Michelle Obama’s Hairstyles Speak of Inclusivity and Legacy

Although each featured product is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotions. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

The 2008 presidential election marked a turning point not only in American politics but also in the state of Black beauty. As Barack Obama entered the White House alongside his wife Michelle, black hair was given a new level of dignity and visibility. Throughout their presidency, the former First Lady often adopted a classic shoulder-length bob, showing the sophistication expected of someone in that position. However, her post-oval office period is particularly relevant, characterized by styles such as natural loose curls and braids – a direct violation of the beauty standards often imposed on Black women in political settings. In his book, “Appearance ($33)”, Obama describes his hair journey and the freedom he found while being mentored by two of his most trusted hair stylists, Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway.

Both stylists were introduced to the profession in their formative years, with Radway’s childhood weekends marked by visits to the salon with her mother. “My mom used to work at a salon and all the people in Jamaica went to this one hairdresser, Janet,” she told Popsugar. “I was always interested in everything, and this was the ’90s, so all the different styles like pressure and finger waves, and spray painting your hair gold just fascinated me.” This experience helped her gain the confidence to experiment with her hair, eventually getting into styles like braids and turning that passion into a career.

Meanwhile, Damtew grew up getting her hair done at school while her mother was at work. On Sunday mornings, he watched her use hot rollers, which piqued his interest even more. “When I was in elementary school, I had started practicing braids on my brother’s head, and the braids were scary—especially the braids,” she says. “When I got to high school, they offered a regional job program, and at that time, I knew I wanted to go to cosmetology school, but I’m a child of Ethiopian immigrants, so my parents didn’t see it as a job and I had to go to college.” Damtew continued to do her hair as a hobby while studying business, laying the foundation for her passion. “I told myself that I would please my parents, but I would also please myself.”

This determination laid the foundation for his nearly two-decade journey with the Obamas. Along with Radway, he worked as an assistant under stylist Mrs. Obama, Johnny Wright. “When he offered me the position, I refused because I didn’t want to move to another place,” said Damtew. “I was 21 years old and very focused on my California lifestyle, but after working with them over the Easter weekend in 2009, I stood in for Johnny a lot, helping to look after the girls. [Sasha and Malia] together, and at the end of the administration, I took over as a full-time stylist.” Radway also helped with the care of the girls before stepping into a more visible role in 2022. Neither woman knew about the history they would make after the White House.

One of the biggest moments that changed the trajectory of Obama’s hair legacy? Braids. She first sported the popular black style at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Festival in 2022, before donning a chignon to the White House Portrait Unveiling later that year. “She asked us if she should keep them at that point or go back to the ‘First Lady’ look, and we voted for braids,” Radway said. Their motivation? To show that Black women shouldn’t feel pressured to change their hair to gain certain spaces for acceptance or training. “She’s a black woman who wants to look and feel beautiful, and that’s my job,” Radway continued. “Then let people like him know that they can do the same, and your culture should be accepted wherever you go.”

Damtew also speaks proudly of his role in helping Mrs. Obama adopt a revolutionary hairstyle. “There are many different ideas about an angry Black woman or being a brave, fierce, and educated woman of color, so her presence is a reminder that women should feel free to change their hair from societal norms of what is ‘polished’ and be confident in how they appear in the world.”

Feeling unapologetically good is a core value of both stylists’ work, and it wouldn’t be possible without these basic products. For Damtew, it is Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner ($30, originally $44), Influence Deep Cleansing Shampoo ($15), Paul Mitchell The Detangler ($27, originally $34), and Remington 1″ Flat Iron ($15, originally $25). Meanwhile, Radway relies on this versatile weaving duo: i Gummy Professional Ultra Hold Styling Wax ($10) once Ampro Shine-n-Jam Magic Finger Gel ($13).

Ultimately, Damtew and Radway’s work with the former First Lady goes beyond hair, showing the power of dedication and integrity. “You don’t just do a job, you do it with passion, skill, and wholeheartedly. Njeri and I came to this world years ago and 15 years later, people read our names in places that will forever go down in history,” he said. “It’s a testimony to show that it’s not about immediate gratification, but about serving others and the gift within.” Radway echoes this belief in success with a deeper purpose. “We worked hard and we do it because we love doing what we do… I hope my hard work encourages others to keep paying attention to the signs, because they will lead you where you need to go.”

Naomi Parris is an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held in the Beauty and Operations product teams, she enjoys telling stories involving fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her talented pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she’s not composing shopping roundups, top features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog “Eli-Nay,” where she inspires readers with style guides, culture pieces, and creative content on her Instagram.