To witness the outcry after last week’s public appearance by the Princess of Wales, you might have thought that there was an abdication on the cards. But no, the big reveal as she met with children in the gardens of the Natural History Museum was simply that she had lightened her hair.
Blonde speculation began two weeks ago when a photograph showed a glimpse of Kate on her way to a church service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral in Scotland. Was it a trick of the light? Had her chestnut waves simply lightened in the sun on holiday in Kefalonia?
Last week’s trip to the museum, to see outdoor learning spaces that will encourage kids into nature, was confirmation that she has indeed gone a few shades lighter. And as a brunette-turned-bronde myself, I think I know why she lightened her hair.
Now in my forties, like Kate, I wanted to address my increasing number of grey hairs.
Also like Kate, I’ve been through cancer treatment. While we don’t know what type of cancer she had, I had chemotherapy for breast cancer four years ago when I was 40, causing me to lose my hair. When it came back, I had no interest in growing old gracefully and allowing my grey hairs to grow freely. Some women look amazing with their natural grey hair but, for me, my hair was no longer ‘just hair’ – it was a huge part of me feeling like my old self again.
The Princess of Wales showed off her new bronde look on a trip to the Natural History Museum last week
I could tint my roots dark like my natural hair colour. But grey roots are glaringly white against dark hair, even if you only have a few. I did this for a while but the regular maintenance involved, not to mention the hypervigilance towards any glint of white along my parting, was a bit much.
I needed expert advice, so I went to see renowned colourist Hannah Phillips of Bangs salon in east London, who has slowly built up my highlights. What started as a subtle bit of balayage has morphed into full-on bronde. The good news is that I can go far longer between appointments, since grey roots don’t stand out as much on lighter hair, but it’s not necessarily a low-maintenance option.
‘Bleach is often used to lift colour, but it’s important not to overdo it on grey hair, as it tends to be naturally coarser,’ explains Hannah. This is why brunettes who have enjoyed decades of naturally glossy hair sometimes can find that a few greys, in combination with bleach, create a straw-like texture.
‘Kate’s blend of blonde and light brown tones is a great example of how to achieve brightness without causing unnecessary dryness,’ she says, adding that with the right maintenance, bronde is a great option. ‘Going slightly lighter as those first grey hairs appear is the perfect way to disguise them. Not only does it make regrowth less noticeable, it also creates a softer, more flattering look against the skin as our complexion changes with age.’
To prevent Worzel Gummidge hair, Hannah recommends using moisture-rich products. ‘Just as we care for our skin as we age, our hair deserves the same TLC,’ she says. ‘I love Davines Momo shampoo and conditioner for hydration, and Maria Nila Cica oil to leave the hair silky smooth and frizz free.’
TV presenter Susanna Reid defended Kate, saying that she has also opted for the lighter shade, having found that dark brown no longer suits her
Whether you choose to embrace or disguise your first grey hairs, it will involve a bit more care and attention – as does everything from our skincare to our diet as we age. It’s often a case of trial and error to find what works for you. Most of us have the freedom to try things out without much feedback (my husband barely noticed), while poor Kate is doing it on the world stage.
A high-profile brunette going blonde often receives a similar response to a fuller-figured star losing weight – which is that fans feel somehow let down (think Adele, Lizzo or Rebel Wilson). People connect their identity to a particular look, and can be very quick to criticise: ‘it doesn’t suit her’ and ‘she looked better before’.
Online trolls have been particularly brutal about Kate’s hair, prompting Princess Diana’s former hairdresser Sam McKnight to write on Instagram: ‘I cannot believe how evil and lacking in any kind of empathy are the comments… Shame on you.’
Meanwhile, television presenter Susanna Reid defended Kate, saying that she has also gone ‘bronde’. ‘Having lighter pieces in my hair is a bit softer on ageing skin,’ she explained.
‘That [dark brown] shade now on my skin isn’t flattering.’
When Kate attended a Women’s Rugby World Cup match at the weekend, some said her hair was darker again.
But I know from experience that, when you have highlighted hair, it can look much lighter or darker depending on everything from whether you’re wearing it up or down, to what the light is like that day.
Either way, she looks great. Brondes unite!
