[ Mal never said he was smart, but he can't believe this guy is choosing his hair to insult. It reminds him of the insults the boys used to come up with at the orphanage. He half-expects Jaskier to call him stinky next. ]

It's a military haircut. [ He's not sure if Jaskier hears him point that out, that he didn't choose to cut those curls he had as a young boy, just like he had no choice to join the army either. And then he says nothing else for a while because Jaskier is proving his point by going on a defensive tirade, and Mal really regrets trying to help. (And he was honestly trying to help Jaskier or he wouldn't have clapped for him in the first place.)

There's a pause where maybe Jaskier might be thinking Mal is too stunned to speak - or too dim to come up with a response - until he eventually says: ] You're done? I was expecting more. [ Another minute at least, but before Jaskier can cut him off - ]

I'm sorry for bruising your ego. [ Believe it or not, that was meant to be an apology but it came out wrong, like a lot of what has been said during this exchange. ] And I'd shake your hand before I leave but I might bruise that too with how giant and apely my fingers are.

[ He turns to leave - unless Jaskier wants to stop him. ]