21 Times That K-Mids Has Given Me Major Hair Inspiration

It's no secret that the Who What Wear fashion team are experts at spotting a major Duchess of Cambridge style moment from a mile away. But as a beauty editor, I'm less interested in Kate Middleton's penchant for printed dresses and sharp tailoring and more interested in her other trademark style—her hair. 

Yes, Kate has that iconic bouncy blow-dry down to a fine art with her lovely, long strands always looking polished. Of course, it helps that Kate always has her personal hair stylist on hand for public appearances (the famously tight-lipped Amanda Cook Tucker, FYI) but regardless of having a helping hand from the pros there is still plenty of hair inspiration to be had in the K-Mids archives.

From her newly highlighted autumn hair transformation to her more adventurous red carpet braided chignons, keep scrolling for 21 of the best Kate Middleton hairstyles.

Kate debuted this lighter, more mid-length hairstyle for Princess Charlotte's first day at school and I can't get enough of the warmer colour and honey-hued highlights.

It's not just the peplum top and trouser combo that gives this look a retro feel—it's Kate's decidedly '70s-style beach waves. Keeping the roots flat and the volume through the lengths is the key to this throwback style.

Sure, Kate opted for a ponytail as a practical option for a sailing sesh as part of The Kings Cup Regatta this year but there's no doubting that this tousled style is effortlessly chic too.

When I think of Kate Middleton's hair, it's this classic, bouncy blow-dry that springs to mind first. I'm not really a dab-hand at drying my own hair so, if you're similar, opt for a barreled curling tong to help you get the look at home. 

While K-Mids usually wears her hair down for everyday occasions, her red carpet appearances usually call for something a little more glam—as demonstrated by this coiled updo that she wore to this year's BAFTAs.

Turns out, the Duchess of Cambridge is as much of a fan of this easy, 30-second hairstyle as the Who What Wear editors are.

Yes, even Kate has succumbed to the allure of the classic French-girl fringe in the past—sweeping, centre-parted bangs that always look so damn stylish.

Kate allegedly defied Royal protocol for her romantic wedding day hairstyle—opting for soft waves and a half-up style instead of the preferred classic updo.

This has to be one of my favourite Kate Middleton hairstyles. I love how the braid that sits across the top of her curled bun adds a playful edge to a formal style.

For more formal appearances Kate tends to embrace a more uniform, ringlet-inspired hairstyle—rather than the looser waves that she wears at more casual functions. The bigger the curling wand, the larger the ringlet you can create at home.

It seems that even the Royals are partial to the hair accessory trend this past year with K-Mids dotting her plaited bun with the cutest of pearl hair clips. 

Side parting + shiny strands + voluminous waves = the classic Kate Middleton hairstyle.

The classic three-strand milkmaid braid hairstyle normally sits over the top of your hair to create a crown effect but for this wedding-guest hairstyle Kate has opted for one at the back of her head to make space for her fascinator.

As a girl with an abundance of natural hair texture herself I love this all-natural look from K-Mids on a post-wedding tour of the Solomon Islands. Of course, you can opt for a salt spray if embracing natural humidity isn't an option.

Kate gives the mid-height ponytail a contemporary twist by wrapping a section of hair around her hairband and embracing plenty of volume at the roots.

A nod to the iconic 1940's victory rolls, Kate keeps her retro waves feeling modern by opting for two statement rolls at the back to top her tumbling curls.

Forging her classic volumised blow-dry, Kate opts for sleek, straight, side-parted strands for this royal engagement.

For Princess Eugenie's big day, Kate opted for a hairstyling curveball in the form of this side-swept chignon bun to mirror her magenta headwear. 

I love the glossy, chocolate-brown colour of Kate's hair here—perfect if you're thinking of embracing a darker hue for the winter months.

A sneak peek at what K-Mids would look like if she ever chopped all her hair off comes in the form of this faux bob. Curl the ends of your hair under and clip them in place to recreate this short hairstyle.

Another half-up, half-down hairstyle for Kate here—but with a literal twist. By twisting back the front section of her hair and teaming it with loosely tonged curls, this look feels so modern.

Next up, making this one small change to your diet can make your hair grow crazy-fast.