Los Angeles - Beyonce got herself a new blonde pixie haircut, sparking talk on Twitter.
Gone were the long curls she is known for, as she debuted the hairdo without comments on Instagram on Wednesday.
Her colourist Rita Hazan told Us Weekly: "I think she was just feeling empowered... She didn't want to hide behind her hair in real life."
On Twitter, reactions were mixed, with some hair experts noting she could set a trend and comments from short-haired celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Emma Watson.
Many said Beyonce, 31, was copying singer Miley Cyrus, who last year opted for a boyish cut, leaving behind her Disney star image. A week ago, Rihanna, known for her changing hairdos, also debuted a curly vintage-style cut on Twitter.
Los Angeles-based make-up artist Damone Roberts told the Daily Beast: "I assure you Beyonce's new haircut will be the hottest haircut to hit America since Jennifer Aniston's Rachel hairdo."
At least the pixie cut will be safer. Two weeks ago, Beyonce's extensions were caught in a fan while she performed on stage.
This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on August 10, 2013. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.