Princess Charlene was a picture of elegance on 27 January as she stepped out beside Prince Albert for the 2026 Ceremony of the Sainte-Devote honouring Monaco's patron saint. The Monagasque tradition called for a classically chic look from Charlene, 48, whose hair looked sleeker than ever.
The royal swept her hair, which is currently the longest it has been in 15 years, into a chic low bun with the front pieces twisted back to meet the bun at the nape of her neck. The look, which featured a centre parting, was elevated by a navy blue headband.
© GettyIt isn't every day that Charlene rocks a hairband, but it seems her long locks are allowing her to embrace a new look. She usually opts for a small fascinator or a larger statement hat. This particular headband worked well as it allowed her bun to do the talking and coordinated perfectly with her navy coat dress and Valentino handbag.
A hairstylist weighs in
© Getty ImagesSuzie McGill, a hairstylist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry, is a fan of Charlene's latest hair moment. "The style is minimal but impactful, balancing structure and ease. The slicked-back approach emphasises her facial features while keeping the overall finish clean and contemporary," she tells us. "It's a versatile look, polished enough for formal events but modern and wearable."
© GettyWhat makes it stand out to Suzie is the contrast between the structured parting and the soft, natural tension at the nape, which she says keeps it from feeling stiff. "The hair band is a subtle, smart accessory that grounds the look while adding a small, modern detail, proving that sometimes the simplest additions make the biggest visual impact," the hairstylist adds.
The headband isn't just aesthetic; it's functional. For someone growing out a pixie cut, managing unequal layers is a nightmare. A wide headband is the perfect 'growing-out' hack to hide the shorter front sections.
How to recreate Charlene's look
© GettySuzie has also shared her top tips for recreating Charlene's pristine look yourself.
- Starting with clean, dry hair, apply a smoothing serum or light cream to control frizz and enhance shine.
- Blow-dry or straighten for a sleek base.
- Create a sharp, straight middle part using a fine-tooth comb; this is key to the modern, structured aesthetic.
- Apply a small amount of gel or cream and comb hair back evenly on both sides. Keep tension consistent for a smooth, polished surface.
- Gather hair at the nape and secure with a black hair band. Ensure the band sits cleanly to maintain symmetry and structure.
- Tame flyaway with a serum or light hairspray.
Suzie's top tip: "For a subtle dimension, gently lift the crown before securing, but keep the overall look streamlined and minimal."
© GettyHer hair hasn't been this long since before she married Prince Albert in 2011. In her former life as an Olympic swimmer, Charlene's hair was long enough to style into extravagant updos, surpassing her shoulders.
