Michelle Obama said in a recent interview that she felt pressure to conform to what she described as white beauty standards during her years in the White House.

The comments came during a discussion with actress Tracee Ellis Ross about Obama’s new fashion book, “The Look.”

Obama said she believed she needed to keep her hair straight throughout her tenure as first lady. She described the routine as “exhausting” and said the pressure she felt came from the expectations of others.

Speaking about her childhood experiences, Obama said she learned early on that presentation played an important role in how she was treated. “How you present can sometimes save your life,” she told Ross.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

MORE NEWS: Andy Reid Shares Adam Sandler’s Sweet Marriage Advice for Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce [WATCH]

She described growing up with exposure to what she called the “high end of Chicago.”

“And to access those places and not be accused of stealing, you realize very early on that you better let them hear you talk, or come in with the right Le Sac case, or else you would be watched,” Obama said.

She added, “So I think I learned then that how you show up, especially when it comes to white folks looking at young black kids, that how you present can sometimes save your life.”

Ross read an excerpt from Obama’s book during the interview.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

“In a way, being first lady was just another professional experience where I had to conform to a white environment of appropriateness,” Obama wrote.

Obama then discussed the decision to keep her natural hair concealed during her time as first lady.

She said she chose not to reveal it publicly until after leaving the White House. Moving to a broader point, she directed part of her message at white audiences.

“Let me explain something to white people!” Obama said.

Close

MORE NEWS: Alicia Keys Uses July 4th to Declare American Women Still Lack Equal Rights [WATCH]

She continued, “Our hair comes out of our head naturally in a curly pattern, so when we’re straightening it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness!”

She listed examples of challenges she said many black women face related to maintaining straightened hair.

“That’s why so many of us can’t swim!” she said.

“And we run away from the water — people won’t go to the gym, because we’re trying to keep our hair straight for y’all. It is exhausting, and it’s so expensive and it takes up so much time!”

Social media flamethrower Zeek Arkham roasted Michelle 'Chewbacca' Obama for her comments:

Obama said she believed that dropping these expectations would benefit both black women and those around them.

She referenced the CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

The legislation, supported by organizations in the CROWN Coalition, prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and texture.

MORE NEWS: Balogun’s Red Card Overturned After Donald Trump Calls FIFA Ahead of Belgium Clash

“Braids are for y’all so we can work harder and focus on the work, so why do we need an act — an act of law to tell white folks to get out of our hair,” Obama said.

“Don’t tell me how to wear my hair, don’t wonder about it, don’t touch it — just don’t!” she said.

Her comments were part of a broader discussion about identity, presentation, and navigating professional environments.

“The Look,” which includes reflections on fashion, public life, and social expectations, was released as Obama continues to speak publicly about her experiences during and after her time as first lady.

The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677