Meghan Markle Is Completely Unrecognizable With Her Natural Hair
Although Meghan Markle became an internationally recognized name when she married into the royal family in May 2018 (hello, Prince Harry!), she first found fame back in 2002 when she appeared on General Hospital as Nurse Jill, per The Hollywood Reporter. From there, Markle appeared on Deal or No Deal, The League, and CSI: Miami before booking her best-known role as Rachel Zane on Suits in 2011.
Years later, whenever Markle would appear on red carpets, her dark hair was nothing short of perfect. No flyaways, frizz, or strands out of place. But how? We'll reveal her secret below, but before we do, it's important to note that Markle's hair was very curly once upon a time. Catfish co-host Kamie Crawford brought this to the public's attention in 2017, announcing the news to her followers on social media.
"SOLVED MY OWN CASE!" Crawford wrote on Twitter, along with a photo of Markle sporting curls. "We got curls in the royal palace y'all!!! Starting a petition to get Meghan to wear a fresh wash & go around the palace. #MeghanMarkle."
So, what's Markle's secret to her luscious locks? And what does her natural hair look like? Keep reading to find out.
Meghan Markle's beauty secrets revealed
Meghan Markle is known to rock sleek and flawless hair, and to achieve this look, the former actor uses a number of popular products. "There are two lines I use religiously: Keratase (masquintense and the oleo relax line) and Wella, which has a hair oil that I am obsessed with," the former actress told Beauty Banter pre-royal fame. "It smells like vacation and makes your hair slippery and touchable. I love this stuff! It also doubles as a pretty amazing oil post bath."
As for how Markle tames her flyaways and frizz? The Suits alum told Birchbox in 2014 that she sprays "hairspray on a small boar bristle toothbrush to lightly brush them down or smooth the hairline." She added, "This is especially good for a sleek bun when I'm off-camera."
Markle also revealed a hair flip is key for volume. "When my hair is feeling a little weighted, Suanne, my hair artist on set, has me bend forward as she sprays a little Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, and then has me 'flip back hard' to give my hair a little extra bounce," she continued.
It sounds like Markle picked up a bunch of hairstyling tips for free during her time as an actor — talk about an awesome perk!
Meghan Markle 'has a real sense of style'
After joining the royal family, Meghan Markle has pulled off looks such as a low-bun and beach waves when going to events, and it's all thanks to her U.K. hairstylist, George Northwood. "As a hairdresser, you just have a more intimate role, getting someone ready," he told British Vogue in March 2020. "We made Cali girl hair a bit more formal and had a real laugh."
Since Markle is from Los Angeles, Calif., Northwood knew they would get along swimmingly. "As soon as I met her, she was just like my California girl clients. She said, 'I'm a Cali girl,' and I just said, 'One of my favorites then.' We hit it off — we immediately spoke the same language."
Northwood called Markle "a very modern princess," and because of that, "the hair just fell into that." He explained, "The way she approaches things is how an everyday woman would approach things — she has a real sense of style and she wanted to look approachable, even though she was a princess."
As for Markle's natural hair (pictured right), it's just as gorgeous as her new style.
Meghan Markle's wedding reception look was stunning
After Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got married, the two drove off into the sunset — literally — and Markle's hair was nothing short of amazing. In fact, Markle's wedding reception look made waves all over the internet after its debut. So, how did Markle and her hairstylist, George Northwood, come up with the idea? It all started with a "chat" about Markle's goals for her special reception.
"The evening was intimate, for family and friends, a time for Meghan to be herself. By this point, the messy bun had become such a thing and we wanted to do something equally relaxed and effortless," Northwood divulged to British Vogue. "Often with brides — and this was no different — the daytime bit is a bit more nerve-wracking, and then the evening comes and it's more about wanting to have fun. That's what my hair is about: it's wearable, effortless, and can withstand a dance floor."
Although Markle recently relocated to Los Angeles with Prince Harry and their son, Archie, Northwood revealed he still "checks in all the time." And of course, he couldn't help but gush about spending time with Markle — memories he cherishes to this day. "Working with [Markle and Harry] was an enormous privilege and I enjoyed every minute. We created some iconic moments," he raved. Iconic moments, indeed.
Of course, Meghan Markle's hair is beautiful no matter how she wears it. Way to keep up the killer looks, Duchess!