Malia Obama Traded Her Waist-Length Braids for Red Waves

The former first daughter's new hair color is perfectly autumnal.

Malia Obama
(Image credit: Getty)

While there's something to be said about the Spring chop, Fall remains the very best time for a hair transformation. It only makes sense that we want to take a cue from the deepening hues of nature and go a little darker with our hair color. It's likely why a deep auburn-meets-maroon has been the hue of the season. Case in point? Even Malia Obama is on board.

On Tuesday, October 24, the 25-year-old former first daughter made a public appearance sporting a brand new hair color: A gorgeous—and extremely autumnal—burnt sienna shade. Worn softly curled with a middle part, her locks flowed to the middle of her back as she left a Los Angeles movie theater.

malia obama

(Image credit: Splash News)

Obama paired her new hair color with a gray tank, soft cream cardigan, and pinstriped pant. She finished off the look with chunky black leather (or pleather!) boots and a corresponding slouchy tote bag.

Most recently, the Harvard grad was wearing her hair braided and extremely long, its black roots transitioning to a light brown color that cascaded down her waist. As her style continues to evolve, Obama must take comfort in having plenty of beauty inspiration—from her mom to her former boss, the one and only Halle Berry, and even little sister Sasha. Nevertheless, her look is entirely her own. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.