Since the very announcement of the election results, first ladies’ hairstyles and fashion choices have come into the spotlight. Jill Biden’s haircut seems to have changed only slightly in recent decades, but as she is stepping into this new role of a FLOTUS, many try to guess what Biden’s hairstyle tells about the first lady-to-be and how it compares to past first ladies’ looks.

See the most memorable hairstyles of Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden along with the story behind their hairstyle choices.

Why Does a First Lady’s Hairstyle Matter?

The Economist has recently been bold enough to claim that the FLOTUS’ hairstyle has a “political message in every strand”. Whether conveying a serious political message or giving away a natural feminine wish to look young and beautiful, any change in the first lady’s haircut does make a sensation in the media. Hillary Clinton once made a perfect joke about the idea, saying, “If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”

As the first lady becomes a hostess of the White House, her hairstyle comes to convey the emotional atmosphere that a presidential family brings into the space. More than that, modern society increasingly sees first ladies as full-fledged political advisors and expects them to shape, not just reflect, their time.

And they often do. Promoting important social initiatives, these women of power also inspire thousands of women around the globe to try on a first lady’s look and mimic cuts. Here are the most memorable FLOTUS hairstyles we have seen in the last few decades.

Hillary Clinton Blowout Lob Hairstyle

Hillary Clinton’s hairstyle has been changing so often that the media even started suspecting indecisiveness and volatility in her personality. Hillary has been more than aware of this close attention to her haircut and prominently spread her life wisdom in the address to the Yale students in 2001, “The most important thing I have to say to you today is that hair matters. Pay attention to your hair, because everyone else will.”

One of the most flattering hairstyles Hillary wore as the first lady was a bouffant lob hairstyle with longer layers and soft curls. A truly gorgeous hairstyle making her look confident yet feminine.

Hillary Clinton Choppy Layered Bob

Whether responding to criticism for rapid hair-volution or attending to the recommendations of a new stylist, Isabelle Goetz, Hillary adopted her trademark choppy bob. An elevated quiff and the blown-back or tucked behind the ears locks perfectly open up her face.

Over the years, Hillary Clinton’s hair color ranged from blonde to caramel balayage. In 2015, the former first lady, and the presidential candidate, said she had been dyeing her hair for a long time now and promised that we are never going to see her turn white in a White House.

Laura Bush Hairstyle

Despite the opposing views on her husband’s presidency, Laura Bush is one of the most popular first ladies ever, largely due to her calm and friendly nature. The latter might have been reflected in her hairstyle, too.

Laura Bush has been consistent in her hair preferences, sporting some amazing short hairstyles for as long as we know her. Jagged cut and tapered into the back hair gives an elegant and neat look to the first lady, reminiscent of her experience as a grade school teacher and a librarian.

Laura Bush Short Haircut

Short, straight pixie cut with a side parting and feathered side-swept bangs is another noteworthy hairstyle of the FLOTUS. Uniform layers cut all through the back and sides show off lots of texture and create an overall sense of balance.

The hair color plays into the overall look. Namely, the golden brown shade of the brunette hair adds up to Laura Bush’s image of a natural and approachable beauty.

Michelle Obama Hair

Michelle Obama’s stylist confessed that he loved to change her hairstyles depending on the dress or occasion, and she did try lots of ’dos. Still, her first term as a hostess of the White House is primarily associated with relaxers and strengtheners.

This look features a chic blunt bob with a blowout and volume on the crown and is one of the most flattering hairstyles Michelle wore as a FLOTUS.

Michelle Obama 2nd Term Hairstyle

Michelle Obama celebrated her birthday and the second inauguration of her husband with a new haircut. The immediate reaction of the media and the president followed. “To address the most significant event of the weekend, I love her bangs,” has become one of the most cited words the president uttered during inauguration festivities.

