Photos of Donald Trump deplaning from Air Force One on September 4 have ignited discussions online due to his hair appearing in a noticeably darker shade of brown, a departure from his usual blond hue.
This is the second time in recent weeks that the former president's hair has drawn public attention. In early August, speculation arose that he might have been wearing a wig during a speech on economic policy in Las Vegas.
Following the recent photos, hair loss specialist Dina Kales and wig specialist Andrew Disimone told HuffPost that it appeared the president had dyed his hair. Kales explained that a darker shade was used, and the existing dye on the ends of his hair took on a deeper tone compared to the newly colored, lighter roots.
Disimone suggested that Trump may have switched his base color to a neutral or ash tone, which is depositing into his gray hair. He also noted that Trump's scalp remains white and lighter than the rest of his face, a contrast typically visible due to his spray tans, further indicating a change in hair color rather than a wig.
Kales expressed confidence that the hair is natural, citing the hairline as a key indicator. She stated that wigs often appear denser and can be challenging to blend seamlessly, whereas Trump's hairline, as seen in windblown photos, appears natural and not augmented.
Michael Wolff, a Trump biographer, recounted on The Daily Beast's "Inside Trump's Head" podcast that Trump's team reportedly carries a portable kit with color patches and a paste to maintain his hair. Wolff described this maintenance as a "major enterprise" that has been ongoing for many years.
The public's fascination with presidential hair is not a new phenomenon. Theodore Pappas, author of "Combing Through the White House: Hair and Its Shocking Impact on the Politics, Private Lives, and Legacies of the Presidents," noted that hair has historically played a significant role in presidencies. In the 18th and 19th centuries, requesting a snippet of a president's hair was a common gesture of honor, comparable to asking a celebrity for a selfie today. Pappas cited George Washington sending a lock of his hair to an admirer while at Valley Forge.
Throughout history, presidential hair has been a subject of public and press commentary. Abraham Lincoln faced mockery for his hair in the 1860s as photography became more prevalent, while William H. Taft was criticized for his mustache. Conversely, John F. Kennedy's hair and appearance were frequently praised. Pappas concluded that presidential hair offers a unique lens through which to gain insights into both the presidency and the country at large.