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Home • Celebrity

Hairstyle File: Michelle Obama's Versatile Bob

From sleek and pulled back, to voluminous and curly, the First Lady has mastered the art of manipulating her shoulder-length haircut. Here are some of Mrs. O's stunning bobbed hairstyles since taking over as the Commander-in-Chic.
By Nicole Marie Melton · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
2007: Flipping Out

Before she was First Lady Michelle Obama, Mrs. O was a hard-working mom and supportive wife.  Here, she speaks at a benefit luncheon in New York wearing a chic, flipped shoulder-length haircut.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
02
2008: Campaign Chic

Michelle Obama wore a side-swept bang with her shoulder-sweeping bob at a rally in St. Paul, Minnesota to celebrate her husband’s Democratic presidential nomination.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
03
2009: Unforgettable

Who can forget Inauguration Day 2009 when First Lady Michelle Obama arrived at the Inaugural Ball wearing a sleek bob and that gorgeous white gown?

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
04
2009: Half and Half

At the G20 summit in London, Mrs. Obama swept her layered bob in to a half-up/half-down hairstyle.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
05
2009: Sweeping Beauty

First Lady Obama attended an event for the International Women of Courage Awards wearing her freshly-trimmed bob combed off her face into a flowing side-sweep.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
06
2010: Sweeping Style

Michelle Obama wore a deep side part and full, voluminous curls at the White House Governors Ball.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
07
2010: Cut It Out

Mrs. Obama’s blunt bob was swingy, pin-straight and shiny during a White House event for music students.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
08
August 25, 2010

On vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, Mrs. Obama wore her hair slicked back in a casually cute, low bun.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
09
2010: Tressed to Impress

At a speech during Hispanic Heritage Month, Mrs. Obama tucked her side-swept bangs behind her ear for a casually chic look.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
10
2010: Loose Layers

At a Veteran’s Day appearance, Mrs. Obama wore her bob with tons of body and heavy, eyelash-grazing bangs. Gorgeous!

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
11
2010: Easing Back

Mrs. Obama was the picture of elegance with her hair slicked back off her face during a White House menorah lighting ceremony.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
12
Jan. 19, 2011

At a recent State dinner, Obama wore her curls pinned up into a soft, elegant updo. We’re obsessed!

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
13
2011: Curly Queen

The First Lady rocked a head full of flirty, tousled curls during a news conference on food availability and affordability.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
14
2011: Beautiful Bob

At the funeral service for Sargent Shriver, Mrs. Obama wore her signature bob with lots of volume at the crown.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
15
2011: Top Notch

The First Lady wore her bob in a soft, casual style while hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at The White House.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
16
June 13, 2011

At an event for military families in Beverly Hills, California, Mrs. Obama looked chic in her side-swept bob.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
17
2012: Smiling Beauty

First Lady Obama was all smiles in a shiny, layered hairstyle during an event for NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
18
2012: Sleek and Chic

While speaking at a re-election rally in Ohio, Obama sported a smooth, sleek bob with a chic side part.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
19
2012: Sophisticated Lady

All eyes were on First Lady Obama during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. She added voluminous curls to her signature bob for this event.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
20
2012: Glowing and Gorgeous

Mrs. Obama attended the 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards wearing a smooth, side-swept version of her trademark haircut.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
21
2012: Total Elegance

Obama flaunted gloriously smooth strands while signing copies of her book American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America at Barnes & Noble.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
22
2012: Full and Flowing

Mrs. Obama posed in a classy rendition of her bob at the unveiling of the Obama family portraits at the White House.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
23
2012: Center Stage
Michelle Obama
Michelle O's Versatile Bob
Alex Wong/Getty Images
24
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Michelle O's Versatile Bob
25
2012: Holiday Delight

Michelle Obama wears her flawless bob while holding the first family’s dog, Bo, during a visit at Children’s National Medical Center.

Michelle O's Versatile Bob
TOPICS:  Michelle Obama