Since leaving the White House, Michelle Obama has embraced a bold new look — and her evolving hairstyles are at the heart of her fashion transformation. Her signature braids, first debuted in 2022, have become a defining part of her more relaxed and expressive public image.
The former First Lady introduced micro braids during the unveiling of her official White House portrait, signaling a shift from the sleek midi bob she often wore during her time in office. Since then, Obama has experimented with a range of braided styles, often mixing them with modern outfits that reflect her vibrant personality.
In December 2022, she shared a photo wearing a colorful tracksuit and long braids styled in a half-top bun. The look drew praise from fans, with one commenting, “Love her new look! She looks absolutely beautiful!”
Michelle’s hairstylist, Njeri Radway, revealed that the switch to braids was inspired by her daughter, Malia Obama. “Mrs. Obama was skeptical at first,” Radway told Essence. “The team weighed in and suggested she keep them. We tailored them a bit to suit her, and ultimately, she made the decision — and it was a great one.”
Since then, Obama has continued to explore new hair choices. In August 2024, she sported a dramatic waist-length box braid while visiting a bookstore for National Book Lovers Day. Tucked under a baseball cap, the braid added a cool, streetwear-inspired edge. Fans were quick to praise the style, calling her “the coolest FLOTUS we will ever have.”
A few months earlier, on May 1, she showed off a more refined version of the style while appearing with Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, during a stop on Knowles’ book tour. With her hair pulled into a high ponytail and swept into a thick mermaid braid, Obama once again demonstrated her flair for effortlessly chic looks. One fan wrote, “I love Michelle’s hair omg.”
Back in 2022, Obama spoke candidly about the pressure she felt to maintain a conservative appearance during her time as First Lady. “They ain’t ready for it!” she joked to Ellen DeGeneres, referencing the idea of wearing natural hairstyles at work. “As Black women, we deal with it — the whole thing about, do you show up with your natural hair?”
Today, Michelle Obama is clearly more comfortable expressing herself, especially through her hair. Her current “braid era” reflects not only her personal freedom but also serves as a powerful example of authenticity and confidence.
