Michelle Obama recently shared that during her eight years as First Lady (2009–2017), she avoided wearing braids because she felt the U.S. “wasn’t ready” for that look. In an interview with PEOPLE, she explained that before the Crown Act—which bans race-based hair discrimination—she didn’t want her hairstyle to distract from her work.
After leaving the White House, Michelle began embracing her natural style, often wearing braids in public. She said braids now symbolize freedom and convenience, especially as she stays active with swimming and tennis. In 2022, she proudly wore braids at her and Barack Obama’s official portrait unveiling, calling it a message that “this too is an appropriate and beautiful way to wear your hair.”