This curl pattern and some natural fullness was a step toward embracing a natural hairstyle. Michelle made the final move only in 2017, though. While Michelle Obama’s natural hairstyle received universal acclaim, many regret that she did not send this powerful message while being a FLOTUS.

Melania Trump Hairstyle

A long hairstyle with a middle parting, long curtain bangs and soft curls directed away from the face made a signature Melania Trump hairstyle. The color of her hair has been brown with some caramel blonde highlights during all of the years of her husband’s presidency.

While the hairstyle conveyed stability and made the first lady look incredibly young, the glossy coif received its might of criticism. In particular, the ever-perfect blowouts and restrained emotions made the former fashion model look quite distant, not soft and open as her hairstylist describes her.

Melania Trump Updo

An excellent alternative to the iconic Melania Trump hairstyle is her elegant updos. This chic French twist updo with a bouffant and color highlights can leave anyone speechless. By the way, the first lady did resort to an updo hairstyle on Inauguration Day.

Jill Biden Haircut

Jill Biden isn’t new to the White House; she spent eight years as America’s second lady. What is new is that Dr. Jill Biden is the first FLOTUS ever to keep her paying job alongside her official duties as a hostess of the White House.

Will that mean that she won’t have much time to style her hair or care to know what the media thinks about it? Maybe. Thankfully, Jill’s iconic straight medium-length, layered haircut, with a middle parting and curtain bangs, is quite easy to style.

Jill Biden Hairstyle with Curls and Flicked Ends

A shoulder-length haircut with flicked ends, wispy bangs, and a side parting is another look Jill Biden is sporting. A messy touch, and shiny hair the color of sand, gives away her extremely fun-loving nature, which has been pointed out by the media and her five grandchildren, alike. It also makes the first lady-in-waiting look friendly and approachable.

 #1: French Fishtail Braid

This is a great boho style for a date night, bridesmaid or party. As a rule, hairstyles for medium hair in the shape of a wreath are pretty versatile and simple enough to complement any outfit. Wear it with an evening dress or to add a feminine hint to a classic oversized suit; it will look amazing anyway.

#2: Micro Front Braids

This style pairs really well with anyone who loves messy waves and has somewhat of a middle part. Add two thin braids on both sides—they don’t have to be perfectly weaved — and your “beachy” look becomes grungy. Add some hair rings when weaving the braids, and this will become the ultimate hairstyle for rock concerts, festivals, and parties.

#3: Fishtail Ponytail

A fishtail braid is a great way to spice up a classic ponytail. All you do is wrap the ponytail with the braid and let the rest hang down. Sure, this is a more discreet, yet unusual and stylish everyday updo. So feel free to wear it to work, when meeting your friends for a cup of coffee or going on a date to the cinema.

#4: Big and Little Braid

I’ve been LOVING micro braids lately! So, of course, it’s even more fun to add some micro braids with a big dutch braid. Together, they create a hairstyle decorated with jewelry chains, which looks so delicate and sweet. Isn’t it perfect for an elegant bride or bridesmaid look?

#5: Summer Camp Braids

These accent braids remind me of braiding bracelets at summer camp, and I’m here for it. Such a detailed braid, this hairstyle is created for special occasions. Make sure to spray it with strong-hold hairspray so that your hair remains irresistible throughout the event till late at night.

#6: Braided Updo

This is all one big, Dutch braid, starting from the left side of the head and turning into a low, centered bun. Leave a few strands out along the hairline when weaving the braid diagonally downwards to create the effect of slight negligence. If you’re looking for a flawless elegant updo for a wedding, photoshoot, birthday or corporate party, or any other event at all, this is it!

#7: French Braided Updo

We have another braided updo, but this time it’s for shoulder-length hair and is a French braid. Lightness, carelessness, and romantic Provence fleur wear it anytime you want to feel special and feminine. The beauty is you can combine it with any clothing, from jeans and a blouse to a dress and heels.

