The Duchess of Cambridge caused a stir when she wore her long hair slicked behind her ears at an awards ceremony earlier this month.
Yes, it was a simple looking style – but worn to dramatic effect.
This was a fresh and modern look that made her appear radiant and youthful. As much as I love Her Royal Highness’ signature bouncy blow dry, this hairstyle has taken her years.
Duchess of Cambridge, 40: She’s gorgeous in both pictures, but this sleek new look is so modern and fresh it really suits Kate
My long-haired clients certainly seem to agree. Photos from the event were an aha moment for many who have since sat down in front of me and my team and wanted us to replicate the Duchess’ look for them.
And no wonder. That was adult chic to die for. Pulling the Duchess’ hair back like this opened up her face and showed off her beautiful bone structure in an impressive way.
Her jewelry popped and so did her eyes. She’s already so beautiful, but this style has taken her good looks to a glamorous, whole other level.
Claire Foy, 38: When I first looked at these pictures of Claire, I thought they were two different women. The comparison between the two proves how de-aging this hairstyle can be
Of course, the Duchess is far from the only one to have discovered that pinning your hair back does wonders for your face — it’s like an instant facelift without a surgeon putting their scalpel anywhere near you.
Celebrities of all ages have been spotted sporting the same hairstyle at various red carpet events.
It’s amazing how each of them magically looked ten years younger just by pulling their hair back instead of letting it fall loosely around their shoulders.
This time of year, the warmer weather is becoming the cue for many of my clients to insist they’re sick of their own long hair – and say they wish they were brave enough to let me cut it.
Nicole Kidman, 54: The Aussie star looks more groomed with her hair showing its natural kinks, but by straightening it and pulling it away from her face, she glows
Gwyneth Paltrow, 49: She looks pretty with her wavy and long hair like she just got off the beach. But by taking it straight and tucking it behind her ears, she looks red carpet ready
Now you can see that a straightened hairstyle like this is a far less scary option – it allows me to create something dramatically different without sacrificing an inch of your locks.
Just don’t be fooled by how effortlessly chic this hairstyle looks. You might be used to tucking your own tresses behind your ears when you’re slaving away at your desk or cooking in your kitchen—but believe me, ladies, it’s not.
Each of the A-listers you see in these photos had their hair expertly combed back by a professional who spent a good 90 minutes getting everything just right.
That’s not to say you can’t pull off the style yourself. You just have to take the time and patience to get it right.
For these celebs, every head of hair is blow-dried, every last kink or hint of frizz smoothed out with products and straighteners.
Brooke Shields, 56: This is old-style movie star glam with a twist. Pinning the hair back creates clean lines around the neck and jawline
Jodie Comer, 29: Richard says… With her hair down she looks like a nice girl from Liverpool. But with her hair out of her face, the Killing Eve star looks like the A-lister she is
Then the hair is gelled or waxed into position one small section at a time.
Unruly strands can be tamed by spritzing hairspray on a comb and gently sweeping it over the head to bring them under control.
Hairspray on a brush also works well in the pre-straightening phase – you follow the direction of the brush closely with your hairdryer’s nozzle, the heat of which helps set everything in place.
Sometimes, with particularly long or thick hair, a bobble can be used as a belt and braces to ensure nothing slips.
This tiny ponytail can be tucked at the nape of your neck, covered by the rest of your hair. Some barbers like to braid it in.
Helen Mirren, 76: A national treasure, Dame Helen should always keep her platinum blonde hair away from her classically beautiful face to look fresh and younger
I know there will be women with round faces who read this with a touch of skepticism, thinking they have no cheekbones to show off at all; They may insist that having a lot of hair falling around their chin makes them feel more secure.
But I think this is a very sleek hairstyle – it’s as flattering as a shorter bob because it frames your face, whether round or thin.
The only face shape it might not be suitable for would be a longer one, and if you have a longer neck it might also go against you as it might exaggerate those features.
Otherwise try it out. Just make sure your hairline is super straight — salons can now safely and chemically straighten that troublesome frizzy hairline if you’re struggling with it — before you start pinning even a strand in place.
It really is a shortcut to shaving your looks by a decade.