Princess Diana was — and continues to be — a style icon. Beyond her captivating fashion looks (Anyone else remember that blue dress?), the "People's Princess" also had ever-changing hairstyles that inspired salon requests for a generation and then some. The iconic short haircut that she famously wore for more than a decade actually almost never happened, according to her longtime stylist Sam McKnight. She spontaneously requested the chop when they first starting working together, but that spur-of-the-moment decision also reveals just how fearless "Dynasty Di" really was. In fact, her transition from "Shy Di" to "People's Princess" is entirely evident in her most memorial hairstyles from 1971 to months before her death in 1997.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
1971
Getty Images
A 10-year-old Diana repped shoulder-length hair, but her cut would only get shorter over the years.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
1980
Getty Images
Lady Diana first caught the eye of her future husband in 1980, when the teenager rocked a blunt, almost-brunette bob.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
1981
Getty Images
For the official engagement announcement on February 24, 1981, the bride-to-be kept it simple, opting for soft layers.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
1981
Getty Images
The 20-year-old embraced sideswept bangs, her signature look for the next decade.
The new mom introduced the world to her first son on June 21, 1982, with her hair perfectly swept back on the front and sides.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
1983
Getty Images
In 1983, Princess Diana embarked on a major tour of Australia and New Zealand. At the state reception in Brisbane, she dressed up soft waves with the Spencer family tiara.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
1984
Getty Images
After Harry was born on September 15, 1984, Diana stepped out of the hospital with a gravity-defying blowout.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
1984
Getty Images
With now-toddler William and new baby Harry, the busy mom pinned back her shoulder-length hair.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
1985
Getty Images
The Princess of Wales later returned to her familiar bangs, albeit with some poofy '80s volume.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
1985
Getty Images
Ever inventive, the royal wore an emerald choker as a headband when she hit a dance floor with Prince Charles.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.