23 Kate Middleton Hairstyles That Will Make You Feel Like A Princess

Get some inspiration from these hairstyles and revamp your appearance completely.

Reviewed by Andrea Claire, Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism)  • 

Most girls dream of becoming princesses, but Kate Middleton lives the real Hallmark story! Her personality, elegant fashion outfits, and beautiful hairstyles have the hearts of many worldwide. If you ever wanted to look like a princess, we suggest starting with the best Kate Middleton hairstyles. Keep reading to check out our 23 favorite hairstyles from this royal icon. The wonderful thing about her hairstyles is that they look effortless and easy to mimic. You can easily achieve these hairstyles all by yourself without needing the help of a hairstylist. From buns to loose natural hairstyles, see how a true princess styles her hair! Scroll down to learn how! Keep reading to know more.

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Kate Middleton’s hairstyles look naturally gorgeous. Therefore, use hair styling products moderately and focus more on boosting hair health to achieve her looks better.
  • Tucking the hair behind her ears accentuates her strong cheekbones and creates a soft yet sophisticated look.
  • Bobby pins are essential for most of her hairstyles. Therefore, keep some extra handy to prevent any mishap.

Top 23 Kate Middleton Hairstyles

1. Loose Waves

Loose-Waves
Image: Shutterstock

The Duchess of Cambridge surely knows how to work loose waves that are perfect for all occasions, be it a royal dinner or a casual soirée. The soft waves add volume and dimension to her hair and the center parting accentuates her amazing cheekbones.

What You Need
  • Curling iron
  • Medium hold hairspray
  • Heat protectant
How To Style
  1. Prep your freshly-washed hair with some heat protectant.
  2. Divide the hair into two sections down the middle.
  3. Take a handful of strands of approximately 2 inches and curl the hair.
  4. Follow the same steps for the rest of the hair and spritz some hairspray to keep the waves intact.
  5. Lastly, gently run your fingers through the hair to create a voluminous casual look.

2. Twisted Low Bun

Twisted-Low-Bun
Image: Shutterstock

The Duchess has often been captured sporting low bun hairstyles in various variations and this is just another one of our favorites. The humble low bun exudes elegance and poise and can be on your hairstyles list for formal gatherings.

What You Need
  • Bobby pins
  • A fascinator
  • Texturizing spray
  • Hair elastics
How To Style
  1. Start by spraying some texturizing spray on freshly-washed hair.
  2. Pick out 1-inch strands from both ends of your mane and twist them.
  3. Bring the twisted strands at the back of the head and secure them with hair elastics.
  4. Now, take the complete hair and twist it into a low bun.
  5. Secure the bun with bobby pins to complete the look.

3. Off-Center Parted Blow Out

Kate Middleton's off-center parted blow out hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Kate Middleton is not just the Duchess of Cambridge, she is also the Queen of Perfect Blowouts. This particular blowout style that leaves her hair looking lustrous and shiny is sported by her on a regular basis. And why wouldn’t she? This simple and elegant style seems tailor-made for a royal.

protip_icon Trivia
Kate Middleton often wears her hair down whenever she is not attending official royal functions.
What You Need
  • 45-55 mm round brush
  • Blow drier
  • Smoothing serum
  • Tail comb
How To Style
  1. Rough dry your washed, wet hair with a high powered blow dryer upside down with a square vent brush or your hands to create a foundation for a voluminous, bouncy blowout. Avoid round brushes on wet hair as they can entangle into the hair.
  2. With hair at 80% dry, wrap the ends of your hair around the round brush while blow drying to give them a bouncy, rounded effect.
  3. With the help of a tail comb, part your hair right above the center point of your left or right (whichever you prefer) eyebrow.
  4. Apply some smoothing serum all over your hair to rehydrate the hair and calm any frizz. This will also help add some bonus shine.

