Is this Kate Middleton’s ‘best hair’ transformation ever?

The Princess of Wales’ hair remains the gold standard of royal beauty. From her iconic bouncy blow-dry during her early days with Prince William to 2024’s wispy curtain bangs and last year’s viral blonde highlights, the ‘Kate effect’ is still going strong in 2026.

Her recent appearance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games proved that this might be Princess Kate’s best hair era yet. Debuting ultra-long, glossy loose curls that perfectly complemented her increasingly vibrant wardrobe, Kate’s look signals a fresh chapter after returning to full-time royal duties. 

Edward James, Celebrity Hairdresser and Winner of Salons of the Year at the London Lifestyle Awards, agrees. “I can honestly say 2026 has been the Princess of Wales’s absolute best hair era yet,” he explains.

“Her longest-ever length feels so perfectly balanced on her – soft, long layers that move beautifully while still looking polished and regal, never heavy or overwhelming or in her face or fighting with her clothes choices.”

An ‘effortless’ look from the Princess of Wales

But what makes the royal’s current hair era quite so special? Two standout moments in 2026 spring to mind: her tumbling BAFTA curls in February and her polished half-up dos at Wimbledon, which both perfectly showcased the chameleon-like powers of her long tresses to transform a look.

Melissa Timperley, Celebrity Hairstylist and Founder of Melissa Salons, tells HELLO! that it’s the “versatility” of her waist-length locks that makes her current hairdos quite so special.

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“Longer hair gives her more versatility for formal appearances, like her updos at major sporting events”, she reveals.

“With this length, she can create softer, more romantic shapes that frame the face and highlight her bone structure without feeling overly styled. It’s a length that feels elegant, confident and completely aligned with her personal style.”

The secret? It works with her natural texture, rather than against it. “At the BAFTAs, those full, structured curls enhanced the natural wave pattern we rarely get to see, giving her a softness and vitality that feels incredibly youthful,” Melissa says.

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“At Wimbledon, the extra length allowed her balayaged colour to really shine, the sun-kissed ends and deeper roots created dimension and movement, which stops long hair from looking heavy.” 

How to get ultra long hair like Princess Kate, according to an expert

If the Princess of Wales’ recent public appearances have sparked a Googling frenzy, we’ve got the lowdown on how to emulate her signature look at home.

Sadly, there is no miracle cure to magically grow your hair a couple of inches overnight. It takes time, patience and lifestyle changes.

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The secret is “healthy foundations first”, according to Edward James. He recommends regular trims every eight to 10 weeks, a weekly deep conditioning mask, and always using heat protection spray before styling.

He tells us: “To keep long hair looking its absolute best all year round, focus on moisture and protection: use a silk pillowcase, apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to the mid-lengths and ends daily, and never skip UV protection in summer or a richer overnight mask in winter.

“Gentle brushing with a wide-tooth comb when wet and a boar-bristle brush when dry keeps the cuticle smooth and the shine high. It’s these small, consistent habits that turn good hair into the kind of luminous, camera-ready length the Princess wears so beautifully.”

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When it comes to styling, never skip product, which helps elevate your hairstyle. Rollers are key to setting bouncy curls like Kate, while adding texture at the roots with a little mousse will help create the perfect red carpet-worthy updo.

And there’s no shame if you need a little extra help from extensions to add extra density. While genetics largely dictate how long and thick your hair can grow, consistent trims, heat protection, and dedicated haircare habits will get you close to the royal’s polished look.