I’ve always been fascinated by Princess Diana’s effortless elegance, especially that iconic short haircut from the ’90s that screamed confidence and modernity. I remember watching old clips of her and thinking how her hair always looked perfectly tousled yet polished, no matter the occasion. It wasn’t until I dove deeper into her story that I learned it all started spontaneously with her legendary hairdresser, Sam McKnight. He once shared how, during a 1990 Vogue shoot, Diana asked what he’d do if given free rein—and he said he’d cut it short. She replied, “Cut it now!” That bold moment changed everything, symbolizing her liberation and new chapter.
Sam McKnight, who styled Diana’s hair for seven years, described it as a move toward ’90s minimalism—sleeker, sharper, and stripped of ’80s excess. He emphasized its versatility: quick 20-minute blow-dries for day, swept back for evenings. If you’re craving that same empowering, face-framing glow, this guide breaks down exactly how to achieve and style it, drawing from McKnight’s insights and modern updates.
Diana’s pixie bob (often called a bixie) blended soft layers, feathering, and volume for a look that’s feminine yet low-fuss. It’s trending again because it’s adaptable—flattering most face shapes and easy to maintain.
The Story Behind Diana’s Iconic Pixie Bob
Diana’s short hair emerged from a pivotal moment of reinvention. Before 1990, her styles were voluminous and feathered, reflecting ’80s trends.
Meeting Sam McKnight on that Vogue set changed it all—he tucked her hair under a tiara for a faux short look, and she loved it enough to go for the real chop on the spot.
McKnight later reflected it marked her stepping into confidence, becoming the “people’s princess” with a modern, approachable vibe.
What Makes the Pixie Bob Timeless?
This cut features short layers at the back, longer feathered pieces around the face, and subtle volume at the crown.
It’s textured for movement, framing the eyes and cheekbones beautifully—McKnight noted it always accentuated Diana’s features naturally.
Unlike rigid styles, it allows play: soft and parted daily, sleek and swept for glamour.
Getting the Cut: What to Ask Your Stylist
Bring reference photos of Diana from the mid-’90s for accuracy.
Request a textured pixie bob with feathered ends, shorter nape, and face-framing layers—avoid too much height unless you want ’80s volume.
McKnight advises softer, undone edges today for a contemporary feel.
Face Shape Suitability
| Face Shape | Why It Works | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Balances perfectly | Standard layers |
| Round | Elongates with height | Add crown volume |
| Heart | Softens chin | Longer front pieces |
| Square | Rounds edges | Feathered bangs |
Essential Tools for Styling
A good blow-dry is key—McKnight did Diana’s in 20 minutes flat.
Invest in a quality dryer and small round brush for lift.
Hot air brushes simplify for beginners.
Must-Have Tools
- Blow dryer with nozzle
- Small round brush (1-1.5 inch)
- Hot air brush (like Revlon or Dyson)
- Clips for sectioning
- Comb for parting
Best Products for That Diana Glow
McKnight favors texture sprays for effortless movement.
Start with volumizing mousse on roots, then texturizing spray or wax for piecey ends.
Avoid heavy products to keep it light.
Product Recommendations
- Volumizing mousse (e.g., Sam McKnight Cool Girl)
- Texture spray (Oribe Dry Texturizing)
- Light wax or paste for definition
- Flexible hairspray
Pros & Cons of Key Products
| Product Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Texture Spray | Adds volume, natural hold | Can dry out hair |
| Mousse | Root lift, easy application | Sticky if overused |
| Wax/Paste | Defines layers | Greasy on fine hair |
Step-by-Step: Everyday Tousled Look
Start with damp hair—apply mousse at roots.
Section hair, blow-dry upward with round brush for volume.
Tuck sides behind ears like Diana often did.
Finish with fingers and texture spray for that windswept feel.
Evening Variations: Sleek and Swept Back
McKnight swept Diana’s back for formal events.
Use a smoothing balm, direct hair away from face with brush.
Add shine serum for polish—no tiara required!
Modern Twists on the Classic
Today’s versions are softer, less voluminous—think looser silhouette.
Add subtle waves or deeper side parts.
Celebrities channel it with undone texture.
Classic vs. Modern Comparison
| Aspect | Classic Diana (90s) | Modern Update |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Higher crown | Softer, flatter |
| Texture | Piecey, feathered | Undone, wavy |
| Parting | Side or center | Deep side |
| Finish | Polished | Effortless |
Maintenance Tips from the Pros
Trim every 4-6 weeks to keep shape.
McKnight stressed spontaneity—no mood boards needed.
Protect with heat protectant; embrace natural movement.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
Fine hair? Boost with dry shampoo.
Thick hair? Thin layers for lightness.
Humidity? Anti-frizz serum saves the day.
People Also Ask
- What is Princess Diana’s haircut called? It’s often dubbed the pixie bob or bixie—a textured short crop with feathered layers.
- How did Princess Diana style her short hair? Quick blow-dries with volume, tucked sides, and texture for movement.
- Is Princess Diana’s haircut still in style? Absolutely—it’s timeless and trending with modern softer twists.
- Who cut Princess Diana’s hair short? Sam McKnight, on a whim during a 1990 Vogue shoot.
- Can anyone pull off Princess Diana’s haircut? Yes, with adjustments for face shape and texture.
FAQ
1. How often should I style the pixie bob?
Daily blow-dry takes 10-20 minutes; refresh with dry shampoo on off days.
2. What if I want bangs like Diana sometimes had?
Opt for soft, side-swept fringe—they grow out gracefully.
3. Best shampoo for this cut?
Volumizing formulas to enhance lift without weighing down.
4. How to add volume without ’80s height?
Focus root lift with mousse and round brush technique.
5. Where to buy Sam McKnight products?
Available at Sephora, Net-a-Porter, or his official site.
Diana’s pixie bob wasn’t just a haircut—it was a statement of freedom and grace. Thanks to Sam McKnight’s genius, it’s as wearable today as ever. If you’re ready for that confident chop, go for it—you won’t regret the glow.