Ealing Comedy: Hairdresser's Trump and Kim Jong-un Displays 2026

An Ealing comedy of a different kind has unfolded in a south Ealing hairdresser's shop, where a photo display of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was later replaced with one of Donald Trump, according to a letter published in The Guardian. The story, which first appeared in the Letters section on 2 November, highlights how a local salon became an unlikely stage for international politics.

The hairdresser initially antagonised the North Korean embassy by displaying a photograph of Kim Jong-un. When that image was swapped for one of Donald Trump, a warning was added: any customer wanting a similar hairstyle should seek satisfaction elsewhere. To date, no visit from the US embassy has been recorded, the letter notes.

The Hairdresser's Diplomatic Dilemma

The salon's decision to display a photo of Kim Jong-un was a bold move that drew attention from the North Korean embassy. It's unclear what prompted the original display, but the subsequent replacement with Donald Trump's image suggests a shift in focus—or perhaps a cheeky commentary on the two leaders' distinctive hairstyles.

The warning to customers is particularly amusing given Trump's well-known hairstyle, which has been the subject of much public fascination. By advising customers to look elsewhere for that particular look, the hairdresser seems to be making a humorous statement about the feasibility—or desirability—of replicating it.

Why It Matters

This incident is more than just a quirky local story; it touches on the intersection of personal expression, diplomacy, and fashion. Hairdressers often serve as barometers of cultural trends, and this Ealing salon has inadvertently become a microcosm of international relations.

The lack of a US embassy visit so far suggests that the Trump display hasn't caused the same level of diplomatic friction as the Kim Jong-un photo. However, it's a reminder that even small businesses can find themselves in the spotlight when politics and personal style collide.

John Smedley and the Brexit Scarf Controversy

In a separate letter, readers Gillian and Bill Heard of Monkseaton, Tyne and Wear, raise concerns about the knitwear brand John Smedley. The company may have stayed true to its roots, but the couple wonder how many loyal customers it lost after producing a "Get Brexit Done" scarf for Boris Johnson in 2019.

The scarf, which featured the slogan used by Johnson during his election campaign, was a divisive move. For a brand with a long heritage, aligning with a political campaign can alienate customers who hold opposing views. The Heards' question is a pertinent one: in an increasingly polarised climate, do political statements help or hinder brands?

The Impact of Political Statements on Fashion Brands

Fashion and politics have always been intertwined, but recent years have seen brands take more explicit stances. While some consumers applaud such moves, others vote with their wallets. The John Smedley example illustrates the risk: a single product can become a lightning rod for broader political tensions.

For a heritage brand like John Smedley, known for its quality knitwear, the scarf may have been a calculated attempt to tap into a moment of national attention. But as the Heards' letter suggests, it may have cost them customers who felt alienated by the association.

Aston Villa and the Perils of Gendered Stereotypes

Dr John Doherty of Stratford-upon-Avon writes with a touch of irony, objecting to the use of gendered stereotypes such as "pearl-clutching" in relation to Aston Villa. As a Villa fan, he jokes about needing smelling salts, but his point about thin-skinnedness is well made.

The phrase "pearl-clutching" is often used to dismiss concerns as overly sensitive or hysterical, and it carries gendered connotations. In the context of football, where passion runs high, such language can trivialise legitimate frustrations. Dr Doherty's letter highlights how language shapes perceptions, even in sports commentary.

Language and Perception in Sports

Football fans are notoriously sensitive about their clubs, and the media's choice of words can inflame or soothe. The use of "pearl-clutching" in relation to Aston Villa's reaction to "unacceptable insults" suggests a dismissive attitude. Dr Doherty's playful objection underscores the power of language to belittle or validate.

In an era where inclusivity is increasingly valued, even casual stereotypes can be scrutinised. The letter serves as a reminder that the words we use matter, whether in politics, fashion, or sport.

Ska Music and Its Jamaican Roots

Graham Larkbey of London takes issue with rapper Skepta's claim that "ska couldn't have come from anywhere else" but the UK. Larkbey points to the ghosts of 50s Jamaican originators such as Prince Buster, Coxsone Dodd, and Duke Reid, who might beg to differ.

Ska is a genre with deep Jamaican roots, emerging in the late 1950s before influencing British acts like The Specials and Madness. While Skepta's comment may have been made in the context of immigration and British culture, Larkbey's correction is a valuable reminder of the music's origins.

The Transatlantic Journey of Ska

Ska's evolution is a testament to cultural exchange. Jamaican immigrants brought the genre to the UK, where it fused with punk and spawned the 2-Tone movement. Acknowledging these roots is not just about historical accuracy; it's about honouring the contributions of Black musicians to British music.

Larkbey's letter is a gentle but firm nudge to remember where ska came from, even as it became a British phenomenon. The background to this story is set out in Kim Jong-un's Sister Casts Doubt on Trump's North Korea Claims. A related thread runs through Kim Jong-un's Sister Doubts Trump's Secret North Korea Talks. Earlier coverage in Trump Cuts US-South Korea Military Drills Over Kim Jong-un Ties shows how the argument developed.

Budleigh Salterton: A Name with Character

The final letter snippet praises Budleigh Salterton as "the perfect name for a 1930s West Coun..." The name evokes a bygone era, perhaps of seaside towns and quirky British charm. It's a fitting note to end on, celebrating the idiosyncrasies of local places. A closer look at the same subject appears in Trump Cuts Military Drills with South Korea, Citing Kim Jong-un. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Kim Jong-un Haircut Sparks Diplomatic Incident in Ealing. The same theme surfaces in Kim Jong-un Crosses New Yalu River Bridge Into China, which takes a different angle.

Place names often carry stories, and Budleigh Salterton is no exception. Its distinctive sound and old-world feel make it memorable, a quality that resonates in an age of homogenised branding. Context on how this played out before sits in Trump Says Kim Jong-un Responded to Overtures on US Drills. A companion piece, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's Dominant Display Destroys Kangaroos, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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