Nearly 30 years after her tragic passing, Princess Diana’s influence on fashion and beauty hasn’t faded. From the “Revenge Dress” to the “Black Sheep Sweater” and the iconic “Lady Diana Haircut,” her style moments still fill Pinterest boards around the world. Even her go-to skincare brands, Guerlain and Clarins, continue to inspire beauty shoppers.
But there’s one detail that still sparks debate among royal fans — her natural hair colour. Was it auburn, strawberry blonde, or something in between?
Some believe Diana’s early hair was auburn, explaining why it appeared brown in some photos and red in others. Others insist she was a natural strawberry blonde. A few even describe her shade as a light brown with reddish undertones — a colour one fan jokingly compared to “Neapolitan ice cream” for its mix of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry tones.
Adding to the confusion, hair professionals who worked with Diana revealed she embraced highlights later in life. In the early 1990s, she met hairstylist Sam McKnight on a Vogue shoot and, in a spontaneous moment, asked what he would do if given free rein. His answer: “Cut it all off and start again.” The result was her famous bixie — part bob, part pixie — which became one of her signature looks.
Daniel Galvin, another stylist who often worked with her, crafted a “customised blonde” that enhanced her features. Placed carefully, the highlights gave her a sun-kissed effect and made her blue eyes stand out. “When you have the perfect hair colour,” Galvin once said, “the first thing people notice should be your eyes.”
Whether auburn, strawberry blonde, or a carefully designed blonde, Diana’s hair — like her style — remains unforgettable.