The lock, snipped by Wig Mistress Wendy Farrier to help colour match the hair on a Madame Tussauds waxwork, was taken in 1983. Farrier - being a big fan of Bowie - kept the lock safe for over three decades before giving it up for auction at L.A.'s Heritage Auctions.

A portion of the proceeds are being given to the Soi Dog Foundation, a non-profit helping dogs in Thailand.

As well as the Starman's hair, Prince’s iconic Yellow Cloud guitar was also sold at auction for $137,500. Jim Irsay, who owns the Indianapolis Colts American football team, bought the Purple One's axe.