Michelle Obama: First Lady, style icon and the epitome of a strong, black woman.
While many wonder what she will do next, or what she’ll have on next, others ask who’s responsible for her flawless hairstyles.
Johnny Wright, the First Lady’s exclusive hairstylist, and artistic style director for SoftSheen-Carson, is the First Lady’s go-to guy when it comes to maintaining her perpetually polished look. The Chicago native says, “Hair is just like any other accessory. You’ve really got to make it go with what you’re wearing.”
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“I remember telling her, ‘I’m moving to L.A. Good luck, I hope you all win,’” Wright recalls his conversation to Mrs. Obama back in Spring 2008.
Ha! Little did he know his hope was being made a reality.
Soon after his move, Wright got the call to spend a week doing Michelle Obama’s hair for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Wright got the week off from doing celebrity clients as Michelle Obama was set to give a big speech and be formally presented to the world. She was putting her trust in Wright. Prior to him, the only person who’d done her hair professionally was stylist Ronnie Flowers, who’d done her hair since she was a child.
Blessed with what some call a “flat iron of God”, a round brush and some sheers, Wright took himself from sometimes-stylist to full-time. When the Obamas moved to the White House, so did he.
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Check out Johnny’s tips for rocking a presidential-worthy hairstyle:
Know Your Style:
“Some styles are made for hair only when it’s blown-out straight. You want a cut that’s made for both curly and straight looks,” Johnny says. “If you’re concerned with how your hair will look wavy, ask your stylist to cut it when it’s curly, and then blow it out and fine tune when it’s straight.”
Deep Conditioning Is Your Friend:
“People always think glossy hair comes from a topical product, but true luminous shine is achieved at the root. You should be deep conditioning to soften and nourish the hair shaft every time you shampoo. There is no such thing as too much deep conditioning.”
Johnny’s favorite pick? SoftSheen-Carson Roots of Nature Reconstructing Deep Treatment, which strengthens hair with a blend of shea butter and green tea.
Give Your Hair A Break:
“Even women with the healthiest hair need to minimize how often they style. If your hair is heavily styled and loaded with product four times a week, keep it down on the fifth day.” That one day will give your cuticles a chance to flatten and re-bond to the hair shaft, resulting in stronger, shinier looks when you return to styling.
Bring Back The Ponytail:
Call Johnny old-fashioned, but the ponytail is one of his favorite looks. “I’ve always been a huge fan. It highlights the beauty of a woman’s face,” he says. And no, ponytails are not just for the gym. “A ponytail can honestly be…
