Megyn Kelly Comments on Michelle Obama’s Hair

It seems like conversations about hair and societal expectations are always relevant, and this time, it’s Megyn Kelly weighing in on Michelle Obama’s recent comments. The former First Lady discussed the pressure she felt to alter her natural hair during her time in the White House, and Kelly had quite a bit to say in response.

Michelle Obama’s Perspective on Hair Pressure

In her new book, “The Look,” Michelle Obama touches on the challenges faced by women of color regarding their natural hair. She wrote about the immense pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, explaining how straightening naturally curly hair required significant time and money. Obama highlighted that for women of color, their natural hair is beautiful, but societal expectations often lead to a struggle to fit a perceived standard.

She elaborated on this, stating, “As women of color, the way our hair naturally grows out of our head is beautiful, but if we struggle to make it look like the standard, that means we are spending thousands of hours and lots of money straightening out what is naturally curly hair. And that takes time out of your life. It costs money.” This sentiment resonates with many who have experienced similar pressures.

Megyn Kelly’s Counterpoint

During a Nov. 4 episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Kelly directly addressed Obama’s points, calling her perspective “bull—.” Kelly seemed to dismiss the idea that hair pressure is unique to Black women, suggesting it’s a universal experience for women. She stated, “Black women can walk around with whatever hair they want.”

Kelly further argued, “Virtually every woman I know spends a ton of time on her hair and wants it to look better than God made it. It’s not a Black thing. It’s a human thing, and it’s especially a woman thing.” This broad approach, often compared to an “all lives matter” sentiment, overlooks the specific historical and systemic discrimination faced by Black women regarding their hair.

The Nuance of the Conversation

For many, especially women of color, Obama’s comments highlighted the unique scrutiny she faced as the first Black First Lady. The existence of legislation like the Crown Act, which specifically combats hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools, underscores that this is indeed a significant issue beyond a general “woman thing.”

Obama’s book “The Look,” released on Oct. 29, revisits her fashion choices as symbols of visibility and resilience. She noted, “It became clear that I was being held to a very different standard.” Kelly’s remarks, in this context, seem to inadvertently reinforce Obama’s point about the ongoing public commentary and differing standards applied to her.

• Michelle Obama discussed hair pressure in her new book, “The Look.”
• She detailed the time and money spent straightening natural hair due to societal expectations.
• Megyn Kelly countered, calling Obama’s perspective “bull—” and framing it as a universal “woman thing.”
• Critics argue Kelly’s comments ignore the specific discrimination faced by Black women regarding hair.
• The Crown Act exists to combat hair-based discrimination, highlighting the issue’s significance.