Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HOW-TO: Kate Middleton's Criss-Cross Chignon

It's a rare and special occasion when we spot Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge (or commonly known as Kate Middleton's) hair elegantly swept up into an updo. However, recently during her visit to the 1st Battalion on St. Patrick's Day, we caught her wearing one! Re-create this special occasion look on your clients.

March 29, 2013
2 min to read


Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Irish Guards' St Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks on March 17, 2013 in Aldershot, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

WireImage

It's a rare and special occasion when we spot Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge's (or commonly known as Kate Middleton's) hair elegantly swept up into an updo. However, recently during her visit to the 1st Battalion on St. Patrick's Day, we caught her wearing one! Joico's International Artistic Director, Damien Carney, shares his steps for how to re-create this special occasion look on your clients.

TRY IT:

Ad Loading...

STEP 1: Start by prepping the hair with shampoo and conditioner. Once the hair is clean, apply two drops of Smooth Cure Leave-In Rescue Treatmentto damp hair and comb through.

STEP 2: Blow dry using a large round brush. Start at the nape area and work up towards the crown. Your aim is to smooth, stretch and manipulate the hair – yet retain natural body and fullness.

STEP 3: Blow-dry to create large curves and bends in the hair. Keep the dryers air flow down the hair shaft for extra shine and control. Once hair is blow-dried and set, apply a light mist of Joico Power Spray. Allow the spray to dry and then brush through to make the look easier to control and style.

STEP 4: Roughly create two sections with your hair. The front, top and side area being the first, and the back, the second. Taking the back section of hair, loosely gather your hair and secure with a hair band just below the occipital bone. Don’t make the hair too tight.

STEP 5: Lightly backcomb the ponytail before dividing it into four loose sections. Take each section and loosely wrap it around your fingers and secure with a Kirby grip at the nape of the neck. Repeat with remaining sections.

Ad Loading...

STEP 6: Criss cross each section over one another to create a light folding pleating finish. Keep the hair loose and slightly undone.

STEP 7: take the top section of hair and simply direct it away from the face. Secure the ends with bobby pins around the crown area, so the top and back sections of the hair are connected.

STEP 8: Finish with a mist of Power Spray for shine and a flexible hold.

For more information on the products used, visit www.joico.com.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the St Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks on March 17, 2013 in Aldershot, England. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

Beautiful Careers Happen Here

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!

Sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Ad Loading...