They were once young children watching their mothers get their hair done. And now they’re featured in a New York Times bestselling book.
Arlington hairstylists Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway are part of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s longtime style team. And they are included in Obama’s new book, The Look, which gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her most iconic fashion and beauty looks. It also features some of Damtew’s and Radway’s contributions to Obama’s signature hairstyles, from her years in the White House to her contemporary, braid-forward style.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but I don’t take it for granted,” says Radway. “I’m appreciative to work with such a wise and brilliant woman and help her evolve in her style.”
Damtew says that working with Obama has shaped her personally and professionally in how she interacts with clients and incorporates her own leadership style at Aesthetics. As the owner of the Arlington salon, Damtew has more than 15 years of experience in hairstyling and leads educational programming at her salon for aspiring cosmetologists.
Learning the Art of Styling
Damtew’s fascination with hair began at a young age when she used to watch her mom put hot rollers in her hair. As one of her neighborhood’s hair braiders, she often had her brother serve as a “guinea pig” for hairstyles.
She enrolled in cosmetology school at 16, taking a hiatus to obtain her associates degree and then returned to study hair to earn her cosmetology license at 21. Damtew holds true to how hair is a large part of our identity and how we present ourselves.
“Unfortunately, we live in a very judgmental society, and I think there are stereotypes that have been placed upon [us] and embedded in our heads. … So understanding that, we have to understand how there is a sense of pride. And [hair is] a part of storytelling in someone’s identity and how they want to be received,” says Damtew.
She says she also appreciates learning from her mature clients as well. “It’s about the impact we’re able to make in our clients’ lives, and it’s a mutual relationship. Just as much as we impact their lives — [while] being a younger stylist and serving older and more experienced clients — they’re able to pour back into us in a way that is fulfilling and keeps us motivated,” says Damtew.
Working with Obama
A licensed cosmetologist for 16 years, Radway has worked on former First Lady Michelle Obama’s style team since 2010. She also works alongside Damtew at Aesthetics as a master cutter.
“I just enjoy helping people embrace the beauty in them … making people feel better and look their best, helping them show up as their best, and embracing what natural textures they have,” says Radway.
The Maryland native also became interested in hair young, as she used to go with her mom to the hair salon every two weeks. Radway says she appreciates the community of women in a hair salon, as they share stories and life experiences.
While she originally assisted Johnny Wright — Obama’s main hairstylist for the eight years the Obamas were in office — Radway took on more of an official role during the past three years in braiding Obama’s hair.
“In some of my most favorite styles, they paired well with where [Obama] was in the post-White House life, as not being perfectly coiffed. … So it was just allowing her to tell her story and show up how she wanted in a different way,” says Damtew.
Feature photo of Njeri Radway and Michelle Obama courtesy Carl Ray
