PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
It's no question that yesterday was a historical moment and a new chapter we've been looking forward to. We got a new president and vice president (aka the first woman and person of color VP). Plus we can’t forget a jaw-stopping performance by Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, a moving piece by Amanda Gorman and, according to the internet, one of the biggest showstoppers of the day—Michelle Obama’s hair.
Now, we were all head over heels for the fashion (monochromic looks FTW), but it was the bouncy curls from the former First Lady that we couldn't stop talking about (and attempting to recreate the look at home). Twitter was quick to keep the First Lady's hair trending all day with hashtag #laid (which is code for a really good silk press).
And thanks to the powers of the internet, we learned that Yene Damtew was the mastermind behind the look. She was nice enough to share her tips and tricks to getting your curls to withstand any weather, and ya know, any upcoming events you might have with the biggest politicians and stars...hey, a girl can dream.
First, you want to part your hair (Obama’s was to the side) before you begin to section your hair off. Damtew reached for a flat iron (1.25 inch one to be exact) and began running it through each section before wrapping the hair around the tool. Once she removed the flat iron, she twirled the piece using her finger to really define the curls (and talk about bounce!).
In the tutorial video, she mentions the flat iron she is using was discontinued, but recommends one that's just as good to perfect the style. Plus, we rounded up a few more to get you started.
Get the tools: Herstyler ($25); Brilliance ($50); Hot Tools ($60); CHI ($82); BaBylissPRO ($130)
Damtew didn’t include what products she uses (and wrote on IG it was for confidential purposes). However, in an interview with Coveteur, she lists out a few of her favorite brands that she uses on her clients. DevaCurl, KeraCare, Aunt Jackie’s, Oribe, Taliah Waajid and SheaMoisture are just a few of the brands she relies on for all textures.
Obama’s look also had subtle highlights and a swoop bang that has us reaching for our rolling brush. We don't know about you, but we’re definitely using this blowout as a reference at our next salon appointment.
