We talk to the man behind @mohawkamania about using his hair as a canvas
Since the inception of Dazed Beauty, we’ve investigated all things hair-related. Body hair, upcoming hair trends, the emotional connection to hair, hair transplants, hair accessories, just about everything. More recently – during these times of global isolation – we’ve taught you how to do your own buzzcut, cut your own fringe, and how to maintain your dyed hair.
One place we’ve not explored though, is the wild, hair-raising world of Bob Bagnall – the genius behind @mohawkamania. Growing his hair for two years, he first wore the mohawk to crazy hair day at his kid’s school. “They ask dads to be present on the playground before and after school to be a positive role model,” he explains. “I went big on crazy hair day and came to school with a mohawk. I liked it, so I kept it for a couple of days. At that time, I had no idea what it would become.”
From there, he began to experiment with colour, and then after six months moved into more elaborate designs. “The first design was a phoenix. I’ve had life-long addictions and I’m like a phoenix rising from the ashes – I’ve been sober almost five years now,” Bob explains. “There is so much hate and negativity in the world and I would like to spread happiness and smiles.”
From the initial phoenix, he has since used his mohawk as a canvas for designs such as easter-themed bunnies, Friday the 13th’s Jason Voorhees, and even KISS’s Gene Simmons. During the age of coronavirus, he’s used it as a warning, reminding people to stay home and 6ft apart. “Most of my ideas just pop into my head. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and think of a new mohawk. Some ideas are inspired by holidays and current events, and I've even done some to remember those who have passed away,” he explains. “My favourite mohawks are the phoenix, the blue and white checkered, the Irish ones, the bunny pooping jelly beans on my head, and the smile mohawk.”
Unsurprisingly, Bob’s mohawk catches the attention of people in real life as well as his devoted following on social media – “On Instagram, I’ve been called ‘the Mohawk God’,” he jokes. “I work at a grocery store so hundreds of people see it daily – they come into my store just to see the hawk. People are amazed and wonder if it’s real hair. 99.9 per cent love it and think it’s awesome; they love the messages and it makes them smile.”
That’s all Bob wants to do with his hair and designs, make people smile. His motto for life is: ‘Bringing smiles back, one mohawk at a time’ and he assures us, “I get hundreds of smiles every day!”