#8: Large Dutch Side Braid

To achieve this style, you need to first do a Dutch braid and then add a texturizing powder to help pull out and fluff the braid. Spice it up with cute hair accessories — rings, ribbons, baby’s breath, pins, etc. This hairdo is as simple as it can be, and I guess, that is the secret to its boho magnificence and charm.

#9: Deconstructed Down Braid

This style has a large side braid, but it has curls falling out of the braid to make it look deconstructed. The down braid looks especially exquisite in long and thick hair, as there is the voluminous many-level effect created. Just imagine this gorgeous elegant braid falling down the shoulders covered with the gentle fabrics of a wedding dress. All grace and femininity!

#10: Twist

If you have no idea how to braid, a twist can do the same job. It’s simpler than a French or Dutch braid and gives a similar look. To get such a volumetric effect, fix each strand, binding securely with invisible pins or small bands, otherwise, the hairdo will prematurely fall apart. Besides, light waves or curls also add volume and cute messiness to the style.

#11: Updo Micro-Twist

Throwing in a small French twist to an updo can bring it to the next level. The updo comes up looking complicated and sophisticated, but the whole point is to create the volumetric and slightly deconstructed effect. When putting the hair up together, pull some thin locks out here and there, and don’t forget to frame the face with a couple of curls, as well!

#12: Pigtail Braids

Who doesn’t love braided pigtails? This style is a little different than traditional Dutch braid because this style was created with many, many elastics. This hairdo allows women to feel like a fragile young lady at the same time as feeling like a rocker. In addition, braided pigtails make the face oval look cuter and the hair visually more voluminous.

#13: Bubble Braid

This style is best achieved on long hair with several elastics. Gather a ponytail, secure it with an elastic band, then, tease the rest of the ponytail to make the sections voluminous and pretty. Each time you tie a new elastic, hold the tail firmly with one hand and pull the elastic over the tail with the other hand to create the bubble effect.

#14: Cornrows Into Ponytail

I am obsessed with everything about this look. The variation of sized and shaped braids into a ponytail is so beautiful and spectacular. Try adding colorful elastics and create a sewn effect between the frontal accent braids; this will give you a slight hint of the ethnic look and will definitely draw everyone’s attention.

#15: Festival Braids

I love seeing festival braids, and I love the colors of these boxed braids. What a great way to decorate your hair with your favorite colors without damaging it with actual dyes. Another advantage of this hairstyle is that such braids are long-lasting and fun to play with.

#16: Front Micro Fishtail Braid

All you need to know for this style is how to create a tight fishtail braid. Divide your hair into two sections. Weave a braid, alternately adding thin strands from the right and left sections and overlapping them. Make sure to weave the strands tight, and at the end, fix the braid with a strong elastic band or hair clip. Voilà!

#17: Dutch Braid into Top Knot

This style is perfect for all ages and isn’t as complicated as it looks. Part your hair in half, using a comb or your fingers, secure one section of your hair, tuck your head down and start braiding. Then secure the braid and create a small, messy bun, and repeat everything on another side. For a playful effect, add some glitter fixation spray at the end.

#18: Cornrows into Mohawk

Cornrows are such a cool way to add an edge to a style. This combination is insanely dashing; cornrows create a symmetrical framing and ideal contours, and the mohawk is all messy and rocky. This style is definitely for someone who likes grungy and daring looks or wants to be in the spotlight at an event.

#19: Infinity Braids

Infinity braids are not for the faint of heart. They look so cool and unique, yet take a very long time to create. When weaving the strands, your movements will resemble an infinity sign; that’s how the hairstyle got its name. Experiment with accessories, colorful tresses and the updo variations.

#20: Headband Braid

Everyone is wearing headbands nowadays, so why not make one out of your own hair? Spice up your casual, loose hairstyle with such a beautiful accent and transform it into a special one. This is a cute option, if you’re going to a birthday party, a wedding or just to meet your friends, and want to look simple yet elegant enough.