The psychology behind Boris’s hair and how it shapes how he is as a politician

When is a haircut more than just a haircut? When it’s the Prime Minister concerned, that’s when. Boris Johnson’s hair has always been his main defining feature, but how much of its irreverence is a deliberate decision, or is it simply just the way he wears his hair?

The behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings specialises in studying high profile characters, and has analysed the impact the Prime Minister's hair has on how he acts as a politician. “Even from a young age, Boris has always been defined by his hair,” she tells me. “It’s very often mussed up, and I think initially it was a bit of fun and drew some lively attention to himself.” Hemmings points out it’s the rare type of hairstyle that can be identified without an image of a face below it.

“For Boris, his hair is intended to portray a rather eccentric and recognisable non-brushed look, simultaneously showcasing a quirky old school British look, coupled with a bumbling hesitant manner, yet both deliberately disingenuous – as he wants us to recognise the sharp mind underneath,” continues Hemmings.

“His hair is like the misdirection in a card trick. We are looking at one thing, but make no mistake, he intends us to realise that there is something quite different going on.”

Johnson is often seen scruffing his hair before public appearances, which according to Hemmings just accentuates what he is trying to portray. “His hair is a handy distraction ‘device’ for when things don’t quite go according to plan,” she says. “When he becomes less self-assured, his hair appears to become messier. As he comes under increasing criticism, his hair becomes more interesting. Rather than being something which he chooses to be defined by, he has become rather dependent on it.”

Hemmings adds that presenting his hair wildly has now become something Boris needs to do, as a form of comfort or defensive behaviour. Johnson had a haircut last weekend, on July 4th - when hairdressers were able to reopen. His new shorter haircut was on show on Monday as he visited a construction site in Goole in East Yorkshire.

So what is the hidden message behind his new cut? “As the pressure mounts, Boris is likely to become more dependent on the way he looks, in order to detract from criticism,” says Hemmings. “He has chopped most of it off, in order to try and present a rather more competent look.”