Kate Middleton has made a few updates to her glam lately, introducing some subtle tweaks alongside her new role as the Princess of Wales. Her signature ‘Kate blowdry’ has had a glow-up with a 2.0 rendition that feels ultra luxe and polished, but thanks to a looser, relaxed wave, it's more modern, approachable and – given the response to her appearance at the Westminster Abbey carol service last weekend – seriously covetable.
“Kate's timeless style and bouncy blowdry has had a revamp in 2023,” confirms top London hair stylist, Hollie Rose Clarke. From the cut, to the colour and the styling, she's moved away from the midi cut, bronde highlights and bouncy curls we've seen her wear previously.
The ‘Kate Cut’
Alongside growing her hair longer, Kate has introduced some light layers for a little more texture and movement, and some swooshy face-framing. “We've seen the addition of some face-framing curtain bangs which are a great way to change your style without losing length,” says Hollie. “If you're thinking of having a hair revamp of your own, have a chat with your stylist about adding some bangs and face-framing to contour your cut to your face shape,” she advises.
The ‘Kate Colour’
Kate's also switched out her summer colour for richer tones. “The Princess of Wales debuted a chocolate brunette colour for winter. She's waved goodbye to those sunkissed babylights in favour of a glossy, darker mane,” Hollie says.
The ‘Kate Blowdry’
As for her famous blowout, it looks expensive and more wearable in equal measure. “Her signature bouncy blowdry has evolved,” confirms Hollie. “Though still timeless, the new Kate blowdry is slightly less voluminous with a looser wave and a mirror-like shine.” It feels a little more trend-led, with glass hair set to take off in 2024, and the looser shape feels current but elevated.
If you'd like to achieve the look at home, Hollie has some tips.
For that glass like shine, “reach for the Color Wow Dream Coat when your hair is till wet. You need to use more than you think,” says Hollie. The key is to saturate the entire length of your hair in sections before activating the mist's shine-inducing and humidity-repellant powers with heat from your hair dryer.
Lazy girls, you'll like this. “For those who struggle to get volume, opt for a product that can help you get the lift with minimal effort,” says Hollie who recommends the Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Superlift Volume Spray or Color Wow Extra Large Bombshell Volumiser.
Likewise, call on the right tool to give you a relaxed wave. "Choose something that does the styling for you – either the GHD Rise or the 32 Barrel Tong from Babyliss Pro," says Hollie
Finally, “mist on some finishing products to hold the blow dry,” says Hollie who recommends the Living Proof Full Dry Volume Texture Spray or Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Spray.
For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
