With big hair comes big care

Nor are they suggesting that the mysterious power wielded by a frothy mass of in-your-face russet curls tells the untold story behind one of the greatest scandals of our times. Because that would be silly.

But what if it's true? There's a missing link in this story. And it's the magic of the power barnet. Brooks's hairdryer is the smoking gun.

Let's hack it. But wait! There's your secret.

Brooks doesn't have a hairdryer. Her look is natural. It says: "I do not waste time at the salon. Don't mess with me." Big hair with no effort. That is real power. Or at least it was for Brooks.

Big hair is always impressive. If you have it you either are important or you want to be. Big hair cannot be ignored. It is big for a reason.

Margaret Thatcher was the template and media supremo Arianna Huffington does it beautifully, as does Uptown Girl Christie Brinkley, whose age-defying mane swept into town this week. Power without arrogance is a blowdry that says: "Respect my authority."

The mistresses of the art are Cheryl Cole and Jennifer Lopez. Hair never knowingly undersold and rarely seen in the same style twice, it says - in a demonic voice - "I am so powerful that my possibilities are infinite." Dannii Minogue tried the same thing but the voice came out squeaky and no one believed her. She was ultimately let down by little hair.

Like all power plays, big hair is a dangerous game. And we can't all be winners. Some stand on the sidelines. Their hair says: "I am close to power but I do not crave power myself." Think Samantha Cameron, Michelle Obama, Simon Cowell's girlfriends and all newsreaders. Except for Natasha Kaplinsky, who has special dispensation to have fabulous hair because she used to be on Strictly Come Dancing.

Then there are women whose hair is so big it screams: "I want the power. The power should be mine. Give it to ME, ME, ME." Their hair is so high-maintenance that it virtually has its own manicure. Think Pauline Prescott, Sharon Osbourne, Monica Lewinsky, everyone on Loose Women. These are women who request one dressing room for themselves and one for their hair. They cannot be taken seriously. But their hair? Disrespect it at your peril. Given the events of the weekend - her arrest and subsequent release on bail - Rebekah Brooks probably needs all the power she can get.