Michelle Obama consciously avoided wearing braids during her time as First Lady. She recently revealed her reasoning in an interview with PEOPLE magazine. The revelation came as she prepares to release her new coffee table style book, “The Look.”
“I wasn’t sure whether the country was ready for it,” Michelle explained about her decision. The Crown Act, which protects employees and students from race-based hair discrimination, hadn’t been passed yet. She didn’t want her hair to become a distraction from her husband’s presidency.
Understanding the Pressure of Being First Lady
Michelle Obama faced unprecedented scrutiny as the first Black First Lady. Every fashion choice and hairstyle decision carried political weight and cultural significance. She navigated these pressures while supporting her husband’s historic presidency.
The former First Lady understood that her appearance would be dissected constantly. Critics were ready to use any excuse to delegitimize the Obama administration. Hair, particularly Black hair, has long been politicized in American society.
“Just like fashion, I didn’t want my hair to become a distraction,” she stated. This careful consideration shaped her beauty choices throughout eight years in the White House. She prioritized her husband’s political success over personal expression during that time.
The Crown Act and Hair Discrimination Context
The Crown Act addresses a serious problem facing Black Americans nationwide. Many employees and students have faced discrimination based on natural hairstyles like braids, locs, and afros. These discriminatory practices have long histories rooted in racism and Eurocentric beauty standards.
When Michelle served as First Lady, the Crown Act didn’t exist yet. She understood that wearing braids could fuel racist commentary and criticism. The political climate made natural Black hairstyles controversial in professional spaces.
Her decision reflected the reality that Black women often face in predominantly white institutions. They must constantly calculate which aspects of their identity are “acceptable” to display. Michelle made a strategic choice to avoid unnecessary controversy during her husband’s tenure.
Braids Represent Freedom and Authenticity
Since leaving the White House, Michelle has embraced braids once again. She explained that this hairstyle represents freedom in multiple ways. The practical benefits and symbolic meaning both matter deeply to her.
“It’s freedom,” Michelle emphasized when discussing why she feels more comfortable in braids. “Braids allow me to get them done, and then that’s one less thing that I have to think about.” The low-maintenance style fits her current lifestyle perfectly.
“When I’m out of the public eye, I am swimming, I am playing tennis, and braids represent that kind of freedom for me,” she continued. The hairstyle enables her to participate in activities she loves without constant hair concerns.
The Look: A Book About Natural Hair Journey
Michelle’s upcoming book explores her relationship with natural hair throughout her life. “The Look” is a collection of images and stories surrounding her hair experiences. The coffee table style book documents how braids gave her freedom to participate in various activities.
The book covers swimming, running, playing, and other social activities that braids facilitated. It tells a personal story that resonates with countless Black women. Hair journeys often reflect larger narratives about identity, acceptance, and self-love.
“The Look” will hit shelves on November 4, 2025. Readers will gain insight into Michelle’s private thoughts about hair and identity. The book contributes to important conversations about Black beauty standards and representation.
Making a Statement at Portrait Unveiling
Michelle made a deliberate choice when selecting her hairstyle for her official portrait unveiling. After her husband’s tenure ended, she returned to wearing braids publicly. The portrait moment carried special significance for her personal expression.
“I understood the significance of wearing braids to our portrait unveiling,” she stated clearly. She wanted to send a powerful message through this choice. Her decision added to discourse about Black women in positions of power.
“This too is an appropriate and beautiful way to wear your hair,” she emphasized. The portrait will hang in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery permanently. Future generations will see a First Lady proudly wearing braids in her official image.
Her Hairstylist’s Perspective on Black Hair
Yene Damtew has served as Michelle’s longtime hairstylist throughout various life stages. Damtew is featured prominently in “The Look” and shared her perspective with PEOPLE. Her insights illuminate the deeper meaning of hair for Black women.
“I believe hair is one of the most important parts of a Black woman’s journey,” Damtew told the magazine. She understands that hair choices reflect internal states and external pressures. The relationship between Black women and their hair runs incredibly deep.
“It reflects who she is, how she feels, and the depth of her self-love in ways words can’t fully capture,” Damtew explained. This perspective helps readers understand why Michelle’s hair choices matter beyond aesthetics. Hair becomes a form of self-expression and identity affirmation.
The Political Nature of Black Hair
Black hair has been politicized throughout American history. Natural hairstyles have been deemed “unprofessional” in workplaces and schools for generations. This discrimination stems from white supremacist beauty standards that equate European features with professionalism.
Michelle’s careful navigation of these politics demonstrates ongoing challenges Black women face. Even as First Lady, she felt pressure to conform to Eurocentric standards. Her experience highlights how deeply ingrained these biases remain in society.
The Crown Act legislation addresses these discriminatory practices directly. Multiple states have passed versions protecting natural hair in schools and workplaces. However, progress remains incomplete as many states lack these protections entirely.
Setting an Example for Future Generations
Michelle’s decision to wear braids in her official portrait carries lasting impact. Young Black girls will see themselves reflected in presidential history. The representation matters profoundly for children developing their identities and self-esteem.
Her choice normalizes Black natural hairstyles in the highest levels of American society. It challenges outdated notions about what leaders should look like. Future Black women in power can point to Michelle’s example when facing similar pressures.
The former First Lady uses her platform to advance conversations about representation. She understands the responsibility that comes with her historic position. Her choices continue influencing cultural conversations years after leaving the White House.
Balancing Personal Expression With Public Service
Michelle’s White House experience illustrates complex challenges Black women navigate daily. They must balance authentic self-expression with professional advancement and acceptance. These calculations require constant mental and emotional energy.
The former First Lady prioritized her husband’s political success during his presidency. She made personal sacrifices to support his historic achievement. However, she reclaimed her authentic expression once freed from those particular pressures.
Her story resonates with Black women across various professional fields. Many make similar calculations about hair, clothing, and speech patterns. Michelle’s openness about her choices validates these experiences and struggles.
Freedom Beyond Political Constraints
Life after the White House has allowed Michelle Obama greater personal freedom. She can make choices based on her preferences rather than political calculations. Wearing braids represents this newfound autonomy in tangible ways.
The practical benefits of braids suit her active lifestyle perfectly. Swimming, tennis, and other activities become easier with protective styles. She no longer needs to worry about hair maintenance interfering with her enjoyment.
Beyond practicality, the braids symbolize reclaiming aspects of identity previously suppressed. Michelle can fully embrace her authentic self without political consequences. This freedom represents a significant shift in her daily life and self-expression.
