10 Princess Diana Haircuts That Are Timelessly Chic

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With iconic figures come beauty signatures designed to stand the test of time. For Princess Diana, said aesthetic marker was and continues to be her blonde crop, which defined an era in all of its iterations.

Lady Di's ever-evolving hair was largely the work of hairstylist Sam McKnight, who met the Princess on a 1990 Vogue shoot with Patrick Demarchelier, during which McKnight shortened her lengths to better match her strength and the spirit of the time.

"Princess Diana’s iconic pixie cut was representative of a new, empowered woman," muses hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor. "Her hair was more than just a haircut; it was a farewell to the notion of a traditional princess and a nod to becoming the 'people’s princess.'"

During their seven years of collaboration, McKnight and Diana enjoyed a process as breezy as the latter's natural aura, which is likely why even the most retro of her haircuts—from pixies to shags to wolf cuts—feel entirely relevant today. "There were no big plans or mood boards—It was very spontaneous and easy," says Mcknight of their styling sessions. "20 minutes for a blow dry, 30 if there was a tiara!"

Though Diana's hair remains emblematic of the '80s and '90s, the styles still serve as worthy salon inspo. "The best part about Princess Diana’s hair is that you can play around with length and partings to figure out what look is best suited for you and your face shape," says Taylor. And when in doubt, take your cues from McKnight: "To keep it modern, muss it up!"

Here, view ten Princess Diana haircuts to inspire your own royal chop.

01 of 10

Hair Comb

Diana tends to be associated with her abbreviated styles, but this shoulder-grazing blowout oozes (can we still say it?) quiet luxury. Adding a tortoiseshell hair comb proves the power of a well-sanctioned accessory, pulling focus to her face and highlighting the sumptuous and healthy nature of her natural lengths. Considering the popularity of Matilda Djerf's voluminous blonde, this style fits well within the modern landscape—just fluff it up and pin it partially back with the barrette of your choice.

02 of 10

Wedding Hair

Princess Diana arriving for her wedding. — Getty Images

We can’t talk Princess Diana’s hair without touching on her wedding style, which Taylor adores. “Her short bob layers were voluminous and flipped to the side to complement the tiara on the top of her head,” she says. “She’d go on to iterate on this look in the following years, making it a signature style.” Fun fact: The tiara in question was the Spencer Tiara, an heirloom plucked from her family’s collection.

03 of 10

Swan Lake

Another of Taylor's favorites? A sleek style worn to a performance of Swan Lake at London's Royal Albert Hall. "She wore her pixie tucked behind her ear with straight bangs across," says Taylor. "It’s such a departure from her typical voluminous pixie, and the slick back style looks so chic and elegant." She's right: The general lack of puffing-up gives this pixie extra of-the-moment potential.

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Wolf Cut

Diana's take on the wolf cut features a polished finish and long, elegant fringe while allowing plenty of room for a rebellious tousle. Ample layers around the crown and a single length at the back will ensure your own take falls into Princess territory. Add a pair of oversized aviators and gold hoops for good measure, along with some truly timeless style.

05 of 10

Slick Back

Don't let the regal designation fool you: Creating a contemporary Princess cut is far simpler than you think. "Short, sharp, and unfussy," are McKnight's preferred descriptors. "Don't overthink it." His all-time favorite take? The Princess' slicked chop, worn deeply parted and featuring our recent penchant for wet-look texture and flipped-up ends.

06 of 10

Feathered Tiara

This early '80s throwback features a feathered finish that has made its way back into the modern mindset. Ample texture and varied lengths (there's a subtle touch of mullet happening here) allow for McKnight's advised and artful mussing—whether you prefer your interpretation with or without the tiara.

07 of 10

'80s Dream

If an '80s ode is your aim, this brushed-up blonde bob is the quickest route. That said, the vibe of the style can be achieved without going full-on referential. "Ask your stylist for a short bob with lots of volume," says Taylor. "You don't have to recreate the '80s height that Princess Diana had, but you can use some texturizing products like texturizing spray or a hair spray to help your hair achieve the perfect level of body and volume."

08 of 10

Floral Chignon

The Princess of Wales smiles February 1988 during a visit to Thailand. — Getty Images.

Less of a haircut and more of a must-attempt style, Diana's floral-finished pixie (achieved with the help of silk blooms) creates the illusion of a chignon. Adding accessories to the side or back of a shorter cut offers interest and shifts the silhouette completely, letting you play at a long-haired updo—if only for an evening.

09 of 10

Sculptural Bob

Those who prefer a slightly longer chop should consider this feathered and fanned-out bob. Diana's blonde blowout lifts lengths off and away from the face for a sculptural style that highlights her delicate features (and her warm peachy makeup palette).

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Classic Diana

"Close-cropped cuts became popular in the early '90s after the voluminous 'dos of the '80s, and Princess Diana not only embraced this change but became the trendsetter herself," says Taylor. The classic Diana featured a bit of height at the back, with a full bang and piece-y texture, creating a glamorous and enduring image.

"The haircuts were very simple," says McKnight. "It was Diana herself who provided the magic."