Beauty

23 Of Kate Middleton’s Most Memorable Hair Moments

All hail the queen of the low chignon and hats.

by Audrey Noble
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Here are Kate Middleton's best hair looks, from her wedding chignon hairstyle and epic hats to magni...
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While the royal family can be a divisive topic, there’s one thing that’s certain: Kate Middleton’s hair looks are always flawlessly styled. The Duchess of Cambridge hasn’t made any drastic changes to her long brunette hair over the years — and she really doesn’t have to.

Like Princess Diana, Middleton is beloved for her style and often opts for simplicity — and no, that doesn’t mean boring. The royal has plenty of standout hairstyles that are worth admiring. Among her greatest hits: layers with subtle highlights, loose ponytails that somehow look formal and elegant, curtain bangs (that are super on trend, BTW), and an impeccable collection of hats and hair accessories.

While she has made tiny changes here and there, Middleton (and her glam team) know what works for her, personifying the old adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t color or chop it all off. She proves that classic hairstyles can be just as buzzy as the trendy ones on social media. So if you’re looking for timeless, elegant hairstyles (or pointers on how to pull off hats), take your cues from the next Queen of England. You just simply can’t go wrong.

Here, 23 of Kate Middleton’s best hairstyles of all time.

Chignon With A Twist

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In June 2022, Kate Middleton celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with a different version of her signature chignon hairstyle.

Chic Twist

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If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Kate Middleton’s chic twist allowed her makeup and accessories take centerstage.

Side-Swept Waves

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On a glam date night with Prince William, Middleton wore her hair down in loose waves that were swept to one side. The sultry hairstyle the perfect match for her embellished emerald green gown.

Fairytale Wedding Hairstyle

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This will go in Middleton’s beauty Hall Of Fame. For her wedding to Prince William, she broke tradition and wore her hair down, slightly pinned back in a “demi-chignon” with a tiara and veil. It was regal, classic, and stunning — she looked very much like the queen she will one day be.

Feathered Curtain Bangs

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Middleton’s feathered curtain bangs gave retro vibes and definitely deserve a spot in her most memorable hair moments. Here’s hoping she brings this look back ASAP.

Fuchsia Hat & Low Chignon

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Middleton’s hat game is unmatched. Here, she wore a fuchsia pink satin hat adorned with a matching veil and flower decal. Her hair was swept back into an elegant low chignon.

Casual Low Pony

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Casual yet still so classy, Middleton gathered her long wavy hair in a loose high ponytail. Even with such a low-key hairstyle, she still looked as regal as ever.

Relaxed Layers

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At one point, Middleton’s classic brunette shade was lightened with a few highlights. They looked stunning when she wore her hair down in feathered layers for a cool, relaxed look.

Red Beret & Side Chignon

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If your go-to hair look is an instant win, why change it up? Here, Middleton wore a small bright red hat with a bow on the side to dress up her classic chignon.

Classy Glam

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Middleton let loose...with her hair. To dress up her elegant beaded gown, she wore her hair down with long curls — such a classic style.

Low Chignon

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No hat, no problem. This low chignon with twisted sides needed no accessories and could definitely shine on its own.

Luxe Headband

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Middleton really gave Blair Waldorf a run for her money with this chic maroon headband with a black ribbon tied in a small bow. Here, she sits the thick headband like a crown at the top her half-up,-half-down hairstyle.

Millennial Side Part

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Middleton wore her long, layered hair with feathered ends and — cover your eyes, Gen Z — parted to the side.

Braided Chignon

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This low chignon deserves a special call-out. The braided crown looked so intricate and lovely, it was a fresh twist on one of Middleton’s go-to hair looks.

Dressed-Up Pony

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Wanting to dress up a ponytail? Take a cue from Middleton and curl the ends and tie your hair up in a simple black ribbon.

Pinned Back

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Middleton took a strand of hair from each side and pinned it back while keeping her long hair down and straight. Simple yet chic.

Blue-Brimmed Hat & Bun

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There’s no denying that Middleton has a great eye for hats. This light blue brimmed hat is matched with a stunning floral decal and worn with her signature low chignon. It’s another winning combo.

Half-Up, Half-Down

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A half-up, half-down hairstyle is pretty much foolproof. Here, it helps keep hair out of Middleton’s face, perfectly displaying her soft makeup and beautiful earrings.

Large Brimmed Hat

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Middleton recently wore a large black hat to match her polka dot dress, twisting her hair in her signature classic low chignon.

Sleek & Shiny

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Minimalistic yet regal, Middleton wore her long hair completely blown out with impeccable shine.

Tilted Hat

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Who else can wear a disc-like hat tilted on the side and still look so classy? This grey-like tweed hair accessory was perfectly matched with white chiffon details.

Woven Updo

Kate Middle wears hair in an intricate wavy low tight bun at a dinner hosted by the Governor General of Jamaica at King's House.

For a more structured look, Middleton wore her hair slicked back and in a tight woven-like bun.

Double-Twisted Low Ponytail

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Looking to elevate the classic low ponytail? Middleton remixed her style with twists at the nape of the neck, letting the rest flow down her back.

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