First Lady Michelle Obama shows off her new hairdo at last night's country music celebration ceremony at the White House. The new do got a bipartisan thumbs up from Laura Bush's former press secretary.
(NEWSCOM)Photos (1 of 1)
Breaking News: Michelle Obama gets new hairdo
By Jimmy Orr | 07.22.09
Maybe there is such a thing as post-partisanship, at least when it comes to hair. First Lady Michelle Obama gets a new look, and the Bush administration is giving it a thumbs up. Well, at least one member of the past administration, and no, it’s not Dick Cheney.
The First Lady unveiled a brand-spanking-new ‘do last night as the White House temporarily morphed into the Grand Ole Opry. The First Couple welcomed Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, and Charley Pride as part of a continuing series on music. Last night, the focus was country music. Last spring, jazz was in the spotlight, and later this year a classical session is scheduled.
But back to the hairdo…
What’s it look like? Don’t trust us. We cut our hair by placing a bowl on our heads. So we turn to the celeb/fashion site Twirlit. They describe it like this:
“The First Lady shortened the sides and the back, keeping her side-sweeping bangs and making for a look at once sharp, modern and – again – classic,” writes Jessica Madison.
Not everyone’s happy with it. The “Image” writers at the LA Times aren’t overly impressed. They’re not panning it, but they say it “reads a bit matronly” to them.
Not so, says Laura Bush’s former press secretary Noelia Rodriguez. “I love the first lady’s new do – it’s sassy and classy. It captures her sense of confidence and puts the fun in functional – it’s perfect for those DC summers,” Rodriguez told the Vote.
Is she surprised the new look is getting gathering news interest? Not at all.
“From hats and veils to bobs and hair bands, Americans are always fascinated by what’s on the first lady’s head. Mrs. Obama is no exception,” she said.
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Just so you know, we love your haircut. And we’ll be glad to talk about it once you follow us on Twitter!
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8. Brian | 07.22.09
I hope the ‘breaking news’ in the title is ironic because I’d hate to think that a respected outlet like the CSM would actually consider this news.
9. ELLA POTTER | 07.22.09
michelle hair looks great stop hatin on her michelle you go ahead a wear that nice hairdo
11. Megan | 07.23.09
Human interest stories serve a purpose too. And you can find many hard news stories here, just smile and redirect darling. Love the hair Michelle (and the man candy!)
12. Janet D. | 07.23.09
Yes, she needed to do that. Her hair was looking stringy, flying in the wind. She was copying Jackie O’s buffant look.
Now she has her own look. I would like to see more dresses on her. She has been wearing two many sweater looks. Fall will be here soon and I hope she wears some stylish fall looks. Her taste in necklaces are a bit heavy. Thin chains look better.
13. NinaK | 07.23.09
That hairstyle looks lovely on Michelle Obama!! I vote, “YES!” Very classy, modern, and stylish!
14. peg gray | 07.23.09
I hope every female news anchor studies her hairdo and does like-wise. It surely beats the long hair, mostly pinned on, hanging on the neck of those we see daily. Who will be the first to follow Michelle’s classy new cut?
15. marilyn | 07.23.09
Much more becomming and suitable. The old “do” was witchy and untidy most of the time, also short suits her face and frame her features better.
19. maysx3 | 07.23.09
I am of the “who cares” crowd. Our country is tanking and we’re concerned with a hair style, no wonder the rest of the world views us as arrogant.
21. Meg Johnson | 07.23.09
The L.A. Times needs to get with it. Matronly? Please. Laura Bush — there’s a matronly look for you. Good job, Michelle; you look terrific.
22. Jan | 07.23.09
I agree with the “breaking news” comment, this country has a lot more to worry about than her hair, but I must say, it’s unimaginative and boring and I can’t really tell what the back looks like, but from the pieces you can see at the bottom, it looks weird.
26. Liz C. | 07.23.09
Luvit, you go girl! And as to the other comments about Jackie-O; they are both very classy ladies with hairdos that become them!
28. Gigi | 07.23.09
This is a good look for Mrs. Obama! It makes her look sophisticate and carefree. I imagine this “do” will be easier to maintain.
33. jj | 07.23.09
the hair is pulled up in the back with something. It does not look like she cut it.
35. miss gibbs | 07.23.09
she wears it beautifully.maybe those leaving neg comments could use a makeover,themselves.
36. Jason | 07.23.09
Really?!?! Breaking news?!?! How can CSM be considered a respectable news outlet if this is “breaking news”? Give me a break.
37. Melmac Me | 07.23.09
She looks lovely. Matronly would be blue hair with rolled up bangs that twirl at the edges. Maybe I don’t get it but every sector seems to have their own ideas of out-dated, old fashioned and out of style. Who are “they” to decide? I’ve seen some of these so called fashionistas and, to be quite honest, wouldn’t be caught dead wearing what they wear or looking like they do. If clothing or hair is flattering then back off. Even the retro look is in with stars today wearing 1940 style clothes and hair on the red carpet and “they” rave that it is so “in”.
And here we go again placing more emphasis on what the First Lady is wearing than what she is doing. Shame on the shallow press.
38. ACE | 07.23.09
I like it a lot. She is beautiful and wears anything well. As for the people who are commenting about this story being a waste of time…you are the ones who clicked on the link and read the story.
39. Debbie | 07.23.09
She looks very nice! I only wish that she would show some teeth when she smiles! Her smile is not very becoming of her!
40. Lisa | 07.23.09
How much did it cost? I haven’t been able to afford to have my hair professionally styled for quite some time. These people have everything handed to them on a silver platter while the rabble suffers.
43. s jones | 07.23.09
I just wonder who paid for it, taxpayers are paying for everything else they seem to be doing and going places. Don’t the rest of you wonder about that?
45. carolbaby | 07.23.09
The President can surely pay for a new hairdo from the proceeds of past book sales. Thanks for the photo/story.
46. JRoss | 07.23.09
Every woman needs a change sometime. A different hairdo can be very refreshing. She looks very classy. Good for you!
48. Daniel | 07.24.09
Definitely needs more pictures before I can judge its merit but so far it looks pretty classy!
49. Queen Esther | 07.24.09
“From hats and veils to bobs and hair bands, Americans are always fascinated by what’s on the first lady’s head. Mrs. Obama is no exception,” she said.
Michelle Obama an intelligent Ivy League educated lawyer, a former associate dean at the university of chicago, a former member of six boards of directors and a former high level executive (vp) at the university of chicago hospitals. When was the last time we had a first lady in the White House that was this accomplished? Was she a Republican?
It’s too bad everyone is way more preoccupied with what’s on her head than what’s in it.
50. Barbara H. | 07.24.09
I loved the sense of humor the Monitor showed in their “breaking news: Mrs. O gets a new hairdo.” I was grateful to take a moment out of my currently challenging life-situation for a little light-hearted smile. That’s the way it affected me. Thanks!
51. Brittany | 07.24.09
Thanks for the update. It’s not either you can have this type of news, or that. All of what goes on in the human scene is valid-music, art, world news, local news, weather, sports, economics, science, gardens, wars and peace conferences. We need to carry on. She is an accomplished lady, with a dear family, and the little details don’t detract from that. As a short lady, I feel compelled to wear short hair no matter the fashion, and to have this very tall lady wear short hair lifts my spirits! I am suddenly back in style. In trying times, we need every opportunity to laugh, and spread some joy.
I noticed most of the negative remarks came from distinctly males names!
53. brain salad surgery | 07.26.09
Perhaps if some of the more pressing issues of the times had a hairdo they might get more attention?
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Mell Schoening | 07.22.09
It gets my vote!