Let’s be honest, few things are as closely scrutinised in the public eye as royal hairstyles. From perfectly coiffed buns at state banquets to effortless blow-dries on overseas tours, the Royals’ hair and beauty regime is always on point.
The fascinating world of royal hairstyling is something fans all over the world love reading about. In many cases, people try to emulate the regal styles, which frequently start new trends. Behind every glossy wave and cascade of curls is a team of hardworking, ultra-skilled stylists.
Royal Roots of Hairdressing
Hairdressing for the Royal family began in earnest in the world of ceremony and portraiture during the Tudor period. Paintings were the only way to capture royals’ images and preserve them for posterity. Elaborate hairdos weren’t just fashionable styles, they were status symbols. Think of the towering coiffures of Queen Elizabeth I, or the powdered wigs of the 1600s, popularised in England after King Charles II was influenced by spending time in France. They were worn by both men and women of the upper classes, each design being meticulously crafted to project power and regality.
As monarchy moved into the 20th century and photography replaced oil paintings, the importance of grooming only intensified. Hair became a crucial part of the visual branding of royalty - controlled, graceful and timeless. “Not a hair out of place” was an apt description. This is where the royal hairdresser comes in: part artist, part diplomat but completely indispensable.
Becoming a Royal Hair Stylist
Hairdressers to the royal family are no ordinary stylists and it’s not a job for everyone. From looking after the golden locks of Queen Camilla for 30 years to making Kate Middleton’s long, bouncy waves as natural and glossy as possible, they must earn their stripes. This usually means many years of experience, with a client list that reads like a who’s who of high society, and most importantly, a reputation for complete discretion. Stylists often get their start in top-tier salons, developing a signature style while proving they can be both innovative and respectful of tradition.
Mary Farquharson: 20th Century Monarchs’ Stylist
Let’s rewind to the quiet elegance of the Scottish Highlands. In a humble cottage in Braemar, a modest hairdresser named Mary Farquharson enjoyed the rare privilege of working with both Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
Mary’s story is one of discreet influence. Her booking diary from the mid-20th century, preserved like a crown jewel, shows appointments with a young Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Queen Mother in the same week. Most of her work happened at Balmoral or Birkhall, but sometimes, the Royals would visit her at her little cottage salon.
Her role was far more than giving Queen Elizabeth hairstyles to remember. When the royal family attended the annual Braemar Gathering, a prestigious Scottish Highland Games event held every September, they would always drive past her home to give her a personal wave when she became too frail to attend in person. They were so close that the Queen’s Private Secretary was informed of her death in 1991.
Locals remember Farquharson dipping combs into a “mug of beer” - or more precisely, a beer shampoo aimed at making hair shinier - before styling. There’s something unpretentious about her salon, and yet she helped to shape the image of the monarchy.
Former customer Joyce McCombie has fondly recalled those days, highlighting the dual role Mary played - community hairdresser and royal image shaper. A perfect bridge between the public and the palace, she always remained discreet about her royal clients.
Hairdressing Through the Generations
As fashion trends and public attitudes toward the monarchy changed in the late 20th century, stylists had to strike a delicate balance: modernise royal coiffures without scandalising. The structured curls of Queen Elizabeth II became an iconic look, representing elegance. However, along came Princess Diana, whose almost casual feathered bob was a media sensation. Her hairstylist, Michael Johnson, understood the power of softening Diana’s image, using subtle changes in length and style to match her evolution from shy newlywed to confident humanitarian.
For the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, hair stylist Richard Ward was chosen to create a stunning image for her marriage to Prince William. Her hair has become a global obsession in its own right, with her shiny blowouts, artful updo styles and daring curtain bangs sparking countless Pinterest boards.
Ward is still responsible for much of that glamour. His London salon, Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, is a hub of hair and beauty magic. Amanda Cook Tucker is the practical genius behind Kate’s overseas tour looks, travelling with her, styling in hotel rooms, and adapting styles to tropical climates or snowy engagements since 2012.
What’s a Royal Warrant and why does it Matter?
Have you ever noticed those tiny crests that appear on certain products and services? That’s the Royal Warrant - essentially the monarchy’s official stamp of approval. It’s given to businesses that have provided at least five years’ consistent, top-tier service to a royal household.
The Royal Warrant is an elite badge of honour that commends both skills and trust in a company - for hairstylists, being granted a Royal Warrant is the ultimate accolade. Jo Hansford, the queen of colour and long-time hairdresser to Queen Camilla, was awarded a Royal Warrant in December 2024, after more than three decades. It was reportedly Hansford’s idea that Camilla “had to be blonder” to better suit her complexion.
Royal Style: Tradition Meets Social Media
In today’s world, royal hairstylists don’t just have to navigate curls and colour; they’re also juggling public expectations, social media chatter and evolving royal protocols. The younger royals, like Kate Middleton, walk a fine line in looking relatable, regal, modern and modest all rolled into one.
Hairstylists have to anticipate how a new look will be received. Is it too edgy, or too old-fashioned? Will it photograph well under different lighting? Let’s not forget, hair is personal, whether you’re a royal or not. It’s about identity and individuality. For women like Kate and Camilla, their hair is a symbol of continuity, glamour and style.
Hairdressers must adhere to royal standards around discretion and professionalism. Most importantly, having the best tools of their trade is imperative. We’re not just talking about scissors and straighteners, but hygiene standards and PPE too. Whether wearing vinyl gloves to tint the royal coiffure, nitrile gloves to provide barrier protection against chemical treatments, or latex gloves for a variety of salon uses, the Royals would never take shortcuts when it comes to safety or cleanliness.
A Cut Above the Rest
One thing is clear: behind every flawless royal photo is a hairstylist who’s worked tirelessly to get it just right, yet makes it look effortless. Being a royal hairdresser means helping to make history and being a silent witness to many moments, both personal and public.
From the refined calm of Mary Farquharson’s Braemar cottage to the bustle of London’s top salons, the journey of royal hairstyling is a blend of tradition and artistry.
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