Meghan Markle stepped out in Brussels on Tuesday with a softer, relaxed version of her signature sleek bun, and the look can be recreated at home with four styling products starting from £5.99. Wella Colour Expert and salon owner Georgina Murphy of The Vintage Lounge shared a four-step guide with the Daily Express to achieving a low bun that can be styled sleek or understated.
Prep and Prime
Murphy recommended starting with clean, damp hair and working a small amount of Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream through the mid-lengths and ends. She advised blow-drying with a paddle brush and nozzle attachment, directing airflow downwards to smooth the cuticle.
For Meghan's signature glossy finish, a cool blast of air sets each section, but for the softer Brussels look, a little natural movement can make the style appear more effortless. The cream is designed to banish frizz while leaving hair soft and glossy.
Sculpt and Sweep
Once the hair is dry, Murphy suggested using the Framar Boar Hairbrush to sweep it back into shape. For the classic ultra-sleek style, create a sharp middle parting and brush the hair tightly back, ensuring the crown is smooth. For the softer bun, use a gentler brushing technique, leaving natural volume around the crown before gathering the hair into a low ponytail.
The boar bristles help distribute the hair's oils from root to tip, creating a light-reflecting shine.
Smooth and Secure
Murphy described the Got2b Glued Wax Stick as a "secret weapon" for recreating Meghan's controlled hairstyles. Apply it lightly around the hairline, crown and sides, focusing on flyaways. For the sleek version, use more product; for the relaxed look, use it sparingly to retain natural texture.
Twist the ponytail into a coil and wrap it into a low bun, securing with bobby pins or a hair bungee. Keeping the bun neat but leaving softness around the hairline creates an effortless finish.
Add the Radiant Finish
The final step is to lightly mist a shine spray over the hair for a reflective finish. Murphy advised not overloading the hair with product, especially for the softer style, to keep it glossy rather than overly styled. For a sculpted look, smooth down flyaways before applying the spray; for a relaxed finish, mist from a distance.
With these four products, the sleek bun or the softer Brussels-inspired version can be recreated for the festive season.
