Donald Trump's enigmatic hair put to the test on US TV as he appears on Jimmy Fallon talk show

Jimmy Fallon (right) messing up Donald Trump's hair during his talk show. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM YOUTUBE
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks about his hair at a post Republican Convention campaign event on July 22, 2016.
PHOTO: REUTERS

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Billionaire Donald Trump's hair - a crusty, complex, yellowish affair that has become one of the enigmas of a very weird United States presidential race - got messed with big time on Thursday (Sept 15).

The usually brash presidential candidate talked in subdued tones and played the good sport as he appeared on one of America's most popular late-night broadcasts, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Fallon did his very popular impression of Mr Trump's speaking style, ribbed him right and left and concluded his interview with a request. "Can I mess up your hair?" he said.

The comic explained that this might be the last time he could ask to do something unpresidential with Mr Trump, lest he win election in November against Hillary Clinton.

The crowd went nuts over the idea.

Mr Trump grinned and agreed.

Fallon reached out with his right hand and mussed Mr Trump's hair with a vigorous, repeated rub. The Republican nominee endured it with a broad smile.

Mr Trump, 70, has an elaborate hair-do centred on what seems to be an ambitious combover.

Nothing fell off with Fallon's intervention, but the result was not very pretty as Mr Trump's long locks ended up pointing messily every which way.

On other matters, Fallon christened what he called Mr Trump's "bromance" with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "Vlump", and asked him about his penchant for eating fast food.

"At least you know what you're getting," Mr Trump said. He added that if he went to an unknown place, "If they don't like me ... I don't know. I'm better off with fast food."

Fallon also thanked Mr Trump for providing what he described as grist for so much comic material.

"You say some shocking things," Fallon said.

"But I'm trying not to anymore," Mr Trump replied.

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