While we admire Princess Kate for many things – her elegance, intelligence and grace, to name but three – working in beauty, the aspect that we covet most about our future Queen is her hair.
Call us vain, if you like, but the Princess of Wales’ enviable hair is top of our wish list when it comes to emulating the royal – and with good reason.
“Princess Kate’s hair is a source of inspiration for women of all ages, but I think it resonates particularly strongly with women over 40 because it demonstrates how timeless style will always outlast passing trends,” comments celebrity stylist and brand founder Adam Reed.
“She understands the power of consistency and evolution rather than dramatic change. Her hair always looks incredibly healthy, beautifully maintained, and perfectly suited to both the occasion and her personal style. Whether she wears it sleek, softly waved or in an elegant updo, the common thread is healthy hair with beautiful shine and movement,” Adam continues.
“Perhaps the biggest lesson is that she never looks like she’s trying too hard,” Adam comments. “She evolves her hair subtly, investing in its health, condition and colour, which is exactly why it continues to feel so modern and relevant. It’s a wonderful reminder that hair doesn’t need to be dramatically different to feel fresh – small changes can make a big impact while still feeling completely authentic to you.”
The length of the former Miss Middleton’s hair is worthy of comment too. As we reach 40 and beyond, society still seems to deem long hair inappropriate or unprofessional, an outdated belief that Paul Mitchell educator Victoria Parker rejects.
“I love how she’s over 40 and still wears her hair long whilst subtly blending greys. It breaks a stigma that as we age, we need to cut our hair shorter.”
© UK Press via Getty ImagesVictoria continues: “The Princess of Wales is always polished but never overdone, which is what feels achievable for a lot of women. Whenever she shifts her hair colour, it’s subtle and in keeping with the season, which again feels very achievable for a lot of women.”
Read on to see our edit of Princess Kate’s most timeless hairstyles for women over 40 with long hair.
The Princess of Wales’ hairstyles for women over 40
1. The classic sleek ponytail to lift the face
© WireImageWorn just this month at Wimbledon, this is an elevated take on a day-to-day style many of us rely on.
© Getty Images“This is a brilliant example of understated elegance,” says Adam Reed. “A sleek ponytail instantly lifts the face and showcases healthy, glossy hair without looking overly styled. The softness around the crown keeps it modern and prevents it from feeling too severe, making it incredibly flattering for women over 40.”
2. The soft low chignon for ageless elegance
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate complemented her bold yellow dress with an intricate chignon at Ascot this year. “I love this look because it proves that occasion hair doesn’t have to be complicated,” Adam says. “The softly structured low chignon feels polished but still relaxed, with beautiful texture that keeps it contemporary. It’s timeless, incredibly flattering and allows the focus to remain on the person rather than the hairstyle.”
© GettyMaria Sotiriou of Silke London agrees. “This timeless side pleated chignon creates an air of sophistication and confidence for women of every age. This updo enhances her femininity while maintaining a sense of approachability and warmth.”
3. Soft Hollywood waves for youthful hair
© Getty Images“This is one of Catherine’s most iconic looks,” muses Adam Reed of the style we see the royal wear time and time again, shown here at The Earthshot Prize in 2021. “The long, soft waves create movement, body and incredible shine, all of which become even more important as hair matures. The soft face-framing shape keeps the look youthful and elegant without ever feeling over-styled.”
4. Half-up with a bow for a touch of personality
© Getty Images“I love how this look combines elegance with softness,” Adam says of the royal’s hair choice for the 80th anniversary for VE Day in July 2026. “The half-up style creates gentle lift through the crown while allowing the lengths to move naturally. The velvet bow adds personality without overpowering the hairstyle, proving that accessories can feel sophisticated and timeless at any age,” says Adam.
© Getty ImagesMaria adds: “This is a polished and elegant style, with a smooth, structured finish at the top and the luxurious finishing touch of a velvet bow.”
5. Soft half-up twist for effortless elegance
© WireImage“This is one of my favourite everyday looks because it’s beautifully effortless,” Adam says of the style the Princess wore to Wimbledon last week. “The softly twisted sections add subtle detail while keeping the overall style relaxed and wearable. It creates movement, showcases healthy hair and is a wonderful reminder that simple styling often has the biggest impact.”
Of the power of our future Queen’s hair, Adam concludes: “Princess Kate proves that great hair isn’t about age, it’s about confidence, consistency and looking after it. That’s why she’s an inspiration to so many women, whether they’re 25 or 65. The most stylish hair is rarely the most fashionable. It’s the hair that looks healthy, effortless and completely at home on the person wearing it.”
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