Combing Through the White House: Hair and Its Shocking Impact on the Politics, Private Lives, and Legacies of the Presidents

by Theodore Pappas

Discover a fascinating and novel look at the U.S. presidents, the first families, and American history—all through the lens of hair. With meticulous detail, engaging storytelling, and full-color visuals, encyclopedia editor Theodore Pappas combs through American history, teasing out long-forgotten and little-known ways that hair has influenced the presidency and the public and private lives, personal scandals, and tragedies, of the men and women who have occupied the White House.

Go deep into the history of such topics

Abraham Lincoln's famously ridiculed appearance and the surprising role hair played in both his presidency and assassinationJohn F. Kennedy's connection to James Bond and how hair factored into his vast image-making and infidelitiesThe lush tradition of collecting hair as a way of honoring leaders, remembering our loved ones, and preserving their memoriesScientific hair analysis and how DNA has been used to solve long-standing presidential mysteriesThe connection of hair to the lives, loves, scandals, and tragedies that shaped presidents, first ladies, and the nation at large 

This unique window into the past shines entertaining new light on the decisions, relationships, and tragedies that have shaped the role of the president and the place of the U.S. in the world. Whether you're interested in presidential trivia or historical mysteries, Combing Through the White House personalizes the past through an element of life we can all relate to—hair—giving us new glimpses into our country and even ourselves.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History, Presidents

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read some books with some weird themes before. Theodore Pappas' Combing Through the White House may just take the case, though. Pappas has written a book about presidential hair. No, that is not a typo.

In many ways, Pappas' book is stellar. He writes with a certain wink to the reader about how silly this can all be. The stories he chooses are interesting and there are a lot of little facts which keep the narrative interesting. This book is definitely fun.

Whether or not the "hair" aspect of the narrative holds up is a different matter. Some stories force Pappas to really reach to make hair a critical factor. He also needs to talk about non-presidents to barely pass 200 pages of content (with pictures throughout).

If you want an offbeat book with good prose and a lot of fun, then this one is for you.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher.)

[Marisa]

Unexpectedly fun book that included a lot of presidential trivia that I was not aware of, despite considering myself pretty well-versed in the subject.

[Carol Dimitriou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about what hair can reveal about our presidents.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combing Through the White House: Hair and It’s Shocking Impact on the Politics, Private Lives, and Legacies of the Presidents is an entertaining, unique take on American history. Author Theodore Pappas covers Lincoln’s image detractors, Theodore Rosevelt’s “special hair ring, and JFK’s iconic youthful coif (as well as his myriad infidelities) among many other anecdotes. Pappas has served as Executive Editor of Encyclopedia Britannica for 25+ years and he weaves in a lot of interesting presidential trivia into his main “hairy” theme.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And now," as the Monty Python crawl would roll out, "for something completely different. . . ." is the read Combing Through the White House: Hair and its Shocking Impact on the Politics, Private Lives, and Legacies of the Presidents . A fascinating book for those, like myself, obsessed with that fluffy stuff and all the ways to dress it: HAIR ! ; and, a within a bonus filtered category - Hair in History. And to drill down even further - Hair in American Presidential History. Ahh. Can't pass that up!

The author, Theodore Pappas, has done his research! Six thorough chapters cover hair in ways you have not even considered, and in ways you probably have (but this will take you deeper in):

The “Body Politic” of a President
Hair and the Life and Death of Abraham Lincoln

Locks and Presidential Legacies
The Long, Lush History of Collecting Hair

Politics, Diplomacy, and Family Life
Hair’s Mighty Impact, at Home and Abroad

Hair, Image, and Infidelities
The Case of John F. Kennedy

Parallel Tragedies
The Pierces, the Bushes, and the Death of a Child

Follicle Forensics
Solving Presidential Mysteries Through Science and DNA

These cover assassinations, deaths, affairs, non-affairs, family tragedies, wives, partners, stand-ins, fancy Dos, mullets, who was the dreamboat president (you'll be surprised), who was dug up to find out if murder'd been done, who got caught by DNA (more than you think), and who cared about their Do, and who just gave a head toss and greeted the public. Politics are mentioned, and controversies or scandals are not shied away from, but they are not the focus, folks - this is a book about Hair. on. the. Body. Politic. !!

This is a book you'll want to see - ebook or physical - because of all the nifty pictures - they support and expand the author's focus in each section. An audio version would lose an important element of what makes this such an entertaining read.

I'm thinking this will be a perfect gift for my political friends and family. Oh! and all the "hair" managers I know and love. (Get ready, Carol. You are gonna love this!)

