Princess Kate Dazzles at BAFTAs with Bold 80s Hair Transformation

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, made a striking appearance at the BAFTAs 2026, showcasing a dramatic hair transformation that paid homage to the bold styles of the 1980s. Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, Kate turned heads on the red carpet in a blush pink and mauve Gucci dress, accentuated by royal heirloom drop earrings.

Beauty enthusiasts quickly noted that Kate’s signature polished brunette locks were styled into tight, corkscrew curls, a departure from her usual voluminous waves. This new hairstyle presented a cascade of ringlets that exuded confidence and charm. “Kate’s latest look is what I would describe as the classic ’80s curl, which looks to have been pin-curled and set into place,” said international hair stylist Alicia Dobson in an interview with HELLO!. She added that the look embodies femininity and softness, perfectly complementing the elegance of Kate’s dress.

Achieving Kate’s Iconic Curls

For those looking to replicate Kate’s stunning curls, celebrity hair stylist Michael Gray provided some expert tips. He emphasized that achieving this look can be done at home with the proper tools. “Take small sections of hair, either curling in the same direction or alternating directions,” he advised.

Using a 24mm curling tong and a protective product like Living Proof’s ‘Flex’ hairspray, one should start curling just above the cheekbone. Once the curls have cooled, Gray recommends gently breaking them up with a suitable oil, such as Wella Professional’s ‘Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum’, to maintain shine. For a finished look, loosely brush out the curls for an effortlessly glamorous style that still captures the essence of a red-carpet appearance.

Long Hair, Bold Choices

Kate has long been known for her flowing locks, although she has experimented with shorter styles in the past, including a long bob. Currently, her hair appears to be longer than ever, cascading down to her mid-waist. This length challenges the stereotype that women over 40 should avoid longer hairstyles, demonstrating that elegance can transcend age.

The Princess of Wales continues to be a style icon, and her latest look at the BAFTAs serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic hairstyles. With her willingness to embrace bold changes, Kate invites others to express their individuality while highlighting the timeless beauty of well-crafted curls on the red carpet.