Princess Diana Hairstyle

Q: I'm interested in the hairstyle worn by Princess Diana back in 1982. Could you describe the style of the haircut in detail so that I can explain it to my hairdresser next time I visit?

A: Diana's iconic hairstyle from 1982 was a masterfully crafted adaptation of a popular cut from the late 1970s called the Purdey, which was named after the character portrayed by Joanna Lumley in the British television series "The New Avengers." While the Purdey served as the foundation, Diana's version represented a significant evolution that would go on to define 1980s hair fashion.

The most distinctive features of Diana's style were the sophisticated texturing techniques and the carefully contoured perimeter that followed her natural hairline. Unlike the original Purdey, which had a more uniform shape, Diana's cut featured strategic feathering throughout the layers and a cleverly designed cutting line that dipped gracefully low along the nape of her neck. This contouring technique was revolutionary for its time and created an incredibly flattering frame for her face.

The technical execution of this cut required considerable skill from her hairdresser. The layers were created by elevating sections of hair to a precise 90-degree angle and cutting with a vertical cutting angle rather than the traditional horizontal approach. This technique created natural movement and prevented the hair from lying flat against the head. After the initial cutting, the stylist employed point cutting techniques, working into the ends of each layer to create the signature feathered effect that allowed individual strands to separate and move independently.

This was fundamentally a high-volume style that emphasized natural wave patterns rather than tight curls. The feathering technique was crucial because it allowed the hair to create beautiful, flowing movement as it was styled around the contours of the head and swept away from the face. The result was a look that appeared effortlessly tousled yet perfectly polished, capturing both sophistication and youthful energy.

The style worked exceptionally well for Diana because of her natural hair characteristics. She had medium-density hair with good natural texture and plenty of wave and bounce, which provided the perfect foundation for this cut. The layers enhanced her hair's natural movement while the feathering prevented any heaviness that might have weighed down her relatively fine strands.

When describing this cut to your hairdresser, emphasize the importance of the graduated layers that create volume at the crown while maintaining softness around the face. The key is achieving that perfect balance between structure and movement. The perimeter should follow your natural hairline closely, with particular attention to how it curves around the nape area. The feathering should be subtle enough to create texture without appearing choppy or overdone.