Princess Kate’s hair has become nothing short of iconic—her long, glossy brunette waves are instantly recognizable and a cornerstone of her signature look. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite her love for those bouncy curls, there have been rare moments when she’s ditched them entirely in favor of poker-straight locks. Why the switch? And why has this look seemingly vanished from her repertoire in recent years? Let’s dive into the fascinating—and occasionally controversial—story behind her hair transformations.
For years, Kate’s curls have been a symbol of effortless elegance, perfectly complementing her royal duties. Yet, in 2022, at a special reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, she surprised everyone with a sleek, straight style. Her hair, parted down the center, cascaded smoothly down her back, tucked behind her ears to showcase statement disc earrings by Onitaa. It was a modern, polished look that turned heads—but it wasn’t without its drawbacks.
And this is the part most people miss: achieving that poker-straight finish requires intense heat styling, which isn’t exactly hair-friendly. As HELLO!’s Fashion and Beauty News Editor, Laura Sutcliffe, points out, ‘While it gives her look a modern edge, the heat needed to straighten her hair isn’t ideal for its texture.’ So why does Kate occasionally opt for this style? Sutcliffe suggests it’s a strategic choice for certain events. ‘Curls are lower maintenance,’ she explains. ‘They don’t require constant brushing during royal engagements, and they make her hair appear fuller—always a plus.’
But let’s not forget the occasions when straight hair stole the show. In Denmark, during her visit to the Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Project in 2022, a straight blow-dry added a professional touch to her red tweed Zara blazer and ruffled white blouse. In Windsor, she paired straight, voluminous locks with a raspberry pink rollneck sweater and longline coat by Hobbs while visiting Windsor Foodshare in 2023. And in the Bahamas, straight hair kept her look casual yet chic as she donned cargo shorts and trainers for the Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Is Kate’s straight hair a style statement or a practical choice? Some argue it’s a way to let her outfits shine without competing with her signature curls. Take her appearance at the Royal Film Performance of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022—her super-sleek straight hair perfectly complemented the elegance of her Roland Mouret gown with a white Bardot neckline. Others wonder if it’s a nod to modern trends, a way to keep her look fresh and versatile.
While we haven’t seen Kate sport straight hair at royal engagements in 2025, her past moments with this style remain unforgettable. From red carpets to casual outings, she’s proven that whether curly or straight, her hair is always a topic of fascination.
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you prefer Kate’s iconic curls or her sleek, straight looks? And do you think she should bring back the straight style more often? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
