Elvis Presley is well known for his iconic hairstyle, which began as a fifties quiff before evolving into the seventies style with sideburns from his jumpsuit era. But did you know that The King dyed his hair and he was actually a natural blonde? Well now Graceland have revealed the real reason Elvis kept his hair jet black.
During last week’s virtual Elvis Week, Graceland archivist Angie Marchese gave fans a virtual tour of the Memphis mansion.
At the base of the staircase in the entrance hall hangs a portrait of The King with his natural blonde hair.
Angie shared: “Elvis was born blonde-haired, blue-eyed. He dyed his hair black as he thought it brought out his facial features better on film.
“This picture was actually done in Texas when Elvis was in the army [in 1958].”
READ MORE: Elvis Presley: Linda Thompson on The King’s webbed toes and dyed hair
Angie added: “They didn’t allow him to dye his hair while he was in the army. That’s why his hair went back to its natural colour.”
Last year, Elvis’ former girlfriend Linda Thompson, who dated the star from 1972-1976 spoke about his hair.
Speaking with Reel Talker, the 71-year-old said how The King didn’t use gel but would keep his hair in place with hair spray.
She added: “He was more a natural blonde, a dirty blonde. He died his hair black for drama.”
Joanie continued: “We had to redo it every time he was there. They all dyed their hair and [there was] black dye all over the walls. And one time he shot the TV with a gun.
“I mean he was wild, he was not nice in a room. But they were having a good time.
“That’s not my kind of good time but we had to redo the whole room every time they would leave.”
She clarified that included repainting the whole room, before adding: “But that’s okay, they were wild that bunch that he ran with, y’know. I don’t know what they were smoking or doing but… [laughs].”