Michelle Obama's hairstylist on her hair makeover
This week, Linda Wells, Allure's editor in chief, will be guest blogging about beauty and style at the Inaugural events in Washington, D.C. Look for her Inaugural Beauty Bulletins Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
She's a dream client, that Michelle Obama. The very definition of loyal.
When Mrs. O was 18 years old, she went to Rahni Flowers, owner and stylist at Van Cleef Hair Studio in Chicago. She hasn't budged since.
But her hair has.
I watched Steve Kroft's 60 Minutes interview with the Obamas back in February 2007. Michelle wore her hair in a stiff flip, high on top, and more Jackie Kennedy than Condoleezza in style. It didn't really fit with her clothes (a basic ivory top and faded jeans) or the time.
Not any more. Michelle O's hair looks full First Lady in the best possible way. It says she's confident, strong, forthright, not stiff or afraid (yes, I think hair can say a lot. But I would).
Allure talked to Rahni Flowers, who did Mrs. O's hair for her wedding, for election night, and for all the Inaugural events. Did I mention she was loyal?
Mrs. O asked Rahni to move to D.C. to be her stylist, but he said, "as much as we love her, we had to decline" (by "we" he means himself and Daryl Wells, his partner at Van Cleef).
Her current style: "a gently layered bob. It reflects the ideal: healthy hair worn in a classic and yet elegant manner."
Ready for change? Here are 49 new hair ideas for 2009.
Her current products: Rahni's lips are sealed. But he does like ones by "Avalon, Affirm, Elucence, Wella, and Fiberguard that can safely straighten the hair and also address the need for strength and deep conditioning." For at-home use, he recommends Aveda Anti-Humectant and Control Paste.
Hairspray? Not too much. "We prefer to allow the hair to move freely, so only a light holding spray or shine enhancing product is misted on at the finish."
How will she wear her hair to the Inauguration? My guess is on the above: classic, layered, not shellacked. Which is what she did at the Lincoln Memorial on Monday.
The Inaugural ball? My money's on an updo.
What do you think?
-Linda Wells
Head over to allure.com fore more on Michelle Obama's fashion and beauty looks.
More from Allure's Daily Beauty Reporter:
