Kate Middleton stuns with new hairstyle: How to create perfect waves and mistake to avoid

How to recreate Kate Middleton’s waves and the mistake 90% of women make

The waves Kate Middleton wore to the BAFTA Awards 2026 are a perfect example of a luxury hairstyle — voluminous and smooth. In reality, it’s not that difficult to recreate, but most women make one critical mistake that spoils the final result.

The main mistake is starting the curl too close to the roots.

When a curling iron is placed right at the scalp, it creates a visible crease and a sharp bend in the wave. The upper section becomes stiff, heavy, and visually cheap-looking. The hairstyle loses its smoothness and instead looks like overly tight curls that can be aging.

Kate’s waves are created in a completely different way — and that’s exactly what makes them look so stunning.

Kate Middleton and Prince William at the 2026 BAFTA Awards in London (photo: Getty Images)

How to recreate Kate’s hairstyle: step-by-step guide

1. Prepare the hair

Apply heat protection and a lightweight smoothing cream to washed, towel-dried hair.

Volume at the roots should be created with a blow dryer and a round brush, not a curling iron. This is key.

2. Always divide hair into large sections

Thin strands create small, disco-style waves. Kate’s look features large, luxurious waves — so sections should be wide, about 4–5 cm.

3. Do NOT curl from the roots

This is the foundation of her hairstyle.

Place the curling iron below the temples, keeping the top section smooth. Wrap the strand around a large-barrel curling iron or styler without lifting the roots.

4. Hold the curling iron vertically

This creates a soft wave with a gentle curve rather than a defined ringlet.

5. Let the waves set

After releasing the curl, do not touch the hair for 5–7 minutes. Once the wave has cooled, gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb.

6. Keep the ends soft

Kate’s ends are almost straight — this looks modern and luxurious. Don’t over-curl them; lightly smooth with a round brush or leave them natural.

7. Set the style

Use a light-hold hairspray or a texturizing cream. Avoid strong-hold products — they kill the volume and movement of the wave.

How to get Kate Middleton’s hairstyle (Photo: Getty Images)

Why the root mistake is so critical

If you start curling too high:

• The wave becomes shorter and more angular

• Volume drops downward

• Hair loses shine

• The style can look like an overheated curl

• The face appears visually heavier

In Kate’s case, the wave begins softly and falls naturally under its own weight — this is what creates that expensive, royal styling effect.