Duchess Sophie's Parisian bun with pretty face-framing tendril is the chic but undone hairstyle we're going to copy
Duchess Sophie's Parisian bun and face-framing strand is the perfect blend of timeless and trendy and we're feeling so inspired right now
![Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh on behalf of King Charles III, attends the Changing of the Guard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kH4Nky76fbQpspeLGAawET-415-80.jpg)
Duchess Sophie's Parisian bun with a pretty tendril around her face is the chic but undone hairstyle we're going to copy.
If there’s one part of her style the Duchess of Edinburgh has never been afraid to switch up it’s her hair, whether it’s going from an auburn shade to a bright blonde, or from a pixie cut to one of her favoured short bob hairstyles. In recent years, Duchess Sophie’s golden blonde hair has remained collar-bone length and she continues to love side-parted hair look. But updos remain her staple for engagements and Duchess Sophie’s Parisian bun and face-framing tendril is the perfect blend of timeless elegance and on-trend styling.
Stepping out on 23rd April, the senior royal visited the Kings Arms Project in Bedford and secured her hair in a practical yet chic bun. Her hairstyle was a brilliant choice as it kept her blonde tresses secured and away from her face for the day, but in a way that was softened thanks to the piece of hair left loose.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
The single-strand hair look has been catapulted into the spotlight recently thanks to celebrities incorporating it into their red carpet looks. It's a simple yet very effective way to elevate plenty of updo hairstyles and it's so versatile, working with anything from a ponytail to Duchess Sophie's Parisian bun.
Shop Updo Essentials
RRP: Was £9.99, Now £7.95 | To keep your updo secure and super sleek, there's nothing like a brilliant hairspray. This extra strength one is also great for curls and helps to ensure your hair stays perfectly in place.
RRP: £14 | Any hairstyle, whether updo or loose, requires an amazing hairbrush and this Ultimate Detangler brush will soon become a staple part of your routine. The rosebud/apricot colourway is so pretty and it's ideal for wet and fragile hair.
RRP: £3.99 | Also available in sets of just one colour depending on your hair shade, this one features all three hues together and comes in a handy case to store them in. Bobby pins are an easy way to secure any updo, especially one similar to Duchess Sophie's bun.
This one tendril of hair left out on the right side framed the Duchess’s face perfectly and had a slight wave to it, adding texture to otherwise quite sleek hairstyle.
Speaking previously to woman&home about the single-strand look, Hairstylist and Trend forecaster Tom Smith described it as "incredibly simple but it feels high-fashion and directional in a way that retains softness and practicality". The expert also suggested that having a face-framing strand worn with a side parting like the Duchess makes it feel "more effortless and incidental".
Duchess Sophie’s bun hairstyle with the face-framing piece did have an almost undone quality to it that made it feel very relaxed and unfussy. This seems to be a favourite look for her right now, as she recently went for a similar look for a Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Anyone wanting to recreate the Duchess of Edinburgh’s look themselves might find it’s easier than they think, especially if your hair is slightly shorter. Simply pick your updo of choice and make sure to leave one piece of hair out - whether you straighten it for a statement look or curl it to make it softer is up to you.
With her hair back and primarily away from her face, Duchess Sophie’s red drop earrings were more visible, adding a pop of colour to her pared-back look. She wore a Max Mara blazer in a warm camel shade with a timeless single-breasted design.
A post shared by King's Arms Project (@kingsarmsproject)
A photo posted by on
This tailored piece contrasted with her more casual hairstyle to balance things out and underneath this the Duchess opted for a Gabriela Hearst midi dress in oatmeal with a pair of Jimmy Choo patent heels. She finished off her outfit in Bedford with an orange Sophie Habsburg clutch bag and this was a gorgeous look for such an important engagement.
During this visit she also joined an English language class to find out how this is helping to give refugee and immigrant women more independence. She was accompanied by Kirstie Cook, CEO at King’s Arms Project who described it as an "honour" to welcome her and a "brilliant boost" to "everyone here supporting those who are displaced, building their independence and confidence to live a full life."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
How to cut long grass – expert tips to tackle an overgrown lawn with the correct care
What is the easiest way to cut long grass? It's not as straightforward as simply mowing
By Tamara Kelly Published
-
We've just found a brilliant M&S lookalike for 2024's answer to the Birkin bag - and it's less than £40
The Row's Margaux bag is a celeb style staple, but this M&S alternative is a fraction of the eye-watering original price
By Amelia Yeomans Published
-
Move over floral dresses, Duchess Sophie's comfy trainers and icy blue maxi skirt is the casual summer style we're copying
The Duchess of Edinburgh wore grey trainers and a pleated maxi skirt to the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2021 and it still inspires us now
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s cow print shoulder bag was the playfully unusual accessory we still can't believe she wore
Duchess Sophie's cow print shoulder bag combined a timeless design with a statement pattern and it's an accessory we'll never forget
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s turquoise wide leg jumpsuit is the versatile dress alternative we all need in our wardrobes
The Duchess of Edinburgh proved in 2018 that a wide leg jumpsuit can be every bit as elegant as a dress and her colour choice was striking
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's chunky white Puma trainers are so easy to work into your style rotation - and they're at the lowest price we've seen
The Duchess of Edinburgh's chunky Puma trainers are a bargain buy
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s life-changing moment that lead to royal romance with Prince Edward almost didn't happen
The Duchess of Edinburgh reportedly stepped in at the last minute and made quite an impression on Prince Edward at a charity photocall
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's surprisingly sassy Wimbledon clutch proved having fun with accessories is key
The Duchess of Edinburgh brought out a bold slogan clutch bag for Wimbledon 2019 and it shows what an impact accessories can make
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie upholds her own royal fashion tradition with dusty blue Garden Party outfit and her maxi dress is divine
The Duchess of Edinburgh chose a beautiful blue outfit for a Garden Party in Scotland and we're adding this shade to our wardrobe
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie delivered British summertime in an outfit with her pastel pink co-ord, cream blazer and espadrille wedges
The Duchess of Edinburgh's co-ord, light blazer and espadrille wedges are such a fabulous combination this time of year
By Emma Shacklock Published