Known for her pulled buns worthy of royal protocol, Meghan Markle has long mastered the art of very controlled hairstyles. During the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles, the Duchess of Sussex surprised by dropping the updo for free, worked hair.
In the photos taken at the edge of the pitch, his long brown, glossy and slightly wavy mane attracts the eye as much as his midnight blue outfit. It’s not just a question of length: this layered cut centered around the face revives a trend that we haven’t seen so chic in a long time.
Meghan Markle reveals her face-framing layers at the NBA All-Star Game
On February 15, 2026, at the NBA All-Star Game held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the former actress appeared courtside alongside Prince Harry. The American press notes that she reveals new layered layers, a clear change compared to the demure buns observed at Kensington Palace.
Its chocolate brown lengths, close to the shade chocolate chestnut brunette, are styled in soft waves, while a few shorter locks frame the face. These smooth, shiny pieces, long enough to tuck behind the ears, don’t really reach bangs status but immediately soften the oval.
Face-framing layers inspired by the 2000s
This type of face-framing layers recalls the cuts of the 2000s popularized by Jennifer Aniston in or Drew Barrymore, in a more straightened and minimalist version. Meghan previously sketched it at the Girl Up Leadership Summit in 2020, where her long layers around her face were widely praised.
For hairdresser Eugene Smith, of John Frieda, this evolution is played out in the details: ” “, he explains, quoted by Elle UK. He adds: “”.
How to adopt Meghan Markle’s face-framing layers
In the salon, this cut remains simple to formulate: keep the lengths below the collarbones, ask for a gradient concentrated around the face starting from the cheekbones, with slightly tapered ends. For fine hair, the idea is to keep the mass at the back and create movement especially on the contour.
In terms of styling, a few steps are enough to copy Meghan Markle: a heat-protective spray, a soft blow-dry with a round brush, then a slight S-shaped movement in the lengths with an iron. “, adds Eugene Smith.
Do face-framing layers suit a round face?
Yes, if the highlights start below the cheekbone.
How much maintenance do the layers surrounding the face require?
A light refresh every eight to ten weeks.
Can we adopt this cut with curly hair?
Yes, by cutting on dry, shaped hair.
