Hji hearts . . . michelle obama's stylish up-do

The First Lady has been experimenting with her barnet with fabulous results.

Usually worn long and safe, Michelle opted for a cool cropped look at Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World Gala.

Michelle cheated with the style, which is a secret updo, but we think that she should be brave and go for the chop as it suits her pretty bone structure. Richard Thompson from Mahogany, tells us how it could be done.

"Crop the hair, leaving a long sweeping fringe through the front. Blow dry the nape area until smooth. Move around the crown using a medium round brush to create volume.

"The sweeping fringe is created by brushing the hair to the opposite side you wish to wear it, until almost dry. Brush back to where you would like the fringe to sit. Run straightening irons through the hair after it has completely dried for that extra smooth look,"  says Richard.

Happily hanging out with talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, Michelle looked comfortable with her short look, teamed with a stunning black dress and a multi-layered bead necklace.

Richard gives some tips for working with the style on afro hair. "Afro hair will need to be relaxed first so that it can be styled like non-afro hair. Finish with with a little wax through the front for added shine, " he says.

Michelle has gone back to her lengths but her flirtation with the shorter side has convinced us that she really should go for the chop. The style makes her look sassier and more confident than ever before.

Check out short afro looks on the image gallery