With just a few snips, a 10-inch ponytail falls away from Michelle Biby's once long head of hair.

Biby (senior-kinesiology) is one of about 130 people who have promised to donate their hair to Locks of Love before the Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

The hair is used to make wigs for children who lose their hair from conditions such as severe burns or alopecia areata, or those who are undergoing radiation treatments.

Poised with scissors in her hand, Biby's friend and haircut moral supporter Jen Shaffer (senior-kinesiology) takes a swipe just above Biby's ponytail.

"I don't usually let people do this," Michael Kelley, stylist and owner of Michael Robert's Silver Scissors, said about allowing Shaffer to take a cut.

Just before the cut, the nerves set in.

"I'm really nervous. I'm scared actually," Biby said

A first-time donator, Biby's spent about two or three years to grow her hair long enough to donate.

"This is the longest I've ever had my hair," she said, anxious about how her hair will look shorter than shoulder length.

Hair must be long enough to cut off at least 10 inches of a ponytail and may not be colored or permed.

Even with her anxiety, Kelley said that Biby is calm compared to other girls.

He once had a girl who whimpered and cried after having to part with her hair.

Another customer came in for her appointment and immediately headed back out the door after seeing the girl crying, he said.

Kelley has been cutting hair to donate for four years. In the week leading up to Thon, the salon will be inundated with Locks of Love donators, he said.

"She's number 17 for the week so far, and we've got a few more this weekend," he said.

In addition to the 100 other dancers who will receive complimentary cuts and styles before Thon, 30 donators will have their hair cut on-stage during a Thon mini-event.

With only 30 spaces for on-stage donations, an application process was necessary.

"[To choose who would donate], we just went through all the applications. There were a lot of personal experiences. We have some Four Diamonds families," said Deanna Bucciarelli, Locks of Love Captain for Thon Special Events Committee.

Biby's a little more relaxed as Kelley takes the scissors to finish the cut.

"All right. Peace out, hair," Biby said.

Kelley seals the ponytail in a plastic bag for Locks of Love while Shaffer gives Biby a mini-pep talk.

"Ten inches, Shelby," Shaffer said. "That's kind of a big deal. Does that blow your mind?"

"It feels so weird," Biby said after her hair was cut.

Kelley washes Biby's hair to prepare for the styling as Shaffer flips through magazines.

"It feels strange, but I like it," Biby said about her short hair. "And it's worth it. It's for the kids."