Trump's Hair Change Sparks Debate Amid Unverified Claims
President Donald Trump's appearance at a New Jersey airport on Friday has ignited fresh discussion about his iconic hairstyle, with the 80-year-old leader stepping off Air Force One sporting a noticeably darker shade and a reversed side part. The change, captured by photographers in Morristown, marks a departure from the swept-over style he has maintained for decades.
Dressed in a navy suit with a bright gold tie, the president waved to cameras, but it was his tousled new look that dominated attention. No official explanation has been offered by the White House regarding whether the change is permanent or simply a temporary adjustment.
What did Trump say about his hair recently?
Days before the photographs surfaced, Trump addressed long-standing speculation about his hair during a White House Rose Garden dinner on September 2. He categorically denied wearing a wig, citing a windy campaign rally in Ohio in March 2024 as proof. 'I don't wear a wig,' he said, arguing that any unattached hairpiece would not have survived the conditions.
However, photographs from that rally show Trump wearing his trademark red MAGA cap during his speech, complicating his anecdote. This is not the first time he has attempted to settle the debate. In 2015, he told supporters, 'I don't wear a toupee; it's my hair, I swear,' and in 2016, he allowed Jimmy Fallon to ruffle his hair on television.
How does Trump style his hair?
In a 2011 interview, Trump revealed his routine: washing with Head & Shoulders, allowing his hair to dry naturally for about an hour, and then combing it himself into its distinctive shape. He rejected the term 'comb-over,' describing it as 'a little bit forward and back.' He has occasionally experimented with variations, such as a slicked-back look in 2019, but typically returns to his familiar style.
What are the unverified claims about Trump's hair?
Biographer Michael Wolff has alleged on his podcast that Trump travels with a hair 'patch kit' containing small tufts to match the changing shade of his hair, attached with 'some kind of paste.' Wolff described maintaining the president's hair as a 'major enterprise,' but the White House has not confirmed these claims. Wolff previously made similar assertions in his 2018 book Fire and Fury, attributing them to Ivanka Trump, though she has not publicly confirmed them.
The recent photographs have drawn reactions online, with independent journalist Yashar Ali expressing disbelief and author Anne Lamott comparing Trump's darker look to actor Pierce Brosnan. As is often the case with the president's appearance, the discussion shows no sign of fading.