Michelle Obama's Trendiest Hair Look Proved She's Never Scared To Experiment

Michelle Obama has had an amazing style evolution since leaving the White House, and her statement braids definitely reflect her more fun and sassy side. The former FLOTUS first debuted micro braids in 2022 during the unveiling of her White House portrait, and she's been wearing variations of plaited hair since. In December of that year, Michelle shared a picture of her wearing a colorful tracksuit with her long braided tresses in a half-top bun, and fans couldn't get enough of her youthful style. "Love her new look! She looks absolutely beautiful!" one replied.

According to Michelle's hairstylist, Njeri Radway, the mom of two was thinking about going for a trendier style, and it was her daughter Malia Obama who inspired her to go for braids. "Once we put the braids in, Mrs. Obama was skeptical of the style on herself. The team weighed in, and we all suggested that she keep them. We did end up tailoring them a bit to suit her better. Ultimately, it was her decision, and it was a great one," Radway told Essence. After rocking plaits, Michelle hasn't yet gone back to the timeless midi bob she wore during her White House years, and has experimented even more with down-to-there extensions.

In August 2024, Michelle Obama took a big fashion risk with her elevated streetwear and a huge boxy braid that trailed down to her waist. While posting a picture of herself at a bookstore on National Book Lovers Day, Obama showed off a new braided 'do that peeked out underneath her baseball hat. "The coolest FLOTUS we will ever have," a fan raved. Another gushed, "Absolutely gorgeous!"

Obama showed off a slightly smaller version of her chunky braid on May 1 while posing with Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles. "It was such a joy speaking with @MsTinaKnowles at her first book tour stop for Matriarch!" she shared on Instagram. With her smaller plaits in a high ponytail, Obama had the rest of her tresses in a thick mermaid braid that she had tossed over one shoulder. "I love Michelle's hair omg," a fan replied.

Back in 2022, Obama reflected on feeling like she couldn't express herself through her hair as the First Lady. "They ain't ready for it!" she told Ellen DeGeneres during her book tour for "The Light We Carry," per The Hill. She continued, "The code of ethics at a workplace, as Black women, we deal with it, the whole thing about do you show up with your natural hair?" Now, it's clear Obama feels free to wear her hair however she wants, and we're all for her fabulous braid era.