30 times Princess Kate proved she was hair goals – from intricate updos to waist-long waves


The Princess of Wales isn't just known for her iconic wardrobe, it's her hair that makes headlines too


Kate Middleton best hairstyles
Alexandra Hurtado
Alexandra HurtadoUS Royal News Correspondent - New York
32 minutes ago
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When it comes to hair goals, the Princess of Wales reigns supreme. Alongside her style and grace, Catherine has long been admired for her enviable locks. From her signature bouncy blowouts to (with or without hats) and , the Princess' hair is as iconic as her wardrobe.

"Her hair always looks incredibly healthy, beautifully maintained, and perfectly suited to both the occasion and her personal style," celebrity stylist and brand founder Adam Reed has previously told HELLO!. "Whether she wears it sleek, softly waved or in an elegant updo, the common thread is healthy hair with beautiful shine and movement."

If you're in need of a bit of , look no further than the Princess of Wales. Be it a wedding updo, a party-ready style or an everyday blowout you're after, these looks are worth saving for a future hair appointment!

Updos

Catherine at the "Our Greatest Team Rises - BOA Olympic Concert" in 2012.© Getty Images

Braided updo

Catherine at the "Our Greatest Team Rises - BOA Olympic Concert" in 2012.

Then-the Duchess of Cambridge at a tea party during her and Prince William's royal tour of Malaysia in 2012.  © Getty Images

A pearl accented bun

Then-the Duchess of Cambridge at a tea party during her and Prince William's royal tour of Malaysia in 2012.  

The Princess at a wreath laying ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the final withdrawal from the Gallipoli Peninsula in 2016.© Getty Images

Tucked chignon bun

The Princess at a wreath laying ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the final withdrawal from the Gallipoli Peninsula in 2016.

The Princess of Wales pictured at the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in 2017.  © Getty Images

Twisted bun

The Princess of Wales pictured at the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in 2017.  

Catherine at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018.© Getty Images

Side swept bun

Catherine at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

Catherine looking perfectly polished at the Mauritshuis during a visit to The Hague, Netherlands.  © WireImage

A low chignon with crown volume

Catherine looking perfectly polished at the Mauritshuis during a visit to The Hague, Netherlands.  

The royal's updo at the 2019 BAFTAs showed off her one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown.© Getty Images

An intricate updo

The royal's updo at the 2019 BAFTAs showed off her one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown.

The Princess of Wales at Royal Ascot in 2019.  © Getty Images

Braided side bun

The Princess of Wales looked straight out of a storybook at Royal Ascot in 2019.  

The Princess stunned from head to toe at the No Time To Die world premiere held at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2021.© Getty Images

An elaborate, voluminous updo

The Princess stunned from head to toe at the No Time to Die world premiere, held at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2021.

The Princess of Wales was polka dot perfection at Royal Ascot in 2022.© WireImage

Low updo

The Princess of Wales was polka dot perfection at Royal Ascot in 2022.

The royal mom of three pictured at the St David's Day Parade in 2023.© Getty Images

Braided updo

The royal mom of three pictured at the St David's Day Parade in 2023. Celebrity hairstylist Shady Harb previously told HELLO! what makes the hairstyle so special is "its seamless balance of structure and softness," adding: "The soft twists and woven elements of the hair give it a graceful and romantic feel, while the clean finish and precise placement of each section ensure it remains polished and regal."

Braided low chignon© Getty Images

Braided low chignon

We're just green with hair envy! Catherine seen here at the 1st Battalion Irish Guards for the 2019 St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The Princess made a sunny appearance at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2025.© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Twisted updo

The Princess made a sunny appearance at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2025.

Catherine, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, at the 2026 Irish Guards' St. Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks.© Getty Images

Braided updo

Catherine, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, at the 2026 Irish Guards' St. Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks.

"The braided twist into a neat knot here is a particularly elegant touch, and I wonder if it brings a sense of subtle storytelling," fashion stylist, Leanne Jones has previously told HELLO! of the Princess' hairstyle. "The braid could be interpreted as a nod to Irish heritage and Celtic folklore, where traditional hairstyles often featured intricate plaits symbolising status and identity."

