Why Does Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, Refuse to Dye Her Grey Streaks? Know the Story Behind It!

Key Points:

United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has a strong and diverse portfolio, spanning military service to a presidential campaign run. Gabbard’s career is impressive: she holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. She is currently the 8th Director of National Intelligence (DNI), advising the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the President of the United States on all intelligence-related matters.

Tulsi Gabbard’s national political career frequently draws public interest. Beyond her accomplishments, it is also her signature appearance—particularly the grey streaks in her hair—that often sparks curiosity. Why does Tulsi Gabbard never dye her grey streaks? What’s the story behind her white hair? Let’s take a closer look.

In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. During her presidential campaign, she shared the story behind her grey streaks. She revealed that she began going grey in one spot during her first deployment to Iraq. In an Instagram Live video from 2019, Gabbard explained that the grey strands serve as a reminder of the cost of war and why peace is worth fighting for. Her gray hair has become a part of her identity, a personal symbol of a past that must never be forgotten.

“So, I keep it as just a remembrance of those who we lost there and the cost of war and why we fight so hard for peace,” Gabbard shared in the video.

When asked whether she would ever "fix" her grey strand in the future, she responded that she never would. Gabbard said, “No, I’m not going to fix that grey strand. I don’t know what you mean by ‘fix.’ If you mean dye, no, I’m not going to dye it.”

Gabbard served as a state legislator in Hawaii from 2002 to 2004, becoming the youngest person to hold that position at the time. After joining the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003, she was deployed to Iraq the following year, where she served as a specialist—a military rank in the U.S. Army. From 2004 to 2005, she worked in a medical unit and received a Combat Medical Badge for her participation in combat operations during the 12-month tour.

She was the first female combat veteran to run for the presidency in 2020. Later, in 2025, she was nominated for the post of Director of National Intelligence by President Donald Trump. The position is responsible for leading 18 US intelligence agencies, Gabbard expressed her honour and shared the significance of intelligence to ensure the safety of the Americans in a statement. 

“From my experience in the military and in Congress, I know firsthand how critical, accurate, unbiased, and timely intelligence is for the President, Congress, and our military to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people," said Tulsi Gabbard.

[Rh/VS]

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