For the first time in about a decade, Melissa Kaftarian Strecker is wearing her hair short. Although she was nervous about the change, the Hong Kong-based NGO worker committed to the cut because the trimming would be donated to Locks For Love, a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer. 'I've cut it short only once as an adult and that was 11 years ago,' Ms Strecker said. 'I wasn't very fond of the result then. But that's irrelevant as this is a great cause and my hair will grow back. I'm just a little anxious about my appearance.' She's making the sacrifice because members of her immediate family are undergoing chemotherapy for lung and breast cancer. So, the tress-blessed Strecker decided to make what she calls a 'gesture of solidarity'. 'My cousin and my aunt have lost all their hair, so I'm sensitive to the sense of identity one gets from one's appearance. I heard of Locks For Love through my sister in the US, who cut off all her hair and donated it to the charity. This is a different model of giving.' Ms Strecker had her big snip last Friday, carried out free of charge by a Toni & Guy stylist. She admits it is just one small, simple act. How simple? All you need is at least 25cm of clean hair. To donate it, tie it in a ponytail, cut it off and mail it in a plastic bag to Locks For Love. Ms Strecker hopes others will follow her example. 'I genuinely believe it is the little things that have a big impact. And I trust that I am in good hands [at Toni & Guy]. Anyway, I'm inspired by my sister, motivated by the cause and curious about the outcome.'
