Brandon Fletcher-James: Life After My Afro

       I just decided it was time for a change after growing my afro for two years! 

2)      Did it take up a lot of your time maintaining it?

When I did have my hair it took me around an hour each day to get right. On top of that, I combed my hair in almost every reflective surface on my way to lectures- i.e. car windows, shop windows and even my friends’ sunglasses. No one will ever understand the struggle of achieving that perfect circle!

3)      Is there anything you miss about having an afro?

One thing I miss are the looks of sheer terror when I turn up to lectures and particularly from locals on my way into town. I also miss the fact that people I don’t know can retell my crazy antics from nights in Jimmy’s because of how recognisable my hair was. It drew people from far and wide.

4)      What’s the best thing about having short hair?

Well, of course less time in terms of maintenance, plus I can now fit a hat on my head and even a hoodie!

5)      Which character from Friends are you most like and why?

I have to admit, I’ve never actually seen Friends so I can’t answer that. In terms of looks, I have been compared to that guy from LMFAO though…

6)      I hear you went to Bolivia this summer – what were you doing there?

Yes I went to Bolivia, South America to volunteer with an organization called ICS- it allowed me to work with other Brits of a similar age and Bolivians in supporting humanitarian aid. One of the craziest things that happened to me was going on a supposed ‘tour bus’ around Lake Titicaca – it was actually a raft made of the thinnest wood I’ve ever seen.

7)      What did the people in Bolivia think of your afro?

The people in Bolivia loved my afro to the point where I was asked for pictures and the occasional ‘can I touch your hair?’ I felt like a freak and a celebrity at the same time.

8)      Who do you style yourself on?

I style myself on a mix of things, I like old, retro style so long trench coats and blazers. Mainly it’s smart casual, but on a night out expect ripped jeans, Nikes and a crazy print shirt or windbreaker. It’s all about making up for the lack of afro these days…

9)      Is it easier or harder to pull without your afro?

I would say it’s slightly harder for me to pull as my afro was an easy conversation starter, however I would say that having short hair adds to the boldness of my beard (along with my famous dance moves).

10)  So obviously when you had all the hair your song would’ve been Ignition R. Kelly, what would you say your defining song is now?

Regretfully, I’d have to say Hotline Bling. Short hair and a fully-grown beard makes me look a bit like Drake – don’t you think?

11)  What did you dress up as for Halloween?