As a journalist, there are a few people who sit on your “dream interview” list—the ones you imagine thoughtfully connecting with, peppering with questions, and basking in their light. For me, that person has always been: Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama. I mean, can you blame me? Former First Lady Michelle Obama is the epitome of intelligence, grace, and that effortless kind of style that commands attention and undying admiration.
And she’s reminding the world exactly why in her new book, The Look—a remarkable tome chronicling Mrs. Obama’s style and beauty evolution, told in her own words and with the help of her beloved glam squad, including fashion stylist Meredith Koop, makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylist Yene Damtew, hair braider Njeri Radway—and so many more. It’s a celebration of how she has used the power of beauty and fashion to tell a deeper story—one about identity, purpose, and what it means to take up space as a Black woman in the public eye.
So when I got an email asking if I’d like to moderate a conversation with Mrs. Obama about her hair journey on her podcast IMO (In My Opinion), I damn near fell out. My fingers couldn’t type “YES!” fast enough. The moment became even more special when I learned that award-winning actress Marsai Martin and Mrs. Obama’s longtime hairstylist, the brilliant Yene Damtew, would be joining the discussion.
What unfolded was an honest, joy-filled conversation about Black hair—the politics, the pride, the power—and how our forever First Lady continues to show up as her authentic self, braids and all (click here for the full convo).
And speaking of those braids, they’ve been quite liberating for Mrs. Obama and a cultural moment all their own. “I was glad to be the one to help her embrace her natural side and show the world that braids are, in fact, professional, no matter what societal constructs are placed on Black women,” Njeri told Cosmo. “Mrs. Obama wearing a braided hairstyle is a sense of freedom for both her and myself. It means the world to me that I’ve played a part in history. The little Black girl in me is very proud.”
That sense of freedom—of evolution and representation—is something Yene knows deeply. From starting her career at just 21 as executive assistant to renowned hairstylist Johnny Wright during Mrs. Obama’s eight years in the White House to now being the former First Lady’s go-to hairstylist and the owner of her own thriving salon, Aesthetics, in Arlington, Virginia, Yene’s journey is a master class in vision, perseverance, and artistry.
I caught up with Yene for a candid conversation about legacy, beauty, and what it really means to style one of the most influential women in the world.
What’s been the best thing about working with Mrs. Obama all these years?
The relationship between a stylist and client is intimate. I have grown as a professional and individual while being in her orbit, and that love is a two-way street where we both pour into one another in different ways. For that, I am grateful.
Why was it important to share the story around hair in The Look?
Hair is very much a part of all of our looks. For both men and women, hair is often our security blanket and it helps us walk into the world confidently. There is no joy like the smile of a client with a fresh hairstyle.
Mrs. Obama has had so many iconic hair moments. Which is your favorite?
I have two favorite looks. One would be at the unveiling of her National Portrait Gallery portrait by artist Amy Sherald. And also her farewell speech before leaving the White House. It was a blunt bob styled by Johnny Wright.
There’s such intimacy in doing another Black woman’s hair. How has that closeness shaped your bond with Mrs. Obama?
Michelle has become a friend like many of my salon clients. Our time together is filled with all types of emotions from laughs, tears, and celebrations. From losses, heartaches, childbirth, and marriage.
What’s one behind-the-scenes memory with Michelle that still makes you smile every time you think about it?
We have the most fun during hair, makeup, and wardrobe. It was our last day at the White House where we had a sleepover and laughed until our tummies hurt. We walked down to the Rose Garden and around the South Lawn as a team taking everything in before we left office.
Black hair is such a love language. What does it mean to care for our hair?
It’s a reflection of self love. There is so much versatility with what we do with our hair and I think helping women figure that out for all of life’s special moments is sacred.
Do you remember when you first realized you wanted to be a hairstylist?
I started doing hair in middle school, and by high school, I enrolled in cosmetology school. I knew my purpose in life was to be of service to others and connect—hair is the vehicle in which I am allowed to do so.
What’s one hair ritual from your family that still lives in your routine today?
Roller-setting my hair is definitely a part of my family ritual. My mother always roller-setted her hair and also never placed too much into the hair. She would cut it freely and grow it freely. I believe that is where my attitude with hair comes from.
Do you have a hair memory that still moves you—one that felt deeply personal or powerful?
My mom always did my hair, even though she never did her own hair. It’s actually funny when I think about it. It reminds me of the importance of the mother-daughter bond that is formed during wash days.
What’s one myth about Black women’s hair you wish would disappear for good?
Length retention is the ultimate goal. We should strive for healthy hair as opposed to length retention. Sometimes our hair doesn’t grow past certain lengths for internal reasons and haircare practices.
Hair can be political, especially for Black women in public life. How do you approach that responsibility?
Honestly, I believe that we as Black folks need to move away from that motivation and do what makes us most comfortable. In the past it has been used in the form of protest but now it’s a personal choice. Most of the work I do with clients is about getting them to believe in that for themselves so they can stand more confidently in the world.
What’s your own hair vibe these days—low-maintenance or full ritual?
My hair is on the struggle bus. I’m nursing my hair back to health after experiencing hair loss. Lots of U-part wigs, curly wigs, and curly weaves. I’m in the TLC season of my haircare regiment.
If you could talk to your younger self, what would you tell her about the power in her hands?
That the gift within you is yours. Stand confidently and bet on yourself.
What’s next for you? Any new projects you’re dreaming up?
Welcoming our daughter into the world at the top of the year. I’m fully embracing my motherhood era and being present with family. I have ideas that I have on pause until the time is right.
Hairstylist Yene Damtew’s Must-Have Products
Amika On Lock High Hold Hair Wax
Grab this jar for sleek ponytails, crisp parts, and edgy braids. “This is my holy grail for flyways, and it’s always in my kit,” Yene says. Infused with shea butter and sea buckthorn oil, it locks style in place with a high-hold feel yet still leaves your hair looking natural and anything but crunchy.
The Doux O.P.P. One-Pass Press Heat Protection Spray
Pros
If you’ve ever dreaded the second (or third) flat-iron pass, this spray is your new ally. With aloe, jojoba oil and pineapple extract, it smooths, seals, and shields textured hair while you press. One pass—sleek, glossy, protected—and your better-than-salon hair finish is locked in.
OLAPLEX Weightless Nourishing Mask
This is the kind treatment that gives your hair major hydration without the heaviness. “It works in just five minutes and brings damaged hair back to life with extra shine,” Yene says. Think soft, glossy strands that still have bounce and body. It’s perfect for anyone who wants that fresh-from-the-salon smoothness without weighing down their curls or fine texture.
Amika Fluxus Touchable, Flexible Hold Hairspray
Leave the stiff hair halo behind. This mist gives flexible hold that lasts all day: “It’s touchable and I can use it before and after heat styling,” Yene says. With built-in humidity defense and shine boost, it’s the hairspray you’ll actually want to use.
Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask
If you’ve got dry or brittle hair, this formulation is like a tall glass of water ready to deliver all the hydration. It’s loaded with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid to smooth, soften, and lock in moisture for 72 hours. “I’ve been loving this mask for steam treatments in the salon after a protective style,” Yene explains.
The Doux Silent Treatment 30-Day Anti-Humidity Spray
Infused with keratin and a strand-coating tech, it builds a field that keeps frizz at bay for up to 30 days (or 4 washes). One mist after wash + style and you’re locked in. Sleek hair forever.“Great thermal and anti-humidity heat protectant—it’s lightweight and made for the curly client who goes between straight and curly styles,” Yene notes.
Again, make sure to listen/watch my full convo with Yene, Marsai, and Mrs. Michelle Obama!
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
