Hair's the Scoop

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From her enviable arms to today's chic chignon and cocoa-smoky eye (and lustworthy jewels!), Michelle Obama continues to impress — and inspire.

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Got a minute? Check out this NY Times article on ethnic hair. It raises some really interesting points about our society's perception of texture, and its influence on everything from politics to pop culture.

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Hair ye, hair ye: Michelle Obama didn't actually cut her hair.

Miley Cyrus is all about keepin' it in the family. (Hair color, that is.)

The set of "Iron Man 2" is red hot, thanks to Scarlett Johansson.

Solange Knowles: Now you see it, now you don't.

Katherine Heigl's new look comes at the cost of her character's coif.

Lindsay Lohan channels Marilyn (...again) for the cover of Spanish Vogue.

Rihanna goes all out for the UK premiere of "Inglourious Basterds."

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Just when we thought she'd found her signature style— Michelle Obama decides to switch things up!

Our first lady debuted this latest look to loud applause at Tuesday's "Celebration of Country Music" in Washington, D.C.

Personally, I find the cut to be seasonally appropriate, but I'm not quite sure if I'd choose this particular 'do for Michelle. It's a bit aging, in my opinion.

What do you think of the first lady's new, conservative coif?

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Check out this Huffington Post piece on the first lady's coif and the public's perception of ethnic hair.

Personally, I'd love to see Michelle go "au naturel," and don't believe it would have a negative impact on the level of respect she'd receive. Just as her desire to promote up-and-coming fashion designers was a bold move, such a choice would be sure to have the Internet buzzing — but more in admiration than anything else.

Do you think hair type/texture plays a role in how we view our first lady?

AP Photo/Steve Parsons, AP Photo/John Stillwell

Michelle Obama shines in a half-updo at the G20 dinner in London, England.

Source: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Michelle Obama (pleasantly) surprised many of us with her decision against a traditional updo for last night's inaugural gala. Instead, our fashion-forward first lady opted for a sleek, straight style that was both elegant and approachable.

To help recreate this timeless look, we've asked celebrity hairstylist Yusef Williams, who has styled Mrs. Obama on numerous occasions, for his expert advice:

Step 1:
The
right shampoo and conditioner are key components for achieving this
look. “I like to use a shampoo and conditioner that are lightweight,
but still help to lock in hair’s moisture,” says Yusef. To get the
look, try a weightless shampoo and conditioner such as Motions Weightless Shampoo and Motions Weightless After-Shampoo Conditioner.

Step 2:
Blow-dry hair to create volume and lift at the roots. Next, go over the
lengths of the hair with a flat iron to get a smooth finish. To
protect hair from heat appliances, use a protecting spray, such as Motions Heat Seeker Protecting Spray.

Step 3:
Add
a sleek and elegant swooping side bang to give hair movement. To keep
the look in place, rub a bit of light, non-greasy pomade, such as Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade, for style control whether you’re on the campaign trail or at the Inaugural Ball.

Source: AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

UPDATE: Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama, and to Michelle, our future First Lady!