It took Diego Sztejman eight years to grow back what was his trademark long mane, and it was all gone again in a matter of moments.
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Measuring more than 1m from root to tip, his hair was lopped off on Thursday evening to raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave.
Separated into 12 plaits before the clippers were turned on, some of the young players in the Deniliquin & District Soccer Association - including Mr Sztejman’s own children - were offered the chance to help him create his new look.
The plaits will now be donated to make wigs for people who have lost their hair for medical reasons - an outcome that was integral to Mr Sztejman taking part in the charity event.
Having suffered from alopecia for two years a decade ago, Mr Sztejman said he understands the impact losing your hair can have of your confidence.
“If my hair can help other kids, or anyone with cancer or alopecia, that’s a good thing,” he said.
“I looked very different when I was bald, and wore a hat for two years.
“People say you should own it, but that can be very hard - especially for young people or women.”
Mr Sztejman is a coach for the Deniliquin & District Soccer Association, and chose to complete his shave with the help of its members at Thursday night training.
His wife Chloe Sztejman said they were thankful for the support, and for the donors who have so far helped Mr Sztejman raise more than $4600 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
“It was just so amazing - my heart was just so warm (because of the support),” Mrs Sztejman said.
“Peter Thompson (Deniliquin & District Soccer Association president) said some really nice things about Diego’s impact at the club, and the club donated almost $500 to the fundraiser.
“We ordered some pizzas for those who stayed after training for the shave, and Cressy Pizza very kindly donated some of them after learning what we were doing.”