His hairdresser knows: Obama's going gray

Barack Obama's youthful image may have helped propel him to the Democratic presidential nomination, but as he prepares to formally become his party's standard bearer in the November election, Obama's closely shorn hair appears to be increasingly gray.

A little salt in the pepper might come in handy for a candidate who faces questions about whether he has enough experience. His Republican rival, John McCain, turns 72 on Friday.

On the campaign trail in recent weeks, Obama tells supporters that the new hue is from the rigors of spending long months stumping for votes.

"I've been running for president for 19 months, which explains the gray hair," the 47-year-old says.

Zariff, a Chicago barber who goes by one name and who has cut Obama's hair for about 15 years, said he first noticed the gray about three years ago. "It has showed up a little bit more, especially in the past year," said Zariff, who has worked at the Hyde Park Hair Salon and Barber Shop for nearly two decades.

Obama's haircuts are unlikely to become a political liability.

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who tried to cultivate a populist image before he dropped out of the presidential race, paid $400 for a haircut; Zariff charges $21.