24 Princess Hairstyles for a Dreamy Royal Look
Every girl who has ever spun around in a pretty dress knows the feeling: the right hair completes the royal moment. These princess hairstyles bring that feeling to real life, with tiaras, braids, curls and polished buns that suit birthdays, weddings, proms and photo days.
You do not need a royal stylist or hours in front of the mirror. Most looks here need a curling iron, pins, a brush and one pretty accessory. For strong, shiny hair that holds a style all day, the hair care secrets shared by WebMD are worth a quick read before you try these princess hairstyles at home.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our guides to hairstyles for women, browse these chic hairstyles, or find fresh haircut ideas for your next salon visit.
Sparkling Tiara Bun
A sparkling tiara on a smooth high bun is the image most people hold of royal hair. Brush the hair up into a high ponytail, twist it into a neat bun and pin it firmly. Set the tiara just in front of the bun and slide its combs into the base so it cannot tilt.
Smooth the sides with a soft brush and a drop of gel worked between your palms. This style shows off the face, the neckline and any statement earrings, and it stays tidy through hours of dancing, photos and hugs at a formal event.
Royal Dutch Crown Braid
- Start the Dutch braid at one ear and work around the head
- Add hair to each section as you go
- Tuck the end under the start and pin it
- Curl or wave the loose hair below
A crown braid gives instant royal detail and keeps hair off the face all day. Dutch braiding sits the braid on top of the hair, so the pattern shows clearly in photos. Loosen the edges gently with your fingertips so the crown looks full, not tight.
Dreamy Loose Royal Curls
Quick Tip:
Let every curl cool in your palm for a few seconds before you drop it. Cooled curls keep their shape far longer than curls brushed out while warm.
Loose royal curls are the softest style in this list: big, brushed out waves with one jeweled clip for shine. Part the hair slightly off center, curl in large sections and brush through once at the end. The look suits almost every dress, from ball gowns to simple party frocks.
Elegant Princess Chignon
BEFORE: A plain low knot that reads more office than palace.
AFTER: The same knot, smoothed and set with curled tendrils at the sides, becomes a calm, elegant chignon fit for a royal dinner.
The chignon works because it is simple: smooth hair, a low twist and clean pins. Keep the top sleek but not tight, and let two thin tendrils curl at the front. It is a graceful choice for older girls, mothers and anyone who prefers quiet polish.
Half Up Tiara Curls
- Curl all the hair in large sections
- Gather the top half and secure it at the crown
- Tease the gathered section lightly for height
- Place the tiara in front of the gather
- Spray the curls with a light hold mist
Half up curls with a tiara give you the full royal picture without a heavy updo. The loose curls keep the style young and soft, while the tiara does the royal talking. Choose a small, light tiara for younger girls so it stays comfortable for hours.
Regal High Ponytail
| Feature | High Ponytail | Low Ponytail |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Crown, full of bounce | Nape, calm and sleek |
| Feel | Bold and regal | Soft and classic |
| Best for | Parties and proms | Dinners and ceremonies |
A high ponytail worn with curled ends and a wrapped base reads instantly regal. Gather the hair high and tight, wrap one strand around the elastic to hide it, and curl the length in large spirals. The height lifts the whole face and shows off the neckline.
Pearl Crown Updo
DO:
- Pin the updo firmly before adding the pearl crown
- Set the crown slightly forward for photos
- Match the pearls to your jewelry
DON’T:
- Set the crown on loose, unpinned hair
- Wear heavy crowns on fine hair
- Hide the crown behind a tall bun
A pearl crown headband turns a simple updo into a royal portrait. It sits like a headband, so it needs no extra pins and stays put while you move. This style suits weddings, christenings and formal family photos where you want a soft, classic finish.
Soft Royal Waves
Best For: Balls, weddings and proms | Time: 25 minutes | Skill Level: Easy | Holds: All evening
Soft royal waves are the most requested of all princess hairstyles, because they work on nearly every hair type and dress. Curl with a large barrel, brush the curls into smooth waves and finish with shine spray. Wear them loose, or pin one side back with a jeweled clip.
Princess Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid is the most detailed braid in this list, with a woven pattern that looks like scales. Split the hair into two parts and cross a small section from the outside of one part into the other, then repeat from the other side. Keep the sections small for a neat, even pattern.
Once the braid is done, pull the edges out gently to make it look twice as thick. A fishtail holds from morning to night and suits long, thick hair best. Finish the end with a small bow or a jeweled band for the royal touch.
Golden Crown Half Up
- Curl the hair into soft waves first
- Gather the top section and pin it at the back
- Tease lightly for a little height
- Set the golden crown on top
This is a kind choice for girls who find a full updo heavy or tight. It photographs well from the front and the side, and the crown can be swapped for a jeweled band when you want the same shape with a softer, lighter finish.
Sleek Palace Bun
Quick Tip:
Run a fine tooth comb over the surface at the very end, with a light mist of spray on the comb, to catch every flyaway without dulling the shine.
The sleek palace bun is all about shine and control. Work on damp hair with a smoothing cream and dry it straight before you gather it up. The finish should look like polished glass, with no bumps at the sides. Add tiny pearl pins around the bun for a quiet detail.
Ribbon Tied Princess Curls
BEFORE: Loose curls gathered with a plain elastic that disappears into the hair.
AFTER: A wide satin bow tied over the gather becomes the centerpiece, turning simple curls into a storybook style.
Long curls tied with a satin bow are sweet, simple and very royal. Curl the hair first, gather the top layer loosely at the back and finish with the bow. Match the ribbon to the dress for a planned look, or use white satin, which suits every color in the wardrobe.
