30 times Princess Kate proved she was hair goals – from intricate updos to waist-long waves

Catherine at the “Our Greatest Team Rises – BOA Olympic Concert” in 2012.

Then-the Duchess of Cambridge at a tea party during her and Prince William’s royal tour of Malaysia in 2012.  

The Princess at a wreath laying ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the final withdrawal from the Gallipoli Peninsula in 2016.

The Princess of Wales pictured at the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in 2017.  

Catherine at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

Catherine looking perfectly polished at the Mauritshuis during a visit to The Hague, Netherlands.  

The royal’s updo at the 2019 BAFTAs showed off her one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown.

The Princess of Wales looked straight out of a storybook at Royal Ascot in 2019.  

The Princess stunned from head to toe at the No Time to Die world premiere, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2021.

The Princess of Wales was polka dot perfection at Royal Ascot in 2022.

The royal mom of three pictured at the St David’s Day Parade in 2023. Celebrity hairstylist Shady Harb previously told HELLO! what makes the hairstyle so special is “its seamless balance of structure and softness,” adding: “The soft twists and woven elements of the hair give it a graceful and romantic feel, while the clean finish and precise placement of each section ensure it remains polished and regal.”

We’re just green with hair envy! Catherine seen here at the 1st Battalion Irish Guards for the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Princess made a sunny appearance at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2025.

Catherine, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, at the 2026 Irish Guards’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks.

“The braided twist into a neat knot here is a particularly elegant touch, and I wonder if it brings a sense of subtle storytelling,” fashion stylist, Leanne Jones has previously told HELLO! of the Princess’ hairstyle. “The braid could be interpreted as a nod to Irish heritage and Celtic folklore, where traditional hairstyles often featured intricate plaits symbolising status and identity.”

The Princess of Wales had her hair styled up in a twisted side bun for the installation ceremony of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally at Canterbury Cathedral in 2026.

At the time, hairstylist Suzie McGill called the royal’s “croissant-style bun” a “great example of considered, thoughtful styling.”

“It’s softly structured, with gentle twists that create the ‘croissant’ shape. It feels classic and polished, without being too structured or overworked, very much in keeping with Kate’s usual approach to hair,” Suzie told HELLO!. “It’s an elegant, versatile style that can work for different occasions.”

The Princess of Wales was the epitome of elegance at Trooping the Colour 2026 with her hair up and topped with a Philip Treacy hat.

Catherine swept her tresses up into a simple, yet chic ponytail for the ceremonial welcome for Singapore’s president in 2014.

Sporty but still stylish. Catherine sported a wrap-around ponytail for her visit to the Portsmouth Historical Dockyard during the America’s Cup World Series event in 2015.

The royal seen here at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where a screening of Disney’s Cruella was hosted for Scottish NHS workers in 2021.

Catherine, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, served a high pony at Wimbledon in 2026.  

Perhaps one of the Princess’ most iconic hairstyles was the one she wore on her wedding day, styled by James Pryce and Richard Ward. Catherine’s demi-chignon that day broke a 350-year-old tradition of royal brides wearing their hair up.

“Catherine was very involved in her chosen style, and the hairstyle was based on her own personal preference,” Richard Ward once told PEOPLE. “It was really a matter of getting a fine balance of feeling natural while also reflecting the occasion.”

Catherine opted for a sophisticated half-updo to visit an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2017.

Catherine brought the glamour to the Royal Variety Performance in 2021 styling her tresses to one side with tight curls.

Catherine stepped out for the Royal Variety Performance in 2023 with blowout waves and curtain bangs. 

The Princess secured her half-up, half-down style with an oversized black velvet bow at a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in 2025.

Even when her hair is down, Catherine continues to prove why she is considered hair goals, as she did with her waves at the Order of the Garter service in 2025.

The Princess’ cascading curls were a winning look at Wimbledon in 2025.

Catherine wore her tresses in a twisted half-up, half-down style with curls at Wimbledon in 2026.