The Princess of Wales at the installation ceremony of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally at Canterbury Cathedral in 2026. © Getty Images

"Croissant" bun

The Princess of Wales had her hair styled up in a twisted side bun for the installation ceremony of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally at Canterbury Cathedral in 2026.

At the time, hairstylist Suzie McGill called the royal's "croissant-style bun" a "great example of considered, thoughtful styling."

"It's softly structured, with gentle twists that create the 'croissant' shape. It feels classic and polished, without being too structured or overworked, very much in keeping with Kate's usual approach to hair," Suzie told HELLO!. "It's an elegant, versatile style that can work for different occasions."

A elegant updo© Getty Images

A elegant updo

The Princess of Wales was the epitome of elegance at Trooping the Colour 2026 with her hair up and topped with a Philip Treacy hat.

Ponytails

Catherine at the ceremonial welcome for Singapore's president in 2014. © Getty Images

Low wrap-around ponytail

Catherine swept her tresses up into a simple, yet chic ponytail for the ceremonial welcome for Singapore's president in 2014.

Catherine pictured visiting the Portsmouth Historical Dockyard during the America's Cup World Series event in 2015.© Getty Images

Ponytail with lifted crown

Sporty but still stylish. Catherine sported a wrap-around ponytail for her visit to the Portsmouth Historical Dockyard during the America's Cup World Series event in 2015.

The royal at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where a screening of Disney's 'Cruella' was hosted for Scottish NHS workers in 2021.© Getty Images

Voluminous ponytail

The royal seen here at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where a screening of Disney's Cruella was hosted for Scottish NHS workers in 2021.

Catherine, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, served a high pony at Wimbledon in 2026.  © WireImage

Chic high ponytail

Catherine, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, served a high pony at Wimbledon in 2026.  

Blowouts and half-updos

half-up style with loose curls

A demi-chignon

Perhaps one of the Princess' most iconic hairstyles was the one she wore on her wedding day, styled by James Pryce and Richard Ward. Catherine's demi-chignon that day broke a 350-year-old tradition of royal brides wearing their hair up.

"Catherine was very involved in her chosen style, and the hairstyle was based on her own personal preference," Richard Ward once told PEOPLE. "It was really a matter of getting a fine balance of feeling natural while also reflecting the occasion."

Criss-cross half-updo© Getty Images

Criss-cross half-updo

Dressed in a Dolce & Gabbana tweed skirt suit, Catherine visited Evelina Children's Hospital in 2020 to join a workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery's Hospital Programme.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Earthshot Prize 2021 at Alexandra Palace on October 17, 2021 in London, England. © Getty Images

Side-swept soft curls

The royal had her glossy locks parted to one side at the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in London.

Kate Middleton visits the new V&A Exhibition Road Quarter at the Victoria & Albert Museum on June 29, 2017 © Getty Images

Half-up with volume

Catherine opted for a sophisticated half-updo to visit an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2017.

Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 18, 2021 in London.© Getty Images

Voluminous curls swept to one side

Catherine brought the glamour to the Royal Variety Performance in 2021 styling her tresses to one side with tight curls.

Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance 2023 © Getty Images

Bouncy blowout with curtain bangs

Catherine stepped out for the Royal Variety Performance in 2023 with blowout waves and curtain bangs. 

Kate Middleton at a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025 in London, England.© WireImage

Half-up, half-down with loose waves

The Princess secured her half-up, half-down style with an oversized black velvet bow at a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in 2025.

Kate Middleton the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on June 16, 2025 in Windsor, England. © Getty Images

Polished mermaid waves

Even when her hair is down, Catherine continues to prove why she is considered hair goals, as she did with her waves at the Order of the Garter service in 2025.

Kate Middleton at Wimbledon 2025© AFP via Getty Images

Cascading curls

The Princess' cascading curls were a winning look at Wimbledon in 2025.

Kate Middleton at Wimbledon 2026© WireImage

Half-up with twists

Catherine wore her tresses in a twisted half-up, half-down style with curls at Wimbledon in 2026.

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