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

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

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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

Princess Diana Hair

Act & Acre Comb

2. Long pixie

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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.

Princess Diana Hair

Slip Silk Pillowcase

Princess Diana Hair

Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm

3. Reflective shine

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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

Princess Diana Hair

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

4. Short curls

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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.

Princess Diana Hair

Aveda Be Curly Conditioner

Princess Diana Hair

Living Proof Curl Enhancer

5. Straight side part

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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

Princess Diana Hair

H&M Wool Beret

6. Next-level volume

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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

Princess Diana Hair

Airwrap™ Complete Long Multi Hair Styler

7. Bouncy pixie

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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.

Princess Diana Hair

Ouai Hair Gloss

Princess Diana Hair

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

More Princess Diana hair inspiration

1981

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

1981

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At a polo match before her wedding.

1981

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At a polo match at Cowdray Park Polo.

1981

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At her wedding to Prince Charles.

1982

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On a Royal visit to Barmouth, Wales.

1982

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After the birth of Prince William.

1983

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At a Polo match in Cirencester.

1983

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On an official visit in Canada.

1984

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Visiting Dr Barnardos Charity in East London.

1984

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With the newly born Prince Harry.

1985

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During a skiing holiday in Liechtenstein.

1987

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

1987

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In Germany wearing sapphire and diamond jewels.

1988

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

1995

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

1995

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Leaving the Chelsea Harbour Club, London.

1997

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