Michelle Obama Rocks Slicked-Back Hair

Attention, FLOTUS style fans: Michelle Obama rocked slicked-back hair and looked fantastic, of course. In a refreshing break from the glitter and metallics that every stylist seems to reach for around the holidays, Obama's edgy-cool hair complemented her black and blue Oscar de la Renta brocade gown. Blue statement earrings and a coordinating blue ring completed the look that was perfect for attending the 38th annual Kennedy Center Honors event.

I don't know about you, but I get all gooey inside when I get to write about a capable, powerful woman, and Michelle Obama certainly ranks high on the list. While her role as First Lady (unfairly) overshadows her past accomplishments, let's not forget that Obama served as a lawyer for years in addition to her work as a public servant. As the First Lady, she supports women's rights, assistance for military families, and she's tackled the issue of childhood obesity. These accomplishments deserve recognition first and foremost, but Obama also manages to nail her look time and time again, proving that she is made of some really tough stuff.

Being the wife of a politician and a black woman places Obama in the crosshairs of all kinds of racist, sexist critique, but she hasn't let that stop her from experimenting with her look since her husband's election. She's been with the same stylist, Johnny Wright, since the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and Write told The Root that Obama has to become more accepting of her natural texture. "I think a lot of women are starting to see what type of damage chemicals has caused their hair over the years," he said, "and they’re really starting to embrace their curls and really embrace the fact that they can be versatile...That’s the revolution part of it." Though Obama is rarely seen without her hair round brushed or ironed for public appearances, she no longer depends on relaxers to straighten it.

Although we have yet to see the First Lady rock an Afro, she boasts an impressive catalog of hairstyles. Here are my favorites from this year.

Sideswept Waves

So pretty.

Rocking the Lob

Perfectly coiffed. Wright certainly knows his way around a flat iron.

Curls All Day

I'd love to see Obama rock curls more often. She looks fantastic here.

Ballerina Bun

In addition to being super easy to do yourself, Obama's ballerina bun is sleek and professional.

Flipped Out

Cute and playful.

Relaxed Waves

OK, I know I already featured her lob, but I couldn't resist featuring her lob with this dress.

The Side Bun

Side buns are, in my opinion, the quickest way to go from later-than-the-Supreme-Court's-ruling-on-gay-marriage to presentation ready. Obama looks great, and I bet her hair didn't take more than fifteen minutes to be photo-ready.

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