The Duchess of Cambridge reveals new face-framing highlights

From Harper's BAZAAR

Lockdown hair transformations have been growing in popularity in the past few months, with everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Kim Kardashian emerging with bold new looks. Priyanka Chopra is making a strong case for the new-season fringe, while January Jones and Kaia Gerber have both revealed baby-pink bobs,.

But while most celebrities have plumped for maximum impact with icy-white and nostalgic red shades, the Duchess of Cambridge has taken a typically elegant approach to her own hair refresh.

Kate's hair transformation has been more gradual (and classic) than most, beginning with a honey-blonde hue at the beginning of the summer. Now, Kate has revealed another discrete update, with a series of face-framing highlights lending a lighter, fresher twist to her collarbone-skimming lengths. Known as 'halo highlights', these strategically placed sections are designed to illuminate and flatter the face, as well as offering a style refresh without the laborious upkeep of a traditional full head of highlights.

The duchess revealed this subtle yet smart change during a visit to London Bridge and Whitechapel. Together with the Duke of Cambridge, she spoke to communities, support centres and local businesses to learn about the employment struggles brought on by the global pandemic.

Kate initially revealed her lighter look earlier this summer at the launch of BBC Education initiative Tiny Happy People, showcasing honeyed ‘bronde’ highlights and long face-framing layers.

Meeting with families who have been involved in the project, the duchess paired her classic new look with a long-sleeved midi dress from one of her favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead – the polka-dot version has promptly sold out, but the floral-print alternative is still available – and timeless suede espadrilles.

Tiny Happy People, which the duchess has been involved with since the development stages, provides free digital resources to parents and carers of children up to the age of four, designed to support their language development before school years.

The simple online activities encourage early communication skills in children, while an Instagram account offers helpful and supportive content created by celebrity ambassadors and parents. “It’s information I wish I had had as a first-time mum – for so many parents, it’s gold dust, really,” said Kate on the initiative.

"In the first few months there's a huge amount of support from midwives and health visitors, but from then onwards there's a massive gap before they then start school."

In need of some at-home inspiration? Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for skincare and self-care, the latest cultural hits to read and download, and the little luxuries that make staying in so much more satisfying.

SIGN UP

You Might Also Like

• 8 spring/summer 2019 nail trends to be wearing now

• 10 best summer shorts to wear beyond the beach

• 10 pairs of knee-high boots to transform your autumn look