Meghan Markle’s Go-To Hairstylist Shares His Best Tips for Healthy, Gorgeous Hair
Meghan Markle has long been admired for her effortless hair looks—whether she’s wearing soft California waves or her signature relaxed, messy bun. Behind many of her most iconic styles is celebrity hairstylist George Northwood, a long-time collaborator whose work with the Duchess had been kept largely under the radar. For years, he was rumored to be the creative mind behind Meghan’s famous wedding reception bun, but never confirmed it—until recently.
George Northwood Finally Breaks His Silence
On March 31, the day Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals, Northwood confirmed his involvement in an Instagram post. Known for working with A-list names like Alexa Chung, Lily James, Stella McCartney, and Alicia Vikander, he was finally able to share his experience styling the Sussexes.
“It has been an enormous privilege and a lot of fun working with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over the past two years,” he wrote. “I’ve loved every moment collaborating with them. They champion small businesses and have taught me so much about diversity, equality, and the value of good mental health.”
Why His Advice Matters Now More Than Ever
During 2020’s periods of lockdown, most of us had to rely on at-home maintenance or a partner’s help just to keep our hair looking decent. Now, with winter dryness returning and a new season of virtual events ahead, it’s the perfect time to focus on keeping hair healthy, strong, and styled with minimal effort.
So who better to turn to than the expert who shaped Meghan Markle’s most loved hair moments?
Here, George Northwood shares his top healthy hair habits and styling tips.
1. Embrace Natural, “Undone” Styling
Northwood is famous for his natural-looking “undone wave,” which Meghan often wears.
He explains that this style:
- Looks chic without being overdone
- Works with natural texture
- Helps disguise the need for a trim
- Gives hair a healthier, softer appearance
The more effortless the style, the healthier your hair tends to look.
2. Use Volumizing Products to Fake Thickness
If your hair looks flat or thin, Northwood recommends starting with a volumizing or texturizing spray.
Once applied, create soft waves with a tong to add movement and lift.
Even hair that’s not in perfect shape can appear fuller and more vibrant with the right base products.
3. Swap Your Straighteners for Curling Tongs
According to Northwood, straighteners often remove natural movement and can create static, leaving hair limp.
Curling tongs, on the other hand:
- Add volume
- Create body
- Bring life back into dull strands
Super straight hair can easily look lifeless—soft waves give it instant energy.
4. Keep Up With Regular Trims
When it’s safe to visit a salon, routine trims are one of the best ways to preserve hair health.
A fresh cut:
- Removes split ends
- Boosts movement
- Adds volume
- Keeps your overall style looking polished
Healthy hair always starts with regular maintenance.
5. Treat Dry Hair With a Weekly Mask
Winter, central heating, and cold winds can all leave hair dry and brittle.
Northwood suggests using a nourishing hair mask—like Redken’s All Soft Mega Mask—once a week to:
- Deeply condition
- Restore moisture
- Improve shine
- Strengthen fragile ends
A good mask is the quickest fix for dull or damaged strands.
6. Let Your Hair Air-Dry More Often
One surprising perk of lockdowns? Less heat styling.
Northwood noticed that many clients had healthier hair simply because they weren’t blow-drying or straightening as often.
Air-drying helps your hair:
- Grow stronger
- Retain moisture
- Reduce frizz
- Avoid heat damage
Letting your hair dry naturally—even part of the way—makes a huge difference.
7. Support Hair Health From the Inside
Northwood is a strong believer in supplements for hair growth.
He recommends The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner-Beauty Boost, a probiotic liquid formula rich in:
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Antioxidants
- Grape seed extract
- Fermented berries
It strengthens hair and nails, making it a great all-round beauty supplement.
8. Try Meghan’s Famous Messy Bun
The relaxed, slightly undone bun is one of Northwood’s signature looks—and a Meghan Markle staple.
It works for everything from casual days to special events and is surprisingly easy to recreate.
How to get Meghan’s look:
- Wash your hair the night before and lightly heat-dry it the next morning.
- Apply a primer like Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer.
- Once dry, use a texture mist (like Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl) and curl a few face-framing pieces.
- Back-comb the crown for lift.
- Gather the hair into a loose ponytail and twist it into a bun.
- Pin with bobby pins and pull out a few soft strands around the face.
The result: a soft, flattering, effortlessly chic bun—just like Meghan’s.
