Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, paid a visit to freshers at the University of Derby this week and debuted a swish new hair look. And yes - you can always count on Kate to show the masses how a blow-dry should be done, but it was her fresh new cut and the lighter caramel tones through her lengths that really caught our eye. And it got us thinking - is there something strategic about the moments Kate chooses to change up her hair? Coco Chanel famously said, 'a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life,' and many of us can attest to having done exactly that. So let's dig deeper...
Are we set to witness a big life change for the Duchess of Cambridge? Or is Kate simply ahead of the Covid-cut game? Yes - in light of the government's recent announcements many of us are gearing up for a second lockdown, so it stands to reason that the Duchess of Cambridge would want to keep tabs on her cut and colour in the lead-up. Maybe we should all be taking a leaf out of Kate's book and booking in.
Or, maybe Kate has formed a well-loved habit and October calls for a routine cut and colour for the Duchess? Surely it's no coincidence that she debuted a very similar revamp at this very time last year (almost to the day) ahead of her and William's tour of Pakistan...
Exactly A Year Ago Kate Debuted A Similarly Revamped Look
Kate's outfit might have been made up of a combination of autumnal tones during her visit to the Natural History Museum on the 9th October 2019, but her new hair look was significantly more summery. Famed for her glossy brunette hair, Kate surprised the expectant paparazzi by sporting a noticeably lighter colour. Caramel tones and honeyed highlights blended seamlessly together in a brunette-meets-blonde shade that looked more born of the beach than the bottle. Was a lengthy stay on an island - perhaps royal favourite, Mustique - behind this brighter hair shade? Or was the new look down to the skill set of a high-end colourist?
However Kate manages to brighten her own hair, we can draw on the expertise of renowned hair stylist to the stars, Jamie Stevens, when it comes to getting the look for ourselves.
The Pro's Guide To Highlighting Like Kate
Just like our highlight-loving selves, Jamie is a big fan of Kate's autumnal switch-ups. 'With the autumnal weather creeping in, one of the biggest colour trends this season is golden, honeyed colour techniques, incorporating warmer hues, blended into the hair’s natural tones. Kate Middleton is one of many embracing a new, lighter look. The overall effect is created using a mixture of highlights and warmer lowlights, while enhancing the natural depth level of the hair. Kate Middleton’s new mix of lighter and darker tones creates contrast and dimension in the hair, giving it a new lease of life.'
Jamie continues 'I love that she has chosen to shake up her colour and embrace a lighter hue. The soft caramel pieces really compliment her skin tone and have softened her darker brown, globally renowned colour, enhancing the brightness in her skin too', you've got to love a beauty bonus.
'Her look hasn’t required much change to her natural hair' says Jamie, 'but the subtle balayage has given the impression of a complete hair overhaul.' What a nifty trick.
What To Ask For At The Salon
'Asking your stylist for balayage will enhance your eyes, cheekbones and jaw line,' says Jamie. 'The best thing with balayage is that it is super low maintenance and even when it grows out it still looks perfect, without having to deal with any harsh root outgrowth.' Request lightening your hair within the remit of no more than three shades lighter than your current hair colour, and alternating between the darker and lighter end of the spectrum with a subtle weave.
It's All In The Maintenance
There's no point forking out for a no-expenses spared colour appointment if you're not prepared to stay on top of toning. Keep very un-Duchess-like brassiness at bay with the hair know-it-all's old faithful violet shampoo. Here are seven of the best.
SHOP: The Best Purple Shampoo For Coloured Hair
The Best Purple Shampoos For Blonde Hair
1 of 8Watermans Purple Shampoo & Conditioner No Yellow Set
It's that shiny and silky silver hair that some people just can't resist. Watermans Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set can help you achieve this. Not only does it have some amazing anti-brass ingredients such as, Willow bark extract, Veg Keratin and Caffeine, it also has a hair boosting technology to help towards getting that salon recharged look.
2 of 8Sachajuan Silver Shampoo
If there's one thing Scandi hairdressers understand, it's how to keep the perfect blonde. This silver shampoo was designed by Stockholm's favourite salon, Sachajuan. It neutralises yellow using violet pigments while nourishing and hydrating.
3 of 8Provoke Touch Of Silver Brightening Shampoo
You'll have definitely heard of this brand, because it's so gosh darn popular. Provoke's Touch of Silver shampoo is super affordable, and it will give impressive results. Even if you're on a tight budget, you can still take good care of your hair colour with this.
4 of 8Bleach Silver Shampoo
This shampoo is a game-changer for any blonde. It will tone down yellow while moisturising with wheat proteins and vitamin B5. Perfect if you are chasing the ideal ash blonde or a salon-fresh platinum finish and don't want colour build-up.
5 of 8L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Blondifier Trio
L'Oreal's neutralising shampoo helps to protect your blonde hair and keep it looking healthy. This set includes a shampoo, conditioner and mask, so pamper yourself and you'll feel like you've been to the salon.
6 of 8Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo
This vegan-friendly shampoo has been formulated with optical brighteners and violet hues to reduce the appearance of discolouration. It provides reflective shine and a brighter appearance, while ethylhexylglycerin delivers moisture to the hair. When it comes to hair care, Philip Kingsley knows his stuff.
£13.99
- Rrp: £27.00
7 of 8Jo Hansford Expert Colour Care Platinum Shampoo
Jo Hansford's Platinum product line is a godsend for blondes everywhere. You can use this every day to refresh your hair without drying it out. Enriched with nourishing pomegranate oil and sunflower seed extract, it shields hair from oxidation and UV radiation.
8 of 8Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista Purple Shampoo and Conditioner for Blonde Hair
Talk about value for money. This TIGI set contains shampoo and conditioner and is worth £35, so it's definitely saving you some cash. These big ol' bottles boost cool tones, reduce brassy tones, and deliver captivating shine. They're also sulphate surfactant free and help protect your hair from heat.
£15.50
- Rrp: £16.05
READ MORE: Kate Middleton Reportedly Passed On Her Favourite Beauty Sleep Product To Meghan