The Princess of Wales’s decision to lighten her hair drew sharp online criticism after recent public appearances, prompting writers and industry professionals to defend the change as a common response to greying and post-treatment hair regrowth.
Columnist Rosamund Dean, who wrote about the reaction in a Daily Mail opinion piece, described the backlash as "ridiculous" and drew on her own experience of undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer to explain why some women choose to go lighter as greys appear. Dean said her own move from brunette to "bronde" helped disguise regrowth and restore a sense of self after treatment, and she framed the princess’s hairstyle change as a similar, private grooming decision being discussed on a very public stage.
The change first attracted attention after a photograph of the princess leaving Crathie Kirk near Balmoral showed lighter strands; a subsequent visit to the Natural History Museum to see outdoor learning spaces confirmed a shift toward a blend of light brown and blonde tones. Dean noted that highlighted hair can appear lighter or darker depending on lighting and styling, and that the mix of tones often called "bronde" can make grey roots less conspicuous.
Colorists and hair professionals cited by Dean explained the practical considerations behind such a move. Hannah Phillips of Bangs salon in east London said lighter pieces can reduce the visibility of white roots and create a softer look as complexions change with age. Phillips cautioned against over-bleaching, noting that grey hair tends to be coarser and more prone to dryness, and recommended moisture-rich products and careful maintenance to avoid damaging texture.
Television presenter Susanna Reid, who has publicly adopted lighter pieces in her own hair, defended the princess on social media and in interviews, saying a softer shade can be more flattering on ageing skin. Sam McKnight, a former hairdresser to Diana, Princess of Wales, also criticized online commentary about Catherine’s appearance, calling some remarks "evil" and lacking empathy.
Public commentary intensified because of the princess’s high profile. Dean compared the reaction to the often-virulent responses celebrities receive when they alter a signature look — whether a major weight change or a new hairstyle — explaining that fans can conflate identity with appearance and respond negatively when that appearance changes.
The timeline of images and appearances shows a degree of variability in perception: after the Crathie Kirk photograph and the Natural History Museum visit, some commentators noted the princess’s hair looked darker again when she attended a Women’s Rugby World Cup match over the weekend. Stylists said that the same highlights can look dramatically different depending on whether hair is worn up or down and on ambient light.
While much of the discussion has centered on aesthetics, Dean and others framed the debate around privacy and the disproportionate scrutiny faced by public figures. Dean wrote that most people can experiment with their hair without widespread commentary, while the princess is subject to intense public scrutiny for routine choices.
Industry professionals emphasized that going lighter is not inherently low maintenance. Phillips recommended hydrating shampoos and conditioners and smoothing oils to manage texture changes, and said gradual highlighting techniques such as balayage can make regrowth less noticeable and reduce the frequency of salon visits.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions about public scrutiny of women’s appearances, particularly for high-profile figures. Supporters framed Catherine’s hair change as a common, practical response to ageing and personal grooming preferences, while critics continued to debate whether the new shade suits her public image.