[LOOK] Hair today, gone tomorrow: Jawaahier cuts her locks for cancer aid
GOOD CAUSE: Actress Jawaahier Petersen, 35
Suidooster star Jawaahier Petersen cut a whopping 36cm off her hair in aid of CANSA.
The 35-year-old actress now sports a shoulder-length bob and says she donated her lovely brown locks to cancer sufferers who’ve lost their hair due to chemotherapy.
Her selfless decision came after she heard the heartbreaking story of fellow actress Crystal Donna Roberts’ breast cancer journey.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Jawaahier said: “In 2019, I sat backstage at a recording of Tussen Ons, listening to Crystal Donna Roberts talk about her journey with breast cancer.
“To paraphrase her words: 'I could understand losing the source of the cancer but to lose my hair was almost worse because there was nothing wrong with my hair'.
“It was then that I decided to grow out my hair and treat it like a baby with the intention of one day donating my ponytail to the CANSA Western Cape for wigs to be made for those who have lost their hair to chemotherapy.”
The mum of two grew her hair to her bum and on Saturday called her hairdresser to do the special chop for charity.
“I called up Ayesha Adams at Serenity Blu Hairstyling to collaborate on making this happen,” she tells the Daily Voice.
“She didn't even hesitate. She treated the hair with the clear view of who it was going to.
“So much so that when I said ‘just take the 25cm they require’, she said ’but you have so much more to give’ and we ended up chopping off 36cm.”
Jawaahier, the daughter of late music icon Taliep Petersen and singer Madeegha Anders, says she hopes her hair makes someone very happy: “This was for the little girl crying while brushing her Barbie's hair.
“The teenager photoshopping hairdos on her social media pics and the woman who is reminded while she looks in the mirror of the thief that is the Big C.”
She now encourages others to also donate their hare, saying: “This was a way that I could help and do something for somebody.
“My grandfather died of cancer and so this was an honour for me to do.
“If you are able to donate to the Cancer Association of SA, then please do your part and get in touch with them.”