Hairdresser reveals how to get Kate Middleton's signature bouncy curls and 'critical' step

has been spotted looking glamorous on a Scottish island tour with , and fans are loving her new hairdo. Kate was seen with a new 'bronde' look, with soft blonde highlights woven through her brunette locks as she

Kate, 43, has ditched the signature dark brunette style she's been recognised with for the past 20 years, and has gone for blonde highlights ahead of summer. The mother-of-three also styled it with some perfectly cascading curls - another of her signature looks.

After fans went wild over Kate's new do, we spoke with hair expert and award-winning hairdresser Adem Oygur, of Adem London, on how you can also achieve this look.

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"’s signature bouncy curls are a masterclass in classic, high-gloss glamour with a modern edge. Recreating this look requires a focus on structure, volume, and long-lasting movement and it's all built on healthy, well-prepped hair," Adem explained.

He advised starting by cleansing the hair with a volumising shampoo and a lightweight conditioner to avoid residue that can weigh the hair down. "Towel-dry gently and apply a root-lifting spray or mousse - something like a heat-activated volumiser works best for fine to medium textures. Distribute it evenly using a wide-tooth comb to ensure lift without stiffness."

Adem then said to 'rough-dry' the hair to around 70% and then section it into quadrants. "Using a medium to large round brush (ideally ceramic or boar-bristle for added tension and shine), begin blow-drying from the nape upward."

The expert's top tip is to direct the airflow from root to tip in order to smooth the cuticle and create a reflective surface. "For added volume and bend, roll each section under while drying and clip it into a barrel shape to cool and set," he added. "Once the hair is fully dry and cool, use a large-barrel curling tong and work in horizontal sections, curling away from the face for a lifting effect.

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"Keep each curl uniform in direction for a cohesive wave pattern. Wrap each section around the tong and hold for approximately 8–10 seconds, then immediately pin it in place to cool. This step is critical—cooling the curls in shape helps 'memorise' the curl pattern for longer-lasting hold and bounce."

Once all the curls are set and cooled - around 10 to 15 minutes - remove all of the pins and "gently brush through the curls with a boar bristle brush or a soft paddle brush" as this helps to break up the definition slightly to give that iconic softness and movement. Adem then advised: "Lightly backcomb at the crown if additional volume is desired, then smooth over with a tail comb for polish.

"Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to maintain bounce without rigidity. For added dimension and a healthy finish, a mist of lightweight shine spray or serum through the mid-lengths and ends enhances that signature Kate glow."

Adem said for those who struggle to keep curls in their hair, mist each section lightly with a thermal setting spray before curling and a cool-shot blast with your hairdryer at the end can help seal the style further without disturbing the shape.

"Ultimately, this look is about balance - volume without frizz, curl without stiffness, and polish without looking overdone. It’s a timeless style that flatters all face shapes and works beautifully from day to night."

To get Kate's new colour, Adem said it looks like a combination of "fine balayage and soft face-framing highlights has been used." He said the balance of the two gives a seamless finish, and "I think her colourist has likely focused on hand-painted techniques to ensure a natural finish without any harsh contrast.

"By working within the 'bronde' spectrum, Kate's new look balances warm honey and caramel tones with deeper brunette lowlights. It's been done to perfection, and the overall effect is effortlessly sun-kissed, without losing the depth that flatters her complexion."

Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com

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