Mayor's Pixie Power
Pixie power: What does Mayor Parker's new "sassy" hairstyle mean?
When CultureMap caught up with Mayor Annise Parker at the recent opening of the new international concourse at Hobby Airport, the first thing we noticed was her shorter hairdo.
The mayor confirmed that, with her term coming to an end soon, she figured it was time for a change. "A new look, kind of transitioning," she explained. "We're going for sassy."
Experts say that's not unusual.
A 2010 survey of 3,000 women by British hairstylist Andrew Collinge found that women will most likely change their hairstyle up to 104 times in their lifetime, as well as change their hair color up to three times. The survey found the Top Reasons Women Change Their Hairstyle are:
- Just for a change
- Out of boredom
- As a confidence booster
- As a result of a breakup
- To reinvent oneself
- Keep up with fashions and trends
- Going gray
- In conjunction with a milestone birthday
- Either before or after having a child
- Their wedding
Reaction to Parker's new pixie cut, from her longtime hairstylist Elaine Gonzalez at Simon & Co. salon, is favorable on Facebook.
Comments range from "very hip" to "so much better" to "makes her look younger." One commenter wrote, "An elderly teacher told us in a class, 'when a woman changes her hairstyle, watch out!...major changes in her life are coming.' "
Other changes for Parker include getting behind the wheel again. The mayor is in the process of buying a car as she will give up police protection, and the security team that drives her around, when she leaves office at the end of the year. She doesn't know what's next, although there are rumors that she may be up for a spot in the Hillary Clinton adminstration if the presidential election favors the Democrats.
And Clinton, for one, makes no bones that if she wins she doesn't plan to go gray in the White House like every other male president. "You're not going to see me turn white in the White House," Clinton, 67, joked in South Carolina earlier this year. "I'm aware I might not be the youngest candidate in this race, but I have one big advantage: I've been coloring my hair for years."
We're also keeping our eye on the Houston mayoral candidates — all men — but thus far we haven't noticed any big stylistic changes.
Dazzling accessories are key and these layering pieces from Awe Inspired's Egyptian Renaissance collection are the perfect addition to any outfit. Photo by Awe Inspired 
Make a statement in comfort with this jumpsuit from Houston designer Chloe Dao. Photo by Chloe Dao 
Dazzle in a sequin top; it is perfect for layering or great on its own. Photo by Nordstrom 
These sequin flare pants are available from Saint Bernard in River Oaks District. Photo by Saint Bernard
This Rag & Bone bucket hat goes with any look,Photo by Rag & Bone 
Perfect for the concert and for the rest of the season. Photo by Moschino Jeans
Beyoncé concert or not – these boots are a must. Photo by Tres Chic 
Turn heads in this festival-inspired fringe belt. Photo by Windsor
These high top sneakers are both comfortable and fashionable.Photo by Zadig & Voltaire
Complete any concert outfit with a small metallic bag. Photo by Zadig & Voltaire