Pipkens goes purple

Be careful what challenges you accept: You could end up with a purple mohawk!

Chad Pipkens wanted to win the final Northern Open of the season -- not just because it was on his home water, but also because with the win came a berth in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
Chad Pipkens wanted to win the final Northern Open of the season — not just because it was on his home water, but also because with the win came a berth in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
Pipkens is known for his highly styled and highlighted hair that is never hidden by a hat. After his win on Lake St. Clair, tournament director Chris Bowes asked if he would shave his head in celebration.
Pipkens is known for his highly styled and highlighted hair that is never hidden by a hat. After his win on Lake St. Clair, tournament director Chris Bowes asked if he would shave his head in celebration. “That would be the last thing I’d do,” said Pipkens.
Then, Bowes suggested he instead cut it into a mohawk, and a fan added that he should color it purple. He accepted the challenge. The cut-and-color took place in front of his family and friends -- and in front of local news WILX's cameras.
Then, Bowes suggested he instead cut it into a mohawk, and a fan added that he should color it purple. He accepted the challenge. The cut-and-color took place in front of his family and friends — and in front of local news WILX’s cameras.
“When I started my career, I wanted to be a little different … stand out from the crowd,” said Pipkens.
“I’m the only Elite Series pro who doesn’t wear a hat, and yes, I have highlights. My fans get a kick out of it.”
Pipkens' sponsor, Douglas J Salons & Aveda Institutes, was a natural fit to render the services. His friend and fellow angler Jason Nash made the initial side cuts.
Pipkens’ sponsor, Douglas J Salons & Aveda Institutes, was a natural fit to render the services. His friend and fellow angler Jason Nash made the initial side cuts.
Nash cut tight to the scalp, so no one could say Pipkens didn't have a true mohawk.
Nash cut tight to the scalp, so no one could say Pipkens didn’t have a true mohawk.
Then, Nash clipped the tops so the hair would stand up -- with a little product, of course.
Then, Nash clipped the tops so the hair would stand up — with a little product, of course.
Pipkens sat atop his boat with his trophy at his feet for the occasion.
Pipkens sat atop his boat with his trophy at his feet for the occasion.
Pipkens' parents and friends watched.
Pipkens’ parents and friends watched.
And now for the purple ...
And now for the purple …
The color was added all along the top of the new 'do.
The color was added all along the top of the new ‘do.
Professional colorist Ellie Tazelaar styled his hair after coloring it.
Professional colorist Ellie Tazelaar styled his hair after coloring it.
And now, for the finished product.
And now, for the finished product.
“He’s just such a great guy,” said Scott Weaver, the CEO of Douglas J. “It didn’t surprise me when he called to tell me about his next hairstyle. He’s excellent at catching fish but always knows how to have a little fun, too. That’s why his fans love him.”
Front view!
Front view!
And with the trophy that got him into the mohawk situation.
And with the trophy that got him into the mohawk situation.
Back view!
Back view!
Followed by a selfie, of course ...
Followed by a selfie, of course …
The next day, Pipkens said he barely even notices his new hairstyle.
The next day, Pipkens said he barely even notices his new hairstyle. “Except when I go to the gym. There’s mirrors everywhere! Every time I catch a glimpse of myself, I’m like, ‘who’s that?'”