Twisted Crown Updo
- Part the hair in the middle down to the ears
- Twist the right section back along the hairline
- Twist the left section the same way
- Join the twists at the back into a small bun
- Pin firmly and tuck in every end
Twist each side in the same direction and with the same tension, or the crown will sit unevenly. Pin where the twists meet, then tuck every end under the bun. This updo keeps hair fully off the neck, which makes it a smart pick for warm venues and long events.
Vintage Royal Rolls
| Feature | Vintage Rolls | Modern Updo |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rolled and sculpted | Smooth and simple |
| Era feel | 1940s glamour | Clean and current |
| Best for | Themed parties | Formal dinners |
Victory rolls bring vintage glamour to the royal theme. The rolls need smooth, brushed hair and a little patience, but they hold their shape for hours once pinned. Pair them with red lipstick and a tea length dress for a full period look at themed parties.
Princess Milkmaid Braids
DO:
- Braid both sides at the same height
- Cross the braids over the top, not the back
- Pin the ends flat under the opposite braid
DON’T:
- Braid too tightly or the band looks thin
- Leave the braid ends hanging loose
- Skip front strands if you want a soft look
Milkmaid braids cross two simple braids over the top of the head, like a woven band. Braid each side low, cross them over and pin the ends flat so they disappear under the opposite braid. A few loose strands at the front keep the style soft and young.
Jeweled Pin Curls
Best For: Parties and evening events | Time: 20 minutes | Skill Level: Easy | Holds: All evening
Jeweled pins are the fastest way to make simple curls look royal. They catch the light when you turn your head and add the jewel detail a crown gives, without any weight. Keep the curls large and smooth so the pins stay the star of the style.
Flowing Royal Mermaid Waves
Mermaid waves are the longest, fullest waves in this list, running from the crown to the very ends in one glossy sheet. Alternate the curl direction on each section as you work, so the pattern looks natural and flowing instead of uniform. Brush through gently once, at the very end, to join the waves together.
This style needs length, so it suits long hair and layered cuts best. Keep heat on the lower half only if your ends are delicate, and finish with a light oil on the tips. The waves photograph beautifully in soft evening light.
Bouncy Royal Blowout
- Dry the hair in large sections with a round brush
- Lift at the roots for body
- Roll the ends under as you dry
- Let each section cool before releasing it
The blowout suits girls who want the royal shine without pins, braids or accessories. It moves beautifully in photos and feels light all day. A drop of shine serum on the ends keeps the finish smooth without weighing down the bounce. It is ready in under half an hour.
Low Twisted Princess Bun
Quick Tip:
Twist the two sections in opposite directions before wrapping, so the bun shows a clear woven pattern from the back.
Twisting the hair before you wrap the bun gives the finished style a woven look with almost no extra work. Keep the twists firm but not tight, and cross your pins in pairs so the bun feels secure. This is a calm, pretty choice for dinners and ceremonies.
Side Braid Royal Style
BEFORE: A plain side braid that sits flat and thin over one shoulder.
AFTER: The same braid, loosened and threaded with a thin ribbon, looks thick, soft and ready for a royal portrait.
Start the braid at one side of the nape and keep it loose from the very first cross, because a tight start is hard to soften later. Pull each edge out as you go instead of waiting until the end. The braid looks best resting over a bare shoulder or a plain neckline.
Natural Curly Crown Style
- Start with moisturized, detangled curls
- Shape the hair upward with your fingers
- Pin the sides up loosely to build height
- Place small gold cuffs or clips on a few curls
- Fluff the crown gently for the final shape
Natural curls already have the volume a crown needs, so this style works with your texture instead of fighting it. Keep the shape high and round, and let a few curls fall free at the front. It is a joyful, confident look for parties, photos and celebrations.
Ballroom Princess Updo
| Feature | Ballroom Updo | Low Bun |
|---|---|---|
| Height | High and dramatic | Low and calm |
| Volume | Full, with pinned curls | Sleek and compact |
| Best for | Balls and proms | Dinners and ceremonies |
The ballroom updo is built in layers: a firm bun base, then curls pinned around it for fullness. Work in small sections and step back often to check the balance from the front. Finish with strong hold spray, because this style is made to last a whole night of dancing.
Rose Tiara Half Updo
DO:
- Choose a rose gold tiara that matches your jewelry
- Gather the top hair smoothly before setting it
- Curl the loose hair after the tiara is placed
DON’T:
- Set the tiara on a loose, unpinned gather
- Pair rose gold with silver jewelry
- Brush the curls after spraying
Rose gold gives the classic tiara look a warm, modern glow. The half updo keeps long curls on show while the tiara marks the style as royal. This pairing suits sunset events and warm toned dresses, and it photographs with a soft pink shine.
Royal Sleek Low Pony
Best For: Formal dinners and ceremonies | Time: 15 minutes | Skill Level: Easy | Holds: All day
A sleek low ponytail is the quietest royal style in this list, and one of the most elegant. Smooth the hair back with a brush and a little gel, tie it at the nape and add a gold cuff over the elastic. Keep the length straight and glossy for the full effect.
Styling Tips for These Princess Hairstyles
Start every one of these princess hairstyles on clean, fully dry hair, because styles built on damp hair drop and frizz within the hour. Practice the braid or updo once before the event, keep spare pins and a mini spray in your bag, and take a photo from the back to check the balance before you leave home.
Conclusion
Whether you pick a sparkling tiara bun or soft royal waves, the right style can make any day feel like a royal occasion. Start with the easier looks if you are new to styling, and save the full updos for your biggest events. Choose the princess hairstyles that suit your hair length and your dress, practice once at home, and wear your favorite with confidence. A little shine, a few pins and one pretty accessory are all it takes to feel like royalty. Save this list for birthdays, weddings, proms and every photo day in between.
