Royal stylist shares tricks of the trade on how to get Princess Kate’s waves

Princess Kate is officially a fashion and hair icon, with her curtain bangs and slightly spiraled tresses getting world's attention. Hairdresser to the stars, Michael Van Clarke, knows how to get this look, directing people to TikTok.

Van Clarke, who worked on Princess Diana’s hair in the 1980s, spoke to People about a variety of techniques, ranging from “barrelled tongs,” “flat irons” or even, “sponge rollers,” calling on a trend from the 80s.

He provides directions and suggests TikTok can provide tutorials.

READ MORE: 'Snappier and smarter' Princess Kate follows Diana's footsteps with bold fashion choice 

When speaking to People, he said: “You need to use large barrelled tongs, flat irons or — even better — use a no-heat version by wrapping your hair around soft sponge rollers or even a toweling robe belt, which is a technique you see on TikTok a lot! It’s actually very easy to do! It’s basically replicating the old idea of wrapping hair in rags, but it works.”

In regards to creating the side bangs, he suggests, "I would use a dryer and a round brush, but a heated brush may be easier at home. Just be careful not to put too much curl in. This look on the Princess of Wales is subtle — it’s meant to look like it fell naturally like that."

Van Clarke has a theory on why Kate wears her hair long, saying, "I think long hair is more reliable, it’s more likely to stay doing what it’s supposed to do and once it’s blow-dried, the weight of it helps hold the style.”

Van Clarke gives his assessment of how Kate’s style: "She’s got good hair, and she maintains it very well. What’s nice is that when the hair is back, the look at the front is much softer — it’s a positive change."

Daily Express US spoke to body language expert Judi James about the new look, who said: “Many women resort to a fringe because it creates a softer and more youthful look, but that usually means a full fringe, when Kate’s new look involves a curtaining effect that makes less difference to her face shape, suggesting there’s no paranoia about her age on display.”

James explains further: “Her forehead is still on display and the look is only marginally softer. It’s not really easier to manage either. She might be busier recently and need a more practical style but these bangs will need much more attention than her all-one-length style, which could easily be pinned up or pinned back without needing any attention after that, while this new style could see her hair falling over her face more and needing constant checking.”

The body language expert believes this goes beyond style, saying: “Firstly then it probably shows raised levels of confidence rather than hinting at any low self-esteem. To wear curtain bangs like this, especially as a royal, needs a raised chin to avoid hair falling over your face. A raised chin means total confidence, with no ‘shy’ ducking of the head.”