Meghan Markle: How she makes her hair 'cool enough' for a 36 year old

Meghan's messy bun is a fresh take on the usual royal grooming. Photo / Getty Images

If there is a hair question most asked, it is: how do I update my look in a grown up way? And the answer, I've come to believe, is by teetering on the edge of tradition; the slight undoing of something perfect. An easiness and comfortability that says, I care but not that much. Now 36, Meghan Markle's delicately dishevelled run of royal up-dos speaks to this kind of effortless vibe. In contrast to the Duchess of Cambridge's sparkling Chelsea blow-outs and classically crafted air-stewardess chignons, Markle's relaxed bun lends her an element of cool that's both age and duty appropriate.

Meghan's up 'do is vastly different from Kate's. Photos / Getty Images

This kind of age fluid beauty style is a fine art; the balancing act of being up-to-date without sheepishly following trends while staying true to you. As with all women who get this right, the secret lies in the nuances. Break down Markle's messy bun and the elements are just right; A smidgen of height at the crown, a few stray strands that playfully fall about her face and the low placement of her bun gives her an air of approachability. Whereas, the Duchess of Cambridge adheres to a formal hair dressing code that wouldn't tolerate a strand out of place, Markle's bun has a thrown-together vibe that elegantly plays off a fresh freckled face and classic-with-a-twist fashion sense.

So, with a new season about to break how does one do cool in an ageless way? With a new texture, parting and root lift, says celebrity hairdresser, and king of cool, Larry King. In contrast to Kate's immaculately tonged ringlets, King tells me that diffusing hair is the new way to create a more current, authentic texture; the antithesis of the perfect blow dry. 'Think back to Julia Roberts in pretty woman or the 90s supermodels – hair had a more natural, windblown feel.' Diffusing can even be used to youthfully dishevel an otherwise formal bun. 'When putting your hair up, pull out a few pieces at the front and then diffuse your hairline to create a fluffier softer hairline,' he tells me.

King, who recently cut Poppy Delevigne's long sloaney mane into a cooler, softer, diffused bob says flipping your parting over to the side will add a touch of cool, so long as you retain a hint of volume. "That little bit of root lift at the front opens up the face and creates a more inviting approachable nature."

Poppy Delevigne's chic update to her locks. Photos / Getty Images

Luckily, it doesn't take a big effort to bring your hair in line with the current mood. The first thing to do I'm told is to dig out your diffuser from the back drawer.

Whilst a slightly wilder texture is where it's at, condition remains key especially for those of us over 40. So, do invest in a texturizing conditioning spray before drying.

If your hair is straight, like Megan Markle, you will need no more than a smoothing product and a volumiser to create some soft root lift around the face line. Skip slippery serums for a styling lotion such as Kiehl's Silk and Groom or John Frieda Secret Agent Flawness Finishing Creme.

Short hair could benefit from a little un-doing by twisting pieces around your finger and setting with a curl cream - a look that Larry King gave Ruth Negga at the recent Evening Standard awards.

Fringe benefits

Parisian model, Caroline De Maigret, 42, gives an edgy twist to her fringe. Photo / Getty Images

If you possess a fringe, take inspiration from Parisian model, Caroline De Maigret, 42, and try disrupting its straightness. This can be achieved by placing your fringe in a velcro roller while drying, then dishevelling with your fingers and a mist of hairspray or a little dry shampoo.

One thing is for certain. Looking cool nowadays isn't about a particular look, a set of rules or a certain age. It's about expressing your individuality, enhancing your hair type and then pushing the boundaries just enough to see a shift.