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Kate Middleton's Hair Evolution: From Catwalk Curls, To Half-Up 'Dos And Full Ponytails

From student to Duchess, we've got her best looks.

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CHRIS JACKSON

The Duchess of Cambridge is a hair champion, in that countless girls the world over follow her every strand, hoping to emulate her glossy, ever-perfect hairstyles.

We've trawled through all of her hair looks, from half-up to loose curls and from University through to the present day, to present you with the very best of Kate Middleton's barnets.

1

Tumbling curls

kate middleton curly hair
Chris Jackson

Kate Middleton gave her signature glossy blowdry a romantic update for her visit to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, sporting tumbling curls and tendrils.

The Duchess Of Cambridge stepped out for the athletics event in an all white suit and delicate silver jewellery, and completed her minimalist look with side-parted, undone curls. We're calling it, this might be the longest we've ever seen the royal's hair and we're feeling the modern Rapunzel vibes.

2

Intricate woven updo

kingston, jamaica   march 23 catherine, duchess of cambridge attends a dinner hosted by the governor general of jamaica at kings house on march 23, 2022 in kingston, jamaica photo by samir hussein   poolwireimage
Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton was clearly feeling the awards season vibes with her latest elegant updo. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a sleek and intricate woven updo paired with a glittering emerald green tulle gown to attend a dinner hosted by the Governor General of Jamaica at King's House as part of the royal couple's tour of the Caribbean.

Swept back at the front away from the mum of three's face, the red carpet-worthy updo perfectly complemented a pair of diamond and emerald earrings and Middleton's signature brown smokey eye make-up look.

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3

Shorter glossy waves

kate middleton hair
Max Mumby/Indigo

She might be a Duchess but Kate Middleton still has a few things in common with us, namely her love of cute dogs and the urge to try a new year hair switch up.

For her latest appearance visiting the Foundling Museum in London, the Duchess of Cambridge sported freshly chopped shorter hair that reached just below her shoulders. Compared to her pre-Christmas tumbling locks, Middleton's new shorter length channelled strong 'new year's trim' vibes.

The 40-year-old also opted for a vibrant new colour to see in 2022, giving her highlighted caramel brown shade a rich chocolate overhaul.

4

Large bouncy curls

kate middleton hair evolution
Handout//Getty Images

Middleton regularly changes up her hairstyle, whether it's a braided updo on the red carpet or a neat ponytail for royal events, but it seems the mother-of-three is opting to sport large bouncy curls ahead of the Christmas period.

Weeks after she wore super tight curls at The Royal Variety Performance, the Duchess of Cambridge sported loose curls at the Together at Christmas Westminster Cathedral event.

The look can be achieved using a curling tong which has a large barrel size (from one inch) for long hair, and a slim barrel for those with shorter locks.

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5

Side swept curls

kate middleton side swept curly hair
Max Mumby/Indigo

Kate Middleton mixed it up once again, swapping her signature bouncy blowdry for a high shine, glossy mane of side swept curls. The Duchess Of Cambridge debuted her new mane of curls whilst attending The Royal Variety Performance alongside husband Prince William and paired the look with a sparkling emerald green gown by Jenny Packham and Missoma's Zenyu Chandelier Hoops.

6

Intricate Grecian updo

lkate middleton james bond premiere updo hair
Max Mumby/Indigo

Kate Middleton sent the internet into meltdown as she stepped onto the red carpet for the long-awaited James Bond No Time To Die premiere in a glittering gold Jenny Packham gown complete with embellished cape. But, the part of the Duchess' ensemble that stole our attention? Her intricately woven Grecian-style updo. Stepping away from her signature bouncy blowdry and more classic updos she's worn in the past, Middleton opted for an elaborate swirled updo that gave a nod to the old Hollywood hair worn by stars of the sixties such as Barbra Streisand.

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7

Blonde highlights

kate middleton light brown hair highlights
ARTHUR EDWARDS

The Duchess of Cambridge debuted a brand new almost blonde hair colour during a visit to students at the University of Derby. Kate switched up her usual rich dark brown shade for a set of golden-hued caramel highlights that gave the royal a more casual sunkissed look.

8

French girl fringe

Kate Middleton Hairstyles
Pool/Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton stepped out for the latest leg of her Irish tour with a brand new shorter haircut complete with Instagram's go-to style: a French girl fringe. The Duchess of Cambridge added a more casual twist to her signature bouncy blowdry with the cheekbone-length split fringe.

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9

Sunkissed, honey brown highlights

Kate Middleton Light Brown Blonde Hair
WPA Pool

The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out for daughter Princess Charlotte's first day of school sporting a new lighter, sunkissed honey brown hair colour. Middleton looked radiant with her new warm blonde highlights styled into her signature bouncy blowdry.

10

Pastel blue floral fascinator

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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Kate opted for a twisted side bun to complement her asymmetric powder blue fascinator at Ascot.

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11

Pastel yellow floral fascinator

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
Getty Images

Kate continued her love of block colour outfits with a lemon yellow coat dress and fascinator complete with a knotted bun updo.

12

Forest green fascinator with a plaited bun

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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Kate stepped out in a top-to-toe forest green ensemble complete with a delicately braided bun.

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13

Red velvet hairband

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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The Duchess continued her love for 80s style headbands in December 2018.

14

Mid length and glossy

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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Kate went for a slightly shorter mid length cut in 2018.

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15

Wearing Princess Diana's tiara

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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Kate attended the annual white-tie holiday party at Buckingham Palace wearing Princess Diana's tiara in December 2018.

16

Black velvet ribbon and ponytail

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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The Duchess channelled 2018's hottest hair accessory trend with a black velvet ribbon tied to her ponytail in November 2018.

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17

Braided bun

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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The Duchess went for an intricately braided bun under a navy hat in November 2018.

18

Light brown beachy waves

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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Kate opted for a more relaxed wavy look in 2018.

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19

Side-swept knot

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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The Duchess accessorised her fuchsia fascinator with a side-swept bun to attend Princess Eugenie's wedding in October 2018.

20

Pinned-up bob

Kate Middleton Hair Evolution
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Kate debuted a new pinned up bob and fooled everyone in November 2017.

Headshot of George Driver
George Driver
Former Senior Digital Beauty Editor

George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.

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