Meet the Stylists Behind Michelle Obama’s Hair Legacy, Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway

The 2008 presidential election marked a turning point not only in American politics but also in the landscape of Black beauty. As Barack Obama entered the White House alongside his wife Michelle, Black hair was afforded a new level of dignity and visibility. Throughout their presidential era, the former First Lady often embraced a classic shoulder-length bob, exhibiting the sophistication expected of someone in that position. Yet, her post-oval office era is especially referential, seen through styles like natural loose curls and braids - directly breaking beauty standards often pushed on Black women in political spaces. In her book, "The Look ($33)", Obama details her hair journey and the freedom she's found along the way under the guidance of the two hairstylists she trusted most, Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway. Both stylists were introduced to the craft in their formative years, with Radway's childhood weekends marked by hair salon visits with her mom. "My mom was religiously in the salon and all of the Jamaicans went to this one hairstylist, Janet," she tells Popsugar. "I was just always so fascinated by it all, and this was in the '90s, so all the different trends like push and finger waves, and spray painting your hair gold just captivated me." These experiences helped her gain confidence to experiment with her own hair, eventually venturing into styles like braids and turning that passion into a career. Meanwhile, Damtew grew up styling her hair for school while her mother was at work. On Sunday mornings, she would watch her use hot rollers, which further sparked her interest. "By middle school, I had started practicing braids on my brother's head, and the braids were horrible - especially the parts," she says. "When I got to high school, they offered a regional occupational program, and at that moment, I knew that I wanted to go to cosmetology school, but I'm a child of Ethiopian immigrants, so my parents didn't see it as a profession and I still had to go to college." Damtew kept styling hair as a hobby while studying business, setting the foundation for her passion. "I told myself, I'm going to make my parents happy, but I'm also going to make myself happy." This determination set the stage for her almost two-decade journey with the Obamas. Along with Radway, she worked as an assistant under Mrs. Obama's primary stylist, Johnny Wright. "When he offered me the position, I actually said no because I didn't want to relocate," Damtew says. "I was 21 years old and very much into my California lifestyle, but after working with them during Easter weekend in 2009, I stood in more often for Johnny, helping to keep the girls [Sasha and Malia] together, and by the end of the administration, I took over as full-time stylist." Radway also helped with the girls' maintenance before stepping into a more visible role in 2022. Neither woman was aware yet of the history they would make after the White House. One of the biggest moments that changed the trajectory of Obama's hair legacy? Braids. She first sported the iconic Black style at the Martha's Vineyard African American Festival in 2022, before wearing them in a chignon to the White House Portrait Unveiling later that year. "She asked us if she should keep them for that moment or go back to the 'First Lady' look, and we voted braids," Radway says. Their motivation? To show that Black women shouldn't feel pressured to alter their hair for certain spaces for the sake of being accepted or professional. "She's a Black woman who wants to look and feel good, and that is my duty," Radway goes on. "That moment let people who look like her know that they can do the same, and your culture should be accepted anywhere that you go." Damtew also speaks proudly of her role in helping Mrs. Obama adopt a more versatile hair approach. "There are so many stereotypes around the angry Black woman or with being bold, fierce, and an educated woman of color, so her presence is a reminder that women should feel comfortable to change their hair from the societal norms of what is 'polished' and be confident in how they show up in the world." Feeling good unapologetically is a core value of both stylists' work, and it wouldn't be possible without these staple products. For Damtew, it's the Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner ($30, originally $44), Influance Deep Cleansing Shampoo ($15), Paul Mitchell The Detangler ($27, originally $34), and Remington 1" Flat Iron ($15, originally $25). Meanwhile, Radway relies on this dynamic duo for braids: the Gummy Professional Ultra Hold Styling Wax ($10) and Ampro Shine-n-Jam Magic Fingers Gel ($13). Ultimately, Damtew and Radway's work with the former First Lady extends well beyond hair, reflecting the power of commitment and integrity. "You don't just do the work, do it passionately, professionally, and wholeheartedly. Both Njeri and I came into this world years ago and 15 years later, people are learning our names in spaces that will go down forever in history," she says. "It's a testament to show that it's not about instant gratification, but about service to others and a gift within itself." Radway echoes this ethos of success with a deeper purpose. "We worked hard and did it because we love to do what we do. . . I hope that my hard work inspires others to keep going and pay attention to the signs, because they will lead you exactly where you're supposed to go." Naomi Parris is the assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.