Meghan Markle's 4 most iconic hairstyles that you can DIY at home

Meghan Markle's hairstyles—whether she's showing up with a messy bun with wisps, or a polished blowout—have been able to shake up what “royal beauty” is meant to look like. “We made Cali girl hair a bit more formal and had a real laugh,” shared her hairstylist George Northwood about their philosophy as they worked together through Markle's time in the UK. Inspired to try a Royal-favourite hairstyle at home? Here are four of the best ones you can DIY.

1) The messy bun

Meghan Markle's messy bun has been her most iconic style till date—so much so that she chose it for her wedding reception too. “The messy bun purely came off the back of making the hair both appropriate and adhering to royal protocol, and modern at the same time,” shared Northwood. “We wanted it to be up, because a lot of the time it was appropriate for it to be up, but we didn’t want it to be too formal. We always wanted it to be refined imperfection – that’s what sums her up," he shared. This piece-y, casual take on the chignon is great if you want a refined but comfortable updo to try. 

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   Spritz strands with a hairspray or mousse to create messy volume.

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   Then, part your hair as normal and take two front sections out on each side.

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   Scrape the rest of the hair back into a messy, low ponytail and then wrap it into a bun. Using a wide-toothed comb, back-comb hair to create texture.

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   Using a curling iron, tong the front bits into a loose curls, and blast with hairspray to set.

2) The wraparound ponytail

When Markle liked to have her hair back, she usually chose this swingy ponytail, but kept her flyaways and hair at the crown flat against her head. This ponytail suits any hair and face type perfectly, so the versatility makes it customisable. 

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   Prep the hair with a mousse or hair oil to slick it down.

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   Blowdry the hair straight with a centre parting, making sure to tamp down any frizz that may form.

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   Then, gather the hair at the nape to create a ponytail and secure.

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   Using a small piece of hair from the underneath of the ponytail, wrap around the base to hide the hair tie.

3) The sleek bun

While Markle is partial to the messier form, she likes a tight, sleek bun when the occasion calls for it. The no-fuss style boasts some super-subtle volume near the bun, with not a single hair out of place—it is a style that anyone could do themselves without the help of a glam squad. 

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   Flat iron hair straight, and then apply a smoothing gel, oil or hairstyle to tame flyaways and frizz.

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   With a fine-tooth comb, pull hair into an elastic and secure. Twist the ponytail and then wrap around, securing with another hair tie.

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   Secure any flyaways with bobby pins, and use a drop of hair oil or serum to flatten everything down.

4) The perfect blowout

Naturally curly, Markle typically wears her strands blown out and styled in waves. While the styles switch between easy and effortless, full-bodied and bouncy, or sleek and ultra-polished—the first kind has always been her usual go-to. To keep the style from feeling too formal, tendrils are usually left loose at the front with a slight wave added. “Framing the face, they add the elements of youth and vitality to the wearer. Whether your hair is poker straight or naturally curly, there are a number of wavy hairstyles that can be created,” shared Northwood.

1. 1

   Use a frizz-fighting product on your strands to prep.

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   Then, blow dry the hair. Get all the tangles out, and then blow dry in upwards and outward motions, going section by section.

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   Set strands in large velcro rollers to create loose waves, and then remove only when each section is completely cool.

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   Rake your fingers or a wide-toothed comb and enhance the shape of the waves while breaking them up.

Also read:

These are Meghan Markle’s favourite makeup and skincare products

50+ pictures and videos inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s stunning royal wedding

Meghan Markle's hairstylist tells you how to create the perfect waves