I softened her colour as she aged”: Queen Camilla’s hairdresser reveals her secret
Queen Camilla’s hair regularly draws admiring comments. Behind that polished look is the quiet work of a trusted hairdresser, Jo Hansford, who has been looking after her hair for over forty years. In 2026, this expert is finally sharing the keys to her method for women over 70.
Jo Hansford, the hairdresser who changed everything for Camilla
Jo Hansford has been by Queen Camilla’s side for decades. Over that time, she has been able to observe and adapt her technique as the years have passed. It is precisely this long-term relationship that makes her approach so effective.
Speaking to Good Housekeeping UK, the colourist explains her philosophy. In her view, the secret to a successful colour is never holding on to the same shade for life. Instead, colour must evolve alongside the face.
That outlook runs counter to the habits of many women. A great number stick with the same tone for years without realising the impact it has on their overall appearance. The hairdresser makes this point with conviction.
A honey tone, not a cold one
Over the years, Queen Camilla has gradually moved away from cool blondes. She has embraced a far warmer shade, leaning towards honey rather than platinum blonde.
Jo Hansford explains her thinking: “I have adapted the Queen’s hair colour over time, because everyone’s complexion changes with age. You need to soften the colour accordingly.” The aim is to bring more softness to the features and to brighten the complexion.
“I gave Her Majesty a much warmer colour, more honey than platinum blonde.”
Why cool blondes can sometimes age the face
As we age, the skin naturally loses some of its radiance. Facial contrasts also fade. Very cool or very light colours can then accentuate the signs of time and harden the features.
Warmer shades, on the other hand, honey, gold, caramel, reflect more light. They naturally warm the face and bring it back to life. That is precisely the strategy hairdresser Jo Hansford has adopted with Queen Camilla.
The result is subtle but effective. Camilla’s hair harmoniously follows the evolution of her complexion. It never gives the impression of a radical change, which is the whole art of this understated work.
- Never hold on to the same shade for life.
- Soften the colour as your complexion evolves with age.
- Favour warm, honey or golden tones after 70.
- Care for the hair fibre with targeted treatments.
- Keep regular salon appointments to preserve hair quality.
Queen Camilla has also had her eyebrows tattooed
Queen Camilla’s approach goes beyond hair colour. She has also had her eyebrows tattooed, a discreet touch that contributes to the overall harmony of her face. Every detail plays its part in a polished, cohesive appearance.
This attention to detail perfectly illustrates the philosophy of her trusted hairdresser. Every element is considered to accompany the natural evolution of the face, without ever overdoing it.
Hair care matters just as much as shade
For Jo Hansford, choosing the right shade is only half the battle. Preserving the quality of the hair is equally important, especially when colouring is done regularly. The hairdresser stresses the importance of maintaining the hair fibre with the right treatments.
Regular salon appointments are also essential. She considers this investment non-negotiable for keeping hair shiny, supple and natural-looking. In her view, a beautiful colour depends as much on the health of the hair as on the choice of shade.
This holistic approach is what sets the work of a great colourist apart from a purely technical service. It is also a reminder that beautiful hair after 70 is, above all, a matter of consistency and adaptation. Queen Camilla’s hair remains, to this day, the finest proof of that.
