Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s new book, “The Look,” is more than a visual archive. It’s a celebration of Black womanhood, the evolution of personal style, and authentic self-expression. For Black women everywhere, her hair has long been a symbol of identity, freedom, and quiet rebellion. From press-and-curls to box braids, her choices sparked conversations and redefined representation at the highest levels.
Behind these defining moments are hairstylists Njeri Radway and Yene Damtew. Two Black women whose artistry helped shape the images that continue inspiring generations. They talk with ESSENCE about the emotional weight of their work and Black hair’s cultural significance. They also discuss how they hope their stories encourage the next wave of stylists.
Initial Reactions to Being Featured in Historic Book
“I was shocked initially and then humbly honored to be included in such a historic artifact,” Njeri Radway said. She recognizes the book will be passed down from generation to generation. “One could only dream,” she added about this remarkable opportunity. The inclusion validates years of dedicated artistry and professional excellence.
“I was definitely excited,” Yene Damtew shared about learning of her inclusion. “As a Black woman and hairstylist, I think it’s important for us to understand how much hair reflects who we are as individuals,” she explained. The book documents more than hairstyles—it captures identity and cultural expression. Both stylists recognize the historical significance of their contributions to Michelle Obama’s iconic image.
Representation Matters for Little Black Girls Everywhere
The book celebrates how beauty and identity are intertwined for Black women. “It means the world to me,” Radway said about this recognition. “The little Black girl inside me is jumping for joy because representation was always important to her,” she explained. Seeing someone who looks like you matters profoundly for self-image and possibilities.
“Beauty and identity are deeply connected for all people,” Damtew added to this sentiment. “I’m proud to be part of a historic body of work that shows how our hair allows us to express ourselves freely,” she continued. Their work demonstrates that Black women’s natural beauty deserves celebration at the highest levels. The visibility they helped create impacts how young Black girls see themselves and their futures.
Hair as Identity, Culture, Community, and Care
Working with Mrs. Obama deepened both stylists’ understanding of hair’s cultural significance. “Our hair is our identity,” Radway explained simply but powerfully. “Helping my clients move confidently through the world is an honor,” she added. This perspective elevates hairstyling from service work to cultural stewardship and empowerment.
“The significance comes from how women respond to seeing Michelle in braids, curls, blowouts,” Damtew observed. “It reinforces that they are seen,” she emphasized about representation’s power. When Black women see themselves reflected in prominent figures, it validates their beauty and worth. The stylists understand their work extends far beyond the individual in their chairs.
Moments Behind the Chair That Transcend Hairstyling
Both stylists recognize when their work becomes more than creating beautiful styles. “Those moments happen often,” Radway said about transcendent experiences with clients. “Some clients decompress in silence and you can literally see them get lighter,” she described. “That’s when I know it’s more than hair,” she concluded about these transformative sessions.
“Every client reminds me that the real job is helping someone feel beautiful from the inside out,” Damtew explained. This perspective shifts hairstyling from external appearance to internal transformation. The chair becomes a space of healing, affirmation, and self-discovery. Both stylists approach their craft with this deeper understanding and intentionality.
Redefining What Polished Means for Black Women
Balancing “polished” appearance with authentic self-expression challenges Black women in professional spaces. “As someone who has worn natural hair my entire life, I encourage clients to embrace how their hair grows,” Radway said. “Any style can be polished,” she emphasized, challenging narrow beauty standards. This philosophy empowers clients to honor their natural texture while looking professional.
“Polished should mean well-maintained. Not straight,” Damtew stated definitively. “We need to redefine that standard for ourselves,” she added about Black women reclaiming beauty definitions. For decades, “professional” hair meant straightened or European textures for Black women. These stylists actively challenge and expand these limiting standards through their work with high-profile clients.
Ownership Means Financial Autonomy and Industry Change
When asked what ownership looks like as artists and culture shapers, both stylists offered powerful visions. “Full financial autonomy and the power to drive systemic change in the beauty industry,” Radway answered directly. Economic independence allows creative freedom and the ability to challenge unjust industry practices. She envisions stylists wielding influence beyond individual client relationships.
