Old Photo of Princess Diana Sparks Debate Over Her True Hair Color
Some insist it was auburn, others say strawberry blonde, and some even describe it as bronze.
Nearly 30 years after her tragic passing, Diana, Princess of Wales, remains one of the most enduring beauty and style icons in the world. Her influence can still be felt in everything from fashion to skincare, and her most famous looks continue to inspire generations.
Phrases like “the Revenge Dress,” “the Black Sheep Sweater,” and “the Lady Diana Haircut” have become part of pop culture vocabulary. Her casual sweatshirt-and-biker-short outfits and her sharp, tailored blazers still fill Pinterest boards. Even her favorite beauty products, from Guerlain to Clarins, influence today’s shopping trends.
But one question still sparks heated debate among royal fans: What was her natural hair color? Some insist it was auburn, others say strawberry blonde, and some even describe it as bronze.
Adding to the intrigue, many are surprised to learn that Diana used highlights later in life to create a “sun-kissed” look.
Recently, a Reddit user sparked discussion in the r/RoyalTea thread, writing, “She wasn’t a redhead as someone suggests, and neither was she blonde; she had auburn hair. That’s why in some photos her hair looks brown and in others so red. I think that she should have kept her natural hair; I prefer it much more than her blonde hair.”
Diana, Princess of Wales, remains a fashion icon almost three decades after her death
Tom Stoddart ArchiveFurthermore, Dr. Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist and author, notes that "celebrities often become focal points for social interaction, allowing fans to bond over shared interests." This insight aligns with the lively discussions surrounding Princess Diana's hair color, suggesting that varying perceptions may reflect personal biases while simultaneously fostering a sense of community among her admirers. As Dr. Pinker elaborates, "The way we perceive public figures can create a shared narrative that connects us to others." This phenomenon could explain why Diana's hair color continues to spark debate among fans.
Diana's 'natural' hair colour continues to fuel debate
© Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Others were shocked by the conversation. “TIL Diana didn’t have blonde hair,” one remarked. Another claimed, “She had really dark blonde hair. The cameras developed highly discolored in the past decades. She never had a warmish-colored root.”
Throughout her life, Diana’s hairstyles evolved constantly. As a teenager, she wore long, straight hair, but her most famous look became the bixie cut, a short blend of bob and pixie. That transformation happened in the early 1990s during a Vogue photo shoot when hairstylist Sam McKnight met her for the first time.
The late royal often changed up her hair
Tim Graham Photo Library
Understanding the Psychology behind Obsession with Celebrities
Our fascination with celebrities like Princess Diana can be explained by a phenomenon known as 'parasocial interaction.' According to research by Derrick, Gabriel, and Hugenberg (2009), this is a one-sided relationship where an individual feels a strong emotional connection to a celebrity they don't personally know. This perceived intimacy can lead to intense debates over seemingly trivial matters, such as hair color.
“It’s understood she asked McKnight what he would do to her hair if he could do ‘anything [he] wanted,’ to which he replied, ‘I’d just cut it all off and start again.’”
Recalling the moment, McKnight said, “When I met Diana, things were changing. We were moving on from the ‘80s romantic frills and going much sleeker with short, sharp hair to wear with Chanel and Versace suits of the time. It was all about the power woman look.”
Diana's hairstylist of 10 years, Daniel Galvin, created a custom blonde for her
Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive
Her longtime hairstylist Daniel Galvin, who worked with her for a decade, explained that he created a “customized blonde” to enhance her features.
“Highlights were placed in such a way that gave her a natural, sun-kissed look,” he told Hello! magazine in 2019. “Diana’s eyes sparkled and stood out, and this was thanks to my bespoke blonde – as I always say, when you have the perfect hair color, the first thing people should notice is their eyes.”
The debate over her true natural hair color may never be settled, but one thing remains certain: Diana’s style and beauty influence have never faded.
What Research Shows about Memory and Perception
Another interesting aspect to consider is the role of memory and perception in these debates. According to Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, "Our memories are not just records of the past; they are shaped by our emotions and the narratives we create." This suggests that the differing recollections of Princess Diana's hair color may stem from individual emotional associations and the circumstances surrounding those memories. Furthermore, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "The way we perceive our past can be heavily influenced by our current emotional state, leading to variations in how we remember details." These insights help explain why people might recall Princess Diana's hair color differently.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, the psychological principles of parasocial interaction, community building, and memory perception can shed light on the ongoing debate over Princess Diana's hair color. While it may seem like a trivial matter, it's a testament to Diana's enduring influence and the psychological phenomena that underpin our interactions with celebrity culture. As Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a renowned emotion researcher, states, "Our emotional responses to celebrities often reflect our own identities and societal values" (lisafeldmanbarrett.com).
