22 Reasons Michelle Obama's Hair Is National News

Michelle Obama has always wowed us with her fashion choices, but her style above the neck has also been memorable. And since the first lady has already gone through her midlife crisis hair change (i.e. the bangs), we've loved seeing how her look has evolved even after President Obama's two terms.

In honor of her birthday, we're reminiscing on all of her best hairstyles — some of which made international news. Read on to see them for yourself.

July 2009
Getty

July 2009

Back in 2009, Michelle faked us all out with this tucked-under updo. She didn't get a cut in reality, but we have to say, the crop looked good on her.

February 2010
Getty

February 2010

During Barack Obama's first term, Michelle's hair hovered around shoulder length, and she often wore it in this straight bob. It's the perfect maintenance style for a busy first lady.

May 2010
Getty

May 2010

Greeting dignitaries requires a formal finesse. Michelle wore a head full of curls to welcome the Mexican president in 2010. She played up her blue dress with bright navy eyeliner, too.

January 2011
Getty

January 2011

At another state visit in 2011 for the Chinese president, Michelle pulled her hair back into a twisted updo and added a glossy orange lip — a rare choice for a woman who usually keeps her makeup conservative.

July 2012
Getty

July 2012

In 2012, the Obamas visited Buckingham Palace ahead of the London Olympics. Michelle wore her bouncy bob curled at the ends and very light makeup.

October 2013
Getty

October 2013

While hanging out with Sesame Street residents Elmo and Rosita, Michelle showed off glossy layered locks.

January 2013
Getty

January 2013

Everyone was talking about Michelle Obama's Jason Wu dress at the Inaugural Ball, but the hair world was in a tizzy over her blunt bangs and flipped-out curls.

February 2013
Getty

February 2013

In her official White House photograph for her second term as first lady, Michelle was sporting her controversial full fringe, which she admitted was a part of her midlife crisis.

March 2013
Getty

March 2013

Like most women who cut bangs, Michelle got over the look pretty fast. Instead, she started wearing a deep side part and added caramel highlights around her face.

November 2013
Getty

November 2013

Michelle is far beyond her fringe now and is currently wearing her hair with a middle part and feathered à la Farrah Fawcett.

December 2013
Getty

December 2013

For the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013, Michelle's style wasn't short on volume, and her makeup was applied with a light touch.

May 2014
Getty

May 2014

Michelle had a blast at the White House Correspondents' Association Gala while showing off windswept waves.

March 2015
Getty

March 2015

At Black Girls Rock!, Michelle wore her strands in a sleek, straight style with a deep side part.

April 2015
Getty

April 2015

Michelle's curly coif looked festive and fabulous at the White House Correspondents' Association Gala.

June 2015
Getty

June 2015

At the MORE Impact Awards luncheon, Michelle sported a chic ballerina bun.

March 2016
Getty

March 2016

At South by Southwest, Michelle's long bangs almost gave her look a bohemian vibe.

June 2016
Getty | Handout

June 2016

While she spent time at the Spanish Royal Palace with Queen Letizia, Michelle rocked her hair in glossy, elegant waves.

July 2016
Getty | Aaron P. Bernstein

July 2016

During the Democratic National Convention, Michelle wowed millions with her powerful speech, which was punctuated by her shining strands.

December 2016
Getty | Pool

December 2016

At the National Tree Lighting Ceremony, Michelle debuted a new bob that made it clear she was ready for a new start.

January 2017
Getty | Chip Somodevilla

January 2017

Michelle brought back the superblunt style for her final speech at the White House. Both her words and her strands left a lasting impression.

December 2018
Getty

December 2018

If you can manage to look away from her holographic Balenciaga boots (although we would understand if you didn't want to), you'll notice that her deep side part and effortless waves are just as stunning.