MANILA, Philippines - Women of power need the perfect hairstyle to establish their image.
Princess Diana’s wispy pixie cut created a short hair trend around the world; Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ impeccable flip ‘do was the image of chic sophistication, while Hillary Rodham Clinton’s tidy, businesslike bob embodies her aura of power and intelligence.
As US First Lady Michelle Obama moves into the White House, all eyes are now on her as a style icon for America and for the rest of the world.
Beauty guru Ricky Reyes can lay claim to have recommended the short hairstyle for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after seeing her sporting a ponytail ‘do during her swearing into presidency in 2001. PGMA still wears her hair fashionably and conveniently short to this day.
Watching the inauguration of US President Barack Obama, Ricky was naturally keenly focused on Michelle Obama’s hairstyle. After the three-hour program, Ricky arrived at a conclusion: the new US First Lady needs a hair makeover!
“Michelle’s current hairstyle is shapeless, blunt, and borders on the boring. Because it has been relaxed and not really rebonded, it does not come off as soft and smooth. It also requires very high maintenance because the strands are thick, stringy and stiff,’’ describes Ricky.
Blunt hairstyles or pageboy cuts, Ricky stresses, are only for young people, and a no-no for women over 40 years old.
“Aside from that, Michelle’s present hairstyle is not very neat because it is all over the place. It also overpowers her face and makes her look old and intimidating,’’ Ricky adds.
To remedy this hairstyle emergency, Ricky recommends a long, layered bob for Michelle. The layered bob should be swept to the side to frame Michelle’s face and soften her strong features.
A light brown frosting will also work a lot of magic. ‘’It will soften her looks because the color dashes will work with the natural texture of her hair.’’
“A first lady should be the epitome of elegance and neatness,” Ricky adds. “Because Michelle accompanies or represents the President in social and ceremonial events, she needs a low-maintenance hairstyle that could take her to different functions without much fuss.”