Um, OK, duchess, we see ya. Meghan Markle recently made a video appearance in which she was sporting a sleek new hairstyle, and people were straight shook. In fact, it left lots of people accusing the Duchess of Sussex of going full-on Hollywood and getting hair extensions. It turns out, though, that the super-straight — seemingly 2-foot-long tresses we saw on YouTube — were 100% Meghan's natural hair. It's true: Her hairstylist confirmed that he's NEVER used extensions on the former royal. Meghan was apparently using her hair to make a statement on her newly restored freedom, and it's not the first time she's expressed herself with her hairstyle.
The Duchess of Sussex has in fact been making a statement with her mane from the start of her life as a member of the British royal family. In fact, her stylist also said that during her two years as a working royal she intentionally created an "undone" look for her hair in an attempt to feel more comfortable with the more conservative attire she had to wear — hence her somewhat iconic messy bun.
Once Meghan became a royal, she typically wore either long waves, or a low bun with loose tendrils around her face. Just like her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, she rarely ever strayed from her safe styles. Speaking as someone who also has naturally curly hair, though, Meghan's thick curls were probably not the easiest to keep tame at all times — so it makes total sense that she generally stuck with styles that worked consistently enough to avoid drawing too much attention or criticism. That said, there were definitely more than a few times she seemed to make a statement with her gorgeous locks.
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
New Hair, Don't Care
The 2020 style debut that drew so much attention was this flat-ironed look, highlighting Meghan's noticeably longer hair. People accused her of getting hair extensions, but her hair was only a few inches shorter a couple of months ago, and it's likely that her hair simply grew to such lengths during quarantine.
From the Beginning
Meghan came out the gate strong back in 2017, when she and Prince Harry made their first public appearance as a couple at the Invictus Games. Her long, flowing hairstyle paired with a simple white button-up and ripped jeans let us know right away that she was not the super-conservative person we might expect one of the most famous princes in the world to marry.
Classic Pony
When Meghan Markle stepped out in the rain with Harry in this form-fitting, bright blue dress and the sleekest low pony known to man, she made it clear that regardless of the occasion. (Her idea of formal, is not what's typical for the British royals.) She somehow managed to look completely appropriate next to Harry and his suit and tie in a simple sheath and ponytail.
Talk about class.
Still Sexy
A couple of months before Meghan and Harry got engaged — but after it was already pretty clear that it was coming — Meghan appeared on the cover or Vanity Fair with her hair in sexy, tousled waves, framing a classic come-hither stare. She was clearly letting everyone know that regardless of who her boyfriend/future husband was, she was still gonna be Meghan.
Doing it Her Own Way
At the 10th Annual One Young World opening ceremony in 2019, Meghan wore her dark tresses in a classic updo totally befitting of a duchess, but she did it her way. She let her trademark face-framing tendrils and intentionally messy take on a traditional hairstyle speak to the fact that she will only conform to a point.
Mom Hair
Well in advance of the birth of her son, Archie Harrison, Meghan showed us all that she was already a mom. While heavily pregnant, she threw her hair up in a high ballerina bun for an event and called it a day. Clearly, she was more focused on the event itself than she was on making sure her hair was picture-perfect. She looks gorgeous either way, but we love what this says about her priorities.
It's OK
During an official visit to South Africa alongside Prince Harry in 2019, Meghan was photographed interacting with locals with completely out of control, wind-blown hair. And guess what? She really didn't care — or at least she appeared not to. In nearly every photo from the event she looks like she's having literally the most fun we've seen her have at any official appearance. It was totally OK that her hair was not cooperating, and we respect that.
Whatever It Takes
When Meghan and Harry's son Archie was just a few months old, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on their first official tour after becoming parents. Honestly, it had to be stressful considering Archie's age and that the couple was obviously still getting used to the demands of new parenthood, but they did not let the opportunity for Archie to be in the presence of a living legend — Desmond Tutu — pass. Meghan put on a simple dress, slicked her hair back into a simple, but neat bun and made it happen.
Simple But Chic
Actually, Meghan adopted her go-to mom style while she was still pregnant. Honestly, there's a certain point during pregnancy when everything is just more difficult, so we can't imagine being pregnant and having to get dolled up to make appearances in front of huge crowds all the time. Meghan's reappearing low bun was definitely a sign of the adjustments she was already making as a mom.
She's Sassy, Tho
Even when Meghan is in completely formal attire at a major royal family event, she lets her personal style shine through. When she wore her hair swirled into a shiny side bun, and topped it with a traditional hat that perfectly coordinated with her sheer-shouldered blush pink dress, it added a bit of sass to an otherwise expected look.
Fitting In
For her and Harry's wedding ceremony, Meghan chose to have her hair styled in a subdued and conservative updo. It was perfect with her simple, classy wedding gown, and a totally appropriate choice for the uber-formal ceremony. Meghan showed the world that she could in fact fit right in with the royal family any time the occasion called for her to do so.
Sultry Switch Up
But then … she totally changed it up for her evening wedding reception. The night of her wedding, Meghan stepped out in a curve skimming, halter-neck gown. Her hair was a complete switch-up from earlier in the day, too. (She wore it in a far less formal updo.) It was loosely pinned up with her signature wavy tendrils grazing her face and neck, creating a rather sultry look for a newly minted royal.
Business Casual
In one of her first post-baby appearances, Meghan attended an event to launch her Smart Works capsule clothing collection, which was designed for one of Meghan's official patronages. Smart Works helps women find and land jobs, including outfitting them for interviews. Meghan arrived to the launch in the perfect business casual look — from her hair to her accessories — proving that she was definitely qualified to lead the charge on the clothing line.
Hollywood, Hollywood
These days, Meghan may be best known for being a royal, but before she married Prince Harry, she had a successful Hollywood career. Meghan is an LA girl, and she undoubtedly exudes casual glamour. When she and Harry took their official engagement portrait, her beachy but sleek waves and jewel-encrusted gown revealed Meghan's personal aesthetic.
Fascinating
For one of her last appearances as a working member of the royal family, Meghan went with the her favored low bun, but topped her hairstyle with an emerald green fascinator, a favored style of the royals. Despite the rumors that she was snubbed by the Duchess of Cambridge during this event, Meghan's look proved that she's every bit the royal.
One Last Look
Meghan debuted her super-straight locks before her latest YouTube appearance. While her hair wasn't quite as long back in March (hair grows…), Meghan's style at the Mountbatten Festival of Music definitely gave us a sneak peek into the look she was feeling for 2020. When she attended the festival with Harry, the couple had already announced that they were stepping down from royal duties, and this photo kind of feels like a mic drop.
