist at Suite Caroline.
• Michael Dueñas is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and co-founder of Arove haircare.
• Raven Hurtado is a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon.
• Sanda Petrut is a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands

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If you’ve been curious about trying retinol but want something a little gentler to start with, the best bakuchiol serums might be your perfect entry point. Bakuchiol has been gaining traction in skin-care circles because it offers many of the same benefits as retinol—think smoother texture, more even skin tone, and softened fine lines—but with a much lower risk of irritation. “Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-derived alternative to retinol that helps boost cell turnover and support collagen production,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in East Norriton, PA.

Other major perks? Unlike traditional retinoids, “bakuchiol does not increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s safe and effective to use day or night,” says Dr. Saedi. And while every pregnancy calls for a chat with your dermatologist when you switch up your routine, many experts view bakuchiol as a gentler, better-tolerated alternative to retinol for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ahead, check out the formulas dermatologists and our editors agree are worth the shelf space.

Our Top Bakuchiol Serums

• Best Overall: Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum, $175
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum, $58
• Best Drugstore: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum, $78
• Best for Dry Skin: Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Dual Retinol Alternative Serum, $58
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Typology Serum Imperfections Bakuchiol 1%, $56
• Best with Retinol: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, $60
• Best for Mature Skin: Replenix Retinol+Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum, $93

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does bakuchiol compare to retinol in terms of results?
• Can bakuchiol be layered with acids, vitamin C, or niacinamide?
• Is it okay to use bakuchiol with retinol together?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum

Isdin

Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum

$175

Amazon

$175

Dermstore

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Even though Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik doesn’t contain retinol (so there’s no increased sun sensitivity to worry about), it’s still a nighttime-only serum. In addition to bakuchiol, the other star ingredient, melatonin, works with your skin’s natural overnight repair cycle, acting as an indirect antioxidant to help reinforce its defenses against free-radical damage while you sleep. “The nighttime delivery enables the serum to sink into the skin and renew while you sleep,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL. Plus, there’s vitamin C for added brightening and environmental protection come morning. Between the silky serum-in-oil texture that melts right in, the non-comedogenic formula, and the fact that it skips all the usual retinol drama (read: peeling and purging), this is one bakuchiol serum that earns its luxe price tag.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“While my demo video above shows me applying this serum during the day so you can actually see the texture, remember that it’s technically a nighttime treatment thanks to the melatonin in the formula. It’s slightly thicker than your typical watery serum, so it takes a few extra seconds to fully sink in, but once it does, there’s zero greasy residue—just cushy, nourished skin. Even though fragrance is listed on the ingredient label, I could barely detect any scent, which is a plus for sensitive skin (and noses). After a few uses, my skin looked smoother and more refreshed in the morning.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bakuchiol (percentage not disclosed), melatonin, vitamin C
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum

Medik8

Bakuchiol Peptides Serum

$58

Dermstore

$58

Medik8

Former Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum

Jennifer Hussein

Why it's worth it: While you might know Medik8 for its iconic Crystal Retinol, Bakuchiol Peptides is a gentler alternative for those with sensitive skin. The lightweight, oil-based serum features 1.25% bakuchiol—a slightly higher concentration than many formulas—yet it’s surprisingly well-tolerated for irritation-prone skin. That’s thanks to its blend of brightening peptides, soothing Centella asiatica, and omega-rich oils that cushion the formula and help calm redness while boosting firmness and skin elasticity over time. “This face serum has a soothing formula that leaves the skin feeling soft and well-hydrated. And, with consistent use, you may begin to see a renewed, more balanced glow,” says Dr. Saedi.

Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein

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“Medik8's double-dose of bakuchiol and peptides perks up my ever-so-slightly sagging skin (you may not notice, but I see it) when I need the pick-me-up."Its lightweight, fluid formula dries down fast and leaves my skin feeling velvety smooth and primed for my next skin-care step." —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1.25% bakuchiol, peptides, Centella asiatica, inka omega oil, jojoba seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

Eau Thermale Avène

RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

$78

Amazon

$78

Dermstore

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Most of Avène’s RetrinAL products lean on retinaldehyde (a.k.a. retinal), a vitamin A derivative that works faster than traditional retinol but is still gentler than prescription-strength retinoids. But here’s where our ingredient sleuthing at Allure comes in: despite the name, RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum doesn’t contain retinal at all. This version relies on bakuchiol to deliver similar smoothing and line-softening results without the irritation retinal products can trigger. That switch makes the serum an especially great pick for sensitive or reactive skin: “This product is widely available, and Avène is known for its gentleness due to the thermal spring water used in their formulations,” says William Kwan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and Encino, CA. The formula also features hyaluronic acid to ward off dryness, niacinamide to calm and strengthen the skin barrier, and pre-tocopheryl (a stable form of vitamin E) for antioxidant protection—making it a soothing, beginner-friendly way to get retinoid-adjacent benefits.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"For the most part, my skin can tolerate retinol, but when the weather changes, my skin occasionally freaks out. When I want to take it easy, I reach for RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum as the second-to-last step of my skin-care routine—sometimes I'll go as far as pairing it with another (albeit, simplier) HA serum for extra nourishment. This has a milky-white texture that I can count on to never sting, boost brightness and glow, and smooth texture just as well as other low-concentration retinols." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bakuchiol (percentage not disclosed), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, pre-tocopheryl, thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Dual Retinol Alternative Serum

