A prominent hairstylist based in London has provided a professional explanation for the unexpected pink hue that appeared in Donald Trump's hair during a major speech this week. The former US President, 79, was addressing Republican Party members at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Tuesday when observers noted his distinctive blond hair had taken on a distinctly pinkish, almost cotton candy-like tint.
The Expert Explanation: A Toning Mishap
According to London-based hairstylist Gustav Fouche, who spoke to the Daily Mail, the unusual colour was most likely the result of a haircare process known as 'toning' going slightly awry. Toning is a technique used to neutralise unwanted yellow tones in silver or light blonde hair, often using violet-based products.
"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," Fouche explained. This insight offers a plausible technical reason for the viral visual, moving beyond mere speculation on social media.
Lighting and Reflection: Other Contributing Factors
Fouche was careful to note that toning might not be the sole culprit. He highlighted other environmental factors that could have contributed to the pink appearance captured on camera. Stage lighting, particularly warmer-toned lights, can cast a pinkish reflection onto light or silver hair. This effect is commonly observed with clients whose hair colour looks different under various lighting conditions.
"Another factor could be colour reflection from the surroundings," Fouche added. "For example, if there’s a red backdrop or flag behind him and strong lighting hitting that area, the reflected light can bounce back onto the hair and create a subtle pink or warm tint." The setting of the Kennedy Center, with its potential for dramatic stage lighting, makes this a credible secondary cause.
Social Media Erupts and Historical Context
The internet swiftly reacted to Trump's altered appearance. Users on platform X likened his hair to "cotton candy" and a "little old lady's blue rinse but pink." One commenter quipped about the "extra shiny orange spray tan" clashing with the new pink hair, while others expressed more pointed political concerns alongside their observations on his style.
This incident is not the first time Trump's hair has dominated the news cycle. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, previously revealed he uses a product called Just for Men, a detail reported in Michael Wolff's 2018 book 'Fire and Fury'. Wolff wrote that Ivanka humorously noted the colour darkened the longer it was left on, and that "impatience resulted in Trump's orange-blond hair colour."
Furthermore, at the end of 2024, Trump provoked another online frenzy when he debuted a slicked-back hairstyle at his Florida golf club, a stark departure from his iconic bouffant. That change was met with a mix of praise and criticism, demonstrating the ongoing public fascination with his personal style.
While the precise reason for Tuesday's pink tinge may be a combination of factors, the expert analysis from a London hairstylist provides a grounded, technical perspective on a moment that once again proved how every detail of a public figure's appearance can become a global talking point.
