At 79, Queen Camilla seems to have picked up plenty of beauty wisdom over the years, and her latest appearance proves she knows that looking ageless isn't just about skincare and makeup. A flattering hairstyle update can work wonders, too — not only completing a look, but also lifting, softening and enhancing your features.
Camilla’s recent look did just that. Over the weekend, she was spotted enjoying this year's Braemar Gathering in Scotland (if the kilt didn't give it away). Amid the tartan, we couldn't help but notice her crowning glory had been given a fresh update for autumn. Her locks looked noticeably fuller and bouncier, with the ends curled up and out for extra lift and movement.
As celebrity hairstylist Warren Edwards notes, the Queen’s new look is an evolution of her signature blowdry. ‘It keeps her iconic, instantly recognisable shape, while modernising it for the new season,’ says Warren, creative director of Warren & The Hare. ‘By softening the edges and introducing more fluidity, it takes her look from structured and traditional to fresh, airy, and effortless.’
If you've been wondering what exactly makes Camilla’s latest hairstyle look so flattering, Warren says the secret lies in those flicked-out ends. ‘Flicking the ends outward draws the eye horizontally and upwards rather than pulling the face down, creating an instant optical lifting effect around the jawline and cheekbones,’ he explains. ‘This helps to break up harsh lines around the neck and frame, softening facial features.’
If a built-in facelift wasn’t enough to convince us to try the look, Warren also tells us this technique can make fine strands appear thicker. ‘The flicks also work to create space and separation between the strands, giving the illusion of a much fuller, thicker perimeter,’ he explains.
He adds, ‘It proves you don’t need a drastic haircut to completely transform your image. Small styling tweaks in texture and direction can make a massive difference.’
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Of course, styling is only part of the equation — you'll need a good foundation to start with. As Adam Bennett, creative director at Oxea London, explains, that all begins in the salon chair. ‘For a look similar to Camilla’s, you’ll want to ask your stylist for feathery, blended layers that start at the cheekbone, coupled with softly diffused honey-toned highlights or lowlights.’
When it comes to coaxing your locks into place, Warren says prep is key. ‘Start with damp hair and a lightweight volumising mousse or root-lift spray. This builds memory without weighing fine strands down.’
To create those flicked-out ends, he recommends using a medium-sized round brush and your trusty hairdryer. ‘Section the hair, and pull up at a 90-degree angle for root lift, then roll the ends outward and hold the heat for a few seconds.’
If you struggle with a hairdryer, however, he says you can achieve a similar effect with a heated round brush or rollers.
Don't let your hard work go to waste. Warren recommends securing the style with a light mist of hairspray or a texture spray. ‘This will lock in that flicked shape while keeping the movement bouncy and natural. This keeps that movable finish you can run your fingers through.’
It just goes to show that changing your styling can lift your entire look.
