Bieber Fever.....it's hair raising

Forget Bieber Fever, surely am not I alone in thinking that  people must be suffering from real fever for wanting to buy a lock of Justin Bieber's hair,which is currently being auctioned on eBay. Albeit, it is for charity.

Now, unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, I think it is safe to say that you know who I am talking about when I say, Justin Bieber. In recent years the hype surrounding the 16 year old has gone into over drive. But "Bieber fever", as it is predominantly known, is about to reach a whole new level as locks of the Canadian-born idol's hair have been put up for auction on eBay, attracting bids  of over $12,000 (£7,378.69).

Eenie Meenie Minie...Fro: All in the name of charity

The sought-after strands were given to US TV presenter Ellen DeGeneres by Bieber during a surprise appearance on her show, after she tweeted back in January that all she wanted for her birthday was World Peace and a lock of the 'Never Say Never' singer's hair.  DeGeneres put the locks up for auction, which is due to end on 2nd March, in order to raise money for charity. So far, the auction has attracted 68 bids, with any money raised going to The Gentle Barn. This charity provides a safe haven for neglected farm animals and abused children.

You can see Ellen receiving her birthday "gift" here.

With celebrity news being almost instant these days and society becoming increasingly indulgent in the world 0f fame and fortune, it seems that we are becoming more and more obsessed with those in the limelight. Whether they be past or present. So much so, that we are willing to spend obscene amounts of money in order to buy items that our Hollywood idols once owned, wore, or even touched.

However, this is not the first time that a celebrity has had their hair auctioned off and fetched a tidy sum. In 2002, a chunk of Elvis Presley's trademark black quiff  was also auctioned on eBay. The locks sold for $115,120 (£70,656.11).

But it doesn't just stop at hair.  It seems people will buy anything that once belonged to a celebrity.

Back in 2000, Justin Timberlake's French toast was sold over eBay after a breakfast time interview at NYC radio station Z-100 .The toast was collected by the DJ and then put up for auction where it was sold to a fan for $1,025 (£629.248).

2008 saw a tissue, used by actress Scarlett Johansson whilst being interviewed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, sell for $5,300 (£3,252). The cash went to the charity USA Harvest.

However, the award for the most disgusting celebrity purchase has to go to the Britney Spears fan who in 2007, paid $514 (£316) for the troubled singer's chewing gum. Britney, who has recently become known more for her personal life as oposed to her music, is said to have spat the gum out during her infamous "shaved head" meltdown.

Don't get me wrong, I am just as engrossed in the celebrity goings-on as the next 19 year old female, maybe more so than some. With my weekly purchase of heat magazine fuelling my interest in all things Hollywood, I think it is safe to say that I am a bit of a celeb junkie. However, the day I pay £12,000 for a lock of celebrity hair is the day I am crowned Queen of England and I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.