4. Big Curls With A Fascinator

Kate Middleton's big curls hairstyle
Image: Instagram

When you are a member of the British royal family, it is guaranteed that you will have an extensive collection of fascinator hats. For the Annual Remembrance Sunday Service, Duchess Kate went for some loose curls and an understated black fascinator hat. Simple, yet chic.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • 1.5 inch curling iron
  • Medium hold hairspray
  • A fascinator
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed, dried hair with some heat protectant.
  2. Part your hair down the middle.
  3. Curl all your hair into 2 inch vertical sections away from the face. Let the hair cool down before any brushing. When hair is still warm it’s malleable and therefore the curls can drop if disturbed.
  4. Spritz some medium hold hairspray to prevent your curls from unraveling throughout the day.
  5. Put on your fascinator hat to finish off the look.

5. Mid-High Ponytail

Kate Middleton's mid-high ponytail hairstyle
Image: Simev / Shutterstock, Inc.

Even princesses need a break from having perfectly blown out hair from time to time. Kate Middleton expertly demonstrates how to kick back and relax with this simple ponytail that perfectly goes with her sporty attire.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Paddle brush
  • Tail comb
  • Fine toothed comb
  • Hair elastic
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed, dried hair with some heat protectant.
  2. Picking up 1 inch sections of hair at a time, straighten all your hair.
  3. Brush back all your hair and tie it into a ponytail right at the protruding part on the back of your head.
  4. Pull up the hair at the top of your head by sliding the tail of your comb under it and gently lifting up to create some volume.
  5. Use a fine toothed comb to smoothen down any frizz at the top of your head and finish off the look.

6. Wrapped Ponytail

Kate Middleton's wrapped ponytail hairstyle
Image: Twocoms / Shutterstock, Inc.

No one does charity events better than Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge kept things simple with a mid-level ponytail with its base concealed by a section of her hair to add a bit of charm to the look. Her side-swept bangs lent an air of sweetness to her style statement.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Hair elastic
  • Bobby pins
How To Style
  1. Apply some heat protectant all over your hair.
  2. Run a straightening iron through all your hair to give it a smoother texture.
  3. Brush back all your hair and tie it into a ponytail at the back of your head.
  4. Pick up about a half-inch section of hair from your ponytail and wrap it around the base of your ponytail to hide the hair elastic from view.
  5. Secure this section of hair under your ponytail with two bobby pins crossing over to lock the hair in place to finish off the look.

7. French Braid Low Bun

Kate Middleton's French braid low bun hairstyle
Image: Instagram

Now here’s a hairstyle that is fit for royalty. This French braided low bun goes perfectly with Kate’s sky blue lace back gown and makes her look like a fairytale princess. With her simple makeup and dangly earrings, it’s not hard to imagine her as a classic Disney princess.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Dry texturizing spray
  • Texturizing spray
  • Hair elastics
  • Bobby pins
  • Strong hold hairspray
How To Style
  1. Prep your hair with some heat protectant and run a straightening iron over it to give it a smoother texture.
  2. Spritz dry texturizing spray all over your hair to give it some hold.
  3. Divide your hair vertically into 3 sections, one on each side of your head and one in the middle.
  4. Tie a low ponytail with the middle section of your hair.
  5. Roll this ponytail into a bun and secure it to your head with the help of bobby pins inserted into it from clocklike points: 12-3-6-9.
  6. Pick up a 1 inch section from the front-left section of the hair and further divide it into 3 strands.
  7. Start French braiding these 3 strands by adding more hair into it from the side of your ear with each subsequent stitch of the braid.
  8. Once your French braid has reached near your bun, simply braid it till the end and secure it with a hair elastic.
  9. Take the tail-end of the French braid across the top of your bun and pin it on the other side with bobby pins.
  10. Repeat steps 6 to 9 on the right side.
  11. Spritz some strong hold hairspray all over your hair to secure your updo in place.

8. Topsy Tail Low Ponytail

Inspired by Kate Middleton's topsy tail low ponytail hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Guys, even women who are a part of one of the biggest monarchies in the world follow mainstream hairstyle trends. This hairstyle was inspired by Kate Middleton’s Topsy Tail Low Ponytail look. Just pair it with a smart blazer and you’re good to go!

