PREPARING for her new “kiwi fruit” look, local resident Kyra Sykes will this weekend embrace her individuality and encourage self love as she shaves off her hair and raises money for Headspace Mount Gambier.
Proving that we are more than our appearances, Ms Sykes and three dedicated friends Chloe Howell, Georgia Ploenges-Beltchev and Declan Robinson will attempt to break down society’s perception of gender specific hair length.
Bullied during high school when her hair was shorter, the passionate young woman admits she grew her hair long as a way to hide away from her insecurities.
“I would use my hair to cover my body and to shield myself,” she explained.
“But I have realised that it is more important to focus on my awesomeness instead of what I look like on the outside.
“I can still kick goals and succeed with short hair.”
Coming together at Metro Bakery and Cafe this Sunday to shave their heads, the four will raise money for the local Headspace Youth Reference Group with Ms Sykes also donating her hair to Variety’s Hair with Heart program.
Focusing on the theme of “kiwi fruit”, Ms Sykes said like the fruit, it is what is on the inside that matters the most.
“We are constantly pressured by these pre-existing forms of ‘perfection’ which cause us to hate on ourselves when we should be looking beyond the mirror,” she said.
“We are more than our exterior, we are wonderful humans with thoughts, ideas, feelings and so much more.”
Visiting schools in the city in the coming weeks to talk about body image and self love, Ms Sykes said she hopes to encourage others to be comfortable with who they are.
“It is important for young people to understand that we are more than what we look like and to not get caught up in social media which often gives false perceptions of what life is like,” she said.
The I Am More Brain Shave for Headspace Mount Gambier will take place from 3pm with an art action, raffle, special cocktail, merchandise sale, sausage sizzle and a chance to snip hair yourself.
Christy, Jason and Jimmy Wallace and Mikey McInerney will also perform on the day.
Visit chuffed.org/project/i-am-more-brain-shave-for-headspace#/story to donate and help the group reach their $3000 fundraising goal.
