Meghan Markle Gets Real About Her Relatable Hair Routine: 'I Was Using Boxed Dye'

Mar. 15, 2025

(From left) Meghan Markle, Kadi Lee and Serge Normant at the launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness line in Venice, California on Nov. 14, 2024.Photo:Tiffany Rose/Getty

Tiffany Rose/Getty

Meghan Markleshifted her beauty routine in a relatable way during the COVID pandemic: boxed hair color.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, made the relatable revelation at the Nov. 15 launch party for her close friend and hair colorist Kadi Lee’s newHighbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness lineat Gjelina restaurant Venice, California, showing support for the female-founded venture she backs as an investor.

After Lee spoke about how her friendship with Meghan influenced the evolution of her business, the Duchess of Sussex said, “I was using boxed dye when I met her!” eliciting laughs from those in attendance.

At the launch party, Meghan presented Lee with a thoughtful gift—roses from the garden of her Montecito home, where she lives withPrince Harryand their children,Prince Archie, 5, andPrincess Lilibet, 3.

Meghan’s glossy tresses have long been one of her signature style features, and she ordered her hair color online for just a few dollars during the pandemic.

(From left) Meghan Markle, Kadi Lee and Serge Normant at the launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness line in Venice, California on Nov. 14, 2024.Tiffany Rose/Getty

Celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant, who did Meghan’s hair when she married Prince Harry in 2018 and has remained a friend, told her that she only needed to know one person in California: “Kadi Lee.”

PEOPLE understands that the pair struck up a friendship following the introduction, and Meghan has turned to the celeb colorist for the past four and a half years. Lee is a strong supporter of BIPOC businesses, and Meghan is one of the lead investors in her brand.

“She was in a joyful mood,” a source tells PEOPLE of Meghan’s infectious energy at the event. “She was dancing and celebrating with her friends.”

Videos shared to Lee’sInstagram Storiesshowed the Duchess dancing and singing along to a gospel choir performance. Lee is also the hair colorist ofJulia Roberts,Gwyneth Paltrow, andDiane von Furstenberg, and the launch marks the next chapter for Highbrow Hippie.

Some of Meghan’s closest friends were also at the bash, including her longtime friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin, as well as Vicky Tsai, founder of Tatcha, who appeared in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix docuseries,Harry & Meghan.

Meghan Markle, Serge Normant, Kadi Lee and Myka Harris at the launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness line in Venice, California on Nov. 14, 2024.Tiffany Rose/Getty

“We needed this celebration of community and creativity,” Martin tells PEOPLE. “I was honored to celebrate these women among such close friends.”

In August, Meghan was revealed as an investor in the female-founded, sustainably sourced handbag brand,Cesta Collective, tellingThe New York Timesthere were between five and 10 brands in her portfolio. The Duchess of Sussex described them as complementary to her own budding lifestyle brand,American Riviera Orchard.

(From left) Meghan Markle, Kadi Lee and Serge Normant at the launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness line in Venice, California on Nov. 14, 2024.Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty

Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty

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“Investing in them has helped me line up for this chapter where I’m investing in myself,” Meghan said over the summer.

source: people.com