The Story Behind Meghan’s Royal Tour Hair

Between Princess Eugenie’s wedding and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s pregnancy announcement, it’s been a busy few days for the royal family. And, now Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has added a new hairstyle to her agenda. What will these productive royals do next!?

It’s a known fact that frizz is the enemy of all women, especially those about to be photographed. With rain streaming down in Australia, Meghan’s go-to messy bun or loose locks are out of the question. Instead, she’s found the simplest way to ensure her royal tour goes off without a bad hair day thanks to a humble ponytail. It's classic, chic and requires very little fuss.

The first photographs of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in Australia - the first stop on their 16-day whirlwind tour that also includes New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji - showed that the royals personal attaché included one celebrity hairdresser. George Northwood who owns the eponymous salon in Fitzrovia cuts Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung’s hair and famously created Meghan’s ‘do for her wedding reception.

See: All Of Meghan's Royal Tour Hair And Beauty Looks

When it comes to Meghan’s appearance there’s unfettered interest in her every fashion and beauty move, so it makes sense that for this 16-day photo opp she (and possibly Harry) would be keen to have a professional keeping their hair in check. Though he’s known for creating loose waves for his A-Lister clients Australia’s humidity and rain makes this a less practical choice for Meghan who likely straightens her hair. The neat central-parted ponytail, however, makes just as much of a beauty statement with less chance of frizz.

Dirty hair is the secret behind Meghan's perfect pony. In one old Vogue article Northwood gives away his secret tips for creating a flawless ponytail (à la Meghan's). 'Firstly I'd say a ponytail is better on dirty hair - or if you don't like leaving your hair unwashed then you could use some dry shampoo to add texture,' he said. Next, he advises not brushing the hair but using your fingers to pull it into place. He adds, 'Gwyneth Paltrow and Laura Bailey like to keep their hair pulled back tightly at the sides - it lifts your eyes and is basically an instant facelift. Keep it a bit looser on the top though, it's more casual and stops you from looking flat-headed or like you have too much forehead.