Secrets of the glam squads: Melania Trump's hair and makeup during UK state visit

Last week’s state visit to the United Kingdom showcased more than pomp and pageantry. Melania Trump hired London-based celebrity hairdresser Lino Carbosiero to craft her styles for the trip, while Donald Trump’s grooming routines remained a topic of public curiosity as the couple drew intense scrutiny from spectators and royal observers alike. Carbosiero, who works at the Daniel Galvin salon and was named an MBE in 2014 for services to hairdressing, spent two days inside Trump’s inner circle along with an assistant, according to sources familiar with the arrangements. He is known for high-profile work, including styling pop star Kylie Minogue for an album cover and serving as the head stylist on early seasons of The X Factor. He has previously styled the Trumps on their 2016 state visit and has also looked after other visiting dignitaries, including Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. The scale of the operation reflected the ceremonial significance of the trip and the desire to present a specific image on an international stage.

The most pressing question during the visit was who exactly was responsible for the hair and makeup of the principal figures. One source suggested Melania Trump does her own makeup, while another indicated that Donald Trump handles his own cosmetics and hair styling. The accounts converge on a broader point: the couple’s public appearances are the product of a finely tuned, if tightly guarded, grooming routine rather than a conventional newsroom or television-style arrangement. The advisories also noted that Melania’s makeup was reported to be heavy in photos, a contrast some observers perceived in person as more conspicuous. The discussion about Trump’s hair—its signature backcombed volume, the folding technique at the crown, and the heavy use of hairspray—has long circulated in media commentary, often alongside accounts from former barbers and stylists about how much of the look comes from the individual’s own routine.

A close look at Trump’s hair history reveals a long-running fascination with how his style is maintained. In earlier years, a former barber described a pattern in which Trump would direct where cuts occurred and where they did not, effectively controlling the shape from the back and sides. Another former hairdresser who worked on The Apprentice era suggested that the back of the hair was oftentimes cut by someone in Trump’s inner circle rather than a professional stylist, raising questions about where the line between personal grooming and professional styling lies. In the current visit, Carbosiero’s role was described as directing the looks rather than delivering a complete, in-and-out daily service, with the aim of achieving a photographed authority and polish that aligns with royal standards.

The investment in Melania Trump’s appearance extended beyond the hair. Carbosiero’s appointment amplified a pattern in which the British establishment leverages top talent to craft a flawless public image for visiting heads of state, a process that has previously involved other high-profile figures. The decision to place Carbosiero at the heart of the styling for the state visit underlines a continuing trend in which image management intersects with diplomacy. Carbosiero’s own résumé—ranging from work with pop stars to royal and political clients—appears designed to reassure audiences that the guest figure presents a composed, photographer-friendly appearance on an international stage. Sources note that Trump’s inner circle welcomed Carbosiero and his assistant warmly, and that their collaboration was marked by professional courtesy and mutual respect.

In contrast to Melania’s highly curated presentation, Amanda Cook Tucker, who has long looked after Kate Middleton’s hair, was cited as the Princess of Wales’s regular stylist for travels and public appearances. Cook Tucker’s approach is complemented by the color work of Richard Ward, while Kate’s makeup is commonly said to be her own responsibility. The broader context suggests a well-practiced network of grooming professionals who tailor different looks for different public moments, reinforcing the idea that royal and political image management shares many characteristics with culture and entertainment coverage.

The personal warmth reported in interactions between the Trumps and Carbosiero’s team appeared to mirror the couple’s public persona during the visit. A friend described the Trumps as charming and attentive, noting their thoughtful courtesy toward Carbosiero and his assistant. The dynamic underscored a respect for the professionals who choreograph appearances that, for many observers, carry symbolic weight beyond mere aesthetics.

Separate from Melania Trump’s grooming narrative, the crown of public interest in the visit also touched on William and Catherine’s style choices, with a nod to past coverage of royal grooming decisions. While there was no public word on who handled Prince William’s appearance during this particular trip, historical anecdotes about his own grooming—such as a reported £180 buzz cut to address a bald spot—highlight the ongoing interplay between image management and personal care in high-profile circles.

In summary, the UK state visit served as a showcase not only of ceremonial pageantry but also of the backstage craft that shapes how influential figures appear to the world. The collaboration between Melania Trump, her hair and makeup professionals, and the broader circle of designers and stylists illustrates a modern, image-conscious approach to diplomacy and public life, one in which every strand and shade is chosen to convey a precise impression on the global stage. The images and descriptions accompanying the coverage offer a window into a world where media narratives and personal grooming intersect, informing both fans and critics about how time-honored traditions of public presentation evolve in the age of social media and instantaneous global commentary.