What You Need
  • Hair brush
  • Hair elastic
How To Style
  1. Brush out all the knots and tangles from your hair.
  2. Part your hair down the middle.
  3. Tie all your hair into a low ponytail.
  4. With your fingers, create a pocket in the hair above your ponytail.
  5. Flip your ponytail up and over into this pocket to topsy tail it.
  6. You could repeat the previous step to increase the twisted effect created by it.
  7. Flip your ponytail over one shoulder to finish off the look.

9. Elegant Low Bun

Kate Middleton's elegant low bun hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

One really must take notes from Kate Middleton on the Royal Dressing Protocol (if such a thing even exists). Because she’s absolutely nailing her royal attire here with the powder blue suit and simple low bun. It’s making her look practical, mature, and like someone who knows what they’re talking about.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Large 2 inch barrel curl iron
  • Hair elastic
  • Bobby pins
  • Fine toothed comb
  • Smoothing serum
How To Style
  1. Apply heat protectant all over your washed, dried hair.
  2. Picking up 2 inch sections of hair at a time, curl all of your hair in large curves.
  3. Part your hair on one side.
  4. Tie all your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
  5. Neatly roll your ponytail into a bun and secure it to your head with the help of bobby pins.
  6. Rub some smoothing serum  into the palm of your hands and gently glide over the hair at the top of your head to give your hair a sleek and polished look.

10. Half Up Twisties

Kate Middleton's half up twisties hairstyle
Image: Instagram

Kate Middleton looks like an adorable 16-year-old here in this cute hair down style. This simple hairstyle sports just two twisted section of hair pulled back from her face to keep the focus on her makeup and dangly earrings. No-nonsense, yet so trendy!

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • 5 inch curling iron
  • Bobby pins
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed, dried hair with heat protectant.
  2. Picking up 2 inch sections of hair at a time, curl the lower half of all your hair.
  3. Part your hair slightly off center.
  4. Pick up a 2 inch piece of hair from near your left temple, twist it a couple of times, and pin it back with 2 bobby pins criss-crossed over each other and sliding into the twist to secure.
  5. Repeat the previous step on the right side.
  6. Run your fingers through your curl to open them up and finish off the look.

11. Braided Headband

Kate Middleton's braided hairstyle with headband
Image: Instagram

Kate Middleton seems to be channeling her inner school girl here in this braided look. The braided headband adds a touch of intricate elegance to her style while still keeping things simple. Leaving her hair open was a good choice as it keeps things casual and flirty.

What You Need
  • Smoothing serum
  • Hair brush
  • Hair elastic
  • Bobby pins
How To Style
  1. Rub some smoothing serum all over your washed, dried hair.
  2. Brush back all your hair.
  3. Pick up a 3 inch piece of hair from behind your ear, simply braid it right till the end, and secure it with a hair elastic.
  4. Place the braid across the top of your head and pin it down behind your other ear to finish off the look. If your hair isn’t long enough to reach to the other side, braid a piece from both sides and secure wherever the ends land on top of your head. Aim for the braids to overlap hiding the ends.

12. Elegant Half Updo

Kate Middleton's elegant half updo hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

A major part of royal duties is going on royal tours. And no one does it better than Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Here is an elegant half-updo that Princess Kate donned on the royal tour of Malaysia. Pair the sleek top with relaxed curls to add a soft and romantic vibe to the whole look.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • 1.5 inch curling iron
  • Teasing brush
  • Fine toothed comb
  • Bobby pins
  • Smoothing serum
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed and dried hair with some heat protectant.
  2. Curl the lower half of all your hair.
  3. Tease down the hair at the crown of your head to create volume.
  4. Leaving out the hair at the front, use a fine toothed comb to smooth down hair over the top of the teased down hair.
  5. Pin down this hair at the back of your head.
  6. Part the hair on the front on one side.
  7. Comb back all the hair on the left side of your parting and pin it at the back of your head.
  8. Repeat the previous step on the right side.
  9. Apply some smoothing serum all over your hair and finish off the look.

