FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio–Two long ponytails flow over the back of stylist’s chair at Great Clips at Kamm’s Corners.
From behind, the curly, brown locks gently wave, but it’s who’s sitting in the seat that surprises many: a 9-year-old boy.
“We had to comb it a lot because it always got in my face and stuff,” said Michael Stropki, proudly waiting for his cut. “We had to put it in ponytails. They thought I was a girl.”
Michael has been growing his hair for the past four years.
Teasing and name-calling have come with the do, causing a bit of confusion along the way.
“All these years, when people thought he was a girl, he didn’t care,” said Michael’s mother Denise Stropki. “He came up and told me, I don’t care that they think I’m a girl. I’m helping those kids. They need my help.”
The Brunswick boy is cutting his hair for Locks of Love, a charity that’s provided hairpieces to thousands of sick children.
“One of my friends in Kindergarten had cancer, and I just wanted to help her out,” he said.
That little girl, Ashley, had been in and out of hospitals, going through hundreds of radiation treatments. She’s currently in remission.
Denise said her son’s dedication inspires her.
She’s also growing out her hair to donate to the organization, giving a child a chance to fit in with their peers.
“They’re the same. They can do the same things, but because they’re sick, they had to get to get a treatment that makes their hair fall out,” she said, holding back the tears. “This way, they can make a wig out of his hair, and they’ll be able to give it to a lucky child who then will feel like… that they fit in more.”
And with a few snips and the buzz of a trimmer, family watches Michael transform.
“Wow! I can barely recognize myself,” Michael exclaimed mid-trim.
Now, he sports an age-appropriate mohawk-like cut, with a bit of red hair gel on top.
“The suspense as you’re watching it, you’re like, oh, all those years of work,” his mom said. “He was very happy. It was nice to see his smile, and to finally be able to see his whole smile because his hair was gone out of his face. It was a nice moment for him. I think he’s definitely proud.”