From Episode 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, we’re introduced to a little, shiny-domed precocious child who appears to be little more than a tavern owner’s son. But throughout the show's first season, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) is masterfully developed. A quirky, curious character quickly became the biggest mystery of the season and cemented his place as a fan favorite in the Game of Thrones television universe.
For those unfamiliar with the character, one question immediately arose: what’s up with his hair? In George R. R. Martin's "The Hedge Knight" novella, Dunk (Peter Claffey) simply assumes that Egg shaved his hair because of lice. In the television series, people who take in Egg’s odd appearance don’t spend much time thinking about a seemingly low born squire. In a masterful twist in Episode 3, “Squire,” Egg is forced to reveal his true identity as the youngest son of prince Maekar. The boy is revealed as Prince Aegon Targaryen, the son of Prince Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell) of Summerhall, and the brother of Aerion “Brightflame” (Finn Bennett). Not only do his shaved head and brows make sense, so does his knowledge of the great families of the realm and his familiarity with the rules of the tourney. His intelligence is not just clever insights, but an intimate awareness of the ways of the nobility and his immediate family.
The simplest explanation is that Prince Daeron Targaryen (Henry Ashton) shaved Egg’s hair, as he said in Episode 4, “Seven.” Daeron’s action was actually a smart decision to attempt to avoid detection. Hiding a silver-haired Targaryen child from the men searching for them would be difficult. Egg's choice to keep his head shaved and pursue Dunk reflects the parts of Egg that make him a compelling character. Throughout the season, Egg’s distaste for Aeron’s behavior is clear. Further, he voices his feelings when he tells Aegon that he shaved his head because he did not want to look like his vain, cruel older brother.
As Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) noted in the House of the Dragon prequel, silver‑white hair is the single trait that would allow him to be unquestionably recognized as rightful Targaryen royalty, even more than dragon-riding blood. While some Targareyans see their unique appearance as a symbol of pride and superiority, others feel the platinum blonde hair represents madness, cruelty, and incest. With no dragons remaining in Targaryen history at this point, their silver‑white hair stands as one of the last visible trappings of their old Valyrian power. Egg’s rejection of his hair may mirror his fears of inheriting the violence and madness that seems to run in the royal blood.
Further, the anonymity provided by losing his signature locks also allows him an opportunity to live a simpler, more childlike life. The benefits Egg gained from shaving his hair are clear, as it granted him the anonymity to move through Ashford Meadow not as royalty, but as one of the common folk; to understand how others lived, unburdened by the responsibilities of nobility. Egg could squire anywhere, with the best knights of the kingdom, but he chooses to follow Dunk. Shaving his head is a metaphor for the choice every royal must make, to honorably embody their vows, or to indulge in the benefits of nearly ultimate power.
Similarly, Prince Baelor Targaryen’s (Bertie Carvel) darker hair and deeper coloring function in a similar way. He is seen by the people as the perfect prince, the ideal symbol of House Targaryen despite his lack of resemblance to the descendants of Old Valyria. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, and contemplative in a way that his brother and nephew are not. For Egg, shaving his head not only provides him with anonymity, but represents the type of Targaryen he wants to be.