13. Texturized Curls

Kate Middleton inspired texturized curls hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Who says that a princess always has to be neat and put-together? Kate Middleton broke these stereotypes down with her shaggy curly style that is to die for. These super texturized curls inspired by Kate Middleton’s look during her visit to Fiji island can make you look super bohemian and chilled out. We have a super easy hack to get this look with minimal styling.

What You Need
  • Hair elastics
  • Light hold hairspray
  • Texturizing spray
  • Paddle brush
How To Style
  1. Wash your hair at night.
  2. Using 4-5 inch sections of hair at a time, braid all your hair and secure them with hair elastics.
  3. Leave the braids on overnight.
  4. The next morning, spritz on a bit of light hold hairspray all over your braids before opening them.
  5. Lightly spritz on some texturizing spray over your hair.
  6. Run a paddle brush through your curls to open and roughen them up and finish off the look.

14. Center Parted Bangs

Kate Middleton inspired center parted bangs hairtyle
Image: Shutterstock

You know that annoying in-between stage that your bangs get to when you’re trying to grow them out? This hairstyle inspired by Kate Middleton proves that she is above experiencing such basic problems. By simply pinning back her hair and parting her bangs down the middle, Kate had swiftly (and fashionably) dealt with this problem.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Bobby pins
How To Style
  1. Apply a bit of heat protectant to your hair.
  2. Run a straightening iron through your hair to give it a sleeker texture.
  3. Straighten your bangs completely.
  4. Part your hair down the middle.
  5. Pick up a 2 inch section of hair from above your left ear, pin it at the back of your head, and let the rest of your hair fall over it to hide the bobby pin from view.
  6. Repeat the previous step on the right side.
  7. Part your bangs down the middle to finish off the look.

15. Low Side Bun

Kate Middleton's low side bun hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

And we’re back with the fascinators! And when it comes to hairstyles, Princess Kate seems to favor low buns. Here is a hairstyle that the Princess fashioned while attending the Queen’s official birthday in 2017, which you can pair with a navy blue headpiece to match the royal vibes.

What You Need
  • Texturizing spray
  • Bobby pins
  • Hair elastics
  • A fascinator
How To Style
  1. Spritz on texturizing spray all over your hair to give it some grip.
  2. Divide your hair into three sections: 2 side panels and one down the center.
  3. Taking the center section, tie into a low side ponytail then twist into a bun and pin securely.
  4. Take the side panel with the less hair, brush back and cross over the bun and pin. Continue to wrap the section around the bun, pin and secure.
  5. Take the last side section and repeat step 4.
  6. Put on your fascinator to finish off the look.

16. Braided Back Headband

Kate Middleton's braided back headband hairstyle
Image: IStock

While Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie go a little crazy with their fascinator choices, Kate keeps her hat style a little more down-to-earth. This particular look was inspired from Princess Kate; pairing a golf cap inspired fascinator with this simple braid headband running across the back of her head speaks of elegance. The whole style speaks of upper class sophistication.

What You Need
  • Hair elastics
  • Bobby pins
  • A fascinator
How To Style
  1. Part your hair down the middle.
  2. Pick up a thick section of hair from above your left ear, and while directing it back, braid it until the end.
  3. Secure the end of your braid with a hair elastic.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the right side.
  5. Place the left braid across the back of your head and pin it above your right ear.
  6. Repeat the previous step with the right braid.
  7. Put on your fascinator to finish off the look.

17. Feathered In Straight Hair

Kate Middleton's feathered straight hair
Image: Shutterstock

Duchess Kate kept things simple with this straight hair look, that is, quite honestly, my favorite out of all her hairstyles. With her mahogany haircut in layers and feathered in ends, she creates the perfect picture of a princess. And the best part is that it is extremely doable by anyone who owns a straightening iron!

