9 Meghan Markle Hair Looks You Can Recreate—from Her Red Carpet Days to Her Royal Engagements

If we had to pick one look that’s so Markle, it’s her wavy mane. These smooth waves work for any event, as evidenced throughout many of her royal appearances over the years. If you don’t have a naturally wavy texture like Markle, a large curling iron and texturizing spray can help do the trick. 

Get the look: R+Co Texturizing Spray ($32); T3 Curling Iron ($170)

The 41-year-old beauty doesn’t seem to have any set rules when it comes to parting her hair; one day she's rocking a center part, the next she's wearing a deep side part. If you prefer the latter, consider curling your strands into uniform curls (with help from rollers) and top them off with some styling spray to get that shiny, voluminous finish a la Markle. On that note, it’s been confirmed that she uses the Kerastasé Oleo Relax line to keep her hair smooth.

Get the look: Kérastase Bain Discipline Oleo Relax Shampoo ($38); Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray ($69)

The Duchess of Sussex enjoys a voluminous blowout, but she’s no stranger to wearing a sleeker style from time to time. In 2013, she wore her natural hair super straight at the Tracy Reese fashion show. Fast forward to 2020, when she attended the Mountbatten Music Festival and showed off a glossy silk press that complimented her red statement gown. To recreate the look, part your hair in the middle before running a flat iron through to smooth down any flyaways; add some hair oil to boost shine in each section. “Wella, which has a hair oil that I am obsessed with, smells like vacation and makes your hair slippery and touchable. I love this stuff! It also doubles as a pretty amazing body oil post-bath,” Markle told Beauty Banter in 2016.

Get the look: Wella Reflections Smoothing Oil ($45); BaBylissPRO Straightening Iron ($160)

One word: Glamorous. The humanitarian was first seen wearing this look all the way back in 2013 before she became a part of the royal family. To recreate her retro waves, brush one section of your hair to the side and add subtle waves throughout using a two-inch curling iron (or a triple-barrel waver). For extra bounce, Markle’s former hairstylist recommends bending your head forward, spraying a bit of texturizing spray at the roots and flipping your head back dramatically to add that final oomph.

Get the look: Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray ($35); Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold 3 Barrel Hair Waver ($85)

If there’s a gala, you can pretty much expect Markle to sport a chic updo. Her signature style is a tousled, pulled-back look that’s both glam and casual. She’s also been seen wearing a French twist from time to time as she did during her 2018 Autumn Tour with Prince Harry. To recreate the style, comb your hair into a side part before gathering it loosely at the crown (so you get a voluminous bump on top). Then, begin twisting and tucking in the ends before securing everything in place with pins.

Get the look: Conair Hair Pins ($7); Bumble and Bumble Does It All Hairspray ($34)

As soon as Meghan Markle became a part of the Royal Family, the Duchess was seen sporting another look more often: the low bun. Since 2018, the hairstyle has been her go-to and we can’t blame her. Get the look by parting your hair down the middle, making sure to leave a few face-framing tendrils out. Next, wrap your hair into a low bun near the nape of your neck and bonus points if you add a subtle bump on top to further elevate the look.

Get the look: Kitsch Eco-friendly Nylon Elastics ($8); Hair Brush and Comb Set ($14)

Yet another variation of a bun, the former royal kept things extra sleek for royal engagements in Ireland, Morocco and London. Whether it’s parting her hair to the side, middle or brushed back, Markle kept her bun in a tight, twisted style for these occasions. You’ll want to invest in a strong hold gel to keep the flyaways down (or make like Markle and use a smoothing cream instead).

Get the look: Pattern Strong Hold Hair Gel ($25); Briogeo Boar Bristle Hair Brush ($28)

It’s rare for Markle to rock a tousled pony, but when she does, it’s worth taking note. The Duchess first revealed this look during the 2018 Autumn tour and it gave her iconic bun a run for its money. The style showed off her lengthy mane and her hair-wrapped tail was just the icing on the cake. All you need to do is slick your hair back into a mid-ponytail and let your natural texture cascade down. According to ET, a former hairstylist for Markle revealed they used a small bristle brush to tame any frizz and flyaways around the hairline.

Get the look: Spornette Little Wonder Bristle Brush ($10)

If you catch Markle in a half-up look, a top knot or a high pony, you're in for a treat, as it's a rare sighting. In 2018, Markle surprised us with a half-up style during her visit to Australia. She hasn’t worn her hair like this since, but we’re hoping we’ll have a chance to see it again soon. She kept things casual by sectioning her hair into a small ponytail at the crown and showing off her natural texture through the ends.

When it comes to the top knot, she was seen sporting the Cinderella-esque look twice. In 2019, she debuted her top knot during a visit to the City University of London. According to People, the new style was done by her hairdresser, George Northwood. He recommends prepping your strands with dry shampoo before tying everything up into a high ponytail at the top of your head. Then, wrap it into a knot and secure the ends in place with pins. 

Finally, the high ponytail was first seen earlier this year at the Invictus Games. While Markle is usually spotted wearing a low bun or pony, we’re predicting that she’ll take things up higher in her post-royal duties. 

Get the look: Klorane Dry Shampoo ($20); Serge Normant Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray ($22)