The power bob is back

Words: Tish Weinstock Producer: Saskia Tillers Image credit: Instagram.com/kaiagerber in partnership with

If you’ve been following the new season of Succession , you’ll know that Shiv Roy (played by Sarah Snook) is about to make some major business moves. The biggest signal of her intent? That killer bob.

While long hair is often associated with romance and femininity, there’s something about the precision of a blunt-cut bob, with its razor-sharp ends, that semaphores inner strength and self-assurance. Image credit: Instagram.com/kourtneykardash

“The power bob is a super sleek and glossy cut that means serious business,” says hairstylist George Northwood . “Think of all of the powerful women who opt for this style.” It’s true, over the years, we’ve seen countless iterations of the power bob, as women—fictional or otherwise—continue to use their hair as a symbol of strength and control.

Sharp and chic with never a hair out of place, Rosamund Pike has become synonymous with a perfect power bob—and her role as the formidable Marla Grayson in Netflix’s dark comedy, I Care a Lot, only served to cement this. Image credit: Instagram.com/mspike

In real life, too, many celebrities are experimenting with the power bob—from Kaia Gerber’s chin-skimming cut or Bella Hadid’s ‘90s girl look to Kourtney Kardashian’s razor-sharp ends or Selena Gomez’s lob. Video credit: Instagram.com/bellahadid

It’s an ideal cut for anyone eager to stand out from the crowd and project an air of authority, or who generally has designs on world domination. Just take American Vogue ’s Anna Wintour, who practically invented the power bob.

“The woman who wears this look is strong and powerful,” says hairstylist Gustav Fouche. “Cut not too long, and not too short, it's that perfect in-between length that can really bring an air of confidence when wearing it that others just can't match.”

So, how to create it? “Ask your hairdresser for a blunt bob, cut all one length,” advises Northwood. “Let them know that you’re after a sleek finish, they can then blow dry it out into a super smooth finish. Video credit: TikTok/makelly.c

The only downside to this cut is that it requires a lot of post-salon maintenance compared to more undone bobs. For this, you’ll need a salon-quality flat iron as well as a good heat protection spray to get that really straight finish. Image credit: Instagram.com/kaiagerber

“I’d recommend introducing a quality shampoo and conditioner into your day-to-day haircare regime, which can make a huge difference to the health and look of your hair,” he says. Add in a cut every six weeks, and you and your power bob will be in business. Image credit: TikTok/gabiebassett

Power to you.

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