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Large velcro rollers
  • Smoothing serum
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed, dried hair with heat protectant.
  2. Picking up 1 inch sections of hair at a time, straighten all your hair.
  3. Turn your straightening iron towards your face when you are straightening the ends to give them a feathered in look.
  4. While your hair is still warm, wrap 2 inch sections around the velcro rollers. Wait for the hair to fully cool down before removing them. This helps to accentuate the beautiful rounded ends.
  5. Part your hair slightly off center.
  6. Rub some smoothing serum all over your hair to give it some shine and finish off the look.

18. Sleek Half Up/Half Down Look

Kate Middleton's sleek half up or half down hairstyle
Image: Instagram

If you ever want to dress up all posh, here’s a hairstyle by Kate Middleton that will suit you perfectly. With her straight hair slicked and tied neatly in a half updo, Kate looks every bit the royalty that she is. Her baby pink dress and pearl earrings only add to the whole charm of the look.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Fine toothed comb
  • French clip
How To Style
  1. Apply heat protectant all over your washed and dried hair.
  2. Straighten all your hair.
  3. Comb all your hair in the front, gather it at the back of your head, and secure it with a French clip.
  4. Make sure you keep your hair a little loose before clipping it to create volume at the top of your head.

19. Messy Curls

Kate Middleton's messy curls hairtyle
Image: Shutterstock

Kate Middleton, like all the other girls, just wants to have fun. So, for the Portrait Gala, she dressed up her deep blue ball gown with an incredible diamond necklace and some messy curls. Because you don’t always have to put up your hair in a perfect chignon when you go to a ball.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • 1 inch curling iron
  • Light hold hairspray
How To Style
  1. Apply heat protectant all over your hair.
  2. Picking up 2 inch sections of hair at a time, curl all your hair with emphasis on the ends.
  3. Spritz on some light hold hairspray all over your curls.
  4. Run your fingers through your curls to open them up and give them a  lived-in look.
  5. Part your hair slightly off center to finish off the look.

20. Layered Half Updo

Kate Middleton's layered half updo hairtyle
Image: Shutterstock

Kate Middleton’s layered hairstyle game is so strong, we are all envious. There’s no denying the fact that she is partial to her half updos, which inspired this look. At the UK première of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, Kate went for a basic pinned back look to keep her hair out of her face and a monochrome off-white dress to keep all the attention on her gorgeous statement necklace.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • Straightening iron
  • Bobby pins
How To Style
  1. Have your hair cut into layers.
  2. Apply heat protectant all over your washed, dried hair.
  3. Straighten all your hair.
  4. When straightening the hair at the front, turn the straightening iron towards your face to give the hair a more rounded finish.
  5. Part your hair slightly off center.
  6. Leaving out a few wisps of hair to frame your face, pull back all the hair from the front and pin it at the back of your head to finish off the look.

21. Pearl Encrusted Bun

Kate Middleton's pearl encrusted bun hairtyle
Image: Instagram

Even Kate Middleton can’t keep her hands off those pearl encrusted U-pins that everyone and their mother uses to accessorize their hair. Here she has gone for a princess bun look that is oh-so-elegant and absolutely timeless.

What You Need
  • Texturizing spray
  • Bobby pins
  • Hair brush
  • Hair elastics
  • U-pins with pearls
  • Light hold hairspray
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed hair with some texturizing spray, then dry it.
  2. Divide your hair into two sections, front and back by going from ear to ear. Pull the front section forward and clip out of the way.
  3. Brush your hair back Into a low ponytail tying it at the nape.
  4. Roll your ponytail into a flat bun securing it with bobby pins.
  5. Divide the front portion of hair into two sections, parting where desired.
  6. Taking the section on your left, start twisting behind the ear. Add the twist around your bun and pin it in place.
  7. Repeat the previous step on the right side.
  8. Insert your fancy U-pins into your bun to accessorize it.
  9. Spritz on some light hold hairspray to set your updo in place and finish off the look.
protip_icon Quick Tip
The Princess of Wales uses hair accessories like hairnets, pearl bobby pins, or small velvet bows to keep her hair perfectly in place.

