"But now I feel personally responsible for 462 bald people," she said. "I'm so proud of this community. I struggle to imagine another community rallying this number of people, especially when you think how small we are."
Mrs Wickbom said the event aimed to raise awareness as well as money. She said Northlanders had to look after their own neighbours, especially when the Far North had some of the highest rates of child poverty, rheumatic fever and hearing loss in the developed world. All proceeds would be spent in Northland.
The Bald Angels had set a target of 400 heads. By mid last week they were still 150 short, but a late rush meant the record attempt was anything but a close shave. The record was broken in less than 45 minutes. People were still registering minutes before the final hooter sounded.
It was one of biggest crowds seen at the Turner Centre with estimated 1000 people packed in to the Plaza.
Some shavees did it for the cause, for others it was a personal challenge or a symbol of transformation. For some, like Brazilian-born Claudia Pinto, it was an act of belonging.
"At first I thought, I can't do it, I love my hair too much. It's part of my African background. But then Therese asked me again because she still needed 150 people ... In Brazil we have a lot of poverty but I want to give back to this country. I love the New Zealand community spirit. I feel like I'm part of this community."
For some, judging by the tears, the sacrifice was not easy. Deputy mayor Tania McInnes pledged to shave her head if her donations topped $5000. She collected $3500 and went ahead anyway. She expected she would cry again when she saw herself in the mirror.
"But what an amazing night, what an amazing community. It's really moving."
Mrs McInnes said she was in awe of the teenagers who had shaved their heads at the time in their lives they were most conscious of their appearance.
Ashleigh Sadgrove, 14, donated her tresses to Freedom Wigs, a charity for people who have lost their hair due to cancer or other illnesses. Suddenly being bald was a shock but felt amazing, she said. She had been through tough times and wanted to show other young people they were not alone.
Seven-year-old Renata Muunu Te Tane had his head shaved along with his parents Renata and Ripeka Tane from Oromahoe.
The young Renata had part of one leg amputated due to bone cancer when he was four. His foot was reattached so his ankle now takes the place of his missing knee.
When he lost his hair during chemotherapy Mrs Tane wanted to shave her head so he didn't feel alone but with her son's illness and a pregnancy to deal with, she "wasn't in the right mind" at the time.
But she was ready for the clippers on Friday and, in a poignant role-reversal, her son decided to get his head shaved to support her.
"He said he doesn't want me to do it alone," Mrs Tane said.
In total 470 people had their heads shaved. The last eight were not finished when the final hooter sounded. Judging trio Mayor John Carter, a senior policeman and a retired judge - made sure there were no attempts at cheating.
