Kate Middleton’s International Best Dressed Hair

Posted 08.03.11 by Kristen Spaulding

Embarking for Canada with lustrous locks. Photo by Getty Images.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, tops Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List this year. With a wardrobe of custom Alexander McQueen, an array of Erdem floral frocks and casual classics from Smythe and J.Brand, there is no denying her access to designer fashion as well as her savvy, well-timed and always-appropriate style choices. But there is only one shiny accessory of hers that we can’t stop staring at, and it’s not a new clutch or a borrowed brooch from the Queen (however spectacular in itself.) Her crowning glory is her lustrous mane — beautifully blown-out hair with a slight bend at the end. Celebrity hairstylist Oribe gave us the step-by-step process to achieve princess-worthy hair.

“There is a classic-ness and easiness to Kate’s hair that is really chic and beautiful,” says Oribe.

Step One: Preparation

Oribe says: Start with soft, clean hair that has been conditioned. Achieve optimal texture by using the proper shampoo and conditioner, whether your hair is fine, straight, curly, or wavy. For dry or color treated hair use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. If you have fine hair, stay away from shampoos and conditioners that leave residue. A fabulous one to use for fine hair is the Signature shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is dull use the Shine shampoo and conditioner.

Step Two: Creating Texture

Once the hair is smooth, shiny and clean, use a round brush and blow dryer to set the texture into the hair. ”I like to start out with what I call a power dry – flip your head upside down and blow dry the moisture out. This creates immediate volume because the roots are coming out of the head in a different direction.” Once the moisture is out flip the hair back over and divide it into sections. If you need more volume spray each section with Voluminista to create body and lift. If your hair has body built into it use Royal Blowout to smooth the hair during your blowout. If your hair is extremely fine, replace the round brush with Velcro rollers.

Step Three: Styling

After the blow dry is complete, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl the ends a few inches up. Spray the ends with Soft Lacquer Spray to hold the curl and give it a natural look. Avoid curling the ends too much. You want to create a natural movement and avoid over styling. “There is a natural easiness to Kate’s hair and that is what you want to achieve, “ says Oribe.

Tools Needed

Shampoo and conditioner for your hair type