From the moment she was introduced as Barack Obama's better half at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, former First Lady Michelle Obama was poised to be a style icon. Over the last 12 years, we've watched her style evolve and set the standard for how first ladies can not only take risks with her fashions, but also hairstyles. From wispy curls to a blunt bob, it seems like our forever First Lady never disappoints in public appearance.

In the eight years in the role and the nearly four years since leaving the White House, Mrs. Obama remains a perfect example of hair goals and the following 10 looks prove it. If you've ever thought about switching up your mane for something different, considering use these haircuts from Michelle as inspiration.

1. Michelle made her debut as first lady in a center-part lob

Michelle's public hair journey as First Lady began the day her husband was inaugurated in January 2009. Wearing a white Jason Wu gown, her hair was styled in a center-part with side-swept bangs and loose layers.

2. She brought the curls out for Mexico

When Barack and Michelle hosted Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife Margarita Zavala in 2010, the Becoming author really showed out when she accentuated her blue, one-shouldered blue Peter Soronen gown in an updo featuring thick, voluminous curls.

3. Then gave us bangs to welcome another four years in office

Barack Obama's second presidential term brought another opportunity to shine for Mrs. Obama. Already four years into giving fans looks after looks, she added bangs to her signature bob during the 57th presidential inauguration. Coupled with the Thom Brown coat and purple gloves, it was an outfit that solidified her status as one of the most fashionable first ladies.

Her longtime hairstylist Johnny Wright told the Los Angeles Times in 2016 that several clients asked for this exact look.

"I remember being in the salon a couple of weeks after the second inauguration when she showed her bangs, and I had about five clients wanting bangs," he said.

4. She gave us the best of both worlds when she stopped by BET

During a 2013 appearance on BET’s 106 & Park, Michelle upgraded her middle part and added loose, polished and layered bumped ends for a more casual look.

5. And brought out a lighter tone before the summer of 2014

Even on more casual occasions, Michelle never fails to disappoint. During a May 2014 appearance at the Anna Wintour Costume Center Grand Opening in New York, the mother of two debuted a lighter look just in time for summer.

6. Gala season called for tight coils and that's what she served

For a White House Correspondent's Association Gala in 2015, the host of The Michelle Obama Podcast
added a significant amount of volume to her tresses, which perfectly framed her face.

7. Then put the business bun on full display

A bun wasn’t always in her normal rotation. When the forever FLOTUS wore one, it always looked elegant. The Chicago native donned a ballerina-style top bun for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes Coalition Summit: Progress and Promise event 2015.

8. She offered a dramatic bang to go with a super straight look

The First Lady’s hairdos are so classic thanks, in part, to how she compliments it with her attire. Turning heads in an iridescent rose gold Atelier Versace gown during her final state dinner in October 2016, her straight coiffure with a dramatic bang showed off her natural length and didn't draw too much attention from her attire.

9. And later gave some middle part realness

We’re so used to seeing the former FLOTUS in a side swept ‘do, we forget she can also rock a middle part. In one of her last official duties in that role, Mrs. Obama had a sleek bob parted down the middle while reading holiday stories to children at the Children’s National Health System in Washington D.C. in December of 2016.

10. And alas, Michelle has been giving us curls for her post-White House life

Given the circumstances of this year and her life outside the public eye on a daily basis, it makes sense Mrs. Obama would opt for a more relaxed look these days. In June, she awarded Beyoncé with the 2020 BET Humanitarian Award at the network’s award ceremony. In a video recording, the now 56-year-old accented her black blazer and silver hoops with flawless wash-and-go curls, a favorite of hers since bidding adieu to the First Lady role in January 2017. 

No matter what pattern, color or curl she rocks, Michelle embodies class, versatility and inspiration. To this day, her mane serves as a reminder for Black women nationwide to be daring with her hair. After all, you never know who is watching.