Huntington Woods boy still growing out his hair despite taunting, being mistaken for girl

7-year-old says teasing won't stop him from keeping hair long, he is growing it for kids with cancer

HUNTINGTON WOODS, Mich. – A Huntington Woods mother said her son is being picked on for having long hair, but he is taking the taunting because he is doing it for an important reason.

Hugo Brodsky, 7, started growing out his hair two years ago and it's getting so long he's often mistaken for a girl. You would think it wouldn't be a big deal but that's not the case for Sheri and her son.

"Lately we've had problems where we go in public and people just assume he's a girl because he's young and his hair is long, they're not used to that," said Lee.

Hugo said, at first he just wanted long hair, but was then inspired by his mom to donate his long locks to kids who have cancer.

"I've donated my hair twice, so I told him about that and he liked the idea and after he was already growing it out he decided to keep going with it," said Lee.

As Hugo's hair started getting longer, people started talking, even family members told Lee to get her son a haircut, but once family members learned of Hugo's cause they were supportive.

Unfortunately, not everyone is being as supportive.

"Some of my classmates made fun of my hair, and I just try and tell them to stop but they don't," said Hugo.

"I feel frustrated that kids would do that to him, but I feel really proud of him as a mom, that he is able to stand up to that and will continue to grow it and do something good," said Lee.

Hugo stays strong for his cause even when some kids would shy away.

Local 4 went to downtown Royal Oak with Hugo and his mother to see how people react and whether they actually do confuse him for a girl. Hugo was mistaken for a girl, even at a store where they are customers.

"No, looks like a girl. Well, kids at that age are all cute," John McEntee.

Sheri said she is a proud mom, but she hopes Hugo inspires other boys and girls to do donate their hair.

Hugo and his mom are still deciding which group to give his hair to and he still has a couple more inches to grow before he can donate.

Locks of Love is one of the organizations Lee and her son are thinking about donating his hair to, they're also considering Pantene.