Now that’s what we call a trick of the light. The Princess of Wales has been experimenting with lighter hair tones over the past few months, but her latest ‘sunlit brunette’ shade is one that gives her the ultimate, youthful glow.
Kate’s hair shimmered from root to tip as she attended Anzac Day commemorations at the Cenotaph this weekend, adding to her ageless look at 44. It’s an evolution she’s been quietly adopting ever since she transitioned from last year’s root-to-tip blonde hair, and one that was finally seen to its full effect in London’s spring sunshine.
Samir Hussein
Kate’s multi-tonal hair shimmered in the spring sunshine
The subtle caramel and honey glimmers within her brunette base tone were further enhanced by a regal half-updo, styled in soft ripples that caught the light beautifully.
‘Kate’s sunlit brunette works so well because it enhances rather than replaces her natural depth,’ explains hairstylist Jason Collier, founder of Studio23 and key opinion leader for Jerome Russell Bblonde. ‘The base colour is a rich, neutral-to-cool brown, while fine pieces of warmer tones are placed throughout to give the illusion of sunlit hair, where the light would naturally hit. It creates softness, and makes her hair appear with a golden-hour glow at all times of the day.’
Samir Hussein
The mix of shades mimics the look of sunlight, says hairdresser Jason Collier
This carefully-considered mix of shades is perfect for flattering her complexion, Jason adds. ‘When the skin has warm undertones, having sunlit hair can enhance the skin’s complexion to feel warm and glowier, he adds. ‘The placement of the sunlit hair focuses on the mid-lengths and ends, with gentle face framing, so it looks more natural and effortless.’
Mark Cuthbert
Kate’s elegant detailing at the back of her hair
Using such a featherlight touch with colour placement is also more flattering than the all-over shade Kate adopted last year. ‘Her hair is naturally quite dense and long, so the subtle tones throughout help lift the colour from being a single block colour to a more summer-transitional effect, without committing to full blonde hair,’ Jason says.
Chris Jackson / Getty Images
Kate’s lighter look from last year
Having previously lightened her hair should have given Kate a leg-up with this look, Jason tells us. ‘It helps to lift the hair quicker and more easily. However, some more depth might be needed – a colourist might rebuild a brunette base before weaving in highlights, creating a more natural finish.’
How to get sunlit brunette hair
To achieve this look, ‘ask for soft balayage or micro babylights, placed in ultra-fine irregular pieces throughout the hair,’ says Jason. ‘They need a warmer undertone, not ashy. Keep the root natural by asking for a gentle root shadow to preserve depth as well as to support the transition with new hair growth.’
The initial appointment will be an investment of time and money. ‘But it’s one of those “high maintenance to be low maintenance” things, making colour appointments less frequent, but with a toner top-up as needed,’ says Jason.
Karwai Tang
Kate’s hair shade casts a warm glow on her complexion, says Jason
How to get Kate’s glossy finish
The Princess of Wales’s hair has an ultra-shiny finish to bring her shades to life; something to bear in mind. ‘When you lighten the hair, it can feel harder to create a glossy finish, so regular hair conditioning masks and washing the hair with cool water at the end of a shower helps to lock in the cuticles for a smoother, glass-like finish, advises Jason. ‘Using less heat, or at least always using a heat protectant and staying in the shade will help the colour last longer.’
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