Michelle Obama hair: Her stylist Johnny Wright and star stylist R. Obrien Lynch on how she gets her look
theGRIO REPORT -Details from her dress' designer to her nail polish color have since been revealed, but only Michelle Obama's hair stylist, Johnny Wright, has the secret to her lovely locks.
Wright won’t share exactly how he maintains the first lady’s style, keeping the secret of whether or not she relaxers her hair (an oft debated topic) close to his vest as though it were a matter of national security. That hasn’t stopped plenty from wondering or trying to replicate her look.
Atlanta-based stylist R. Obrien Lynch has been doing hair for nearly 30 years. He’s worked with celebrities including Sheryl Lee Ralph and Gina Neely, among others, and suspects Michelle Obama wears her hair naturally — without extensions, wigs or a chemical relaxer — but straightens it using a flat iron or similar tool.
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“I watched her speech during the DNC,” Lynch told theGrio. “When she walked out, I said to myself, ‘[Johnny Wright] layed her hair.’ She looked so chic and classic.” It’s a look that many of Lynch’s clients at his The O…Experience and O2… The Experience salons in New York and Atlanta respectively request for its movement and shine.
Lynch says the beginning of a style like Michelle Obama’s is the haircut. “It’s a classic bob with clean lines and layers. A good haircut like that is like the foundation of a house. It has to be sound for anything else to work.” For movement and hair health, he says start with a good moisturizing regime — especially if you exercise regularly. Avoid petroleum-based products, or “hair greases” as Lynch put it, that will build up and make the hair stiff and collect dirt. Opt instead for a moisture-rich cream.
When styling his clients, Lynch says he starts with a shampoo then conditions the hair for 15 minutes. Then the black hair care expert uses a leave-in conditioner and thermal-protecting solution to further moisturize the hair while additionally protecting it from heat.
Lynch also suggests KeraCare’s Silken Seal for a glossy finish. Once conditioned, he says you should blow dry in the direction you want the hair to fall. “I comb or brush it while blow drying to keep the hair moving,” he says. “You should get the movement you want in your hair before ever applying a flat iron.” Use a flat iron set at between 425 and 450 degrees to straighten and style your hair until it’s convention-ready — or work or church ready. Wherever life may take you.
Finally, for maintenance, Lynch recommends pin curls — not rollers or wrapping — and a silk scarf at night to preserve your Michelle Obama style.
However, the salon proprietor believes the most important element of any style is commitment to hair care. “It’s clear that Mrs. Obama takes care of her hair. That’s why she’s such a great example to women. She has incredible style but she also shows that caring for your hair gives you great results.”
Follow Donovan X. Ramsey on Twitter at @idxr.
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