Donald Trump's distinctive hairstyle sparked a fresh wave of online commentary this week, not for its usual carefully coiffed style, but for an unexpected pinkish hue. The former US President, 79, was addressing members of the Republican Party at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Tuesday when observers noted his signature blond hair had a distinct cotton candy tint.
Expert Analysis from a London Hairstylist
According to London-based hairstylist Gustav Fouche, who spoke to the Daily Mail, the most likely culprit is a common hair colouring process gone slightly awry. Fouche explained that to achieve a silver or light blonde shade, violet tones are frequently used to neutralise unwanted yellow pigments. "However, if too much violet is used or it’s left on slightly too long, it can shift the colour and make the hair appear pinkish rather than cool or neutral," he stated.
This technical insight adds context to previous revelations about Trump's grooming routine. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, a former White House adviser, has reportedly told friends that her father uses a product called Just for Men to colour his hair, a detail also noted in Michael Wolff's 2018 book, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House'.
Lighting and Environment: The Other Suspects
Fouche was quick to note that hair dye is not the only possible explanation. He emphasised that environmental factors, particularly lighting, play a massive role in how hair colour is perceived. "One common reason is lighting. Overhead or stage lighting (especially warmer-toned lights) can cast a pinkish or warm reflection onto light or silver hair," the stylist said.
He added that clients with grey or silver hair often see their colour look completely different under various lights. Another potential factor is colour reflection from the surroundings. A red backdrop or flag under strong lighting could bounce a subtle pink or warm tint onto nearby hair, potentially explaining the effect seen on stage.
Social Media Erupts with Cotton Candy Comparisons
The internet wasted no time in reacting to the former President's new look. Social media platform X was flooded with comments, with many users likening his hair to "cotton candy" or a "little old lady's blue rinse but pink." One user mockingly posted about "Donald Trump mocked over his new cotton candy pink hair and extra shiny orange spray tan."
Another demanded, "WHY IS HIS HAIR PINK TODAY?" while a fourth quipped about the clash with the American flag. The episode is far from the first time Trump's hair has dominated online discussion. At the end of 2024, he provoked a similar reaction by debuting a short, slicked-back style at his Florida golf club, a stark departure from his iconic bouffant.
Whether the pink tinge was a result of a toning mishap, a trick of the stage lights, or a combination of both, it successfully diverted attention once again, proving that the 79-year-old's personal style remains a persistent topic of global fascination and ridicule in equal measure.