Stylists Breakdown Kate Middleton's Signature Haircut

Hair stylists are quick to effuse over Kate Middleton’s mane — and why not? Hers is the sort of hair that shampoo campaigns are made of. “The common denominator throughout the years of Kate’s style is shiny, healthy, and full hair,” says Spoke & Weal’s master stylist and cut director Lindsay Victoria. Always brunette, typically snipped past the shoulder, and often finished with long layers and polished waves, the 'Kate' proves that sticking to a staple style can be just as glamorous (and dare we say, regal?) as a constant change-up.

“Kate is a great example of timeless beauty,” says Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, owner of Feverfew Salon in Los Angeles. “Classic cuts never go out of style. Just cause it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s boring.” Bailey-Chaidez adds that Middleton's salon styling comes down to cuts of long layers that don't sacrifice in fullness. " I would ask for a classic layered cut with shears," she says, adding that curtain bangs (even those as thick as Middleton's) should be well-blended.

“The ‘Kate’ can work for all hair types and textures but does require styling,” says Victoria, who suggests the Dyson Airwrap for an instantly finished look. For her part, Bailey-Chaidez recommends a classic round-brush blowout along with Velcro rollers for added volume. Read on for 15 takes on the 'Kate,' Middleton's aspirational signature style.

Wedding Hair

Middleton’s royal wedding hair was demure and romantic, an ideal style for veiled, tiara-topped wear. But though her partially pinned flowing brunette was the picture of sophistication, it is actually rumored to have bucked against royal dictates, which called for a full updo. 

Glossy Layers

“A polished, layered haircut, meaning there is movement and visible layers while keeping the ends full and healthy looking,” says Victoria of Middleton’s trademark hair. This glossy take skews a touch more ironed than usual, bends at the ends showcasing Middleton’s copious layers. 

Boho Bangs

French girl beauty features in this long-fringed moment. Layers chopped past the chin offer soft structure while blending seamlessly into Middleton’s mane, a full yet straight blowout making for an easy bohemian look. 

Curtain Bangs

Middleton’s first brush with curtain bangs came with a bouncy, rounded blowout. Middleton’s luminous brunette plays well with this style, which highlights her hair’s health, from crown to ends. Get the look by finishing your own blowout with flippy ends and buoyant bangs. 

Parted Ponytail

Ponytails are for princesses, too. “Her updos are always regal without being too uptight,” says Bailey-Chaidez of Middleton’s tie-backs. This midi ponytail is raked yet finished (see: the hair wrapped around the base) showcasing Middleton’s bangs and sleek texture. 

Long Bob

Even Middleton’s slightly shorter styles stay true to her overarching aesthetic. In this royal’s world, a shoulder-skimming lob is best worn in brushed curls, a blunt cut ensuring that her trademark volume stays entirely intact. 

Romantic Ribbon

Middleton’s take on the romantic ribbon trend centers on a chic black bow pinned to the base of a gently curled ponytail. The accessory adds a dash of playfulness to an otherwise buttoned-up look. 

Luxe Curls

While Middleton usually opts for a blowout and easy waves, a slightly tighter curl makes an evening-ready statement. “She had naturally curly hair and it smooths out beautifully and holds a wave so well,” says Bailey-Chaidez. Middleton rarely steps out with her natural texture on display, we’ll take this super-sleek texture in the interim. 

Old Money Headband

As with her black bow, Middleton knows how to work a timeless accessory. This padded black headbacnd dresses up the Princess’s medium-length brunette while pulling focus to her face, soft bends throughout ensuring the style remains regal and glamorous. 

Loose Layers

Victoria notes that the 'Kate' is often finish with a wave to show off the cut's layering. This style take a different approach, with Middleton's lengths pulled straighter than usual, barely-there layering left to spill over her shoulders.

Sumptuous Side Part

This take is quintessential Kate. “I love her fullness and body,” says Bailey-Chaidez. To get the look yourself, chat with your stylist about your natural texture, as well as the sort of layering that will help your achieve your max volume. “Keeping the ends on the blunt side will help achieve the fuller look,” recommends Victoria. 

Plaited Chignon

One cannot create a royal hair roundup without including a fastener-finished look. Middleton tops a braided chignon with a burgundy topped by Sahar Millinery, creating a regal updo that’s both striking and sculptural. 

Easy Waves

A few extra inches separate this wavy style from Middleton's usual roster. The generous bends and length play well with Middleton's well-blended curtain bang, which serves to frame her face.

Radiant Tiers

That shine! This variation on her cut and color highlights the preternatural radiance of Middleton’s mane, her subtly rounded curtain bangs enhancing the style’s inherent volume. “Her long layers and curtain bangs are so timeless,” says Bailey-Chaidez. “Truly so posh.”

Side-Bang Redux

In case you haven’t heard, the side-bang is making its proud return. Middleton called the trend late last year, briefly exchanging her long curtain bangs for a millennial-inpisred iteration that came down to a side part and behind-the-ear tuck. “There is still the classic and voluminous feeling overall but with a bit more layering, heavier face framing, and a longer fringe that is versatile with the parting and styling,” says Victoria.

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