Featured Image Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Topics: Michelle Obama, Celebrity, Politics, US News, Hair
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Michelle Obama, Celebrity, Politics, US News, Hair
For eight years, Michelle Obama lived in the White House, abiding by the roster of responsibilities that made up her role as First Lady.
Only recently, however, has the best-selling author shed light on the often harsh realities of the high-profile political position, one of which she said affected her ability to express herself using her hair.
For those in need of a reminder, Michelle served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, after her Democrat leader husband Barack was elected to the presidential position twice in succession.
The 61-year-old made history at the time, becoming the first first African-American woman to serve in the role.
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Throughout her terms, Michelle made a number of notable contributions, especially in the fields of health and nutrition, having launched the 'Let's Move' initiative to combat childhood obesity and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to improve nutrition in schools.
She also championed women’s rights, diversity, and inclusion, creating the 'Reach Higher' and 'Let Girls Learn' initiatives to encourage American youngsters, particularly girls, to pursue higher education.
Despite her colossal successes, the mother-of-two has this week revealed she herself felt forced to abide by certain restrictions while serving her country, one of which saw her refusing to wear her hair in braids for almost a decade.
Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine this week, Michelle claimed that, now that her stint in the presidential residence is well and truly over, she feels more free to embrace her personal sense of style, and wear her hair however she wants.
As such, she often opts for a super-chic set of braids while making public appearances.
"This is the first time, where every decision that I make is for me," she told the publication, revealing that throughout her two terms as First Lady, she felt force to suppress her now-signature hairstyle.
"[In the White House] I wasn’t sure whether the country was ready for it," she confessed.
"The Crown Act [which protects employees and students from race-based hair discrimination] hadn’t been passed yet, and just like fashion, I didn’t want my hair to become a distraction."
In 2022, however, five years after leaving Washington D.C., Michelle went viral for showing off her beautiful braids whilst unveiling she and her husband's official White House portraits.
"I understood the significance of wearing braids to our portrait unveiling," she reflected this week. "I wanted to send a message, add to the discourse of Black women in places of power, saying, 'This, too, is an appropriate and beautiful way to wear your hair'."
Michelle went on to explain: "It’s freedom. Braids allow me to get them done, and then that’s one less thing that I have to think about.
"When I’m out of the public eye, I am swimming, I am playing tennis and braids represent that kind of freedom for me."