If there’s one thing that’s as important as a candidate’s stance on the big topics, it’s his or her haircut. Studies have long shown that people vote as much with their eyes as they do their mind, and a properly tamed mane can go a long way at the ballot box. So with that in mind, we’ve created this list of tips on how to perfect each candidate’s signature look.
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Donald Trump
A man who’s almost as famous for his signature coiffure as he is for his headline-grabbing statements, Donald Trump’s look is truly one-of-a-kind. So if it’s his erm … unique look that you’re trying to recreate, here’s what you’ll have to do.
Step 1a (optional): Though not for the faint of heart, if you really want to commit to the Donald’s look, you’re going to have to first dye your locks that signature shade: somewhere between burnt straw and an autumn sunset as seen through a smog cloud.
Step 1b: Apply a texture powder throughout the wisps of hair. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder would add volume to the sparse areas.
Step 2: Blow-dry to activate the texture powder. Fluff the front piece down over the face to the right, then fold over gently at the middle, then bring the bottom of the length back up and over to the left as if you were folding cotton candy. This will create the illusion of fuller hair in sparse areas.
Step 3: Spray in place with a bottle of firm-hold hairspray, or two.
Step 4: Optional: With a new toothbrush, brush your eyebrows up and leave in the upward position.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary’s look is one of the few that’s already been tried and tested in the White House, from when her husband Bill sat in the Oval Office. A classic, no-nonsense bob, this blunt look is the first step in cultivating that kind of presidential “I mean business” confidence that’s required to take America’s highest office.
Step 1: Prep damp hair with a grape-sized amount of volumizing mousse.
Step 2: Starting with damp hair and a 1.5” round barrel brush, blow-dry hair under, creating volume around the face.
Step 3: Set with a hairspray.
Ted Cruz
A classic “high and tight” re-popularized by period shows like Mad Men, Cruz’s chop is probably the most traditionally presidential one currently in the running.
Step 1: Using a rattail comb, take the pointed end and create a deep side part.
Step 2: Use a pomade to slick the hair down to the scalp.
Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders has always been a bit of a political wild card, and his haircut fits the bill perfectly. By no means fancy or particularly “styled,” his look is one that conveys a man whose mind is occupied by the concerns of the 99%, not a man who’s camera-ready.
Step 1: Ask for hair trimmed to a short length at the sides with the back hair length left slightly longer so it can be combed forward and upward to create the illusion of volume.
Step 2: Comb the sides down and the back of the hair up and forward towards the middle of the head.
Marco Rubio
Rubio and Cruz could share a barber, because they both sport the same politically-safe, no-nonsense trim. A classic that looks good on any man, Rubio’s has the distinction of parting to the right, whereas Cruz rocks his to the left. We’ll resist reading too much political analysis into this difference, but either way, here’s what you’ll need to do.
Step 1: On damp hair, apply pomade and/or grooming cream. Do not use a comb, as that will create frizz.
Step 2: Once the hair is trimmed, comb down the sides and comb the hair on the top from the part over to the opposite side of the head.
Rand Paul
Paul’s hairstyle is as much about necessity as it is about style, since he’s had to tame those signature curls his whole life. So if you have natural curls of your own, this short, simple cut is a great way to keep them in check. Just learn an important lesson from Paul’s own pomade past and use the product sparingly.
Step 1: After washing with a shampoo and conditioner, use your fingers to run through the curls. Don’t use a comb or brush, as this will cause naturally curly hair to frizz.
Step 2: Apply a pea-sized amount of gel throughout the hair and allow your hair to air-dry. If you must blow-dry, use a diffuser attached to the end of the dryer and scrunch the hair in towards the dryer.
Step 3: Once the hair is dry, a half-pea-sized amount of pomade can be used to tame any frizzy curls.
