In mid-November, Michelle Obama's second autobiography, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, officially made its way to bookshelves. As a result, Obama has been busy traveling around the country to promote her latest memoir. In the midst of blessing fans with her presence on her book tour, the former First Lady has been looking absolutely stunning with teeny-tiny goddess box braids.
Most recently, on December 2, she made a stop in Atlanta wearing a black leather ensemble with her bohemian braids styled into a sky-high topknot for a one-on-one chat with director Tyler Perry. These box braids formed a perfectly-sized, textured orb on her head, and we're sure their small size helped Obama avoid a massive headache with their light weight. A few plaits in the front were left out to frame either side of her face.
Braids are one of the best protective styles because they make hairstyling super easy and can be worn in a variety of ways. Obama opted for a more boho vibe, hence the curly ends and tendrils poking out amongst the super-thin box braids. The size and length of each braid also make them super easy to try different looks as Obama has done, including a low bun with a side part.
It's truly a delight to see Obama with these braided hairstyles. Since leaving the White House, she's been experimenting with a larger range of styles, instead of straightened or curled looks. In fact, that shift was purposeful, or rather her lack of braids in the White House was intentional, she noted on an earlier spot in her tour.
According to the Washington Post, Obama told audience members she kept her hair straightened to keep the attention on her husband's politics as America wouldn't have been ready for their first Black First Lady to enter the White House with a head full of braids. "Let me keep my hair straight," Obama noted during the tour. "Let's get healthcare passed." Though it's upsetting, even if not shocking, to hear that the former First Lady had to limit herself during her husband's eight-year-long term, we're glad that Obama has all the freedom once again to wear her hair as she pleases.
Read more stories about braided hairstyles:
- 28 Dope Ways to Style Your Box Braids
- How to Keep Your Box Braids Looking Fresh, Not Fuzzy, at Home
- A Guide to Washing Box Braids and Cornrows
Now watch how this drag singer gets ready for every performance:
