Robert Powls: 1947–2026
Founder of Cloud Nine and the driving force behind both Cloud Nine and ghd, leaves behind a legacy that helped define modern hair styling.
Robert began his career in the salon, where his passion for hairdressing was shaped by craft, discipline, and a deep understanding of his clients.
He recognised early that hair was not simply about appearance, but about confidence, identity, and control. Through years of listening, he identified a clear and unmet need: people wanted the freedom to move between styles, to experiment, and to express their individuality-but the tools available did not yet allow it.
A perfectionist by nature, Robert was relentless in his pursuit of a better solution- driven not just to improve products, but to create something iconic. He combined professional expertise with commercial understanding, always maintaining a clear focus on the people he was creating for.
His search for innovation took him around the world, culminating in a pioneering partnership in Seoul, South Korea, where he helped develop what would become groundbreaking ceramic technology in hair straighteners. This step-change in performance laid the foundation for a new category, realised first through ghd and later through Cloud Nine, where he continued to evolve the category with a focus on control, temperature, and long-term hair health.
At Cloud Nine, Robert remained actively involved in product development, consulting on new innovations and helping to shape the direction of the brand. His influence remained constant, with his thinking and standards continuing to guide the products created under his name.
In doing so, he helped change a generation of people’s relationship with their hair- bringing professional-level styling into everyday life and giving millions the freedom and confidence to express themselves on their own terms.
Cloud Nine continues to work with that original partner more than 25 years later, reflecting Robert Powls’ enduring belief in craftsmanship, integrity, and staying true to the source of innovation.
His legacy lives on through the brands he built, the category he created, and the standards he set for the industry.
From straighteners with 11 heat settings and pressure-reducing Revive Mode® to hairbrushes that minimise breakage, Cloud Nine puts your hair type, your style, and your needs first. No other styling tools adapt to your hair’s specific needs to promote strength, glossiness, and long-lasting health.
With Cloud Nine, everyone is invited to the kinder future of hairstyling.
For more information, visit www.cloudninehair.com.
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