22. Kate Middleton’s Wedding Hair

Kate Middleton's wedding hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

The whole world was plastered to their TV screens on 29th April, 2011 when Prince William tied the knot with Kate Middleton. And everyone in the world agrees that she looked like a goddamn vision in her wedding dress. Because her gorgeous lace gown and diamond tiara stole the show, Kate kept things simple with her hair and went for some relaxed curls and a half up style.

What You Need
  • Heat protectant
  • 1.5 inch curling iron
  • Bobby pins
  • Medium hold hairspray
  • Tiara
  • Veil
How To Style
  1. Prep your washed, dried hair with some heat protectant.
  2. Picking up 2 inch sections of hair at a time, curl all your hair for that wavy texture.
  3. Part your hair on one side.
  4. Pull back all the hair from the front and pin it in the center at the back of your head to create a half updo.
  5. Spritz on some hairspray to set the curls and do in place.
  6. Put on your tiara and your veil to finish off the look.

23. Curtain Bangs

curtain bangs hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Kate Middleton’s most recent signature hairstyle features elegant curtain bangs, framing her face with a timeless and sophisticated allure. The Duchess effortlessly combines regal grace with a modern touch in this classic yet trendy look. You too can enjoy the versatile and face-flattering style of curtain bangs to effortlessly enhance your overall appearance.

What You Need

  • A pair of sharp scissor
  • A wide-tooth comb
  • Blow Dryer
  • Texturizing spray

How to Style

  1. Section off the hair you want as bangs from the front to frame your face.
  2. Divide the section in two down the middle.
  3. Hold one of the sections at a slight angle keeping the end closer to the parting shorter.
  4. Using the scissors, cut the hair vertically for a soft, curtain effect.
  5. Repeat the same for the second section of hair.
  6. Blow-dry the bangs using a round brush, curving them to the sides for a natural look.
  7. Apply a texturizing spray or serum for a relaxed finish.

Infographic: Top 6 Elegant Kate Middleton Hairstyles

If you are a fan of the royal family and their chic and elegant looks, check out the infographic below. It showcases the timeless elegance of Kate Middleton through her signature looks. From sophisticated updos to graceful waves, get a glimpse into her refined and impeccable style. Keep scrolling!

top 6 elegant kate middleton hairstyles (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Kate Middleton’s hairstyles, personality, and sense of fashion have inspired people worldwide. The good news is that these hairstyles are effortless to carry and easy to recreate. You can try her classic and elegant off-center parted blowout for your daily routine. For a more glamorous event, you can sport the elegant hair updo or a layered half updo to grab the spotlight. With a few hair styling tools at your disposal, you can skip going to the salon and try these hairstyles in the comfort of your home.

Kate Middleton Hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kate Middleton’s hair naturally curly?

Yes. According to reports, Kate Middleton’s natural hair texture is curly and somewhat coarse with some bouncy waves.

Is Kate Middleton’s hair dyed?

Yes. Kate, who is naturally brunette, has experimented with brown hues and even blonde highlights and lowlights over the years.

Does Kate have microblading?

Possibly. Experts have suggested that Kate Middleton might have undergone microblading to enhance her naturally thin eyebrows.

Key Takeaways

  • The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton has constantly opted for effortless and chic hairstyles such as buns and relaxed hairdos.
  • The majority of her hairstyles involve using simple hair tools such as bobby pins and a curling iron.
  • You can experiment with numerous Kate-inspired hairstyles for a modest appearance, from loose waves, twisted low bun, mid-high ponytail, and half-up twisties, to braided headbands.

Learn how to create a simple, no-heat updo like Kate Middleton in the following video! Perfect for any occasion, this easy hairstyle will have you looking chic in no time.

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