"They're not going to recognize me"

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By John Sharify

Austin Campbell wanted that look. And the 13 year old from Puyallup has it -- long hair, over the shoulder. Longer than any male classmate in his school. Long, like the skate boarders he admires.

The 8th grader has been growing out his hair for two years.

He's even been mistaken for a girl. "We'll go to a restaurant and the waiter will actually come behind him and say here you go ma'am and pull out the chair for him," says his mom, Tanya Campbell.

After the haircut he's getting at the Gene Juarez Salon at South Hill Mall, no one will mistake him for a girl again. Austin is getting his hair cut for Locks of Love.

His hair will go to a child who needs it. He doesn't know who. Probably someone his age.

"This is for them," says Tanya Campbell.

"I feel really good that it's going to go to a good cause," says Austin.

Austin can't wait to see the reaction from his classmates. "They're going to ask who I am," he says. "They're not going to recognize me anymore."

He hopes to inspire them to grow their hair out and give to Locks of Love. If they ask, he'll tell them Locks of Love will accept hair that's at least 10 inches long. That's why girls usually donate.

"This is the first time I've ever had a young man in my chair for a donation," says Thor Mecklenburg, hair stylist for Gene Juarez.

"I'm very proud," his mom says. "I'm extremely proud of him." Proud for giving a part of himself to help others.

Austin has a new look now, which he's going to try to get used to.

"He can always grow it back," says Tanya. And if he decides to, it'll take another two years before it's long enough to donate to Locks of Love.

Maybe we'll see him again then.

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