Princess Diana's hair became a global signature, blending soft volume, romantic waves, and effortless sophistication. By learning to shape your hair like Diana, you can channel her timeless elegance in everyday moments and special occasions.
Below is a practical overview that maps the key styling elements you will master when recreating her iconic look.
| Style Element | Key Technique | Tools Required | Finish & Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume at Roots | Backcombing at crown | Fine-tooth comb, brush | Light hairspray mist |
| Soft Waves | Medium curling iron, alternate directions | 1 1/4 inch curling iron, heat protectant | Flexible hold spray |
| Slight Tease at Sides | Small-section teasing near temples | Comb, gentle hairspray | Natural movement |
| Polished Bangs | Brushed forward, set with cream or wax | Bobby pins, brush | Silky finish |
Master Volume and Body like Diana
Root Lift and Crown Height
Diana's hair appears to sit slightly elevated from the head, giving her a statuesque profile. To replicate this, create controlled volume at the roots rather than relying on heavy products throughout the lengths.
Use a fine-tooth comb to gently tease sections at the crown, smoothing the outer layer so the texture remains invisible. Finish with a light mist that supports lift without stiffness, ensuring your style looks polished even in wind or humidity.
Create Romantic, Face-Flraming Waves
Curling Technique and Sectioning
Her waves were never razor-straight; they had a soft, spiral movement that framed her face. For consistent results, divide dry hair into horizontal sections and wrap each around a medium-barreled curling iron, alternating directions to avoid a patterned look.
Let curls cool completely before brushing through with a soft-bristle brush to loosen the shape. This preserves enough structure for movement while keeping the overall style elegant and wearable from day to evening.
Polish Bangs and Side Swept Pieces
Bangs Styling and Placement
Diana often wore a side-swept fringe that landed just above the eyebrow. To style this, apply a small amount of smoothing cream, brush the hair forward, and set a few strategic pins behind the fringe for extra control.
Keep the rest of the bangs soft and blended into the front waves, avoiding harsh edges so the style feels romantic rather than severe.
Hair, Length, and Texture Considerations
Adapting the Look to Different Hair Types
If your hair is naturally straight, use a curling wand to create loose bends rather than tight ringlets. For fine hair, focus roots lifting and a light sea salt spray for texture without weighing strands down.
Thicker hair benefits from layered drying and sectioning, which keeps the curls more uniform and makes backcombing at the roots more manageable without visible bulk.
Everyday Elegance with Diana Inspired Hair
- Start with clean, conditioned hair and a heat protectant for shine and long-term health.
- Build root volume gently with a comb, concentrating lift at the front and crown.
- Use a 1 1/4 inch curling iron in alternating directions for natural, face-flraming waves.
- Set with a flexible hold spray and finish with a soft brush for an effortless, polished look.
- Refresh day-two waves with a quick steam and light serum to revive movement without frizz.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I keep my princess Diana waves intact through the day without my hair looking crunchy?
Use a medium-hold flex spray instead of a heavy resin, apply it while the curls are still warm, and avoid over-brushing so the wave pattern stays defined without a crunchy cast.
My hair is very fine; will volume at the roots make my hair look puffy or unnatural?
Fine hair benefits from subtle backcombing at the crown and a lightweight mousse at the roots, which adds lift without visible bulk when you smooth the surface layer carefully.
Can I style my hair like Princess Diana with a short layered cut?
Yes, focus on creating soft waves around the face and gentle height at the crown using clips under the top layer, which preserves the shorter length while giving you her elegant silhouette.
What is the best curling iron size for achieving authentic princess Diana curls?
A 1 1/4 inch curling iron is ideal for medium-loose waves that match her classic look, allowing enough length to create soft spirals without overpowering finer hair textures.