To observe the uproar following last week’s public appearance by the Princess of Wales, one might have assumed an abdication was imminent. However, the main reveal during her meeting with children in the gardens of the Natural History Museum was merely that she had lightened her hair.
Speculation about her blonde look started two weeks ago when a photo captured a glimpse of Kate en route to a church service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral in Scotland. Was it a trick of the light? Had her chestnut waves simply been lightened by the sun while on holiday in Kefalonia?
The visit to the museum last week, where she viewed outdoor learning spaces designed to encourage kids to explore nature, confirmed that she indeed went several shades lighter. As someone who transitioned from brunette to bronde myself, I think I understand why she chose to lighten her hair.
Now in my forties, like Kate, I wanted to address my increasing number of grey hairs.
Like Kate, I have undergone cancer treatment. While we don’t know the kind she faced, I had chemotherapy for breast cancer four years ago at the age of 40, which led to hair loss. Once it regrew, I had no desire to age gracefully by letting my grey hairs grow unrestricted. Some women look stunning with their natural grey hair, but for me, regaining my hair was crucial to feeling like my former self.
The Princess of Wales showed off her new bronde look on a trip to the Natural History Museum last week
I could have chosen to dye my roots dark to match my natural hair color. Yet, grey roots are starkly white against dark hair, even with just a few strands. I opted for this approach for a time, but the ongoing upkeep and constant watchfulness for any white glint along my parting proved too demanding.
Seeking expert guidance, I visited renowned colorist Hannah Phillips of Bangs salon in east London, who gradually built up my highlights. What began as a subtle balayage evolved into a full-on bronde. The advantage is needing fewer appointments since grey roots are less noticeable with lighter hair, though it’s not exactly a low-maintenance solution.
‘Bleach is often used to lift colour, but it’s important not to overdo it on grey hair, as it tends to be naturally coarser,’ explains Hannah. This is why brunettes who have enjoyed decades of naturally glossy hair sometimes can find that a few greys, in combination with bleach, create a straw-like texture.
‘Kate’s blend of blonde and light brown tones is a great example of how to achieve brightness without causing unnecessary dryness,’ she says, adding that with the right maintenance, bronde is a great option. ‘Going slightly lighter as those first grey hairs appear is the perfect way to disguise them. Not only does it make regrowth less noticeable, it also creates a softer, more flattering look against the skin as our complexion changes with age.’
To prevent Worzel Gummidge hair, Hannah recommends using moisture-rich products. ‘Just as we care for our skin as we age, our hair deserves the same TLC,’ she says. ‘I love Davines Momo shampoo and conditioner for hydration, and Maria Nila Cica oil to leave the hair silky smooth and frizz free.’
TV presenter Susanna Reid defended Kate, saying that she has also opted for the lighter shade, having found that dark brown no longer suits her
Whether you choose to embrace or disguise your first grey hairs, it will involve a bit more care and attention – as does everything from our skincare to our diet as we age. It’s often a case of trial and error to find what works for you. Most of us have the freedom to try things out without much feedback (my husband barely noticed), while poor Kate is doing it on the world stage.
A high-profile brunette going blonde often receives a similar response to a fuller-figured star losing weight – which is that fans feel somehow let down (think Adele, Lizzo or Rebel Wilson). People connect their identity to a particular look, and can be very quick to criticise: ‘it doesn’t suit her’ and ‘she looked better before’.
Online trolls have been particularly brutal about Kate’s hair, prompting Princess Diana’s former hairdresser Sam McKnight to write on Instagram: ‘I cannot believe how evil and lacking in any kind of empathy are the comments… Shame on you.’
Meanwhile, television presenter Susanna Reid defended Kate, saying that she has also gone ‘bronde’. ‘Having lighter pieces in my hair is a bit softer on ageing skin,’ she explained.
‘That [dark brown] shade now on my skin isn’t flattering.’
When Kate attended a Women’s Rugby World Cup match at the weekend, some said her hair was darker again.
But I know from experience that, when you have highlighted hair, it can look much lighter or darker depending on everything from whether you’re wearing it up or down, to what the light is like that day.
Either way, she looks great. Brondes unite!
