We Fell In Love With Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Hair

By Jasmine Grant ·January 20, 2021January 20, 2021

Any time we get to bear witness to an epic sighting of Barack and Michelle Obama, we consider it a blessing. So it’s no surprise that when they arrived on Capitol Hill to attend the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, it became a moment in time.

One thing that stopped us all in our tracks was Michelle Obama’s look. Everything from her monochromatic outfit (compliments of Black designer Sergio Hudson) to her statement belt was a win. But the biggest win of all? Her gorgeous, bouncing curls which sent Black Twitter into a frenzy.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Reactions on Twitter poured in at an epic rate, so much so that Mrs. Obama and the term “laid” quickly became trending topics.

I found my joy. It was Michelle Obama’s hair. COME THROUGH CURLS AND VOLUME.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) January 20, 2021

Hair, LAID. Waist, CINCHED. Fit, BIG DRIP – my forever First Lady did not come to play. pic.twitter.com/idLpj44g2h

— IAMNJERA (@IAMNJERA) January 20, 2021

FLOTUS Michelle Obama's hair is bouncing & behaving!!! #BlackGirlMagic pic.twitter.com/FoagtV3ZCm

— BlackWomenViews Media (@blackwomenviews) January 20, 2021

michelle obama's hair has sent the family group chat ablaze

— Steadman (@AsteadWesley) January 20, 2021

The talented hands that helped Mrs. Obama achieve today’s look belong to none other than her longtime hairstylist, Washington D.C. based Yene Damtew. The salon owner took to Instagram confirming her participation in Mrs. Obama’s inauguration day glam. “It’s an honor to be a part of Mrs. Obama’s team on this historic day,” she humbly wrote.

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A post shared by Yene Damtew•Mentor•Hairstylist (@yenedamtew)

Damtew is responsible for many other epic hair moments Mrs. Obama has given us over the years, including her natural curly coiffe at the 2019 Essence Festival. The look was achieved using a variety of DevaCurl products, which helped give her curls definition and volume.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 06: A conversation with Michelle Obama takes place during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on July 06, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)