Sixteen years worth of hair going

When Joe Hewlett last had a haircut, Helen Clark had just been reelected Prime Minister, and Myspace had launched.

But on Wednesday, the tattooist is planning to shave his head to raise money for Taupo¯ child Elyse Johnson.

Although she’s just 4 years old, Elyse has an inoperable brain stem tumour. The tumour causes nausea, dizziness and limits Elyse’s ability to walk, so her parents use an expensive medical marijuana product to minimise her pain.

The drug had been used to treat spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis sufferers but is not funded, so Elyse’s parents must fork out for the treatment themselves.

Hewlett said the Black Diamond Tattoo studio had held three fundraising events for Elyse previously, and he heard the family was running low on funds.

‘‘They’re in the dire straits at the moment, so we thought this would be an ideal time to do something.’’

He said his 60cm plaited ponytail would be chopped off and donated as wig material for an alopecia sufferer.

‘‘They need the hair to be a consistent colour, so I thought I’d chop it off before I start getting too many grey streaks, and I miss the boat on that,’’ Hewlett said.

The 36-year-old last had a haircut when he was 19.

The tattooist said he was looking forward to short hair.

However, he wasn’t sure what style he’d go for.

‘‘Before the ponytail, I had dreadlocks and before that it was undercut, so I wouldn’t know what the new fashion is, but I’m sure the barber will fill me on that.’’

‘‘Long hair is hard to manage. It’ll be quite nice to have something that’s low maintenance for a little while.’’

‘‘I’ll be keeping the beard for now – until that loses fashion again.

Hewlett’s wife Amber said she was curious what Joe would look like with his head shaved.

‘‘I hope he has a good-looking head,’’ she said.

* See Joe lose his 60cm ponytail at 10am on Wednesday April 11 at Black Diamond Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio, located in the alleyway between Tuwharetoa St and Heuheu St. All welcome.

* Donations for Elyse can be made at the studio or via the Black Diamond Facebook page.