When the Princess of Wales stepped out earlier this year with noticeably lighter, sunlit hair, the familiar “Kate Effect” was almost instant. Across the UK, women headed to their hairdressers hoping to copy what quickly became known as the “Posh Mum Bronde” look.
The nickname stuck because the shade struck a clever balance: glossy and expensive-looking, yet low-maintenance enough for busy mothers juggling packed schedules.
But it is not just Kate’s hair colour that has shifted from her signature brunette to the honeyed caramel tones she now appears to favour.
Her styling choices have evolved too, according to hairstylist Tina Farey. The editorial director of RUSH Hair told the Daily Mail that, after studying the royal’s most recent official engagements, she believes Kate now turns to four reliable “core” hairstyles.
They are the “practical ponytail”, “mermaid waves”, the “half-up, half-down” style and the “classic updo” — looks Tina says are simple to recreate while still delivering the polished glamour expected of a royal.
“Recently, the Princess of Wales has had four hairstyles at the core of her styling regime,” she said. “Each look has established itself as a classic which she can wear again and again depending on the occasion.”
Crucially, the styles are practical as well as elegant, meaning they can be tailored to suit every kind of working day — from an appearance on Centre Court at Wimbledon to a visit near the summit of Ben Nevis.
Half-up, half-down
This ‘camera-ready’ look is said to balance sophistication with Kate’s ‘natural beauty’
The mother-of-three picked what is seemingly one of her favourite ways to style her tresses for a day out at Wimbledon earlier this month.
Tina said the ‘camera-ready’ look balances sophistication with her ‘natural beauty’ as it accentuates her naturally high cheekbones and ‘adds an understated elegance to her looks’.
To recreate this look, section the hair from ear to ear, using a hairspray on a comb to tame any flyaways.
Comb the top layer backwards and pin or band into a ponytail at the back of the head. For height, backcomb first or use a pintail comb to lift to desired position.
For an even more elegant look, sections of the hair can be curled or waved. However these will likely fall out if the weather is damp or windy.
‘For Princess Kate, establishing a core rotation of hairstyles that she likes will avoid any stress in the preparation for the multiple public engagements she attends each week,’ explained Tina.
The practical ponytail
The ponytail look is ‘ideal for outdoor events where she is networking’, according to Tina
When she surprised tennis fans with an impromptu appearance at SW19, joining tennis legend Tim Henman in the stands, Kate pulled her hair back into a practical ponytail.
Tina said this look is ‘ideal for outdoor events where she is networking’ as her tresses are tamed and away from the face.
‘When styling the ponytail, I’d recommend spritzing a light-hold hairspray to tame any flyaways and ensure your hair stays in place all day!’
Mermaid waves
Kate’s tumbling mermaid waves often leave royal fans swooning at her public appearances
Mermaid waves amplify texture, volume and movement in Kate’s hair, harmonising beautifully with the lighter brunette shades she has been sporting.
Tina’s pro tip is to focus on adding some volume at the roots when you’re blow-drying at home for an extra-glamorous finish.
Classic up-do
While Kate has impressed fans with her ability to gracefully tie her locks back without a hairband, she likely relies on bobby pins for her more famous ‘twist and tuck’ look
A classic up-do is perfect for more formal occasions, while maintaining that versatile nature, said Tina.
She continued: ‘Kate often wears her hair in a low bun, which suits her polished and pristine style, giving her light brunette locks ultimate radiance.’
While Kate has previously impressed fans with her ability to gracefully tie her locks back without a hairband, she likely relies on bobby pins for her more famous ‘twist and tuck’ look.
‘With an oval face shape, her sharp jawline and gorgeous high cheekbones are two of her most defining features – the combination of hairstyles she wears is timeless, easily transitioning into one another and flattering her face shape perfectly,’ Tina concluded.
