Boris Johnson shedding signature blonde mop as unlucky wind gust exposes receding hairline

Boris Johnson has long been known for his blonde bouffant – but now he seems to be losing his trademark look.

The former Prime Minister was snapped while on a trip to Australia today just as an unfortunate gust of wind exposed his receding hairline. The politician was visiting the Prestigious Royal Automobile Club of Australia in Circular Quay while Down Under on his Australian book tour, promoting his new memoir Unleashed.

It was revealed earlier this year that the former MP intentionally messes up his blonde mop as part of his political tactic. One of his allies once said of the millionaire’s un-kept hairstyle: “He’s a barber’s nightmare. Because the second he gets out of the chair, he sticks his hands through it and ruffles it all up.”

But why does he do it? Eton-educated Johnson, born Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, deliberately messes up his hair before public appearances in a bid to distance himself from his ultra-posh roots and present himself as a “scruffily loveable English libertarian”. And Johnson is unashamed of the sly political move.

Speaking to the Guardian in 2014, he dodged questions about his hair care routine, claiming ignorance about the shampoo he uses. “I’m now so short-sighted, I’m blind! ” he declared, joking that he could have used acne cream or toothpaste on his hair by mistake that day. “I honestly couldn’t see, but I put it on and it seemed to work.”

In 2020, Johnson was quizzed about his hair routine as he attempted to lead the country through the Covid-19 pandemic. The then-PM shrugged off criticism of his untidy mop during a visit to Greater Manchester. A curious reporter dropped a query about his notorious barnet, explaining it was on behalf of his mum.

The journalist posed: “Your hair is all over the place and [my mother] wants to know why.” Boris shot back with: “It’s something to do with my hair, but I can tell you I do brush it.” Following up with an apology for his dishevelled ‘do, the ex-PM added, “will you give your mother my very best for a very happy Christmas.”

Last New Year’s Eve, Johnson sparked talk online after he showed off his shocking new hairstyle. Looking dishevelled in a video, shared by GB News, he said: “Let’s hope the next 12 months are a great year for our country!” But it was his appearance rather than his words that sparked the most reaction.

One poster wrote: “Boris Johnson has either had an electric shock or just got out of bed lol… Look at the state on him.” Another said: “What’s he done with his hair! I know he likes it “au naturel” but bloody hell!” One person simply asked: “What’s happened to him?”

Journalist Peter Walker wrote: “Someone seems to have gone onto GB News pretending to be Boris Johnson. They’re a notably slimmer build, and they’ve gone way over the top in artfully messing the hair.” Another questioned if Johnson had been brushing his hair with a balloon.