For women of all races, religions and sexual orientations, hair may say more than any other attribute. Whether it's a luscious color or an intricately gorgeous hairstyle, in some way, hair can tell the world who a woman is, or even more powerfully, tell the world who they want to be.
In recent history, thick, long hair has been closely associated with a certain voluptuous femininity that was traditionally accepted. While there's nothing wrong with growing your hair this way (I also choose to grow my hair long), in some ways this classically beautiful look may be safer or more desirable than other looks, and it's especially beautiful on domineering people. The male gaze produced by patriarchy.
Bob haircuts also have quite a history, albeit more controversial. This short-cut music, which debuted and gained popularity in the 1920s, actually dates back to the 1890s and is closely associated with a French singer and actor named Polaire. Her short bob hairstyle was in many ways a rebellion of her time, and because of this, she was considered "the ugliest woman in the world." Although Polaire became a recognized look for women almost 30 years ago, she is fearless and accurately expresses her own style.
Now, with the major resurgence of recent decades (i.e. throughout the '60s, '70s, and early 2000s), it's clear that women are taking back their power, and more specifically, taking back the bob hairstyle.
What is a power bob hairstyle?
From sliced bob to boyfriend bob; Botticelli bob to hybrid Bixy style: The umpteenth time bob haircuts have become mainstream lately. Although in 2023, it's all about Power Bob.
What exactly is a power bob, you ask? Well, in a way, it looks exactly like it sounds. "To me, a power bob is a length that's able to hold weight and has a minimal texture," SexHair's lead artist and celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation, whose clients include Shay Mitchell, Hailee Steinfeld and Emma Chamberlain, tells Bustle. ” Typically, a sharp cut is paired with a crisp center part or some blunt bangs.
In recent pop culture, power bobs are often seen on women who radiate powerful energy and are truly fearless in embracing their unique strengths and voices. Additionally, Nation notes that this look is inherently "more free-spirited looking."
Lori Harvey opted for a power bob haircut that made sense as she launched her brand, SKN by LH (especially after her split from Michael B. Jordan ), while Megan Thee Stallion came with her new "one-and-one" Go to court with the Purple Power Suit. Kim Kardashian has chosen this look on countless occasions, though it seems to come up more often as she works on criminal justice reform and maintains her style in the officer's room in Washington, D.C. Recently, the Rhodes founder and indisputable girl of 2022 (Hailey Bieber, of course) decided to enter 2023 with a powerful stamp of approval.
Should You Consider Opting for a Power Bob?
Bottom line: Waking up one morning and completely changing your appearance isn't a blind thing to do - *especially* if you're the kind of girl who's been trying to get your real height for a while.
However, if the history and intentions behind Mindset-Changing Power Bob pique your interest, Nation has some suggestions you might want to consider before booking an appointment.
"Face shape plays a big role in bangs, frame and bob - [so] I would first consider your own face shape. For example, if you have a round or pear-shaped face, will [shorter hairstyles] be elongating?" Does it help balance your face, or will it make your face look rounder than you want? If you do have a rounder face, you would want a longer bob to elongate your face shape and maintain it. balance."
Your go-to hairstylist can find the best power bob length for you based on your features.
