Downton Abbey Star Joanne Froggatt's 6 Best Slicked-Back Hairstyles

Thanks to social media, we know a lot about what the cast of "Downton Abbey" looks like in real life now. In particular, we've had our eye on how Joanne Froggatt's love life is thriving, as well as her fashion and beauty, especially as she loves a slicked-back moment. While Froggatt's character Anna Bates wore her hair really simply throughout the franchise, Froggatt's look in real life is anything but. Over the years, the star has worn some gorgeous slicked-back hairstyles that deserve the spotlight. 

The slicked-back look is classic, but not always easy to achieve. Celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook told Glamour in May 2026 that it requires one thing that Froggatt definitely has. "When your hair looks healthy, a slick-back looks modern," Brook said. Froggatt's long blond locks have always been gorgeous in styles like loose waves, but these sleek looks she's worn have really elevated her fashion choices in the best way. Whether Froggatt chose to wear a bolder gown or something simple, we can't imagine some of her best red carpet looks without these next-level slick-backs.

Joanne Froggatt's major style transformation in her 40s has included some bold fashion risks that really paid off for her. This structured Stella McCartney shoulder gown she wore to the 2026 "MobLand" season two premiere paired perfectly with her slicked-back, almost wet hair look. The simpler style really brought attention to the dress itself, giving it the spotlight. That doesn't mean the look was boring in any way, though. We love how polished and classy it was.

Not only did Joanne Froggatt wear a creative Cong Tri gown to the world premiere of "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," she also wore a gorgeous slicked-back side part hairstyle to match. While a center-part slicked style looks just as lovely on her, we love how much the side part showed off her diamond earrings here. She also completed her glam with a bold red lip. Altogether, the look is gorgeous and sophisticated.

Joanne Froggatt wore this slicked-back bun to a Monaco event in 2022, proving that she's had a long-time love affair with ultra-sleek styles like this. This particular look was created by hairstylist Narad Kutowaroo. The hairstylist used Unite Hair's Silky Smooth Hydrating Complex Conditioner on Froggatt's hair and then slicked it down into a bun using Unite's Max Control Hairspray and U Oil (via Country & Townhouse), elongating her face beautifully. 

While attending press days in Los Angeles for "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," Joanne Froggatt wore yet another slicked-back style that we can really get on board with. This time, the actor rocked a sleek Ariana Grande-style ponytail done by hairstylist Chad Maxwell. Froggatt has really mastered the art of simple elegance — often wearing outfits and complementary hairstyles that are understated, but totally gorgeous on red carpets. This long, slicked-back pony is a little different for her, but is on-brand nonetheless.

This slicked-back updo Joanne Froggatt wore to the 2024 Brit Awards was so chic paired with her leather one-shoulder Sophie Couture dress. Froggatt admitted to Allure in 2015 that she liked her hair to have no resemblance to her "Downton Abbey" character. "I'd stay away from a finger wave for a while," she joked. "Anything too period. I just want to look totally different from this character. Of course, I love her to pieces, but when you become known for something, you do want to go, 'It's not me!'"

Joanne Froggatt wore a slicked-back center-part look to the season two premiere of "MobLand" in 2026, and she also wore this style to the season one premiere in 2025. If it isn't broken, don't fix it! Froggatt knows what works for her hair on a red carpet. This slick-back style looks incredible on her, and it works with so many different red carpet outfits for her as well — from a bold, structured dress to a simple but classy two-piece velvet set.