Why everyone's talking about Michelle Obama's inauguration hair

Her time in office may be over, but that doesn't mean we're any less obsessed with Michelle Obama. Few could take their eyes off her at yesterday's inauguration – and, more specifically, her incredible hair. 

As guests arrived for President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony in Washington DC yesterday, "LAID" was trending on Twitter with Michelle Obama, with fans proclaiming her hair as laid to perfection. Super bouncy and shiny, it was the dictionary definition of the ultimate blow dry, complete with the perfect face-framing highlights.

Meanwhile her accompanying outfit was nothing short of regal, a burgundy power ensemble by designer Sergio Hudson. Turtle neck? Check. Flares? Check. Statement coat? Check. (Read more about Michelle Obama's inauguration make-up products here).

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While we don't have any of the specifics on how Michelle Obama's look was achieved, we do know that it was created by her go-to hairdresser, Yene Damtew. The stylist accompanied Obama on her Becoming book tour and has been behind the look for many of her iconic moments – including that "when they go low, we go high" speech.

"Thank you for all the love and tags this morning," Damtew wrote of the day on Instagram. "It's an honour to be part of Mrs. Obama's team on this historic day."

Although Michelle's stylist says she "won't share specifics" of the look (she keeps her famous clients' information confidential), she did post a video of how she creates her signature bouncy curls, which you can watch below.

"Michelle Obama's bouncy blow dry was all about confidence, she's the ex-First Lady and is admired by so many for her style choices," says celebrity hairdresser Paul Edmonds. "Her hair needed to stray away from looking too conservative and aging, as well as a sleek wave which would have been too day to day.

"Which is why her bouncy blow dry was great. It was glamorous and groomed, and had longevity. Big blow dries are about root lift and volume, so applying the Shu Uemura Netsu Design ($41/£27.20) will help with heat protection, and then apply a mousse like L'Oréal Tecni Art Full Volume (£13.20) and comb this through using a round brush."

If you're inspired by the former First Lady's look, read our guide on how to blow dry hair at home next. Will you be recreating this one at home?