18 Photos Show How Royal Hairstyles Changed Through the Years

When you’re part of the most influential elite in the world, looking elegant and graceful is an occupational duty. The last touch to achieve that desired look will always be a flawless hairstyle. From pin curls in the 1920s to Kate Middleton’s loose waves, royal hairstyles have evolved throughout the years.

From the more conservative hairstyle of Queen Elizabeth II to the shaggy look of Lady Di, Bright Side is taking you down memory line to get inspired by these iconic royal hairdos.

1920s

During the ’20s, many women gained the right to vote, and this empowerment made them confident enough to start being freer in many aspects. They became bolder and started experimenting with their hairstyles. The most common trends were different versions of the bob, pin curls, and finger waves in the style of Greek goddesses, as was the case for Lady Elisabeth Bowes-Lyon.

1940s

In the 1940s, the world went through political, social, and economic events that had an impact on the everyday lives of people. Women started working in factories and armed services, so they needed a more practical way to style their hair. There wasn’t a strict fad but they did their best to wear a feminine, soft hairstyle inspired by glamorous actresses from Hollywood, such as Veronica Lake.

1950s

This decade embraced a more eclectic way of styling hair. Women experimented with their looks, going from rebellious pixie cuts to a more glamorous soft bob. Their muses were the stars that paraded every night in their TV sets, and Grace Kelly was the ultimate Hollywood diva turned royalty.

1960s

Hair became a symbol of the counterculture revolution during this decade. Women opted for shorter haircuts, whereas men decided to grow their hair long. Bouffants, pompadours, and poodle cuts were long gone, and it was time to go for an edgier look.

1970s

Feminism became all the rage, and the way women styled their hair became more androgynous. They no longer craved the delicate and sophisticated look of previous decades, and both men and women started sporting similar looks. Hair was supposed to make a statement and, by the looks of it, Princess Anne was at the center of this trend.

1980s

This decade was all about excesses, and the main focus was placed on consumerism, materialism, and individuality. Hairstyles were no exception, and the motto everyone went by was, “The bigger, the better.” Lady Di’s popularity skyrocketed and she became a role model for the younger generations of women not only due to her charitable causes but also because of her sense of style.

1990s

The ’90s was a revolutionary decade with the surge of the Internet and people trying to stay updated not only with the latest technological advances but also with the trends of that time. The high bands, crimped hair, and bold dye colors became a way for people to express their uniqueness.

The twenty-first century

Fashion is all about reinvention and bringing back styles from the past but with a modern twist. The popular hairstyles in the last 2 decades have been about bolder and more asymmetrical choices of haircuts combined with brighter colors to finish off that edgy look. The female members of royalty have incorporated these trendier styles, still maintaining the decorum their position requires.

Who is your favorite royal? Which royal hairstyle would you like to copy?