“Having a seat at the table and sharing our experiences honestly so the next generation can grow and rise,” Damtew explained. Representation in decision-making spaces allows Black stylists to shape industry standards and practices. She wants to clear paths for those following behind her. Both stylists understand that individual success must translate into collective advancement and systemic change.
Staying Authentic in Industry That Defines Beauty Narrowly
Both stylists have learned crucial lessons about maintaining authenticity in beauty industry. “Stay true to yourself and do not conform to constructs that were never made for us,” Radway advised firmly. Beauty standards have historically excluded and harmed Black women specifically. She encourages resistance to these damaging norms and expectations.
“You must decide what beauty means to you,” Damtew stated about personal definition power. “Our light comes from within, and that’s what people truly see,” she added philosophically. Internal confidence and self-acceptance radiate outward more powerfully than any hairstyle. Both stylists encourage Black women to define beauty on their own terms rather than conforming.
Advice for Young Black Women Entering Beauty Industry
Radway offers direct, motivational guidance to aspiring Black hairstylists. “Take the risk. Stay dedicated. Let the fear push you,” she counseled. “Nothing happens overnight,” she added about managing expectations and maintaining persistence. Success requires courage to begin and determination to continue through inevitable challenges and setbacks.
“Continuing education and soft skills will keep you in business long after trends fade,” Damtew emphasized practically. Technical excellence matters, but interpersonal skills and ongoing learning ensure longevity. Trends change constantly in beauty industry, but foundational skills and professionalism remain valuable. Her advice balances artistic development with business sustainability and relationship building.
Hoping Readers Learn to Show Up Without Apology
When asked what they hope readers take from their presence in “The Look,” both stylists offered inspiring answers. “That it is okay to just be and show up confidently without apology,” Radway said. Black women often feel pressure to diminish themselves or conform to others’ comfort. She wants readers to claim their right to full, authentic self-expression.
“That anything is possible when you stand firmly in your decisions,” Damtew added about conviction and self-trust. Doubt and external criticism can undermine Black women’s choices about appearance and career. Standing firmly in decisions despite opposition or judgment requires strength. Both stylists model this confident authenticity through their careers and public presence.
Legacy of Pushing Envelopes and Taking Up Space
Radway envisions a specific legacy beyond her individual accomplishments and client relationships. “I want Black women to continue pushing the envelope and taking up space,” she stated boldly. “We are the blueprint,” she declared about Black women’s cultural influence and innovation. Her legacy work involves inspiring ongoing boundary-pushing by future generations of Black women.
“I hope my legacy is helping women feel their best,” Damtew shared about her ultimate goal. She wants to remind women “that they are not captive to any beauty standard,” she added. Liberation from oppressive beauty standards represents her core mission. Both stylists view their work as part of larger movement toward Black women’s freedom and self-determination.
Book Celebrates Black Womanhood and Style Evolution
“The Look” documents Michelle Obama’s style evolution across different life chapters and public roles. The book shows how her presentation adapted to various contexts while maintaining authenticity. Her hair choices throughout these periods carried particular cultural weight and significance. The documentation becomes historical record of Black women’s beauty at the highest political levels.
The book functions as more than celebrity style archive—it’s cultural documentation. It shows the power of showing up authentically in every chapter of life. Michelle Obama’s journey demonstrates how Black women can maintain identity while navigating predominantly white spaces. Radway and Damtew’s artistry helped create the visual representation that inspired millions globally.
Hair Choices Sparked Conversations and Redefined Representation
Michelle Obama’s hair choices sparked conversations across culture about Black beauty standards. Her box braids, natural curls, and various styles challenged what “First Lady hair” could look like. These choices represented quiet rebellion against narrow expectations for Black women in power. Each style decision carried symbolic weight beyond personal preference or aesthetics.
Her choices redefined what representation can look like at the highest levels of American society. Previous First Ladies set precedents that didn’t account for Black women’s hair texture or cultural practices. Michelle Obama expanded these possibilities simply by being herself authentically. Radway and Damtew enabled this representation through their skilled, culturally conscious artistry behind the scenes.
