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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    Trust me, now is the time to take short hair inspiration from Princess Diana—here are her best looks ever

    They have gone unrivalled

    Rebecca Fearn's avatar
    By Rebecca Fearn Contributions by Katie Thomas
    Published 16 April 2024 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Princess Diana Hair
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Princess Diana epitomised strength, elegance and grace, not only through how she appeared and held herself, but how she treated others and dealt with situations. It is that reason she is so lovingly remembered, of course. And this elegance was always outwardly shown with her immaculate hairstyles, which have come to shape decades worth of hair trends.

    The late Princess of Wales' chopped layers very subtly varied throughout her time in the public eye; for example, she began with longer hair and experimented a little later with a shorter cut. But in general, she always wore her hair in her signature style, with reflective shine, height-defying volume and bouncy shape. 

    So, whether you're looking for inspiration or are simply feeling nostalgic, I've picked out seven times when her iconic hair shone brightest, and shared product recommendations to get the look. 

    1. Blown-out volume

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    It's difficult to talk about anything other than this stunning pearl tiara, but Diana managed to make her hair a conversation starter with ease, no matter the occasion. This gorgeous, glossy blow-out is must, and Color Wow's new Money Mist is an absolute game-changer for achieving expensive-looking shine like this.

    Princess Diana Hair

    Color Wow Money Mist
    £29.50 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

    Princess Diana Hair

    Act & Acre Comb
    £30 AT CULT BEAUTY

    2. Long pixie

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    This smooth, glossy pixie cut was a favourite in Diana's later years, when she'd honed her elegant style. A smoothing hair cream works wonders when paired with sleeping on a luxurious silk pillowcase every night.

    You may like
    • Luke Hersheson My Life In Hair I Spoke to the Super Stylist Behind Victoria Beckham's Iconic Bob—Here Are His Thoughts on Great Hair
    • How to make your blow dry last I've Been Styling Celebrity Hair for 30 Years—Here's How to Make Your Blow-Dry Last for Days
    • The long hair trend and the post-bob era I’ve Spent Two Years Growing My Bob—Turns Out, There's a Reason Long Hair Is Trending

    Princess Diana Hair

    Slip Silk Pillowcase
    £89 AT CULT BEAUTY

    Princess Diana Hair

    Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm
    £36 AT CULT BEAUTY

    3. Reflective shine

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    It often feels impossible to achieve this level of reflective shine as a blonde, but Diana never seemed to have any problems. Her main character-esque wide-brimmed hat is only amplified by the corners of her glossy curls poking out. Invest in a good hair oil for nourishing shine.

    Princess Diana Hair

    Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
    £19 AT SEPHORA

    Princess Diana Hair

    Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
    £27 AT CULT BEAUTY

    4. Short curls

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Diana often wore her hair curly with ample volume, which allowed her gorgeous tiaras to sit just perfectly. Enhance your curls with a nourishing curl conditioner and styling gel or cream.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Princess Diana Hair

    Aveda Be Curly Conditioner
    £32 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

    Princess Diana Hair

    Living Proof Curl Enhancer
    £17.50 AT CULT BEAUTY

    5. Straight side part

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    This French-inspired look is one of the Princess' most iconic. Her straight yet voluminous hair looks perfect underneath the ultra-chic beret. If you don't have one in your collection, it might be time to invest.

    Princess Diana Hair

    ghd Chronos Hair Straightener - White
    £289 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

    Princess Diana Hair

    H&M Wool Beret
    £11.99 AT H&M

    6. Next-level volume

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Ah, the longer hair days. You can't beat a full blowdry, and having a tool like a Dyson Airwrap in your collection can help to maintain height and body. Starting your hair routine with a volume-boosting shampoo can also make all the difference. 

    Princess Diana Hair

    Philip Kingsleys Body Building Shampoo
    £24 AT CULT BEAUTY

    Princess Diana Hair

    Airwrap™ Complete Long Multi Hair Styler
    £399.99 AT JOHN LEWIS

    7. Bouncy pixie

    Princess Diana Hair

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    This look really defines Princess Diana's crowning glory. Her hair looks healthy, shiny and with bounce, and that tiara? Well, it's just the cherry on top.

    What to read next
    • Charlotte Mensah Afro Hair Charlotte Mensah Has Spent 40 Years Changing the Conversation Around Afro Hair—Now, Her Legacy Is Going on Display
    • The Rachel Hair on Gigi Hadid, created by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos  Gigi Hadid Brought Back the 'Rachel' Haircut—So I Tried It Too, and My Hair Has Never Looked So Full
    • brunette woman with bouncy blow dry The 11 Best Hair Dryers of 2026 for Every Hair Type—Tried and Tested by Our Beauty Team

    Princess Diana Hair

    Ouai Hair Gloss
    £30 AT CULT BEAUTY

    Princess Diana Hair

    Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
    £46 AT CULT BEAUTY

    More Princess Diana hair inspiration

    1981

    Princess Diana Hair - Lady Diana Spencer at Buckingham Palace March 1981 the day her wedding to Charles was sanctioned by the Privy Council - GettyImages 515560930

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    At Buckingham Palace the day her wedding to Charles was sanctioned by the Privy Council.

    1981

    1981

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    At a polo match before her wedding.

    1981

    1981

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    At a polo match at Cowdray Park Polo.

    1981

    1981

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    At her wedding to Prince Charles.

    1982

    1982

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    On a Royal visit to Barmouth, Wales.

    1982

    1982

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    After the birth of Prince William.

    1983

    Princess Diana Hair - Princess Diana Watching A Polo Match In Cirencester - GettyImages 52117839

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    At a Polo match in Cirencester.

    1983

    Princess Diana on an official visit in Canada

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    On an official visit in Canada.

    1984

    Princess Diana Visiting Dr Barnardos Charity in East London

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Visiting Dr Barnardos Charity in East London.

    1984

    Princess Diana With the newly born Prince Harry

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    With the newly born Prince Harry.

    1985

    Princess Diana during a skiing holiday in Liechtenstein

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    During a skiing holiday in Liechtenstein.

    1987

    Princess Diana at a fashion show at the Cologne Museum of Art during the Royal Tour of Germany

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    At a fashion show at the Cologne Museum of Art during the Royal Tour of Germany.

    1987

    Princess Diana in Germany wearing sapphire and diamond jewels

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    In Germany wearing sapphire and diamond jewels.

    1988

    Princess Diana in Chenonceaux, France at a chateau in the Loire Valley

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    In Chenonceaux, France at a chateau in the Loire Valley.

    1995

    Princess Diana in New York at The Council for Fashion Designers of America Ball

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    In New York at The Council for Fashion Designers of America Ball.

    1995

    Princess Diana Hair - Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt, leaves Chelsea Harbour Club - GettyImages 76214568

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Leaving the Chelsea Harbour Club, London.

    1997

    Princess Diana On a visit to The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple In Neasden, London

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    On a visit to The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Neasden, London.

    Explore More
    Princess Diana
    Rebecca Fearn
    Rebecca Fearn
    Social Links Navigation
    Freelance Beauty Journalist and Contributor

    Rebecca is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Grazia, Coveteur, Dazed, Stylist, and Glamour. She is also a brand consultant and has worked with the likes of The Inkey List on campaign messaging and branded copy. She’s obsessed with skincare, nail art and fragrance, and outside of beauty, Rebecca likes to travel, watch true crime docs, pet sausage dogs and drink coffee. Rebecca is also passionate about American politics and mental health awareness.

    With contributions from
    • Katie Thomas Senior Beauty Editor
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