Tips and Inspiration
From Unilever Beauty Experts
The most prominent female CEO hairstyles range from variations of the lob, the pixie, and the wavy curls. That said, you don’t need to follow a template to lead with conviction. You can have short, long, straight, or colored hair and still own the boardroom.
All it takes is a crowning glory you’re undeniably confident in, while being able to adapt to your needs. Check out these women in leadership positions who are at the top of their game and see how their hairstyles let them move with grace and power.
Angkas CEO Angeline Tham’s lob, or long bob, is perfect for on-the-go bosses – especially ones who head a ride-hailing app. Clean and structured, it frames the face neatly and shows you’re always in control and ready to stand on business. The lob requires minimal effort to maintain but will have you looking put together for a whole day of meetings.
Styled with waves and honey-blonde highlights, Whitney Wolfe Herd’s lob embodies her feminine side and gives off a playful vibe. Upbeat and creative leaders, consider this ’do if you want to look polished but still friendly and approachable.
Former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi’s on-the-go, no-nonsense business attitude has given her somewhat of a signature look: her short hair. From a pompadour updo she used to sport most of her career to a more relaxed and textured pixie crop in her retirement years, she undoubtedly looks dignified and respected with her hairstyle.
Colored locks are for the artsy CEOs who will never compromise their free spirit for corporate conformity, just like Margaret Zhang. The multi-hyphenate's boundless energy and creativity show her eclectic sense of style and a bright shock of hair that turns heads wherever she goes. So, if commanding attention is your goal, this is your sign to get that eye-catching dye.
Artist Zainab Fasiki wears a short, cheekbone-grazing bob with bangs, channeling French-girl confidence. If you’re a bold and independent thinker like her, this peg is for you. The intention is to look cool and effortless without seeming like you tried too hard; everyone loves a leader who knows exactly what they’re doing.
Abba Nappa, co-founder and creative director of the Moment Group, has her hair in bouncy layers and curls, a fitting and elegant style for a leader in the F&B scene. Make this elevated look your go-to if you want to come off as perpetually chic and dignified. Tip: to make sure your curls to last, let them cool down first after using a curling iron, so the style sets in place.
Millennial Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin wears her medium-length hair in sleek and relaxed waves. Her hairstyle looks refined and befitting a leader of parliament without being too uptight. The Scandinavians have mastered the art of easy elegance, which shows in Marin’s hairstyle as she straddles the line between hip and proper.
Like this cool and confident leader, you can achieve a polished yet easy hairstyle without a stray strand in sight. The Cream Silk Triple Keratin Ultimate Repair & Shine Serum Conditioner combines the benefits of three keratin products, including taming rebellious frizz with relaxers, reviving damaged locks with serum, and restoring extremely dull tresses with essence. Loosely style with a curling iron or rollers, and you’re good to go!
Queen of the lob, Selena Gomez, can take her hairstyle from sleek to curly. After all, bosses need to be versatile and flexible, as they transition from the office to networking parties. This in-between look, where she styles her locks in relaxed waves and pins them up with hair clips, is especially fun to recreate for when you want to switch things up from time to time.
As far as female CEO hairstyles go, Maria Ressa’s short-cropped hair wins in the low-maintenance category. The co-founder of Rappler, known for her fearless journalism, rocks a style that’s just as bold as her convictions. Like Maria, this pixie-length cut goes well with leaders who prefer substance over flash.
Just like Canva’s user-friendly interface, Melanie Perkins’ polished, straight hair easily makes her seem gracious and approachable. She keeps her locks down and tucked behind her ear. Take notes if you’re the relaxed and relatable type who likes to cultivate a casual office vibe for her employees.
Letting your hair loose the whole day might come with challenges. To keep those long tresses soft and frizz-free, try TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner. It nourishes each strand for a sleek finish you can easily manage throughout your jam-packed schedule.
Naver CEO Choi Soo Yeon is one of many influential women who’ve rocked a side-parted bob cut. Seen as a symbol of strength and independence, the style is especially favored by American CEOs like Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer and Avon’s Sheri McCoy. Soo Yeon wears hers like a uniform, paired with a suit jacket – a true image of authority during public engagements.
Mae Layug, GRWM Cosmetics CEO, is often seen with her hair tied back. Whether she’s donning a ponytail or a bun, a few tendrils are always left to frame her face and draw attention to her makeup. Now, that’s a boss who knows how to sell her business! Not to mention, a clean style like this clears up the visage and enhances your presence by drawing focus to your eyes.
The way a boss styles her locks reflects her individuality, personality, and ultimately her ways of achieving success. Since every woman is different and nuanced, it’s less about following rules and more about finding the right one that fills you with unshakeable aplomb. Get inspired by these famous female CEO hairstyles and make it all the way to the top while looking good!