Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States, shocked the world when she revealed her bangs on her 49th birthday — a mere three days before the official inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC. Her new haircut created such a buzz that President Barack Obama even jokingly shared to USA Today that her hair was “the most significant event of the weekend”. He went on to express that he loves her bangs, because “she looks good, she always looks good”. The Under The Dryer team thinks her haircut is an absolutely fab change and a fantastic expression of her style. We wanted to know what others thought about her new look, so we approached four unsuspecting ladies in Half-Way-Tree, to hear their opinions on the First Lady’s new ‘do. In true Under the Dryer fashion, we upped the ante by offering on-the-spot Michelle O makeovers with the help of our glam team — Racquel Jenkins Moss-Solomon of Racquel J Makeup Studio and Lisa McIntosh-Aris of House of Neahlis. Here is what our Michelle Obama doppelgängers had to share…

Dianna Atkinson, pharmacy technician

“I think Michelle Obama’s hair is simply beautiful. It looks so good and youthful on her. It is a fresh start for her in 2013. Though I must admit our very own Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has been rocking this trend way before Michelle Obama, so perhaps she is in fact the trendsetter where bangs on political style icons are concerned.

I have never actually considered getting bangs because I don’t like the thought of having hair in my face in this climate. But it would seem the whole world has gone bang crazy. Jamaicans love to follow trends set by North Americans so I wouldn’t be surprised if bangs start trending here too. My new ‘do is surprisingly good. I had no fears in trying something new!”

Georgeann Michael, educator

“Bangs are a sophisticated fashion statement that instantly transforms a woman’s image. I have actually considered getting bangs before, but I never had the guts to do it. The cut actually looks great on me, if I should say so myself. I’d love to try getting bangs permanently someday because I love it. I think the First Lady of the United States is always chic and classy, so getting bangs was a great decision on her part. We will just have to wait and see if the trend takes off.”

Yanique Rambally, student

“I think her hair is so beautiful! I just know that everyone is going to want to get the exact cut from now on! I also think short hair is in and everyone wants to find trendy ways to wear their short styles. Bangs are such a perfect way to have fun with your haircut.

I had bangs a few years ago, so it was fun to experiment with it again, though it was only for a few minutes.”

Sherrie Davis, human resources officer at Guardian Life Insurance

“I have always admired Taraji P Henson and Rihanna for their sideswept bangs, but Michelle Obama’s bang suits her so well that I think I may have a newfound love for full bangs. I honestly love her haircut.

“I have always wanted to experiment with bangs, but I wasn’t really sure it would suit me, so I never took the risk. Now that Lisa has hooked me up with bangs, I think they look fantastic.

“Portia Simpson Miller has been wearing bangs for a long time, but the trend has not really taken off in Jamaica as a result of her iconic cut. Perhaps because Michelle Obama is renowned across the world as a fashion icon, so who knows, maybe Jamaican women will start getting bangs. Personally I have fallen in love with my bangs and I have decided to keep them in.

Do you want to get the Michelle Obama bangs too? Contact our Glam Squad:

House of NeahLis

19 Ardenne Road • Kingston 10 • Tel: 622-1744 • E-mail: neahlis@yahoo.com

Racquel J Makeup Studio

Suite 18 • 39 Lady Musgrave Road • Kingston 5 • Tel: 946-2507