*A sincere thank you to Theodore Pappas, Harper Celebrate, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #CombingThroughtheWhiteHouse #NetGalley

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a truly unique perspective! Exploring the inner workings of power within the White House through the lens of hair is both fascinating and unexpected. I was completely engrossed in this book—it's brimming with captivating insights and quirky anecdotes that shed light on a surprisingly polarizing topic: presidential hairstyles!

Before I delved into this gem, I never realized the extent to which hair influenced the political landscape throughout history. And let's be honest, who could forget those memorable images of President Trump and his distinctive hairstyle? From George Washington's iconic wigs to Trump’s well-known coif, this book delves deeply into the personal stories and public personas of past presidents, providing a fresh and entertaining perspective on American history. From clandestine styling sessions to the intense scrutiny of the public eye, the journey through these pages is both enlightening and delightful.

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it's essential reading for anyone intrigued by presidential history and their unique characteristics. A hearty congratulations to Theodore Pappas for crafting such an engaging and informative piece of work!

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much more to hair than just hair. In this new release from Theodore Pappas, you will get down to the nitty gritty on hairy situations connected to the presidents of the United States.

Chapter 1 delves into Lincoln's assassination and how his hair initially hid the bullet wound.

Chapter 2 discusses the practice of collecting hair and giving it as gifts. Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt was inspired by a ring he had in his possession with his hero Abraham Lincoln's hair inside?

Chapter 3 shares many hair-related incidents and rumors concerning the presidents and those around them.

Chapter 4 is dedicated to JFK.

Chapter 5 is all about DNA and the next level of genetic info coming from investigating hair.

This clever title caught my eye and I decided to check out the ARC. While I was anticipating a bit of a lighter read, I did learn some fascinating facts. Also enjoyed the many full-color photos inside.

Thank you to Harper Celebrate and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about Combing Through the White House. The book was a quick, easy read with informative stories. While I would have preferred a little deeper dive on the residents of the White House, something similar to the stories which comprise Confronting the Presidents by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, I don’t regret at all reading this book as I found it to be interesting.

In certain parts I thought the emphasis on hair to the importance of the stories felt artificial and a bit of a stretch. Although that sometimes distracted me, it didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the book. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good short stories about some of our more well-known Presidents.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to Goodreads and Harper Collins for the copy. The above opinions are my own.

[Chet Slonina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never new that hair collecting and hair donation was such a big thing, but, as we learn in this book, the history of follicles beckons you to read and discover the the history of so many presidents and there hair raising history!! (OUCH) The use of DNA and modern scientific testing has brought many unsolved mysteries to the forefront. Presidents like JFK, LBJ, Washington, Lincoln and Pierce come with hair related history worthy to take note. All these stories are of stunning interest and update historical pasts that may have needed to be rewritten as a result. Grab a hair brush and Enjoy!!!!!!

[Chris Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biggest reason I pulled this book off the library shelf was the title. My first question to myself was, Hair? In the White House and Presidents? How does one even think of a topic like this? How did anyone decide there would be enough documented evidence in his research to fill a whole book? I admit that perhaps I might have what some folks might label as a morbid curiosity. Whatever surviving family members do upon the death of their loved ones to memorialize them varies throughout history but this hair saving just seems weird to me. I never realized what a big deal it was (is) to some people.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book traces the history of the Presidents through their hair … if you discount the side-whiskers of John Quincy Adams and Martin Van Buren, Abraham Lincoln was our first President with a beard … and using locks of hair as beloved mementos has preserved the hair of many of the Presidents … filled with interesting facts, and glorious illustrations … absolutely stellar …

[Jordan Waldner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is obvious that this book is a work of immense effort and dedication which makes it all the more intriguing and interesting. The realization that the heroes of history are (were) in all reality ordinary people like the rest of us is oddly empowering.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun "hair raising" stories about U.S. presidents and their hair! A few other historical figures, like Ben Franklin & King George III. Who knew there was enough interesting information about hair and the White House to fill a 230 page book.

[Nann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unusual approach to presidential history! Engagingly-written and very informative. I learned a lot, from the famous (Washington, Lincoln, JFK) to the lesser-known (Franklin Pierce).

[Angela Hedworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, interesting. A lot of information I already knew but still a fun read.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read. In many cases hair was just a jumping off point as with Lincoln's assassination.

[Allison Horrocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating concept and great execution. Opens with an anecdote about Obama and spends quite a bit of time in Lincoln. Segments on Jefferson were not my favorite but this was a quick + solid read.