If you’ve been toying with the idea of having the big chop this summer, Pantene could put your long locks to a good cause. Australian celebrity hairstylist Barney Martin – who from his Surry Hills salon in Sydney creates the latest hair looks for the likes of Sophie Monk and Kristy Hinze – is behind the Beautiful Lengths campaign, Pantene’s latest charity initiative. To date 5000 ponytails have already been put to good use for women living or dealing with the effects of cancer treatment, and who need a wig during this trying time. “As a hairstylist I know how much women value their hair, and being able to donate yours to help make a real-hair wig is such a generous gift,” Martin says. He advocates summer as the best time to take the plunge: “Short styles can work for all occasions, and the recent celebrity trends for a pixie crop prove there is no better time to let your hairstylist sharpen their scissors!” P&G Pantene spokesperson Lisa Cunningham says “We are thrilled to have Barney on board again this year with Pantene Beautiful Lengths. As someone who constantly works with women’s hair, Barney recognises the enormous, real difference that the donation of real-hair wigs can make to the lives of women going through cancer.”

Martin shares his how-to tips on wearing short hair.

Boardroom: “A cute pixie crop with a side part is the perfect grown-up look to take you to the top in the boardroom.”

Work event: “Sweep the front of hair back off the face to create a voluminous crown, and use pins to secure hair pulled back at the sides. The elegant look works well with chin-length hair blow-dried to turn in slightly at the ends.”

Night out: “Up the glam stakes for a night out with a layered shoulder length cut, with waves and subtle side fringe.”

Date night: “Go smooth and sleek with a glossy cut finishing just below your chin. Complete the look with a blunt fringe sitting just above your eyes for maximum impact.”

Beach holiday: “For the ultimate in easy holiday styling, make the most of a low-maintenance jaw-length bob tousled by salt and sun. Opt for an eyebrow-grazing fringe for a playful edge.”

If you want to help  go to www.beautifullengths.co.nz or Pantene Facebook page www.facebook.com/PanteneANZ.