Conan O'Brien responds to internet reactions over his slicked-back hairstyle

Conan O'Brien is setting the record straight after his new slicked-back hairstyle divided fans online. The host surprised viewers during a recent episode of his podcast, "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend," by appearing with a greased-up look instead of his trademark pompadour. In a clip shared with Entertainment Weekly, O'Brien explained that the unexpected style was actually the result of a sunburn mishap.

After applying sunblock before an outdoor event, he suffered an intensely sunburned and peeling scalp. To treat the irritation, he applied oil directly to his head right before filming, without realizing how greasy his hair would look on camera. Self-deprecating as ever, the comedian joked about looking like a member of Sha Na Na while trying to manage his weighed-down hair.