The Evolution of Kate Middleton’s Bangs

One of the very few ways in which our lives are similar to Kate Middleton’s: She recently got bangs that she immediately regretted. At least according to tabloid reports, which we know better than to trust. But in this case, we kind of believe them, because it does appear that the Duchess has been growing out and routinely de-emphasizing her bangs since their September debut—and at her latest appearance today, we could barely see them at all thanks to a strategic bangs-minimizing hairstyle.

Let’s go ahead and review Kate Middleton’s bangs evolution over the past six months. Here’s what they looked like when she first got them last fall: heavy, parted, curled under, and angled, with the shortest part hitting near the base of her brows.

Within a month, she got the knack of flipping them more outward than under, which made them frame her face without separating into their own chunk.

By November we saw Middleton start using look-ma-no-bangs tricks, like twisting them back into a high pony to make them temporarily disappear.

In December, when Middleton cut her hair shorter, the bangs appeared trimmed slightly for tidiness—always a wise tactic when you’re growing them out.

In February, we were reminded of yet another perk of being British upper-class: You can always tuck your bangs under a small hat.

Another way Middleton’s recently gotten her bangs off her face is by moving her part more toward the center, raising the roots volume, and fanning her fringe and front layers back more dramatically; we’re feeling such Farrah Fawcett vibes from this photo.

Then at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a charity shop today, we really experienced flashbacks to pre-bangs Kate Middleton, thanks to how her now-much-longer bangs were expertly blended back into her layers, plus frequently kept tucked behind her ears.

However, certain photos reveal glimpses that that shorter front section is, indeed, still there.

Because even princesses with perfect hair can’t make bangs grow out any faster. And somehow that makes us feel good. (Whatever, Your Royal Highness, you know you look amazing no matter what hairstyle you try.)

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