Michelle Obama's Stylists Dish About Braids, Trauma Bonding and Why FLOTUS 'Is Not a Celebrity'

When you think about Michelle Obama’s evolution with hair over the years, what stands out most to you?

Yene Damtew: When you think about her evolution through the book, it starts off with her and childhood hairstyles that I think are very nostalgic to every Black girl around the world.

In reading her journey,  it made me remember when I was younger, and feeling that rite of passage when I got my hair relaxed. And then I wore braids. And then into adulthood, when I had professional jobs, I was always thinking, do I have a polished look? Her experience was just like mine.  

I learned, Michelle is not a celebrity—she doesn’t have a bob and then a bust down the next day. Everything she says is realistic to the everyday woman, and I think that’s what makes her journey unique and relatable.

How did you approach crafting her White House looks versus her modern, braid-forward styles?

Damtew: During her White House days, her primary hairstylist was Johnny Wright, and I assisted him. Michelle wanted a recognizable look and continuity with her hair. Johnny used to refer to it as a political silhouette; she wanted her message to be the focus. So it was never about the hair, it was never about fashion. It was about what she was saying and what she was doing. But now her look has evolved. 

Njeri Radway: Her wearing braids now is more so about freedom; whether it’s swimming or playing tennis or just exercising in general, it’s one less thing she has to worry about.

Damtew: And it’s also about the freedom to [finally] be in control of her hair and image.

Is there a behind-the-scenes moment with Michelle Obama that has stayed with you?

Damtew: Njeri and I were both in our early twenties when we were introduced to this family and she has continued to pour into us. I’m pregnant, and even earlier today she was asking about my doctor appointments. She’s been there through our heartaches, heartbreaks, marriages, children. That support, that love, the wisdom she drops—that’s the standout.

Which chapter in The Look feels most meaningful from a hair and style standpoint?

Damtew: I think that hair journey section is the story of so many women.

Radway: I agree. Reading it, I’m like, wow, we pretty much have the same story. It’s almost like a form of trauma bonding—getting hit in the head with a comb, catching your ear with the hot comb, but also the bonding moments. Yene, Michelle and myself all grew up in very different places, yet our stories and experiences with hair are all the same.

Where do you hope textured-hair conversations go in the next five to ten years?

Radway: I just want for women, especially Black women, to embrace who they are naturally. And do it confidently.

Damtew: Within the texture community there’s this divisiveness of the straight, natural versus the natural, natural and I hope the community becomes more unified. To me, having healthy hair is about having the versatility to straighten it, wear it curly, wear braids, or lock it. That’s your right.

What do you hope readers take away from The Look?

Damtew: My hope is that The Look inspires readers to have hair conversations. I hope it opens up a conversation for us to also question why it’s so easy to pick apart someone as opposed to just celebrating who they are.