Some royals love to experiment. Queen Mary of Denmark has built her image on timeless elegance. She is one of the most classic figures in Europe and usually sticks to refined, traditional looks, especially with her hair. For years, her signature has been long hair styled in soft, polished waves that frame her face beautifully. Every so often she surprises us, like with the Star Wars-inspired bun that made headlines last October.
This time, though, the change is not about styling. It is about the cut. And it is her most modern yet.
At an event marking the centenary of Lillebror Lotteriet, the traditional lottery organized by the Børnehjælpsdagen association, King Frederik X’s wife stepped out with a noticeably refreshed look. She had shed her familiar long, layered hair. In its place was a sleek, long, straight bob that falls right at her shoulders and instantly sharpens her image.
The cut is softly shaped around the face, framing her features and giving the overall look a lighter feel. It is incredibly flattering. It brightens her expression, defines her profile and gives her the subtle youthful glow that comes with a stunning haircut. It exudes a sense of modernity and polish, perfectly balanced with a hint of boldness.
© detdanskekongehus
© detdanskekongehusThe long bob, the haircut that takes years off
The bob has always been a favorite, but its longer version, the long bob or lob, has become the go-to for anyone wanting a chic update. It is one of those cuts that refines the face and adds structure while still being easy to wear.
It works especially well on rounder faces when paired with a middle part, exactly how Mary is wearing it. The center part creates balance and visually elongates the face.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesHair professionals often recommend the long bob for anyone who wants a real change without going too far. Because it falls below the neck, it keeps softness around the face. You get a fresh look, but you still look like yourself. For a royal, that balance matters.
Juan Leal, the stylist and education director at Pierino Cosmetics, the Spanish distributor of brands such as O.M., Glynt, and Maria Nila, says the key is tailoring the cut to each person. For round faces, he suggests a side fringe and long layers. Layers of thick hair take away volume. Body-building cuts are ideal for fine hair. Oval faces can carry almost any style, and a layered bob that is slightly shorter at the nape and longer toward the front is especially flattering. It sounds very close to Mary’s new look.
Her other tricks for refreshing her hair
This is not the first time Queen Mary has refreshed her image through her hair. She knows that small changes can make a big impact.
In May 2024, she embraced hair contouring with lighter blonde highlights around her face. The result was bright and flattering. By lightening the strands that frame her features, she instantly softened her look. As stylist María Baras, creative director of Cheska, explained at the time, she lightened her overall tone and added slightly lighter highlights around the face, creating an immediate rejuvenating effect.
© mary_fonden / detdanskekongehus
© mary_fonden / detdanskekongehusA few months ago at a Christmas event, she turned to a gloss treatment to boost shine and add subtle copper tones to her dark hair. The finish looked radiant, and she styled it in defined Hollywood waves that felt elegant and classic.
Now, with her new long bob, she has taken a bolder approach. Instead of structured waves, she is wearing it with a looser, beachy texture that adds movement and a more relaxed feel. It is fresh and current, and it is still unmistakably royal.
Once again, Queen Mary shows that a smart, well-judged haircut can say just as much as a couture gown. Sometimes, a few inches can make a significant difference.
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