Herbivore Botanicals

Bakuchiol Dual Retinol Alternative Serum

$58 $46 (21% off)

Amazon

$58

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: If you’ve been steering clear of retinol-based products because your skin leans dry or easily tight, Herbivore’s Bakuchiol Serum offers a gentler way to smooth fine lines without sacrificing hydration. Instead of drying actives, the nourishing formula pairs bakuchiol with moisture-binding betaine and glycerin, which help draw water into the skin and keep it comfortably plump throughout the day. A rare addition you won’t spot in many formulas, mastic tree resin—harvested on the remote Greek island of Chios—helps refine skin texture and visibly tighten pores, all without the irritation or peeling you’d expect from traditional retinoids.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“This serum is such an easy addition to any skin-care routine. It layers seamlessly with everything and never causes irritation. Because it skips traditional retinol, the results for fine lines are a bit more subtle, but the plumping and hydration are absolutely legit.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bakuchiol (percentage undisclosed), mastic tree resin, prince ginseng
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Typology Serum Imperfections Bakuchiol 1%

Typology

Serum Imperfections Bakuchiol 1%

$56

Typology

Why it's worth it: You usually hear bakuchiol praised for wrinkles and firmness, but it can be just as beneficial for breakout-prone skin. Typology Serum Imperfections 1% Bakuchiol keeps things incredibly simple with just three ingredients—caprylic/capric triglyceride, hazelnut seed oil, and 1% bakuchiol—making it a great fit for anyone who wants targeted treatment without fluff ingredients. “It’s a nice option for oily skin as the formula’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm acne and blemishes that often occur due to excess sebum. The formula is also non-comedogenic, which is essential for anyone with oily skin,” says Dr. Hartman. Technically more of a dry oil than a traditional serum, it absorbs quickly, helps reduce congestion-causing bacteria, balances sebum, and can even soften post-blemish marks over time.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1% bakuchiol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hazelnut seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best with Retinol: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Paula's Choice

Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

$65

Amazon

$65

Dermstore

$65

Paula's Choice

Why it's worth it: Rather than choosing between retinol or bakuchiol, Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment combines both in one formula for a stronger—but still surprisingly tolerable—approach to visible aging. It also happens to have the highest concentration of bakuchiol (2%) of any product on our list, which is worth noting if you’re looking for maxed-out benefits. Studies suggest that pairing bakuchiol with retinol can enhance efficacy and improve overall tolerability compared with either alone. “It works particularly well on mature skin because the retinol–bakuchiol pairing targets fine lines and wrinkles while boosting collagen for a firmer, smoother appearance,” says Dr. Hartman. This treatment also features ceramides, peptides, licorice root extract, and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate, brighten, and buffer potential irritation.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.3% retinol, 2% bakuchiol, ceramides, peptides, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Replenix Retinol+Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum

Replenix

Retinol+Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum

$93

Amazon

$93

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Another retinol-and-bakuchiol combo on our list, Replenix Retinol+Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum is designed to address signs of aging—think fine lines, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness. “It’s an elegant product with a smooth texture that can work as well as tretinoin,” says Dr. Kwan. What really sets it apart is the backup team of skin-calming ingredients: a blend of green tea polyphenols, black tea extract, and licorice root that helps dial down inflammation and brighten dullness—two things mature skin usually deals with just as much as wrinkles. And because retinol can be drying, there’s glycerin to keep moisture levels up so skin looks smooth, not tight or flaky.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bakuchiol (percentage not disclosed), caffeine, green tea, black tea, licorice root extract, retinol (percentage not disclosed)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How does bakuchiol compare to retinol in terms of results?

Bakuchiol products show a lot of promise, but they’re not as well-proven as retinol. “Since it’s a newer skin-care ingredient, there are only a few small, limited studies on its effectiveness. In these studies, they suggest that it can have similar benefits to retinoids without the irritation. However, retinoids have decades of research to validate their benefits,” says Dr. Kwan. So while bakuchiol may be a natural alternative to retinol and have comparable smoothing, brightening, and collagen-supporting effects, retinol remains the gold standard for long-term data.

Can bakuchiol be layered with acids, vitamin C, or niacinamide?

Bakuchiol is easygoing when it comes to mixing with other ingredients. “It can be layered, and is often combined with other skin-care ingredients like vitamin C, which can make it easier to apply all in one step,” says Dr. Kwan. Unlike retinol, it’s less likely to clash with exfoliating acids or calming ingredients like niacinamide, so that most people can use it alongside their usual routine without irritation. That said, if you’re stacking multiple actives in your beauty products, a quick patch test never hurts.

Is it okay to use bakuchiol with retinol together?

It’s not necessarily redundant to use bakuchiol and retinol together—in fact, some people may benefit from the combo. “I often recommend pairing products that stimulate collagen production together, like retinol/retinoids and peptides or growth factors,” says Dr. Kwan. Bakuchiol won’t “cancel out” retinol’s effects, and in some formulas, it’s included to help buffer irritation while still supporting firmness and cell turnover. That said, if you're already tolerating retinol well, you may not need bakuchiol, but it can be a helpful add-on if you're looking for extra support without increasing strength. Just a quick reminder: if you’re using a retinol and bakuchiol combo at night, don’t skip sunscreen the next morning, as your skin will need the extra protection.

Meet the experts

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, AL
• William Kwan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Beverly Hills and Encino, CA
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology, based in East Norriton, PA

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best bakuchiol serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.