Xu Hao prepares for his hair cut. Photo: Li Zheng

Guitarist Xu Hao had not cut his hair in 10 years.

But that all changed on Monday night, when he broke his decade-long hiatus in the hair salon chair in the name of charity.   

"Just don't make him look younger than me," joked his wife, Qin Qihui, as she intently watched Beijing stylist, Scarlet Salmons, lop her husband's 32-centimeter locks off at TATA hair salon by the north gate of Workers' Stadium.

"Is it 'alternative' enough?" Salmons asked the former grunge-looking Xu, who smiled in approval as he stroked his goatee.     

Salmons' foundation, Scarlett's Scissor Sisters, teamed up with local children's charity, Roundabout, to help raise 15,000 yuan ($2,353) for four-year old Ying Ying. The young Beijing girl suffers from spina bifida, a congenital spinal cord defect. The charity chop of Xu's mane was organized by Roundabout's Scottish founder, Leslie Simpson, to raise funds for a vital surgery needed by Ying Ying.

"When she first arrived, she wasn't speaking or eating," explained Simpson, whose organization also helps connect charities with those in need across Beijing. "Now she's with a foster family and we're racing to get her an operation by the end of November."

Xu, 30, also works as an IT specialist at consultancy firm, Thoughtworks. He explained that his colleagues had been joking with him about his hair for a while. They promised to sponsor him if he ever decided just get it cut. Now with photographic proof, Xu's new do will be posted on his company's website where his colleagues can make good of their word and donate.

"It feels pretty good, but I really have to get used to it," said Xu, who hastened to add that his classical guitar skills won't be affected by his missing long hair. 

"This is an ongoing project," Salmons explained. "If anyone wants to come in and donate, they are more than welcome."
Salmons encouraged anyone looking to part with hair 22 centimeters or longer to come to TATA and donate their mane as part of the Scarlett's Scissor Sisters initiative.

Roundabout is collecting cash donations at TATA (ph: 8511-3880). To donate clothing, books or other items to Roundabout, call them on 137-1877-7761 or visit www.roundaboutchina.com