Bailey Johnston will shave his head for leukaemia research but hopes to raise awareness of autism

Bailey and Kylie Johnston can't wait to shave their heads on April 30. Photo / Leah Tebbutt

Bailey Johnston looks very similar to a crazy scientist as his strawberry blonde locks cascade down his face.

You could assume he is channelling his favourite show of Doctor Who as it is hard to get him to talk about anything else but he has in fact been growing it for a more specific reason.

The 10-year-old has been growing his hair since November to raise funds for leukaemia and blood cancer research and support after being inspired by some teachers at school.

His mum Kylie said she would now join Bailey on Tuesdayin shaving her head.

"He asked me to join him so then we were like all right, let's go for it.

"It's going to be in the evening by our local hairdresser."

Bailey has autism and hopes he can raise awareness of the disorder while raising money for Leukaemia. Photo / Leah Tebbutt

She has set up a Facebook fundraiser to help reach her goal.

"The original target was $500 because I didn't know how well it would go but we have already gone past that.

"It would be amazing if we could double that for them."

But for Bailey, there is more to shaving his head than meets the eye.

Bailey has autism, a developmental disorder which impacts the nervous system and impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

"We chatted about how it was Autism Awareness Month and we thought it would be a cool idea to do some significant in the month."

The disorder can often mean his nerves are heightened and the feeling of washing or brushing his hair can be extremely irritating.

And for Bailey, this couldn't be truer as he counts down the sleeps till he can shave it off with his mum.

"I feel excited because I hate my hair being in my face all the time."